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Tire Pressure Monitoring System Service
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (often referred to as TPMS) is an electronic system used to monitor the air pressure in the tires of most modern vehicles. This system notifies you if your tires are underinflated or overinflated, which can lead to unnecessary tire damage.
Tire pressure monitoring systems are designed to alert drivers when the tire pressure is too low in one or more of their vehicle’s tires. There are two common types of TPMS: direct and indirect. Some of the key differences between the two types are noted below.
Direct TPMS
- Sensors: Direct TPMS uses pressure sensors installed in each tire or wheel. These sensors directly measure the air pressure in each tire. In a direct system, there are 3 different ways that manufacturers determine air pressure.
- A sensor is banded inside the wheel. Banded sensors cannot be serviced, but they can be reset.
- A sensor is assembled onto the wheel using a rubber seal, washer, valve core and securing nut. This type is serviceable.
- A sensor is held in place by the valve stem itself. This type is serviceable, and they should be replaced on all new tires.
- Accuracy: Direct TPMS allows for more accurate readings as it provides real-time tire pressure data for each individual tire.
- Alerts: A direct TPMS notifies the driver immediately if there is a drop in tire pressure in any tire.
- Installation And Maintenance: The sensors are typically located inside the wheel, which may require replacement when changing tires or when the battery in the sensor wears out.
- Cost: Generally, direct TPMS systems can be more expensive to install and maintain due to the need for individual sensors in each wheel.
Indirect TPMS
- Sensors: Indirect TPMS does not use sensors to measure tire pressure directly. Instead, it relies on the vehicle’s existing wheel speed sensors (part of the anti-lock braking system) to monitor the rotation speed and related tire circumference of each wheel.
- Functionality: If a tire’s pressure drops, the diameter of the tire decreases slightly. This causes the wheel to rotate faster than the others. The system detects this difference and triggers an alert.
- Accuracy: Indirect TPMS may be less accurate than direct TPMS. It can be influenced by other factors (such as tire wear), and it does not provide individual tire pressure readings.
- Installation And Maintenance: Because an indirect TPMS uses existing sensors, this type of tire pressure monitoring system can be less costly and easier to maintain than direct systems. However, indirect TPMS often requires recalibration after changing or rotating tires, which is best done by a professional service technician.
Both types of tire pressure monitoring systems serve the same purpose of alerting drivers to low or high tire pressure, which is important for safety and fuel efficiency. Whether your vehicle has a direct or indirect TPMS depends on the vehicle’s design, cost considerations, and the desired level of accuracy and maintenance.
While indirect TPMS cannot be serviced, Chabill’s can reset these systems when tires are rotated, repaired or replaced to ensure optimal function of the system.
What Does Tire Pressure Monitoring System Service Involve?
A tire pressure monitoring service involves checking and ensuring the proper functioning of your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This system is designed to monitor the air pressure in your tires and alert you if the pressure falls below a certain level. The steps typically involved in a TPMS service are listed below.
- Inspection Of TPMS Sensors: A technician will inspect the TPMS sensors located in each tire to ensure that they are functioning correctly. They will check for any signs of damage, corrosion or wear.
- Checking Battery Life: TPMS sensors are often battery-powered, and the technician will check the battery life of each sensor. If a sensor’s battery is running low or has died, the sensor may need to be replaced.
- Calibration And Reset: The technician will calibrate and reset the TPMS system, if necessary. This step is important to ensure that the system is correctly monitoring tire pressure and providing accurate readings.
- Testing The TPMS: After inspecting the sensors and resetting the system, the technician will test the TPMS to make sure it is functioning properly and providing accurate pressure readings.
- Adjusting Tire Pressure: If any of your tires are underinflated, the technician will adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
- Troubleshooting: If there are any issues with the TPMS (such as warning lights staying on or sensors not working), the technician will troubleshoot the problem and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
- System Relearn: In some cases (such as when you replace or rotate tires), the TPMS may need to be relearned to recognize the new positions of the sensors. This step ensures that the system provides accurate readings.
- Documentation: The technician may provide you with documentation of the TPMS service, including any findings and actions taken.
TPMS service helps maintain the safety and efficiency of your vehicle by ensuring your tires are properly inflated and the monitoring system is working as intended. Regular maintenance of the TPMS is important, as low tire pressure can lead to poor fuel economy, reduced handling and performance, and increased tire wear.
How Do You Know If You Need Tire Pressure Monitoring System Services?
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are standard features in most modern vehicles, as they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your vehicle’s tires. While all vehicles can benefit from TPMS, the following types of vehicles may especially need TPMS services:
- Newer Vehicles (All vehicles manufactured since 2008 are required by law to have TPMS installed.)
- Vehicles with High Mileage
- SUVs and Trucks
- Performance Vehicles
- Off-Road Vehicles (such as Jeep® and Land Rover®)
- Vehicles with Advanced Safety Features
- Older Vehicles with TPMS
Ultimately, any vehicle with TPMS can benefit from regular maintenance and service to keep the system functioning properly. Properly working TPMS ensures that your tires are at the correct pressure, which is vital for safety, fuel efficiency and tire longevity.
Louisiana’s Most Trusted Tire And Auto Services
At Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System reset (whether direct or indirect) comes standard with every tire purchase to ensure your tires are set up for success. Not sure which type of TPMS your vehicle has? Just ask your local Chabill’s technician.
