Is Tire Pressure Monitoring Mandatory to Install?
2 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring is mandatory to install. The following are potential hazards caused by abnormal tire pressure: Reduced braking performance: Excessive tire pressure decreases the contact area between the tire tread and the ground, reducing friction and extending braking distance. Increased fuel consumption: Insufficient tire pressure increases the contact area between the tire tread and the ground, raising friction and resistance, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Shortened tire lifespan: Excessive tire pressure causes over-wear in the center of the tread, while insufficient pressure leads to over-wear on both sides of the tread. Both scenarios result in premature tire failure. Tire blowouts: According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire pressure 25% below the standard value triples the likelihood of a blowout, while pressure 25% above the standard value doubles the risk.
Not having a tire pressure monitoring system is a major risk. I once drove an old clunker that suddenly had a flat tire on the highway—the steering wheel shook so violently I could barely control it, nearly crashing into the roadside. The mechanic later said a monitoring system would have alerted me much earlier. It checks tire pressure in real time, immediately warning you of leaks or underinflation to avoid blowouts, while also helping save fuel and extend tire life. Improperly inflated tires can burn 5% more fuel, which adds up to significant costs over time. Most new cars now come with them as standard, but even retrofitting an older car for a few hundred bucks is worth it, especially for long trips or frequent highway driving—this little gadget can be a lifesaver. Safety first—don’t wait for an accident to regret it. Manually checking tires regularly is a hassle, while a monitoring system handles it automatically. In short, though not mandatory for every car, I strongly recommend considering one.
