The TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a technology used to monitor the air pressures of tires. This article would be focused on the purpose of these tire pressure monitor systems. The meaning, use, purpose and other discussions on the TPMS would be attended to. You can check our blog for other articles on TPMS.

Understanding the Purpose of the TPMS System

As you can guess, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is critical. This system will keep you safe on the road. It will alert you when you have low tire pressure. You can ensure your safety and the vehicle's health when you know how TPMS works.

What Is TPMS?

Firstly, what is TPMS? TPMS is an abbreviation that stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Definition of TPMS

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS is an electronic system designed and created to monitor the air pressure inside a vehicle's tires. This system is built with some form of alert to notify the driver when the tire’s air pressure is below or above the recommended level.

Types of TPMS:

There are two types of Tire Pressure Monitor Systems. The direct TPMS and the indirect TPMS. These two types of tire pressure monitor systems are used differently. They are also built with a little difference in technology and each work better in certain areas.

The Direct TPMS

This type of tire pressure monitor system is built with its sensors placed inside the tire. This way the tire pressure is measured directly. This type of TPMS gives a more accurate reading which is also done in real-time for each tire on the vehicle. The direct TPMS is also equipped with a feature that allows it alert the driver through the dashboard. This action is triggered when the tire’s air pressure is too high or low.

Indirect TPMS

This type of tire pressure monitor system is built with speed sensors. These wheel speed sensors are in built with the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system or ABS. This type of TPMS reads the tire rotation speed. It detects the difference in this as it can also represent an issue with the tire pressure. These types of TPMS are less accurate than the direct TPMS. Although, they are cheaper and cost effective.

How TPMS works in general

Generally, the technology behind the creation of TPMS works by achieving three goals. Monitoring tire pressure, processing the measured data and alerting the drivers.

In terms of direct and indirect TPMS. The direct TPMS uses sensors in each tire while the indirect depends on the data from ABS. These are used to monitor the tire pressures.

The system then goes ahead to process these readings. It then recognises if the tire pressure is at an optimal range or not. Finally, the driver is alerted by a display through the dashboards. This happens when the pressure is too low or high.

Purpose of the TPMS System

There are various purposes as to why a driver would need a TPMS. Examples are maintaining proper tire pressure, enhancing safety, improving fuel efficiency, and extending tire life. These purposes would be explained further below.

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

One of the most important purposes of a TPMS. How important is maintaining proper tire pressure? An optimal tire pressure helps improve the performance of a vehicle. It improves fuel efficiency and reduces wear and tear on the tire itself. 

The use of TPMS makes it easier to monitor tire pressure. Regular updates also ensure driving in safe conditions and it happens in real-time. Making averting disaster faster.

Enhancing Safety

In terms of safety, the use of TPMS goes a long way. The pressure of a tire says a lot about its state. This makes it easier to detect problems faster. The alerts sent to the driver help prevent accidents that can be caused by low or high tire pressures. Tires with irregular pressures also affects the stability and braking of a vehicle. So being able to keep them inflated at an optimal range helps improve the vehicle’s stability and the performance of the braking systems.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

Another purpose the TPMS serves is to help manage fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires tend to cause an increase in fuel consumption. This happens due to the increase in rolling resistance. Now, the use of a TPMS would help monitor the tire’s air pressure. Preventing it from being under inflated and managing the consumption of fuel. It would help to always maintain an optimal air pressure in the tires.

Extending Tire Life

Finally, the last purpose we’d be talking about is preserving and extending the life of the tires themselves. Tire maintenance is a very important part of vehicle maintenance. A problem with just a single tire on a vehicle can lead to an accident. Life-threatening ones at that. The use of a TPMS can stop this from happening. A popular issue with tires is the rise of uneven wear and tears in the tires. This can be caused by incorrect tire pressure which the TPMS would help prevent. It also reduces the need to adjust tire pressures continuously. This reduces costs as the tires would have to be changed every time. An accurate measurement and monitoring of the tires pressure can prevent this. Drivers and vehicle owners won’t have to change tires due to uneven wear ahead of time anymore.

