TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System

A tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, is a forewarning process which warns a motorist of a 25% diminish in air pressure in 1 or more of a automobile's tires. Pressure and temperature sensing transmitters will be installed inside of each tire and individually converse with the car's computer (ECU) for show on the dash. This display warning shows up as the TPMS mark you observe here.

To fight the serious dilemma of tire malfunctions, particularly from the complications based around Firestone Tires in 2000, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) passed the TREAD Act as of November 1, 2000. TREAD stands for Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act and was developed to improve driver protection and awareness whilst on the road. Particularly, the act calls for all motor vehicles produced after September 1, 2007 to possess a tire pressure monitoring system (amidst other items).

All vehicles made following September 1, 2007 Must have:

- Overseeing of tire pressure in all four tires (spare tire not incorporated)

- A TPMS system that functions when the motor vehicle key is on and warns the drivers when tires are underinflated by 25% or more

- A TPMS program that informs the drivers whenever there is a system malfunction

- A TPMS caution light which stays on right up until the tire is filled to the correct pressure or the system breakdown is corrected

- A "bulb check" of the caution light on the instrument panel that takes place whenever the ignition is turned on

- Motor vehicle owner's guides that consist of warnings about potentially incompatible alternative tires for the vehicle

Tire Pressure Facts

660 fatalities and 33,000 accidental injuries each and every year are attributable to crashes brought on by underinflation.

1 in 4 cars and one in three light trucks have at least one substantially underinflated tire.

Equipping all passenger vehicles with TPMS will avoid an approximated 8,500 accidents every year.

Tire pressure monitoring systems are now required by the TREAD act on all new cars.

For each gallon of fuel consumed, 20.8 lbs of CO2 are released into the atmosphere.

Properly inflated tires can help save an individual as much as $430 per yr on gasoline.

Around 75% of roadside flats are preceded by a gradual leak or underinflation.

Equipping all automobiles with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System system will save an projected 120 lives every year.

Almost 250,000 accidents per year are attributable to underinflation.

55% of automobiles have at least one underinflated tire.

9% of tires on the road are bald.

Source: NHTSA, TIA

My Tire Pressure Light Is On, What Should I Do?

1) If the tire pressure warning lamp turns on while driving, it is important to verify and replenish tire pressure as soon as possible. This particular on-dash warning indicates that one or more tires are 25% below the producer’s suggested air pressure. Adhere to these methods to ensure a secure ride:

2) Upon observing the warning symbol, find a protected place to pull over and examine the tires. If driving at a substantial speed, strongly hold the steering wheel in the situation that quick deflation is happening to maintain optimal control and locate a safe place to pull over.

3) Look at all tires for any kind of holes, slices or other deflation problems. Identify the company's recommended inflation level on the inside of the driver’s door or in the owner’s handbook and continue to examine each and every tire’s pressure.

4) If the underinfllation presents no instant threat, continue to fill up the underinflated tires to the maker’s suggested inflation level at a tire assistance center or at the nearest gasoline station.

5) Replace any damaged tires.

PLEASE NOTE:

The most precise tire air pressure readings take place when the tire is cold (having not been driven).

The tire pressure caution light will turn off after inflating tires to the manufacturer’s suggested inflation level.

Temporary resealing or re-inflation goods that contain internal sealants or propellants that are applied to any weakened tire might negatively influence the operation of the TPMS indicator. If used, sensor may display inaccurate information and will continue doing so until eventually sealed tires are exchanged.