Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensors

The purpose of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low and could to create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire failure. It’s important to understand the importance of proper tire inflation, and how TPMS can help you maintain your tires.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is essential to vehicle handling, overall tire performance, and load carrying capability. A properly inflated tire will reduce tread movement, reduce rolling resistance, and increase water dispersion. Reduced tread movement gives the tire a longer tread life. Reduced rolling resistance, the force required to roll a loaded tire, results in increased fuel efficiency. Increased water dispersion decreases the possibility of hydroplaning.

Both overinflation and underinflation can cause premature treadwear and possible tire failure. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and the inability to absorb road impact. Overinflated tires will show premature wear in the center of the tread. On the other hand, underinflation will cause sluggish tire respose, decreased fuel economy, excessive heat buildup, and tire overload. An underinflated tire will show premature wear on both outside shoulders.

The TPMS warning light will help warn you when your tire pressure is too low. Your TPMS has various illumination patterns that mean different things. Keep reading to find out what they mean.

If you’re learning about tire pressure sensors for the first time, finding the TPMS indicator on your dashboard is simple. It’s a horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point in the center.