The primary dangers and consequences of under-inflated tires:

• Catastrophic Tire Failures

  • Underinflation causes the sidewalls of a tire to bend and flex, which will wear down the tire faster

  • The more wear on a tire, the greater likelihood of a tire blowout

  • 85% - 90% of tire failures are directly attributable to underinflation

• Shorter Tread Life

  • Estimates have shown that every 3% of underinflation below the recommended pressure for the tire reduces tread life by 10%

• Lower Fuel Economy

  • In 2008, the Department of Transportation estimated low tire pressure wastes about 5 million gallons of gas per day or 2 billion gallons per year

  • 20% underinflation in tires can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%

• Minimized Vehicle Safety

  • Increased stopping distance

  • Reduced handling capabilities
    
    

What is Tire Pressure Monitoring System?

• A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a sensor and monitoring technology that designed to take readings of the air pressure inside pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles.

• TPMS communicate real-time tire-pressure data to the driver of the vehicle and provide low pressure alarms.
  
  

Types of Tire Pressure Monitoring System

• Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System

  • An indirect TPMS typically relies on wheel speed sensors that the anti-lock brake system uses.

  • These sensors measure the rate of revolution each wheel is making and can be used by on-board computer systems to compare with each other and to other vehicle operation data such as speed.

  • Based on the rate of revolution of each wheel, the computer can interpret the relative size of the tires on your vehicle.

  • Advantages

    • Relatively inexpensive compared to a direct TPMS

    • Requires less programming/maintenance over the years than a direct TPMS

    • Less overall installation maintenance than its direct counterpart

  • Disadvantages

    • May become inaccurate if you purchase a bigger or smaller tire

    • May be unreliable when tires are unevenly worn

    • Must be reset after properly inflating every tire

    • Must be reset after routine tire rotation

• Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System

  • Direct TPMS uses pressure monitoring sensors within each tire that monitor specific pressure levels.

  • Sensors in a direct TPMS may even provide tire temperature readings.

  • The direct tire pressure monitoring system sends all of this data to a centralized control module where it’s analyzed, interpreted, and, if tire pressure is lower than it should be, transmitted directly to your dashboard where the indicator light illuminates.

  • A direct tire pressure monitor usually sends all of this data wirelessly.

  • Advantages

    • Deliver actual tire pressure readings from inside the tire

    • Not prone to inaccuracies because of tire rotations or tire replacements

    • Simple resynchronization after tire rotation or tire replacements

    • Batteries inside the sensors usually last for about a decade.

    • May be included in a vehicle’s spare tire

  • Disadvantages

    • More expensive overall than an indirect TPMS

    • Though simple, resynchronization may require costly tools.

    • Battery rarely serviceable; if the battery is drained, the whole sensor must be changed.

    • Proprietary systems make installation, service, and replacement confusing for consumers and auto shops.

    • Sensors are susceptible to damage during mounting/demounting