{"id":62255,"date":"2023-08-07T21:37:22","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T20:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carmart.africa\/blog\/?p=62255"},"modified":"2023-08-07T21:37:22","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T20:37:22","slug":"what-is-a-tire-pressure-monitoring-system-how-does-it-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carlots.ng\/motoring\/what-is-a-tire-pressure-monitoring-system-how-does-it-work\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System & How Does it Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From punctures to improper wheel alignments, a lot can affect or damage a vehicle<\/a>\u2019s tires\u2019 ability to maintain pressure. Luckily many modern cars come with sensors to let you know if there\u2019s a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But these tire pressure monitoring systems are not 100% accurate. But, how does this device used in monitoring a vehicle\u2019s tire operate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your car\u2019s tire pressure monitoring system, just like other safety and driver-assistance features, relies on specialized sensors. Many are mounted in the wheel, or built into the tire\u2019s valve stem. Most aftermarket systems are of one of these so-called \u2018direct\u2019 monitoring designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like its name, direct tire pressure sensors explicitly measure air pressure. These battery-powered sensors send radio signals to a receiver within the car. When the pressure gets too high or low, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light comes on.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Tire-Pressure-Monitoring-System\"
Tire-Pressure-Monitoring-System<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Some cars, though, have tire pressure sensors linked to the ABS system. Bridgestone<\/em><\/a> explains that these \u2018indirect\u2019 sensors, don\u2019t actually measure pressure, though. Instead, they measure tire rotation. An improperly-inflated tire doesn\u2019t roll at the same speed as a properly-inflated one. So, if the tire pressure monitoring system notices a speed imbalance, it triggers a warning light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, though, some suppliers have been trying to improve upon the tire pressure monitoring systems\u2019 design. BMW<\/a> and Michelin, for example, have collaborated on a \u2018connected tire\u2019 which uses sensors to measure not just pressure, but tire temperature, too. The goal is to use this data to provide the driver with valuable training feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, The Drive<\/em><\/a> reports Bridgestone and Microsoft are working on a system that can monitor tire damage as well as pressure. This new system would also detect if the tire hits a pothole and tag it via GPS. Then, using vehicle-to-vehicle communication would let other cars know to avoid that spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Fail or Break?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While this tool is helpful, it\u2019s not 100%. Firstly, the warning light typically only illuminates when the tire pressure is at least 25% too low, Edmunds<\/em><\/a> reports. Secondly, as with engine mounts, catalytic converters, or any other sensor, the ones in your tires can and do break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because direct sensors are part of your wheel or tire, they\u2019re subject to road imperfections. This means a severe-enough impact, such as with a deep pothole, can damage them. Usually, that\u2019s signalled by the tire pressure monitoring system light flashing, rather than staying lit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, tire pressure sensors operate using radio frequencies. If the signal gets blocked or encounters interference, you can experience a false malfunction light. This can happen, for instance, if you fit a snow tire that isn\u2019t compatible with your tire pressure monitoring system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct sensors have one more potential failure point. Unlike indirect ones, which are wired into the car\u2019s electronics, direct tire pressure sensors have their own batteries. Over time, these go flat, and the whole sensor needs to be replaced. And, as with replacing sensors for adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking, this requires a system recalibration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the tire pressure monitoring system is a helpful tool, it shouldn\u2019t replace a regular tire inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is Proper Tire Pressure Important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining proper tire pressure may not seem as vital as, say, making sure your engine has enough oil. However, it is still an important maintenance task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n