Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
SEE WHY A TMPS IS AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF YOUR VEHICLE AND LEARN HOW TO READ IT.
WHAT IS TPMS?
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS) is an electronic system in your vehicle that monitors your tyre air pressure and alerts you when it falls dangerously low.
WHY DO VEHICLES HAVE TPMS?
All passenger vehicles with under 8 seats registered as of November 2014 require a TPMS system, Direct or Indirect. As well as this, an EU directive put in place from January 2015 introduced a TPMS check to the standard MOT test, to ensure all sensors and monitoring capabilities are in sound and operable condition.
HOW DOES THE TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WORK?
There are two different types of systems being used today: Direct TPMS and Indirect TPMS.
Direct TPMS uses a sensor mounted in the wheel to measure air pressure in each tyre. When air pressure drops 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended level, the sensor transmits that information to your car’s computer system and triggers your dashboard indicator light.
Indirect TPMS works with your car’s Antilock Braking System’s (ABS) wheel speed sensors. If a tyre’s pressure is low, it will roll at a different wheel speed than the other tyres. This information is detected by your car’s computer system, which triggers the dashboard indicator light.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TPMS?
TPMS notifies you when your vehicle’s tyre pressure is low or is going flat. By helping you maintain proper tyre pressure, TPMS can increase your safety on the road by improving your vehicle’s handling, decreasing tyre wear, reducing braking distance and bettering fuel economy.
IS MY VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM?Your vehicle has TPMS if the "low tyre pressure" warning light appears on your dash when the key is turned to the "on" position.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WARNING INDICATOR COMES ON?
Check the air pressure in your tyres and inflate any tyre that is low (according to the manufacturer’s recommendation). When the tyre is at the appropriate pressure, the indicator light should go off.
If necessary, replace the tyre with your spare tyre and visit your local garage for needed repairs or replacement. They’ll check your vehicle’s tyre pressure and perform a systems test on all of your tyre sensors to diagnose the problem. Once the technicians address your vehicle’s tyre needs, they’ll then suggest the proper maintenance to get you back on the road safely.