Does It Matter If the Four Tires Have Different Pressures?

[DiAndres]

Does It Matter If the Four Tires Have Different Pressures? Uneven tire pressure can lead to poor braking performance, loss of control, difficulty or heaviness in steering, reduced tire lifespan, increased risk of blowouts, and higher fuel consumption. These issues become more severe when carrying heavy loads. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) automatically monitor tire pressure in real-time while driving and alert the driver to leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. There are three common types of tire pressure monitoring systems: Direct TPMS: This system uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure tire pressure. The pressure data is transmitted wirelessly from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which then displays the pressure for each tire. The system automatically alerts the driver if the tire pressure is too low or if there is a leak. Indirect TPMS: When a tire's pressure decreases, the vehicle's weight causes that tire's rolling radius to shrink, making it rotate faster than the other tires. By comparing the rotational speed differences between tires, the system monitors tire pressure. Indirect TPMS essentially relies on calculating the rolling radius of the tires to monitor pressure. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Introduction: This system combines the advantages of both direct and indirect TPMS. It equips two diagonally opposite tires with direct sensors and includes 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.