by A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. TPMS report real-time tire-pressure information to the driver of the vehicle, either via a gauge, indicator light, message center or head-up display.
How Does a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Work?
A TPMS uses wireless sensors installed in each tire to constantly monitor air pressure and temperature levels. The sensors transmit data to a central receiver, usually located in the vehicle near the receiver antenna. This receiver processes the incoming signals from each sensor and relays the tire condition information to the vehicle’s instrument cluster or infotainment display.
Each tire sensor uses battery power to operate for many years. The sensors transmit a unique identification number along with pressure and temperature readings to avoid any interference or confusion between sensors. Battery life depends on frequency of transmission but most sensors can work for 5-10 years or more before needing replacement.
Types of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
There are two main types of Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System in use – direct and indirect systems:
Direct TPMS uses actual pressure sensors installed in each wheel. These sensors transmit pressure readings directly to the vehicle’s receiver module. Direct systems provide the most accurate real-time pressure information to drivers.
Indirect TPMS don’t have physical sensors in each wheel. Instead, they monitor tire pressures indirectly based on inputs from existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensors and other on-board systems like wheel speed and accelerometer sensors. Indirect systems provide pressure warnings but can’t display exact psi values for each tire.
Benefits of Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
There are several key advantages of having a TPMS installed in a vehicle:
Fuel Efficiency – Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance which reduces fuel economy. Properly inflated tires as monitored by TPMS can improve mileage.
Tire Wear – Driving for long periods with low tire pressure leads to excess heat build-up and uneven tread wear. TPMS alerts prevent premature tire deterioration.
Safety – Low pressure tires handle poorly and increase braking distances. They are also more prone to blowouts or failures which compromises control and stability at high speeds. TPMS minimizes such risks.
Convenience – Drivers no longer need to physically check tire pressures manually using a gauge. The system does continuous monitoring hassle-free in the background.
Cost Savings – Catching low pressure issues early with TPMS prevents having to replace entire tires prematurely for being worn out unevenly. This reduces overall tire maintenance costs over the long run.
Common Issues with Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
While generally reliable, TPMS are also susceptible to some problems:
Low Battery – Sensors have finite battery life and may need replacement after 5-10 years depending on usage. Low batteries will cause erratic or no readings from affected sensors.
Sensor Malfunction – Harsh weather, pothole impacts or manufacturing defects could damage a sensor internally. Malfunctioning sensors may transmit faulty data or stop communicating entirely.
Interference – Other RF transmitters nearby operating on similar frequencies can potentially interfere with sensor signals. This may cause sporadic or missing pressure readings in certain areas.
Incorrect Pressures – Calibration drift over time may result in sensors indicating slightly different pressures than actual. Periodic re-calibration helps minimize such offsets.
False Warnings – Driving characteristics like hard cornering or braking that generate g-forces similar to under-inflation can sometimes trigger false low pressure alerts.
With proper maintenance like periodic battery replacement and sensor re-learn procedures, most TPMS issues are manageable to keep the system operating reliably.
Current Advances in Tire Pressure Monitoring System Technology
Continued research aims to enhance TPMS functionality and address existing limitations:
Extended Battery Life – New battery technologies promise longer lasting batteries for tire sensors up to 15 years or more intervals between replacements.
Sensor Upgrade – Advanced sensors incorporating MEMS pressure transducers provide higher sensitivity and drift-free accuracy over longer usage. Direct sensors integrated with smart wheel hub units minimize installation steps.
Dual-Mode Sensors – New multi-mode sensors are being developed to operate as both TPMS and anti-theft devices for improved security against wheel/tire theft.
Add-Ons – Future TPMS may integrate additional tire and wheel parameter monitoring for temperature, acceleration, mileage and vibrations to catch issues early. Cloud connectivity enables remote diagnostics.
Backup Systems – Redundant hybrid indirect/direct TPMS architectures with sensor fault-tolerance improve reliability against single point sensor failures. System upgrades via wireless Over-The-Air updates are being researched.
With automotive safety regulations mandating TPMS worldwide, ongoing enhancements will optimize system performance to maximize benefits of real-time tire pressure and condition monitoring technology.
Automotive tire pressure monitoring systems play a critical role in vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, tire life and overall cost of ownership. Constant monitoring prevents low pressure related issues proactively. While early TPMS had limitations, modern high-fidelity systems provide years of maintenance-free operation. Constant technological advancements also work to expand capabilities and address current drawbacks.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
