The fall season brings cooler night
temperatures. As a result, this is a time of year we tend to
see an increase in low pressure warning signs. Interestingly,
a survey conducted by Schrader International found that 46% of
drivers couldn’t figure out what the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) “idiot light” on their dashboard really was.
It’s a U-shaped symbol with treads and an exclamation point
in the middle. Whether people recognized the icon or not, a
third of the survey participants didn’t know what the tire-pressure
monitoring system was.
The warning for the TPMS lights up when one (or more) of your vehicle’s tires is 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. The system is now required on all vehicles starting with the 2008 model year.
According to the survey, “96%, of drivers agree that driving with underinflated tires is a serious safety issue, although only 44% said they regularly check their tire pressure.” TireSafety.com offers insight into the negative impact underinflated tires can have: “Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. A tire can be as much as 50% under inflated before it is visibly noticeable. Not only are under inflated tires more prone to damage and failure, but they can lead to higher fuel costs by as much as 3 to 5¢ per gallon.”
It’s important to note that cold weather
reduces tire pressure; many people are unaware of this. A
general rule is that every ten degree drop in temperature creates a
one pound drop in tire PSI. The gradual loss of air, as the
result of temperature decreases or poor maintenance is the primary
cause of tire blowouts – and the cause of many traffic accidents
and fatalities. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems,
or TPMS, was specifically developed to deal with this problem.
Tire pressure monitoring systems vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle; they may be mounted differently from one vehicle to another and they may utilize different methods of letting the driver know the pressure is low. Typically a TPMS sensor is connected to the valve stem on each wheel of the vehicle. Each sensor constantly monitors the current tire inflation based on both temperature and wheel speed, and transmits this information to the vehicles onboard computer. If the inflation pressure falls below a safe level, TPMS alerts the driver by means of a signal lamp on the dashboard instrument panel. Some tire pressure monitoring systems provide detailed information about the pressure in each individual tire while others provide basic information that one of the tires has low pressure.
By continuously taking accurate measurements, monitoring tire inflation pressure, and informing the driver when under inflation is detected, TPMS dramatically improves driving safety. It also reduces automobile accidents and fatalities, maintains your car’s performance level, increases fuel efficiency, and extends tread life.
The appropriate inflation level will vary; it is best to consult vehicle and tire specifications or ask a Dunn Tire expert for advice. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) reminds drivers to check the pressure when the tires are cool, “meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile.” The RMA recommends checking tire pressure on a monthly basis, as well as before going on a trip, and advises motorists to check the pressure in the spare. Tire pressure monitoring systems remove most of that burden from the driver and provide the driver with peace of mind that the tire pressure is at the appropriate level.