Benefits of TPMS

There are various benefits to the use of a TPMS. For a technology that promotes awareness and safety, there would always be benefits. From monitoring the tires to promptly recognising faults and fixing them. There’s also the prevention of what could have been deadly accidents. Some of these benefits have been explained in the section purposes. Others are: 

Increased Driver Awareness of Tire Conditions

The use of TPMS brings about a daily and real time update on the state of the tires. This involves air pressure and general tire conditions. Things like this makes the driver more aware of the state of the tires. This in turn prevents slack on the driver’s side and can help them handle potential issues as fast as possible. In general, a driver being aware of the state of his or her tires at all times is a great development and benefit of the TPMS.

Early Detection of Tire Issues (e.g., Slow Leaks or Punctures)

The TPMS while measuring the air pressure, takes a general look at the condition of a tire. This can allow faster reports on things like leaks or punctures. Accidents caused by tire issues are more avoidable this way. They can be tackled as soon as they’re noticed by the TPMS.

Reduced Maintenance Costs in the Long Run

Another benefit is the reduced costs in terms of maintenance. Tire maintenance can involve changing the tires completely at intervals. The use of a TPMS helps prevent untimely changes as occasional adjustments to the tires based on the readings of a TPMS would make them last longer. Preserving the tire life helps reduce the time between changes.

Compliance with Regulatory Standards 

In certain parts of the world, tire pressures have a legal requirement that needs to be met. Being aware of the state of your tire pressure can help stay within the accepted range. Some regions of the world also make the use of TPMS mandatory.

TPMS Warning Indicators

The TPMS always relays alerts to the driver about the state of the tire. These alerts are in different forms and for different reasons. They can also be in form of indicators. These indicators can be separated into three.

Types of alerts displayed by TPMS (e.g., low tire pressure warning)

There are various types of alerts displayed by the TPMS on the dashboard. The most common is the low pressure warning. This can be displayed by the use of lights or messages on the dashboard. There might also be a malfunction in the sensors. This is mostly indicated by a flashing light or symbols.

What to Do When Receiving a TPMS Alert

When a driver receives an alert from the TPMS, there are certain things that must be done in response to an alert. The first is finding a safe space to park, stop and inspect the tires. This is done to confirm whatever message the TPMS sent to the dashboard. Whether a low or high air pressure, you should confirm.

The next step would be inflating or deflating the tire to the recommended point by the vehicle’s manufacturer. At this point, the alert should have gone off. If it continues to display, a professional vehicle technician should be contacted.

Understanding TPMS Dashboard Symbols

Lastly, drivers need to understand how to read the signs and symbols on the dashboard. This would prevent misinterpretation. The most common symbol for a TPMS is a horseshoe with an exclamation mark. This symbol represents a low tire pressure.

Common Issues with TPMS

Like every other technology, TPMS comes with its own problems. There are various minor issues that can arise from the use of TPMS. 

Battery Life Concerns and the Need for Replacement

One of the most common issue is battery life. The batteries for sensors used in direct TPMS might need to be changed occasionally. They wouldn’t last forever and can give up at any time. Changing them at regular intervals would be a great way to maintain the TPMS system and prevent further issues.

Sensor Malfunctions or Failures

Sometimes, the sensors could malfunction or even fail completely. In cases like these, any damage done to the sensor can alter the readings and measurements. Inaccurate measurements would lead to misinformation which can lead to accidents. So a check up on the general health of the TPMS system is advisable.

TPMS Reset Process After Tire Changes or Repairs

TPMS always needs to be reset and recalibrated after every change in tire. Due to ignorance, this can lead to issues where the readings would be inaccurate. The TPMS has to be calibrated to the new tires.

Conclusion

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems or TPMS are very important in terms of vehicle maintenance, tire maintenance and general safety. It plays an important role when it comes to maintaining the right range of tire air pressure. It helps boost safety, helps manage fuel usage and efficiency and also contributes to the lifetime of a tire.

Even as it serves these functions, carrying out regular checks and maintaining the TPMS itself is important. To get the best out of it, you have to keep it in the best condition. You can check out different TPMS systems here.