Differences Between Built-in and External Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
2 Answers
Built-in tire pressure sensors and external ones differ in several aspects: price (built-in being more expensive), installation time (built-in being more complicated), accuracy (built-in sensors being more precise), and anti-theft features (built-in being more secure). Price: Built-in tire pressure monitoring systems are relatively more expensive than external ones. Installation time: Installing built-in tire pressure monitoring systems takes more time and requires professional assistance to remove the tires, as it is generally not something you can do yourself. External tire pressure monitoring systems, on the other hand, are simpler to install, and car owners can do it themselves. Accuracy: Due to environmental and external factors affecting external sensors, their accuracy is slightly lower than that of built-in sensors. Anti-theft features: Built-in systems are more secure because they are installed inside the tires, making them less likely to be stolen. External systems have poorer anti-theft performance because sensors from the same brand often use the same removal tools, making them easier to detach. Tire pressure monitoring involves real-time automatic monitoring of tire pressure while driving, alerting the driver to leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. There are three common types of tire pressure monitoring systems: Direct tire pressure monitoring: Direct systems use pressure sensors installed in each tire to measure pressure directly. The data is transmitted wirelessly from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which displays the pressure for each tire. The system alerts the driver when pressure is too low or there is a leak. Indirect tire pressure monitoring: When a tire's pressure decreases, the vehicle's weight causes the rolling radius of that tire to shrink, making it rotate faster than the other wheels. By comparing the rotational speed differences between tires, the system monitors tire pressure. Indirect systems rely on calculating the rolling radius to monitor pressure. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) overview: This system combines the advantages of both direct and indirect systems. It is equipped with direct sensors in two diagonally opposite tires and a four-wheel indirect system. Compared to a fully direct system, this hybrid approach reduces costs and overcomes the indirect system's inability to detect simultaneous low pressure in multiple tires. However, it still cannot provide real-time pressure data for all four tires like a direct system.
I used to be the type of driver who prioritized safety, so I've tried both built-in and external tire pressure monitoring systems, and the difference is quite noticeable. The built-in type is installed inside the wheel rim, providing extremely accurate measurements—it can detect temperature changes in real time, whether it's too high or too low. With stable tire pressure while driving, the risk of a blowout is reduced, especially during long highway trips. However, installation is a hassle—it requires removing the tire and working on the valve stem, usually necessitating a trip to the shop and extra costs. Replacing the battery is even more troublesome. The external type, on the other hand, simply screws onto the valve stem—just twist it on yourself. It's cheap and convenient, but the accuracy isn't as good; sometimes the readings drift with temperature changes, and it's more prone to theft or damage. When parked on the roadside, I always worry about it. To sum up, built-in systems are hassle-free in the long run but cost more upfront, while external ones are beginner-friendly but come with more issues down the road.
