Types of TPMS

Various types of vehicles require a different amount of air pressure in their tires, so to ensure safety the pressure must be measured. This system is called the tire-pressure monitoring system, which consists of an electronic system designed to measure the air pressure of the pneumatic tires. The system generates a real-time report that keeps the driver constantly informed about the tire pressure of the vehicle. This information is provided with either a pictogram, a simple low pressure warning light, or with a display. Regardless of the simplicity of the results, the aim is to let know the driver if the tire pressure falls too low.

The TPMS can be divided into two types: the direct TPMS (dTPMS) and the indirect TPMS (iTPMS) and each type comes as either an OEM factory install or an aftermarket solution. Regardless of the type chosen, the goal of the TPMS is to avoid accidents that can occur due to improper inflation of the tires. In addition to preventing accidents, overall fuel efficiency is increased with proper tire inflation because the rolling resistance of the vehicle is increased. Though only luxury vehicles came with this system in the past, recently many more types of vehicles have begun to use this system.

Mandatory TPMS:

• With the introduction of run-flat tires, tires that allow the driver to continue to drive at reduced speeds for between 100 to 200 miles in case of emergencies, a basic TPMS is now mandatory.
• With the run-flat tires, it is almost impossible for a driver to realize that tires are flat while the vehicle is in motion. As a result, the introduction of run-flat warning systems has been made mandatory.
• These systems are first-generation iTPMs, and are based on the roll radius which helps ensure that the tires are only driven at a low air pressure for the limit allowed by the manufacturer.
• The market of iTPMS has grown substantially, and this has made monitoring of four-wheel vehicles possible.

Direct Vs. Indirect TPMS:

• The indirect TPMS use the rotational speeds of the tires. The direct TPMS employs pressure sensors to measure the pressure in each tire.
• The iTPMS is considered inaccurate for some situations.
• The aftermarket installation of direct TPMS is not recommended.

Brian Grill is a Ceo of Otto's Tools and Equipment, a well known organization of offering extensive product line includes Tpms tools, hydraulic accessories and more.