What are the safety hazards of external tire pressure monitoring?
3 Answers
External tire pressure monitoring has the following safety hazards: Inaccurate measurement data: Since the external sensor module is installed on the outside of the tire valve, it cannot accurately measure the pressure inside the tire; Poor anti-theft performance: Unlike internal sensors installed inside the tire, external sensor modules are easily stolen and are more susceptible to damage when left exposed; Inconvenient inflation process: The external sensor needs to be removed each time the tire is inflated, and frequent installation and removal may also damage the valve; Limited warning effectiveness: The data transmission frequency of external sensors is relatively slow, making it difficult for the in-vehicle display module to promptly observe changes in tire pressure values. The working principle of tire pressure monitoring is: Using pressure sensors installed inside the tire to measure tire pressure, wireless transmitters send pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module. Methods to reset tire pressure alarm: There is a tire monitoring indicator button on the central console. After the system issues a low tire pressure warning, the vehicle must remain stationary for about one minute. Do not move the vehicle or turn off and restart the ignition until the button is pressed to recalibrate the tire monitoring indicator. Find the tire pressure reset option in the settings on the central display. If none of the above methods work, visit a 4S store to have the tire pressure alarm reset.
I often use an external tire pressure monitoring system for my daily commute, finding it convenient but with quite a few hidden dangers. The main issue is unstable installation—sensors can easily loosen and fall off. Last time, mine dropped on the road and almost hit the car behind me, nearly causing an accident. Secondly, thieves can easily unscrew and steal the device, costing hundreds of yuan in loss and exposing the valve stem, which may lead to air leakage or dust ingress. In terms of balance, at high speeds, the steering wheel may slightly vibrate, increasing wear and tear risks. Another concern is inaccurate readings: in winter, low temperatures may cause the sealing ring to fail, leading to erratic readings that mislead me into overinflating the tires. I recommend choosing a model with anti-theft screws and manually checking the installation before each drive. Built-in systems are more reliable but take more time to install. Don’t neglect daily maintenance—regularly test the battery level and ensure the device is waterproof. Driving safety comes first; don’t overlook these small details to save money.
From a practical perspective, external tire pressure monitoring systems pose three main safety hazards. First, the valve stem is prone to damage: uneven force when screwing on the sensor or aging valves can cause slow leaks, which may lead to tire blowouts if the pressure drops significantly. Second, the device can be damaged by external forces: impacts from roadside debris or high-pressure car wash hoses can loosen it, affecting reading accuracy. Personal testing showed errors up to 10%, making low-pressure warnings dangerously unreliable. Third, weather impacts: heavy rain can short-circuit sensors, while high temperatures cause battery expansion. I recommend applying even, moderate force during installation and choosing reputable brands with warranties. Long-term, built-in systems are more theft-resistant and accurate with less hassle. For maintenance, simply clean sensor interfaces monthly to prevent clogging. Safety relies on prevention—just a bit of care goes a long way.
