How Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Works

The TPMS or tire pressure monitoring system in a vehicle is there to give warning that a time or more is under-inflated significantly. So, basically, you get instant knowledge that you are driving dangerously because of ineffective tire or tires.

To avoid driving unsafely, tyre pressure monitor will tell you through a yellow symbol on your dashboard panel that something’s wrong with one or more of your tires. The symbol is shaped like a horseshoe with exclamation point.

The TPMS Idea
The idea behind tyre pressure monitor system is mainly safety-related. It is a known fact that tires that are under-inflated offer less reliable rides as they are prone to blowouts. The TPMS calls attention to the underinflation event so that the driver is prompted to stop and inflate the affected tire or tires to the right inflation levels.

The sensor connected to the tires will send the information to the monitor’s dashboard indicator. The indicator is programmed with different acceptable circumstances. For instance, 28 to 35 pounds/square inch of tire air mean direct TPM.

This system that lights up in times of tire trouble actually has a somewhat tragic origin. It was in the 1990’s when over 100 automotive casualties were connected to the tires manufactured by Firestone that lost thread when used underinflated. The friction caused by continued used even during the dangerous situation heated the tires beyond their capability and caused the fatalities. The tires delaminated or blew up and that led to the disastrous events that resulted with the vehicles rolling over. Most of the cars affected were For Explorers and most of the accidents caused deaths to one or more occupants per vehicle.

Those tragedies gave way to major changes in the automotive industry. The TREAD Act (Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation Act) was signed into law and it requires tracking of and also response to any probable danger signals from vehicles that’s going to need recall or that may pose safety risk.

Another major change was the need to use a kind of tire monitoring system like the TPMS on all vehicles built in the USA after the year 2007. Of course, the system was not perfect from the start, but refinements and improvements have been made and the systems are now functioning smoother and reliably.

All in all, TPMS is a requirement that you need to consider if you want to drive in a very safe manner. This innovation is important as it has been proven to have the ability to effectively save lives many people’s lives.