A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure of tires on a vehicle. Here’s how it works:
- Sensor Placement: Each tire is equipped with a small pressure sensor, typically located inside the tire’s valve stem or attached to the inner rim. In some vehicles, the TPMS sensors may be integrated into the wheel hub assembly.
- Pressure Measurement: The TPMS sensors continuously measure the air pressure inside each tire. They utilize either a pressure sensor or a combination of pressure and temperature sensors to gather data.
- Data Transmission: The sensors wirelessly transmit the tire pressure readings to a central control module in the vehicle. This can be done using various communication protocols, such as radio frequency (RF) signals or Bluetooth.
- Control Module Processing: The control module receives the transmitted data from the TPMS sensors and processes it. It interprets the information and compares the measured tire pressures to the recommended values.
- Warning Indication: If the control module detects a significant deviation from the recommended tire pressure, it triggers a warning indicator on the vehicle’s dashboard. This warning indicator can take the form of a light or a message displayed on the instrument cluster.
- Alerting the Driver: When the TPMS detects low tire pressure, it notifies the driver about the specific tire(s) that require attention. Some systems provide real-time pressure readings for each tire, while others may indicate the affected tire(s) without displaying precise values.
- Maintenance: Once alerted, the driver can take appropriate action to address the low tire pressure. This typically involves checking the affected tire(s) with a tire pressure gauge and inflating them to the recommended level.
It’s important to note that TPMS is a safety feature designed to provide a warning when there is an important deviation from the recommended tire pressure. It’s still recommended to regularly check tire pressure manually using a gauge, as TPMS sensors may not always detect minor pressure changes or issues such as gradual leaks.