Have you ever notice why there is a funny looking indicator light that comes on the dash when you are driving?
This indicator light I am referring to looks like this:
It is called TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
History on the TPMS.
Back in 1990 there were more than 100 deaths from rollovers in the United States. These incidents were due to tire tread-separation. This pushed the Clinton administration to publish the TREAD Act. This act it mandated the use of a suitable TPM technology in order to alert drivers of a severe under-inflation condition of their tires. This act affects all light motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds sold after September 1, 2007.
In late 2005 the phase-in started at 20% and reached 100% for models produced after September 2007.
A TPMS helps to improve vehicle safety, and aids driver in maintaining their vehicle tire pressures. Properly maintained tires help with vehicle safety, performance and economy. In the U.S., HHS National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that every year, 533 fatalities are caused by tire defects in road accidents. Adding TPMS to all vehicles could avoid 120 of the 533 yearly victims and spare as many as 8,400 injuries every year.
When is the TPMS installed on the vehicle? The TPMS has to be installed and tested in the vehicle-manufacturing environment. The TPMS sensors are attached to the wheel or rim during the wheel or rim and tire mounting process. The wheels are then attached to the vehicle. This is the first point at which the TPMS can clearly be associated with the vehicle. On the final assembly line the Radio Frequency antennas are used to extract the unique IDs of the TPMS. These IDs, and their associated wheel position on the car are downloaded to the vehicle ECM, or Engine Control Management. This enables warnings to be associated with wheel position.
Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring offer the following feature:
- Measure or displays tire air pressure, with accuracy able to detect under-inflation or over inflation conditions of less or more than 25% of the recommended cold inflation pressure.
- Measure and display tire air temperature (optional)
- Locate tire involved in pressure defect (option)
- React to fast and slow leaks (less than 5s) for early warning
- Do not require initialization or zero button, i.e., self-learning (optional)
- Can monitor spare-tire pressure
- Can monitor tire pressure when stationary (direct TPMS only)
What should you do when you see the TPMS light come on?
If you are driving and the indicator light comes on, find a safe area to park your vehicle. When it is safe for you to exit the vehicle, walk around the vehicle and visually inspect the condition of all four tires. If you find that a tire is or looks flat depending on the tire condition, it would be recommended to remove the tire and install a spare tire.
If you are within driving distance to a gas station, drive to that location and properly refill your tire to the recommended air pressure. (This information can be found in your owner manual or on the side of the driver door).
Can I damage the TPMS?
Yes! When proper care is not taken during servicing a flat tire.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to repair or remove the tire without proper tools
Do not inflate your flat with some sort of quick-a-fix product. These products are known to plug the pressure hole on the sensor, unless the quick-a-fix product states it will not harm the sensor. If you did refill the tire with a quick-a-fix product it would be highly likely you might need to buy a new TPMS.
Is there a preventive maintenance on the TPMS?
Yes, it is recommended to inspect your tire air pressure at least once every three months.
For the do-it-yourself person buy yourself a known good tire gauge. It is not recommend buying an inexpensive tool. It is important that the pressure in the tire be accurate. Go to your nearest parts store and ask for a good tire gauge.
Or, visit your personal repair facility and ask for assistance.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
It is recommended to check your tire pressure under a cold tire condition.
Why? Air pressure changes property under any temperature condition. Air expands when tire is heated up and an inaccurate reading will affect TPMS.
Is the TPMS covered under factory warranty?
Yes, under the new car warranty. (It is recommend to check with your new car dealer for warranty issues)
What is the cost of a replacement TPMS?
The replacement cost would vary with the year, make and model.
Where can I buy a replacement TPMS?
At any national part shop or new car dealer.
How many TPMS sensors are on one vehicle?
There should be one per tire and on occasion one located on the spare tire.
When I rotate my tires will it cause a problem?
In a normal case the vehicle should reset itself to the location of the tire. Should the indicator not reset itself, it would be recommended to bring the vehicle in to a certified repair facility to perform a manual reset.
What will happen if I ignore the TPMS light on the dash?
You will not be able to pass any yearly safety inspection unless the problem has been repaired and light is turned off.
The TPMS is there for a safety reason to keep you, your passenger and other bystander safe.
Oceanic Time Warner Cable's Community Website
