What is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)?

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - is a safety system installed on the car for constant monitoring of tire pressure. The main task of the TPMS is to notify the driver if the tire pressure is too low or high, using an indicator or a message on the dashboard.

Types of tyre pressure monitoring systems

1. Direct Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

   • Measures the exact pressure in each tire using sensors installed inside the tires or on the rims. Data is transmitted to the on-board computer of the car.
   • Advantages: high accuracy, the ability to see the exact pressure in each tire in real time.
   • Disadvantages: high cost, the need for periodic maintenance or replacement of sensor batteries.

2. Indirect Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

   • Uses wheel speed data to determine pressure changes (reducing pressure reduces the diameter of the tire, increasing the speed of rotation).
   • Advantages: lower cost, no need to install sensors inside the tires.
   • Disadvantages: less accuracy, lack of specific pressure data, dependence on road conditions and tyre wear.

Why is it important to use TPMS?

• Preventing accidents due to tire rupture: Low pressure leads to severe tire deformation and increases the risk of tire rupture. Too high pressure impairs grip and handling.
• Reduced tire wear: Maintaining the right pressure extends the life of the tires.
• Fuel economy: Low pressure increases rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption.
• Increased driving comfort: Incorrect pressure worsens the depreciation of the car, reducing comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to do if the TPMS indicator lights up?

   • Check the pressure in each tire with a pressure gauge to make sure it is normal.
   • If the pressure is lower than recommended, inflate the tire to the level specified in the instructions.
   • If the problem does not disappear, check the tires for punctures or leaks in the car service.

2. Do I need to install TPMS?

   • If your car is not equipped with a pressure monitoring system, it is recommended to install such a system, especially if you often drive long distances or on the highway.

3. Does the weather affect TPMS?

   • Yes, cold weather leads to a decrease in tire pressure, so in winter it is especially important to monitor changes.

The tire pressure monitoring system is not only a guarantee of safety on the road, but also a way to improve the quality of driving and reduce the operating costs of the car.

To reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents, leading tire manufacturers have conducted critical research and invented a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

The results of their research show that the tire pressure of up to 90% of cars on UK roads is not normal. Insufficient tire pressure leads to faster wear, increased fuel consumption and an increased risk of accidents.

Tire pressure monitoring system provides 24 / 7 monitoring
TPMS alerts the driver to any changes or anomalies in tire pressure or temperature with an alarm. This can be a visual or audible signal displayed on the display, where an icon with a pressure gauge or low pressure indicator is presented.

How does it work?

Since TPMS is an electronic system, its sensors can track the exact pressure inside the car tires and transmit its values in real time. Depending on the type of TPMS, the principles of the system may differ. TPMS is divided into two types: indirect and direct.

Indirect TPMS
Indirect TPMS is based on data from wheel speed sensors used in the ABS (anti-lock braking system) system. The sensors measure the speed of the wheels, and this data is processed by a computer system built into the car to detect the slightest changes in rolling resistance. Based on this data, TPMS approximately estimates the size of the tires and monitors their condition during wear, air leakage or pressure changes.

Indirect TPMS does not measure pressure directly, but draws conclusions based on the size of the wheels, their speed of rotation and speed level.

Direct TPMS
Direct TPMS differs from indirect in that it uses pressure sensors built into each tire. It not only measures wheel speed data like indirect TPMS, but also monitors the tire pressure state every few seconds. When significant changes are detected, the system immediately sends an alarm. Moreover, direct TPMS sensors can provide information about the temperature of the tires.

After transmitting all the data to the central control module located inside the vehicle, the information is analysed to determine if the tire pressure has dropped below the recommended threshold.

If the pressure is too low, the system transmits a signal to the driver s dashboard, including a warning indicator or an audible alarm.

Advantages and disadvantages of using TPMS

Advantages of TPMS:

1. Reduced fuel consumption.
2. No need to visit the car service to check the tire pressure.
3. Reducing the likelihood of accidents.
4. Extension of tire life (depending on TPMS type).

   Shortcomings Indirect TPMS:

   1. Possible incorrect operation when using too wide or narrow tires.
   2. Uneven tire wear can lead to incorrect results.
   3. The system must be reset after each correct tyre inflation.
   4. Realignment is necessary after regular tire rotation.

      Shortcomings direct TPMS:

      1. The cost is higher than indirect TPMS.
      2. Reconfiguration may require expensive equipment.
      3. Sensors are easily damaged when installed or removed.
      4. If the battery is drained, the entire sensor must be replaced.
      5. Using the system can complicate repairs.

Although installing TPMS in a car provides many advantages, it can also have its drawbacks. In such a situation, having a portable car pump can be a more convenient solution.

The Wofeng car compressor combines functionality and compactness. Despite its small size, it has significant capabilities. The built-in pressure sensor allows you to measure the current tire pressure. At reduced pressure, the compressor can be activated at the touch of a button, automatically inflating the tires to a set value and turning off when the set level is reached.

Built-in lithium-ion battery allows you to use the compressor without connecting to the car network - you can simply take it and start pumping the tires. This provides a more comfortable experience for car owners.

In addition, at excessive tire pressure (pumping), the Wofeng car pump is equipped with an air exhaust function. This helps to maintain the pressure within the normal range, which makes car trips safer for owners.