Question
Answer and Explanation
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It's an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside your vehicle's tires. The primary goal of a TPMS is to alert the driver when tire pressure drops to a potentially unsafe level.
A TPMS usually works by using sensors located within each tire to measure pressure and temperature. This information is then transmitted wirelessly to a central control unit in the vehicle. If the pressure in one or more tires falls below a specified threshold, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, alerting the driver to the issue. Maintaining correct tire pressure is crucial for optimal vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Ignoring a TPMS warning could lead to poor handling, increased braking distance, and even tire failure.
There are two main types of TPMS: direct TPMS, which uses pressure sensors inside the tire, and indirect TPMS, which relies on wheel speed sensors used by the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Direct TPMS is typically more accurate, but indirect TPMS is less costly and doesn't require special sensors in the tire.