TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is a safety feature in cars that uses sensors to monitor the air pressure inside each tire and alerts the driver if the pressure drops below the recommended level
How TPMS Works
- Direct TPMS: Sensors are mounted inside each tire to directly measure air pressure and send this information to the car's computer. If pressure falls about 25% below the recommended PSI, the system triggers a warning light on the dashboard
- Indirect TPMS: Instead of pressure sensors, this system uses the vehicle’s ABS wheel speed sensors to detect differences in wheel rotation speed caused by underinflated tires. When a tire is underinflated, it has a smaller diameter and spins faster, triggering the warning light
Purpose and Benefits
- Alerts drivers to underinflated tires, helping prevent accidents caused by poor tire handling or blowouts.
- Maintains proper tire inflation, which improves fuel economy, tire longevity, and braking performance.
- Helps avoid uneven tire wear and potential tire failure
TPMS Warning Light
The TPMS warning light typically looks like a yellow tire cross-section (horseshoe shape) with an exclamation point inside. When it lights up, it means one or more tires need air
Legal Requirement
Since 2007, TPMS has been mandatory in new vehicles sold in the United States, and similar regulations exist in Europe and other regions
. In summary, TPMS is a crucial automotive safety system that continuously monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver to maintain optimal tire conditions, enhancing safety and efficiency on the road.
