Keeping the pressure up

Tyre pressure monitors will never replace good maintenance practices, but being aware of what's happening while you are driving is never a bad thing

AS NEW car technology continues to expand, with the introduction of new features to control and monitor what is happening around the vehicle, tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are hiding in plain sight.

Like many technologies, TPMS is not a new idea, heavy trucks have used the systems for many years, allowing drivers to keep an eye on multiple tyres, especially on trailers, without leaving the cab.

TPMS offers an economic benefit as well as improved safety, with properly inflated tyres improving fuel efficiency and extending tyre life, as well as keeping the car in full contact with the road surface.

The system works by incorporating a wireless unit in the tyre valve, looking for any change in the tyre’s internal pressure and sending an alert to the instrument cluster if it drops below a preset value.

While it cannot prevent a sudden decompression, such as a tyre blow-out, it can warn of a slow leak, for example if the preset level is 28psi, if the tyre drops to 26psi, the driver will get a warning to check the tyre.

Some systems, such as off-road units, allow the driver to adjust the alert level, so that deliberately lowering pressures for beach driving will not flag a warning, with the pressure able to be reset when tyres are re-inflated.

Although nothing replaces proper vehicle maintenance and inspection, TPMS can give early warning of low pressure, allowing drivers to check for leaks or damage and helping prevent tyre failure.