Is Tire Pressure Monitoring Important?
3 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring is important. The tire pressure monitoring sensor is installed inside the tire or outside the valve stem. The tire pressure monitor is a simple tire pressure monitoring system. Its working principle is: using the sensing function of ABS to compare the number of rotations of the tires. A tire with insufficient pressure will have a shorter circumference. If one of the four tires has insufficient pressure, its rotation count will differ from the others while driving. The steps to install a tire pressure monitor are: 1. Prepare the tire pressure detector; 2. Locate the factory tire pressure monitoring mark; 3. Use the tire pressure detector to press against the tire valve for testing; 4. After measuring the tire pressure, ensure the valve cap is securely replaced.
The tire pressure monitoring system is really crucial. I've been driving for twenty years and have witnessed quite a few accidents caused by tire pressure issues. Once on the highway, my friend's right rear tire pressure suddenly dropped to 1.6, but thankfully the tire pressure warning alerted him in time, preventing a blowout. Abnormal tire pressure accelerates tire wear—a tire that could last five or six years might need replacement in three or four if the pressure is consistently low. Fuel consumption also increases; if tire pressure is 20% below the standard, it could burn an extra 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Pay special attention during seasons with significant temperature fluctuations. In winter, cold tire pressure might seem normal, but it can spike dramatically as the tires heat up while driving, and the opposite happens in summer. Direct tire pressure monitoring systems display the exact pressure for each tire, while indirect systems rely on ABS sensors—cheaper but less accurate. Many countries now mandate this system for new cars. It's advisable to manually check tire pressure monthly to calibrate the system and not rely entirely on electronic devices.
I think the tire pressure monitoring system is like a health check-up device for cars, directly affecting the thickness of your wallet. Last time, I ignored the tire pressure warning light, and as a result, the inner edges of two tires wore into a wavy pattern. The mechanic said they needed replacement, costing me over a thousand yuan for nothing. Normally, a tire pressure of 2.5 bar, if it drops to 2.0, increases rolling resistance by 30%, equivalent to always having a heavy person sitting in the trunk, significantly increasing fuel consumption. When driving on highways, tire temperature can rise above 70°C, and insufficient tire pressure makes blowouts more likely. Nowadays, I always carry a tire pressure gauge to check the free air pumps at Sinopec gas stations, since built-in sensors can fail. My advice is not to rush onto the highway if tire pressure is abnormal; first, check for punctures or leaks at the valve stem.
