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What Is TPMS?



 
What Is TPMS?

The TREAD Act

Tire Pressure Facts

My Tire Pressure Light Is On


 

What Is TPMS?

TPMS Sensors Check Pressure Light

A tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, is a warning system that alerts a driver of a 25% decrease in air pressure in one or more of a vehicle’s tires. Pressure and temperature sensing transmitters are mounted inside each tire and individually communicate with the vehicle’s computer (ECU) for display on the dashboard. This display warning appears as one of the following:

 


The TREAD Act

TPMS is now mandated on all American vehicles produced after September 1, 2007 due to the TREAD Act. The ‘Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act’ (TREAD Act) was passed as a November 1, 2000 response by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to defective Firestone tires. This act serves to improve driver safety and awareness while on the road.



All vehicles produced after September 1, 2007 MUST have:


  • Monitoring of tire pressure in all four tires (spare tire not included)
    A TPMS system that operates when the vehicle ignition is on and warns the driver when tires are underinflated by 25% or more
  • A TPMS system that alerts the driver when there is a system malfunction
  • A TPMS warning light that stays on until the tire is inflated to the proper pressure or the system malfunction is corrected
  • A “bulb check” of the warning light on the instrument panel that occurs whenever the ignition is turned on
  • Vehicle owner’s manuals that contain warnings about potentially incompatible replacement tires for the vehicle


Tire Pressure Facts

  • 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year are attributable to crashes caused by underinflation.
  • One in four cars and one in three light trucks have at least one significantly underinflated tire.
  • Equipping all passenger vehicles with TPMS will prevent an estimated 8,500 crashes annually.
  • Tire pressure monitoring systems are now required by the TREAD act on all new vehicles.
  • For each gallon of gasoline consumed, 20.8 lbs of CO2 are released into the atmosphere.
  • Properly inflated tires can save an individual as much as $430 per year on gasoline.
  • Approximately 75% of roadside flats are preceded by a slow leak or underinflation.
  • Equipping all vehicles with a TPMS will save an estimated 120 lives annually.
  • Nearly 250,000 accidents per year are attributable to underinflation.
  • 55% of vehicles have at least one underinflated tire.
  • 9% of tires on the road are bald.

Source: NHTSA, TIA


My Tire Pressure Light Is On

If the tire pressure warning lamp illuminates while driving, it is important to check and refill tire pressure as soon as possible. This on-dash warning indicates that one or more tires are 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. Follow these steps to ensure a safe ride:







  1. Upon noticing the warning lamp, locate a safe setting to pull over and examine tires. If driving at a high speed, firmly grip the steering wheel in the case that rapid deflation is occurring to maintain optimal control and find a safe location to pull over


  2. Examine all tires for any punctures, slices or other deflation problems. Locate the manufacturer’s recommended inflation level on the inside of the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual and proceed to check each tire’s pressure


  3. If the underinfllation poses no immediate threat, proceed to fill the underinflated tires to the manufacturer’s recommend inflation level at a tire service center or at the nearest gas station


  4. Replace any damaged tires








PLEASE NOTE:

  • The most accurate tire air pressure readings occur when the tire is cold (having not been driven)
  • The tire pressure warning light will turn off after inflating tires to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation level and driving
  • Temporary resealing or re-inflation products containing internal sealants or propellants that are applied to any damaged tire may adversely affect the operation of the TPMS sensor. If applied, sensor may display incorrect information and will continue doing so until sealed tires are replaced.