Keeping Wheels Safe: A Comprehensive Guide To Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
Automotive
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: An Overview
Automotive tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have become an essential
safety feature in modern vehicles. These systems monitor the air pressure
levels inside the tires in real-time and alert drivers if significant losses in
pressure are detected. Low tire pressure poses serious safety risks like poor
handling and extended braking distances. By alerting drivers proactively, TPMS
helps avoid potential accidents.
Direct and Indirect TPMS Technologies
There are two main types of TPMS technologies used in vehicles - direct and
indirect. Direct TPMS uses sensors attached to each wheel to directly measure
air pressure and temperature inside the tire. It provides the most accurate
pressure readings. Each wheel is outfitted with a sealed sensing and
transmitting device that wirelessly transmits pressure data to the vehicle's
computer.
In contrast, indirect TPMS does not have individual sensors for each wheel. It
infers pressure loss based on changes in each wheel's rotating speed. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) sensor network, which monitors wheel speeds, forms the basis
of an indirect Automotive
Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It detects variations from the normal
rolling circumference if pressure drops in a tire. However, indirect TPMS is
not as instantly responsive as direct TPMS in detecting pressure changes.
TPMS Alerts and Modes of Operation
The vehicle's on-board computer continuously monitors pressure readings from
all tires. Based on preset thresholds, it triggers visual and audible alerts in
the instrument cluster and through a warning symbol on screen if abnormal
pressure loss is detected. Thresholds are typically set at 20-25% below the
recommended pressure level.
Most systems allow customizing pressure thresholds. They also store historical
pressure data, which can be retrieved for tracking changes over time. Features
like location of under-inflated tire are included in high-end systems. TPMS
remains active throughout vehicle operation, including when stationary. In
sleep mode, sensors transmit at longer intervals to conserve battery life.
Safety Benefits of TPMS
Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is critical for safety, performance,
and fuel efficiency. Even minor under inflation increases rolling resistance
and reduces gas mileage. More importantly, it adversely impacts braking and
steering response. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and are more
susceptible to blowouts.
By frequently checking pressures, TPMS helps motorists avoid the foregoing
issues. It also saves them from getting unexpected flat tires due to gradual
air leaks. In the long run, TPMS improves vehicle safety and reduces
maintenance costs. Studies show it reduces the chances of accidents caused by
blown-out or under-inflated tires by up to 25%. As a result, TPMS has become
mandatory for cars sold in major markets.
TPMS Regulations and Adoption Trends
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made TPMS
compulsory for all passenger cars from 2007. Vehicles had to meet the FMVSS 138
standard, requiring them to warn drivers about significant tire pressure drops.
The European Union and Canada too have enacted regulations requiring TPMS on
new vehicles. Recently, even two-wheeler manufacturers have started introducing
basic TPMS for motorcycles.
Automakers now offer TPMS as a standard or optional feature across most vehicle
segments. While early systems used batteries in wheel sensors, modern solutions
integrate them with existing tire pressure sensors and ABS network for a longer
lifespan. Cloud connectivity further enhances TPMS with features like remote
diagnostics, automatic pressure recalibration, and history tracking via
smartphone apps. The growing market for luxury vehicles and commercial fleets
also fuels innovations in TPMS.
As tire failures continue contributing to road accidents, regulatory mandates
and automotive safety standards are set to accelerate TPMS adoption globally.
Advanced implementations integrate it with predictive maintenance systems for
proactive issue resolution. Coming years may even see the debut of
self-learning TPMS using artificial intelligence and vehicle-to-everything
(V2X) communications. Overall, TPMS remains an effective solution to enhance
vehicle safety through simple tire pressure monitoring from inside the vehicle.
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