Have you observed a warning light on your dashboard, signifying tyre pressure issues? Then this is a sign that your tyres need proper inflation. However, it is also a sign that your TPMS sensors are functioning properly. Wait, what was the TPMS, again? Well, in short, a TPMS is a sensor that warns you of the lowering tyre pressure. Below a critical level of air inflation in your tyres, these sensors illuminate the warning light on your dashboard, so you can take the required actions for an appropriately inflated tyres. This sensor is, therefore, a crucial system for ensuring your safety on the road. This is why it is essential that you know every basic fact about the TPMS. In this article, we have prioritised every bit of information that could help you understand the TPMS better. You will also find the major signs of a malfunctioning TPMS, so you can go for a TPMS replacement Harrow, without any delays.

What is the TPMS? What makes it so crucial? 

The TPMS is an abbreviation for Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Essentially, it is an in-built monitoring system that measures the tyre pressure in vehicles. The system warns you by displaying the symbol and illuminating the warning light on the dashboard. Usually, the TPMS sensors warn you in case of an issue occuring in one or more tyres, due to loss of air pressure.

With the installation of TPMS in every vehicle, any issue related to the tyre pressure is reported to the driver immediately. This helps in an early detection and resolution of tyre problems, saving you the hassles of frequent manual air pressure checks. Besides, accidents caused by incorrect tyre pressure are reduced, along with less fuel consumption and reduced tyre wear that occurs due to underinflation. So, you enjoy a safer ride on the road, with improved fuel efficiency from your car, and longer-lasting tyres.

Must-have features in the TPMS. 

From November 2012, in the UK, every new vehicle models are equipped with the TPMS, but there are some characteristics they should possess for a legal usage:

  • In case of a pressure loss in an individual tyre: A warning must be sent within 10 minutes if the tyre is functioning at 20% lower pressure than the operating pressure at 1.5 bar.
  • In case of a pressure loss in all four tyres: A warning must be sent at air pressure level 20% lower than the operating pressure at 1.5 bar.
  • Determining the pressure loss at 40 km/hr speeds, to the maximum performance of the vehicle.
  • Transfer of data at 434 MHz.

Types of TPMS. 

Generally, the TPMS is of two types:

Direct TPMS.

In short, known as dTPMS, this type is designed to send the pressures measured from each tyres to the car’s computer. Each of your tyre has a sensor that measures the pressure and using a battery-powered radio, transmits the reading to the vehicle’s computer. This is then displayed on the dashboard or monitor present within the cabin.

DTPMS is highly preferred because it provides real-time information to the driver, including the exact information of the particularly faulty tyre, and the speed at which the tyre is deflating. The system has upper and lower pressure limits programmed to produce warning sounds and visual alerts, in case of an issue. Combining such efficient features, the dTPMS is considered as the safest method of tyre pressure monitoring.

Indirect TPMS. 

The iTPMS system is known for utilising the car’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Without having an actual pressure sensor, this system measures the rotational speeds of the wheels and tyres to alert of a pressure loss. In case of a deflation, the individual wheel speed sensors detect the overall decrease in diameter, which is then reported to the driver.

The lack of additional components means fewer spare parts that require servicing or batteries. Hence, the iTPMS is often considered as easy to handle. But, they are prone to being influenced by the tyre patterns, driving styles, and road surfaces. Since the vehicle is constantly relearning reference parameters during a 20 to 60 minutes drive, the gradual loss of tyre pressure goes undetected. Hence, you would have to manually reset the system, every time pressure is adjusted.

Signs your vehicle needs a TPMS replacement. 

At the end of the day, a TPMS is a sensitive component that could get damaged easily. Look out for these signs of a TPMS malfunctioning, to recognise the right time for a TPMS replacement Harrow:

  • The TPMS sensors run on battery power. If your vehicle has an older battery or has been idle for a long time, you could be experiencing some sensor issues.
  • A major sign of sensor malfunction is when your tyre’s pressure is within the appropriate level, but the warning light is continually illuminated.
  • Flat tyres or any other handling issues, like loss of vehicle control is common. But, if your TPMS has not alerted you, there is likely some sensor issues.
  • If you have been spending more and more on fuel, your tyres might be underinflated. No alert from the TPMS on the crucial pressure change, means it is malfunctioning.
  • A new tyre replacement could trigger the TPMS sensor. This could be a result of sensor damage during the process or an improper tyre fitting.

Ensure your safety on the road with the advanced TPMS technology. A flat tyre is not a tension anymore with the early alerts from this pressure monitoring system. Experiencing a fault in your TPMS system? Visit our centre for efficient repairs and replacement.