What Is a TPMS or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System?

Your car's tyres are integral to its performance and fuel efficiency. However, most of us find it easy to overlook tyre pressure until it is too late.

This is why a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is critical. It is a modern innovation that keeps us informed and safe on the road.   

A TPMS monitors the tyre pressure in a car and alerts the driver when there is a drop in tyre pressure below a certain level. TPMS plays a crucial role in ensuring a vehicle's safety, performance and fuel efficiency. Read on to explore how TPMS works and its different types.

How Does Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Work

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an advanced technology that monitors the air pressure in a car's tyres and sends real-time data to the vehicle. Small electric TPMS sensors measure the tyre pressure and display the result on the car dashboard. This system is useful for drivers, as it allows them to know in real-time if they have over or under-inflated tyres. It is installed in cars to ensure the safety of drivers and alert them to the possibility of a tyre blowout.

TPMS significantly reduces the chances of accidents caused by flat tyres. The sensors in the system collect data on the pressure in the car's tyres and provide feedback to the driver. If the pressure is low, a yellow warning light on the car's dashboard indicates low pressure. This yellow sign typically resembles a horseshoe with an exclamation mark in the centre.

Types of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

The TPMS has proven to be highly effective at preventing mishaps, which is why its installation has been made mandatory in various regions globally, including APAC, Europe, the US, and the UK. This system is beneficial for both personal and commercial vehicles. There are two kinds of TPMS:

Direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System 

Here are some key insights you should know about direct TPMS, including how it works, its advantages, and its limitations:

• With a Direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, each tyre has tiny electric sensors that measure tyre pressure and send the information back to a central control module. These little sensors can read the tyres' pressure and temperature.
• The central control module receives the readings sent by the electric sensors and analyses the readings for authenticity. It interprets the readings and then transmits the results to the dashboard.
• TPMS works with the help of battery-powered sensors, each having a unique serial number. These serial numbers help differentiate the system from others and allow for accurate pressure readings for individual tyres.
• One of the leading benefits of a direct TPMS is that it delivers actual tyre pressure readings from inside the tyre.
• This tire monitor system is also free from inaccuracies that tyre rotations or replacements can cause.
• Direct TPMS only needs a simple resynchronisation following tyre replacements.
• Batteries inside the sensors are quite long-lasting. They can even last for over a decade.
• A vehicle's spare tyre may also include direct TPMS.
• However, direct TPMS can be much more expensive compared to Indirect TPMS. While the resynchronisation of the direct TPMS is generally simple, it may require costly tools.
• The batteries inside the sensors of direct TPMS are not serviceable and if fully drained, there is no option but to replace the sensor.
• The sensors of direct TPMS can be damaged while mounting and dismounting.

Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Here are some crucial facts regarding the Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, including its functioning, benefits and shortcomings:

• An Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System works with the help of wheel speed sensors. This system does not have air pressure sensors, unlike direct TPMS.
• The wheel speed sensors measure the rate of revolution for each wheel. The computer systems on board the car compare the data for each wheel with each other and with other operational data like speed.
• The computer interprets each wheel's relative size based on its revolution rate. If a wheel spins faster than expected, the tyre is underinflated, and the system generates an alert.
• An indirect TPMS does not measure actual tyre pressure. Instead, it measures how fast your tyres are rotating and, based on that, sends a signal to the computer if anything appears amiss.
• Indirect TPMS is generally less costly compared to direct TPMS.
• Over the years, it will also need less programming and maintenance than a direct TPMS.
• Less time is required to install and maintain indirect TPMS than direct TPMS.
• However, it may provide inaccurate readings when you purchase a bigger or smaller tyre.
• Indirect TPMS may become less reliable when the tyres are unevenly worn out. The sensors must be reset when every tyre is properly inflated and after a routine tyre rotation.

Conclusion

The TPMS is a critical feature in modern cars, helping to maintain optimal tyre pressure for a safer driving experience. It also enhances vehicle performance and efficiency while reducing the chances of tyre-related accidents.

While safety features provide extra confidence on the road, a comprehensive car insurance policy will keep you covered against unforeseen incidents. An appropriate policy can guarantee peace of mind by offering coverage against theft, accidental damage, and other emergencies.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.