
Tire pressure monitoring sensors operate based on three principles: Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring: Direct tire pressure monitoring devices use pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure the tire's air pressure. A wireless transmitter sends the pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which then displays the data for each tire's pressure. The system automatically alerts when the tire pressure is too low or if there is a leak. Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring: When the pressure in a tire decreases, the vehicle's weight causes the rolling radius of that wheel to become smaller, resulting in a faster rotation speed compared to the other wheels. By comparing the differences in rotation speeds between the tires, the system monitors the tire pressure. Indirect tire alarm systems essentially rely on calculating the rolling radius of the tires to monitor pressure. Tire Intelligent Monitoring System (TPMS): This system combines the advantages of the two aforementioned systems. It is equipped with direct sensors in two diagonally opposite tires and a 4-wheel indirect system. Compared to using only a direct system, this hybrid system can reduce costs and overcome the indirect system's inability to detect when multiple tires simultaneously have low pressure. However, it still cannot provide real-time data on the actual pressure in all four tires as a direct system can.

I remember that time when I was driving on the highway, and a yellow warning symbol suddenly popped up on the dashboard. At first, I thought it was a system glitch. Later, I learned it was the tire pressure sensor alerting me that the left rear tire was underinflated. This amazing little device is actually installed on the wheel hub, acting like a tiny supervisor constantly measuring the tire's air pressure and temperature. At its core is a miniature pressure sensor, which works alongside a temperature sensor to collect data. Powered by its own small battery, it transmits this information via radio waves to the receiver in the car. Once the receiver gets the data, it 'reports' to the onboard computer, which immediately lights up a warning on the dashboard if the pressure falls below the safe threshold. You might not even notice it during everyday driving, but this little gadget is silently safeguarding our road safety!

I'm quite fascinated by technical details, and tire pressure sensors are particularly interesting. They are installed directly on the tire valve stem, functioning like a mini-computer to monitor air pressure changes in real-time. The pressure sensor chip inside is highly precise, capable of detecting fluctuations as small as 0.1 psi. The measured data is transmitted via a 433MHz radio frequency, which is then received and processed by the vehicle's onboard module. What's most impressive is that some systems can even identify the position of each tire, using technologies like low-frequency wake-up for localization. The sensor's battery typically lasts five to six years, and when it fails, it usually displays a -- symbol or triggers a constant warning light. I recommend avoiding high-pressure water jets near the valve stem during car washes, as they can damage this delicate component!

Simply put, a tire pressure monitor is a tiny mobile probe inside the tire. It wirelessly transmits measured air pressure and temperature data to the vehicle's computer, which constantly monitors all four wheels. Any abnormal tire pressure triggers a dashboard warning light to prevent blowout risks. This is far more accurate than human judgment—it can precisely detect natural pressure drops in cold weather, for example. Drivers are advised to develop the habit of addressing tire pressure warnings promptly rather than continuing to drive. This system is truly vital for road safety.


