Which is Better: External or Internal Tire Pressure Monitoring?
2 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring systems, whether internal or external, each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice can be made based on the specific needs of your vehicle. Advantages and disadvantages of internal tire pressure monitoring devices: Advantages: Installed inside the tire, they use a sensor-equipped valve stem to replace the original one. The exposed part is minimal and does not protrude beyond the wheel rim. Once installed, they are virtually maintenance-free (lasting over 5 years without issues). Disadvantages: Installation is complex and requires wheel balancing. Advantages and disadvantages of external tire pressure monitoring devices: Advantages: Easy installation. There's no need to replace the valve stem or perform wheel balancing, and it may not even require inflating or deflating the tire. All the owner might need to do is screw the sensor onto the valve stem. Disadvantages: Not suitable for SUVs with higher tire pressure. Inflating or deflating requires removing and reinstalling the sensor. External sensors are more susceptible to damage from foreign objects. How tire pressure monitoring works: It uses pressure sensors installed inside the tire to measure the tire's air pressure. A wireless transmitter then sends the pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and misalignment, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Causes excessive stretching and deformation of tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, leading to internal cracks, blowouts, or even tire bursts.
I always use the built-in tire pressure sensors as they feel more reliable and safer. Installed inside the tire, they are unaffected by dust or rain, providing more accurate readings and avoiding false alarms. For long-distance drivers like me, this is especially important—if there’s a leak or unstable pressure, it alerts immediately, reducing the risk of a blowout. Although installation requires removing the tire and is a bit more expensive, in the long run, they are more durable, less prone to theft or damage from collisions. External sensors are cheaper and quicker to install, but exposed to the elements, their accuracy suffers, and they’re easier to steal. Overall, I recommend built-in sensors, especially for frequent drivers—safety comes first.
