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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can play a crucial role in vehicle safety and contribute significantly to tire longevity. These systems are designed to monitor the air pressure in a vehicle's tires and provide real-time information to the driver. As the Badger State experiences rapid and often drastic changes in temperature, your vehicle's TPMS emerges as the unsung hero, ensuring a safe and efficient journey through every twist and turn.

 

TPMS involves a small pressure sensor placed in the valve stem of each tire that relays tire pressure information to your car’s computer. If a tire falls below your manufacturer’s recommended pressure by a certain amount, the system will let you know with an indicator light on your dashboard.

Some cars will specify which tire is low, and some just have a dashboard light that turns on to indicate you need to check the pressure on all your tires.

 

Once you fill your tire to the recommended pressure, the TPMS warning will clear, but it might take driving a few blocks for the new data to register.

Keep in mind that sometimes these sensors can fail due to age, wear, or even abuse (sometimes Fix-a-Flat compounds can interfere with how the TPMS sensor operates). If you have a malfunctioning TPMS sensor, have it replaced as soon as possible so you know you can rely on the data it's giving you.

Here's why TPMS is important and how it contributes to overall safety and tire health:

• Early Detection of Underinflation:
  • TPMS alerts drivers when tire pressure drops below the recommended level. Underinflated tires are a common cause of accidents as they can lead to poor handling, reduced traction, and increased braking distances. By providing early warnings, TPMS helps drivers address underinflation promptly, improving overall safety.
• Prevention of Blowouts:
  • Underinflated tires are more prone to overheating, which can lead to tire blowouts. TPMS helps prevent such incidents by notifying drivers when the pressure is below the specified threshold. This early warning allows drivers to take corrective action, such as inflating their tires to the recommended pressure, reducing the risk of blowouts.
• Enhanced Vehicle Stability and Handling:
  • Properly inflated tires contribute to better vehicle stability and handling. TPMS ensures that all tires are operating at the correct pressure, promoting optimal performance, and reducing the likelihood of skidding or loss of control, especially during emergency maneuvers.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency:
  • Maintaining the recommended tire pressure helps optimize fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the vehicle's engine to work harder and consume more fuel. TPMS aids in keeping tires properly inflated, contributing to better gas mileage and cost savings over time.
• Extended Tire Lifespan:
  • Proper tire pressure is essential for even tread wear. TPMS helps prevent premature and uneven tire wear by ensuring that all tires are inflated to the correct pressure. This, in turn, extends the lifespan of the tires, saving drivers money on replacements and promoting sustainable driving practices.
• Automatic Monitoring:
  • TPMS continuously monitors tire pressure while the vehicle is in motion, providing real-time data to the driver. This eliminates the need for manual pressure checks, making it more convenient for drivers to maintain optimal tire pressure levels regularly.
• Compliance with Regulations:
  • Many countries and regions have regulations mandating the installation of TPMS in new vehicles. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures the safety of drivers and passengers but also helps avoid legal issues related to vehicle standards.

TPMS is a crucial safety feature that contributes to overall road safety by providing timely alerts about underinflated tires. By helping drivers maintain the correct tire pressure, TPMS enhances vehicle stability, handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Regularly checking and responding to TPMS warnings is an essential part of responsible vehicle maintenance.

If you need your TPMS system checked, call your local Schierl Tire & Service. Our professional team can make sure your system is running properly to give you peace of mind on the road!