How Does the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Work?

[AndersonDella]

The working principle of automotive tire pressure monitoring can be divided into two types, as detailed below: 1. Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring. The direct tire pressure monitoring system uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure the tire pressure. It then transmits the pressure data from inside the tire to a central receiver module via wireless transmitters, displaying the pressure data for each tire. When the tire pressure is too low or there is a leak, the system automatically triggers an alarm. 2. Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring. The working principle of indirect tire pressure monitoring is: 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 rotational speed compared to other wheels. By comparing the differences in rotational speeds between tires, the system monitors tire pressure. Essentially, the indirect tire pressure warning system relies on calculating the rolling radius of tires to monitor pressure. 3. Characteristics of Both Systems. Each type of tire pressure monitoring system has its pros and cons. The direct system offers more advanced features, enabling real-time measurement of the actual instantaneous pressure inside each tire and easy identification of the faulty tire. The indirect system is relatively cheaper to implement, as cars already equipped with 4-wheel ABS (each tire equipped with a wheel speed sensor) only require a software upgrade. However, the indirect system is less accurate than the direct system, cannot pinpoint the faulty tire, and involves extremely complex calibration. In certain scenarios, such as when both tires on the same axle have low pressure, the system may fail to function properly.

[OLila]

I've been commuting by car for ten years, and I think the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a real lifesaver. How does it work? Most modern cars use direct TPMS, meaning there are tiny sensors inside the tires, attached to the inner wall to measure air pressure. These sensors act like mini-computers, continuously monitoring tire pressure and temperature, then transmitting the data wirelessly to a receiver in the car. After analysis, if the pressure drops below a safe threshold—for example, 30% below the standard—the warning light on the dashboard will illuminate to alert you. I've encountered this a few times during cold winter days when tire pressure dropped; the light flashing immediately reminded me to add air, preventing sidewall wear and extra fuel consumption. Proper tire pressure makes the car more stable, improves safety during turns, and eliminates worries about blowouts on long trips. Although the system is smart, I still make it a habit to manually check the tire pressure gauge every month because the sensor batteries typically last five to six years before needing replacement.

[AnaRose]

As a car enthusiast, I often delve into these technical details. The principle of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is divided into two types: direct and indirect. Direct systems install sensors near the tire valve stem to measure actual pressure and wirelessly transmit data to the vehicle's computer. Indirect systems are more ingenious, using ABS wheel speed sensors to monitor wheel rotation speed. If a tire's pressure is low, its rolling circumference decreases, causing it to rotate slightly faster than the others. The computer analyzes this discrepancy to trigger a warning. Both have advantages: direct systems are precise and detect leaks quickly, while indirect systems are cost-effective with no additional hardware required. When modifying my car, I noticed that wider wheels might affect the accuracy of indirect systems, which is why premium cars often use direct systems. The widespread adoption of TPMS has made driving safer by detecting slow leaks early and preventing high-speed blowouts. I recommend regularly calibrating the system.

[EliasRose]

I have been focusing on driving safety for many years, and the tire pressure monitoring system is an essential safeguard. Its working principle is to monitor tire pressure through sensors or ABS data. When the pressure is low, the system warning light comes on, letting you know it's time to check the tires. Under-inflated tires are prone to overheating and deformation, posing significant risks of losing control at high speeds. TPMS helps prevent such accidents, especially in severe weather. Remember, the standard tire pressure is usually printed on the label on the door frame.