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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Explained
At City Tire, we offer exceptional service to our customers and how they service their vehicles. Our customers often ask about the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and how it works. If you have had your TPMS light go off in your car and want to know how it works, here is an explanation. Our locations throughout Ohio can help monitor your vehicle once you have a TPMS warning.
TPMS Purpose
Your car’s TPMS system is critical for your overall safety. It provides a warning when one more of your tires is not inflated correctly. Driving with under-inflated tires is extremely dangerous, and the system is a great tool to help you stay vigilant. You’ll notice a yellow light flashing on your dashboard with an exclamation point that resembles a horseshoe shape.
How Does the TPMS System Work?
There are direct and indirect TPMS systems. Direct tire pressure systems have sensors on each tire and measure internal pressure or temperature. The module analyzes the information and sends it to the car information system. Indirect tire pressure systems use data from wheel speed sensors to determine how fast the wheel rotates. Indirect systems need to be reset each time your tires are inflated.
Benefits of TPMS
The TPMS system in your car notifies you if your tire is losing pressure. Tires can become flat by leaking air or having a hole in them and losing pressure in colder temperatures. The TPMS system’s main benefit is keeping you safe on the road. Properly inflated tires create safe braking distance, better handling, and improved fuel economy as well.
You should always check the air pressure in your tires, even if you don’t have a TPMS notification. It’s recommended to check the tire pressure at least once a month. A good time to check is when you refill your gas!
What Should I Do When the TPMS Indicator Comes On?
Don’t panic if your TPMS light comes on. The tire pressure in one or more of your tires is low if the light stays illuminated. Always attempt to pull off of the road safely, so you can inspect each tire. You should check the pressure on all of your tires and fill them to the recommended PSI, which can be found in your owner’s manual or the side panel of your car. Tire pressure indicators could also indicate a hole or leak in your tire, which needs attention.
Stop by one of our City Tire locations to have your care looked at by a professional. Our maintenance team can help plug or patch a tire with a hole and ensure the other tires are correctly inflated.
What to do if your TPMS System is not Working
If you have low tire pressure and your light is not coming on, there is likely an issue with the system. The sensor battery is likely the culprit and generally lasts about ten years. You will have to replace the entire sensor as replacing the battery alone is impossible. Our team can test the TPMS system to validate its failure and offer a replacement.
Schedule Your TMPS Repairs and Maintenance at City Tire
You should never ignore your TPMS system. Whether you’re unsure how to check your tire pressure or there is an issue with your system, our team is here to help. We can ensure your car is in proper working condition to stay safe on the road. Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the TPMS system in your vehicle.