Is it okay not to install a tire pressure monitoring system?
3 Answers
Tire Pressure Monitoring System, abbreviated as "TPMS", is a technology that can automatically monitor various conditions of tires in real time by recording tire rotation speed or electronic sensors installed in the tires, providing effective safety protection for driving. The tire pressure monitoring system can monitor changes in tire pressure in real time, effectively avoiding dangerous situations such as tire blowouts. However, the installation of a tire pressure monitoring system is not mandatory. Tire pressure monitoring systems can be divided into two types, as detailed below: 1. Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Also known as WSBTPMS, the indirect tire pressure monitoring system compares the speed difference between tires through the wheel speed sensors of the car's ABS anti-lock braking system to monitor tire pressure. ABS determines whether a wheel is locked through the wheel speed sensor to decide whether to activate the anti-lock braking system. When tire pressure decreases, the weight of the vehicle will cause the tire diameter to become smaller, resulting in changes in vehicle speed. Changes in vehicle speed will trigger the WSB alarm system, thereby alerting the driver to insufficient tire pressure. Therefore, indirect TPMS is a passive type of TPMS. 2. Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Also known as PSBTPMS, the direct tire pressure monitoring system uses pressure sensors installed on the tires to measure tire pressure and temperature, and uses a wireless transmitter to send pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which then displays the tire pressure data. When the tire experiences high pressure, low pressure, or high temperature, the system will issue an alarm to alert the driver.
I've been driving for over a decade and witnessed many tire blowout accidents, most of which were caused by tire pressure issues. The tire pressure monitoring system is absolutely crucial—it constantly monitors your tire pressure and alerts you if it's too low or high, helping you avoid loss of control or blowout risks. While skipping installation might seem cost-effective and convenient in the short term, driving long distances or on highways with improper pressure can easily lead to accidents or even rollovers. Manual pressure checks are troublesome, easy to forget, and often inaccurate. I strongly recommend installing this system. Nowadays, it's standard in most new cars, and older vehicles can be retrofitted at reasonable cost. Safety should always come first—don't gamble with your life. In some regions, it's even illegal to drive without one, punishable by fines. In short, while technically possible to go without, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.
As a car owner, I prioritize cost-effectiveness. The initial investment of a few hundred yuan for a tire pressure monitoring system may seem steep, but it saves significant money in the long run—preventing premature tire wear, blowout repairs, and increased fuel consumption. Having driven for 5 years without one, I once had to spend thousands replacing tires ruined by unstable pressure. Skipping installation might save upfront costs, but manual weekly checks are time-consuming and often missed. While regulations mandate it for most new vehicles, older cars may skip it—but insurers might deny claims for accidents. I believe going without is feasible short-term for urban commutes, but dangerous on highways. Installation brings peace of mind and fuel savings. On balance, installing is the most economical choice.
