What is the function of tire pressure monitoring?
2 Answers
The function of tire pressure monitoring is to automatically and real-time monitor the tire pressure during vehicle driving, and to alert for tire leakage and low pressure to ensure driving safety. There are three commonly used tire pressure monitoring methods: Direct tire pressure monitoring: The direct tire pressure monitoring device uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure the tire pressure. It uses a wireless transmitter to send the pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which then displays the tire pressure data for each tire. When the tire pressure is too low or there is a leak, the system will automatically alert. Indirect tire pressure monitoring: When the pressure of a tire decreases, the weight of the vehicle will cause the rolling radius of that wheel to become smaller, resulting in a faster rotation speed compared to other wheels. By comparing the speed differences between the tires, the purpose of monitoring tire pressure is achieved. The indirect tire pressure alert system actually relies on calculating the rolling radius of the tires to monitor the pressure. Introduction to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): It combines the advantages of the above two systems, equipping direct sensors in two diagonally opposite tires and a 4-wheel indirect system. Compared to using only a direct system, this composite system can reduce costs and overcome the defect of the indirect system not being able to detect when multiple tires simultaneously have low pressure. However, it still cannot provide real-time data of the actual pressure in all four tires like the direct system.
I've been driving for many years and found the tire pressure monitoring system particularly useful, mainly for safety. It monitors the air pressure of each tire in real-time, and if the pressure is too low or abnormal, a warning light on the dashboard will illuminate, reminding you to address the issue promptly. This helps avoid tire blowouts, which are especially dangerous at high speeds and can trigger a chain reaction. I once experienced a slow leak that I didn't notice, but thankfully the system alerted me, preventing more serious damage. Beyond safety, it also helps reduce fuel waste because insufficient tire pressure increases friction between the tires and the road, leading to higher fuel consumption. On average, maintaining proper tire pressure can save 5%-10% on fuel costs while extending tire lifespan and reducing replacement frequency. It's great that new regulations require it as standard equipment—really thoughtful.
