Key Takeaways
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from foxwell.
A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system that continuously monitors the air pressure inside a vehicle’s tires and alerts the driver when the pressure falls below the recommended level.
There are two main types of TPMS:
Direct TPMS (dTPMS) uses pressure sensors inside each tire to measure air pressure and send real-time data to the vehicle’s onboard computer.
✔️ Provides accurate and real-time pressure readings.
✔️ Can detect pressure loss in individual tires.
✔️ Works independently of tire size or type.
❌ Sensors require battery replacement after a few years.
❌ More expensive to install and maintain.
❌ Reprogramming may be needed after tire replacement.
Indirect TPMS (iTPMS) does not use pressure sensors. Instead, it relies on the vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and wheel speed sensors to detect changes in tire pressure.
✔️ Less expensive compared to direct TPMS.
✔️ No sensor batteries to replace.
✔️ Works well with different tire brands and sizes.
❌ Less accurate than direct TPMS.
❌ Cannot measure actual tire pressure, only detects relative changes.
❌ Requires recalibration after tire rotation or replacement.
When TPMS detects low tire pressure, a yellow warning light shaped like a tire cross-section with an exclamation mark appears on the dashboard.
Tires naturally lose pressure over time due to changes in temperature or small air leaks. Cold weather can cause pressure to drop quickly, triggering the TPMS warning light.
TPMS sensors typically last between 5-10 years before they wear out. When a sensor stops working, it can send incorrect signals or fail to detect low tire pressure.
Direct TPMS sensors rely on small built-in batteries that eventually run out. When the battery dies, the sensor stops transmitting data, leading to a TPMS warning light.
Some vehicles require TPMS recalibration after tire rotation or new tire installation. If not reset, the system may give inaccurate readings or keep the warning light on.
A malfunction in the TPMS control unit can prevent sensors from sending pressure data. Wiring issues or software glitches may also cause false warnings or system failure.
Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check the PSI of all four tires. If the pressure is low, fill each tire to the manufacturer’s recommended level to turn off the TPMS warning light.
Many vehicles have a TPMS reset button, usually located under the dashboard or in the glove box. Hold the button until the TPMS light blinks, which signals that the system has been recalibrated.
If the TPMS light stays on even after inflating the tires, one or more sensors may be faulty. A tire shop can diagnose the issue and replace any malfunctioning sensors if needed.
A malfunctioning TPMS control unit can cause false warnings or system failure. A professional mechanic can inspect and repair electrical faults to restore proper TPMS function.
Even with TPMS, manually checking tire pressure once a month ensures accuracy. A tire pressure gauge helps detect slow leaks or minor pressure drops before they trigger a warning.
Most direct TPMS sensors have a battery life of 5-10 years and will eventually stop working. Replacing them on time prevents false alerts and keeps the system functional.
After tire rotations or new tire installations, the TPMS system may need recalibration. Follow the vehicle manual to reset the system and ensure accurate pressure readings.
Hitting potholes, rough roads, or curbs at high speeds can damage TPMS sensors inside the tires. Driving carefully on uneven surfaces helps extend sensor lifespan.
Some aftermarket or oversized tires may not work well with TPMS sensors. Before purchasing new tires, check compatibility to avoid TPMS errors or malfunctions.
Driving with a TPMS warning light is unsafe. Check tire pressure immediately to prevent accidents.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website tyre pressure monitoring system.
Replacing a TPMS sensor costs between $50-$250 per sensor, depending on the brand and labor costs.
Yes, aftermarket TPMS kits are available and can be installed by a mechanic.
Since , TPMS has been mandatory in all passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. However, older cars may not have it.
Yes, tire pressure decreases in cold weather, often triggering TPMS warnings. Checking and adjusting pressure in winter is essential.
A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a vital safety feature that enhances vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and tire lifespan. Understanding its functions, common issues, and maintenance practices ensures a safer and more efficient driving experience.
If your TPMS warning light appears, always inspect tire pressure promptly. Regular maintenance and timely sensor replacements will keep your TPMS functioning optimally.
By keeping your tire pressure in check, you not only enhance vehicle safety but also save money on fuel and tire replacements.
Big changes between high and low temperatures that happen in the fall can trigger an alert on your dashboard, one that may leave some drivers wondering what to do next.
If you see a symbol that resembles a cutaway tire with an exclamation point, it means your tire-pressure monitoring system has issued a warning. Falling temperatures can trigger the system because tire pressure declines with the thermometer.
Pull over as soon as you can and check your tire pressure. (Some systems give a generic warning, while others give a specific pressure.) Driving on improperly inflated tires can affect fuel mileage (underinflated tires are less efficient) and how the car rides and steers, particularly in an emergency situation.
And remember that the warning light can come on and then go off due to temperature changes, including heat put in the tire through driving.
“Just because the light went out doesn’t mean your tires are properly inflated,” Rogers says.
Of course, regular tire-pressure checks are always a good idea, regardless of what your tire-pressure monitoring system says.
“You still need to check your tire pressure monthly,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, who runs tire testing at Consumer Reports. “And remember, TPMS is a warning system, not a maintenance tool.”
The system does exactly what you’d think: It keeps track of the air pressure in each of your car’s tires. It works independently in each wheel, and sets off a warning light (the tire/exclamation point icon) on the instrument cluster if the pressure is too low.
The typical trigger happens when the pressure is 25 percent lower than the manufacturer’s recommended cold-tire pressure, Pszczolkowski says, which can be measured when the tires have been sitting for at least 3 hours. You can find the recommended pressure level by checking your owner’s manual or by reading the sticker on the driver’s doorjamb.
There are two main flavors of tire-monitoring systems: direct systems and indirect systems.
“The vast majority of TPM systems in the U.S. are the direct type, which has a pressure sensor/transmitter mounted to the wheel,” Rogers says. “The sensor/transmitter is most often attached to the end of the valve stem on the end that is out of sight, inside the tire’s air chamber. A small number of direct systems have the sensor/transmitter separate from the valve stem.”
These are attached to the inside of the wheel with a metal strap.
Indirect systems get their information by comparing how the vehicle’s tires are turning in tandem, Rogers says.
“These indirect systems use the wheel-speed sensors [part of the antilock brake system] to monitor the revolutions of all four tires as the vehicle moves,” he says. “The central processor of the indirect system uses advanced algorithms to sense small changes in tire rotation speed created by different inflation pressures among the four wheel positions.”
The cost depends in part on the work you’re having done, says Rogers of Tire Rack. If you’re already getting new tires, the sensors will be within easy access and take only a short amount of time and labor to change.
“It becomes a lot more expensive to replace when you aren’t having a tire change done,” he says.
The average price for a direct sensor can range from $45 to $65 for most common vehicles, based on listings at tirerack.com.
Rogers says that some “niche vehicles” might have sensors that cost hundreds of dollars, but these very specialized sensors are extremely uncommon.
For more information, please visit universal tpms sensor.