What is Volkswagen's Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
3 Answers
Volkswagen's indirect tire pressure monitoring system uses wheel speed sensors to compare the rotational speeds of the tires to determine if there is any abnormal 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 comes on because the tire pressure is too high; 3. The tire pressure monitoring light may illuminate after driving with low tire pressure for an extended period. Volkswagen's lineup includes models such as Jetta, Touran, Lavida, and Bora. The dimensions of the Volkswagen Lavida are 4670mm in length, 1806mm in width, and 1474mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2688mm.
I've been driving Volkswagen cars for over a decade and have helped friends repair many VW models. Their indirect tire pressure monitoring system is quite interesting. This system doesn't directly measure each tire's pressure, but instead uses the car's built-in ABS sensors to monitor wheel rotation speed. For example, when a tire's pressure is low, that wheel's diameter becomes smaller and rotates faster. The system detects this speed difference and lights up a warning. The advantage is it doesn't require additional sensors, keeping costs low; the downside is it's not very precise and requires manual calibration in the settings menu after every tire change or inflation, otherwise there might be many false alarms. Also, it may not work properly at low speeds - it's most reliable on highways. Safety-wise, incorrect tire pressure affects braking and fuel consumption, so I use a tire pressure gauge monthly to check and maintain each tire at the recommended value to prevent blowouts. This system is standard equipment in most VWs and has saved many people trouble.
I drive a Volkswagen Tiguan for my daily commute, and I always stay alert when the indirect tire pressure monitoring system's yellow warning light comes on the dashboard. It uses ABS sensors to compare the rotational speeds of all four wheels to detect any pressure issues. For example, if a tire is slightly deflated, its rotation speed increases, triggering an automatic system alert. This feature once helped me during a countryside trip—the light came on, I pulled over to check, and found a nail in the front tire. The advantage is its simple setup, saving manufacturers hardware costs. The downside is the calibration hassle—after fitting new tires, you must reset the system using the center console button, or else false alarms on the highway can be annoying. Now, I make it a habit to check tire pressure with an inflator pump every season, ensuring it stays within the standard range (usually 30-35 psi). This routine helps avoid major repairs and enhances driving safety.
