| TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system)
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| Studies have shown that about one out
of every four vehicles on the road is running on under inflated
tires. This also means that one out of every four drivers
is needlessly sacrificing their vehicle's fuel economy and
handling, and reducing their tires' durability and tread
life.
This has made tire pressure maintenance an important safety
issue throughout the automotive industry. The main purpose
of TPMS systems is to warn the driver if their tires are
losing air pressure, leaving the tires under inflated and
dangerous.
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There is the direct and indirect tire pressure
monitoring system.
- The indirect system works with the existing ABS system.
- The Direct tire pressure monitoring systems measure,
identify and warn the driver of low pressure. Because
direct systems have a sensor in each wheel, they tend
to generate more accurate warnings and can alert the driver
instantly if the pressure in any one tire falls below
a predetermined level due to rapid air loss caused by
a puncture. Many direct systems use dashboard displays
that provide the ability to check current tire pressures
from the driver's seat.
Direct systems attach a pressure sensor/transmitter to the
vehicle's wheel inside the tire's air chamber. Most Original
Equipment systems attach their air pressure sensor/transmitter
to a special tire valve that clamps through the wheel.
It is very important that all original TPMS aluminum sensors
should be fitted with a new rubber grommet (also called an
o-ring or seal), aluminum retaining nut, special nickel-plated
valve core and O.E. valve cap.
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| The TPMS system should be recalibrated after a tire
rotation or installation.
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