What is Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring?
2 Answers
Indirect tire pressure monitoring uses wheel speed sensors to compare the rotational speeds of the tires to determine if there is any abnormality in tire pressure. If a monitoring fault is detected, it is likely due to a problem with the wheel speed sensor or poor internal contact. Reasons for the tire pressure monitoring light to illuminate include: 1. The tire pressure monitoring light may come on due to a punctured tire; 2. Sometimes, the tire pressure monitoring light illuminates because the tire pressure is too high; 3. Driving with low tire pressure for an extended period can also cause the tire pressure monitoring light to turn on. Indirect tire pressure monitoring devices essentially utilize the speed sensors in the car's ABS braking system to compare the rotation counts of the four tires. If one tire has lower pressure, its rotation count will differ from the others. By using the same sensors and signals as the ABS system, the vehicle's computer can adjust the software to establish a new function in the driving computer, warning the driver that one tire has lower pressure compared to the other three.
Indirect tire pressure monitoring is a system in cars that uses wheel speed sensors to estimate tire pressure levels. My vehicle is equipped with this feature, which primarily relies on ABS sensor data to monitor differences in tire rotation speeds. When a tire is underinflated, its circumference decreases, causing it to roll slightly faster than normal tires. The system triggers a dashboard warning light upon detecting this speed discrepancy. The advantage of this method is that it eliminates the need for additional sensors, reducing costs and saving energy. The downside is that it reacts slower and may occasionally give false alarms during turns or on slippery roads, without specifying which tire has the issue. Overall, it’s quite practical, especially for budget-conscious car owners, as it alerts you to address tire pressure problems promptly, reducing the risk of blowouts and enhancing driving safety. Many new cars come with it as standard—remember to calibrate the system regularly to prevent malfunctions, a habit I’ve learned from years of driving experience.
