What does 'Check TPMS' mean?

[McGraham]

The 'Check TPMS' warning indicates that the pressure in one of your tires may be too low. Immediately reduce your speed and avoid sharp steering or sudden braking, then check the tire pressure. Here is some relevant information: 1. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. 2. There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems based on different monitoring principles. 3. The first is a direct TPMS, which uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure tire pressure. The system transmits pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module via wireless transmitters, then displays the tire pressure data for each tire. The system will automatically issue an alert when tire pressure is too low or if there is a leak. 4. The second is an indirect TPMS. When the pressure in a tire decreases, the vehicle's weight causes that tire's rolling radius to become smaller, making it rotate faster than the other wheels. By comparing the rotational speed differences between tires, the system monitors tire pressure. Indirect tire alert systems actually rely on calculating the tire's rolling radius to monitor pressure.

[McJoseph]

Yesterday my neighbor asked me what that little exclamation mark with parentheses on the dashboard meant—it was actually the TPMS warning light. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is now a standard feature in most new cars. It's like having a pair of little eyes on each wheel, constantly monitoring whether the tire pressure is normal. If the pressure drops suddenly or a tire is noticeably off, it immediately lights up the dashboard to alert you. Especially during seasonal changes when it gets cold or before long trips, tire pressure can fluctuate easily. Having this system helps you avoid potential hazards in advance. But remember, it only alerts you and doesn’t fix the problem itself. If the light comes on, you should immediately check your tires or refill the air—safety first!

[ReeseFitz]

Last time I drove back to my hometown, a small yellow warning light suddenly flashed on the dashboard halfway, showing an icon resembling a flat tire. After consulting a mechanic friend, I learned it was the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerting me about low tire pressure. This feature is incredibly practical – each of the four tires contains miniature sensors that continuously transmit real-time pressure data to the vehicle's computer. The system triggers an alarm when pressure drops 25% below normal levels. In my case, the right rear tire had a slow leak caused by a nail puncture. Without this timely warning, continuing to drive could have completely ruined the tire. It's especially important to monitor during winter – for every 10°C temperature drop, tire pressure decreases by 7-8 kPa. I recommend checking and adjusting tire pressure monthly when the tires are cold, bringing them up to the values specified on the door jamb label.

[MacHarrison]

When my daughter was taking her driver's license test, I specifically explained TPMS to her. Simply put, it's the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is now mandatory for all new vehicles. The principle is quite ingenious: there's a coin-sized sensor near each tire valve that continuously sends tire pressure data powered by a battery while driving. The car has a receiver that constantly monitors the readings, and if the tire pressure is abnormal, it triggers a warning light. 70% of tire blowouts on highways are caused by abnormal tire pressure, so this system can truly be a lifesaver! If you see a yellow U-shaped symbol with an exclamation mark in the middle on your dashboard, don't hesitate—pull over immediately and check your tires.

[DePaisley]

Statistics show that driving with underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 3% and reduce tire lifespan by half. That's why tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have become standard equipment in new vehicles. There are two types: direct and indirect. Direct TPMS uses sensors inside the tires that can detect pressure changes as small as 0.1 bar, while indirect TPMS calculates pressure based on wheel speed sensors and requires recalibration after tire changes. It's recommended to develop the habit of checking the tire pressure display on the dashboard when starting a cold engine, and inspecting the spare tire's pressure before long trips. If you find yourself needing to refill a particular tire every week, there's an 80% chance it's slowly leaking due to a small nail puncture.