| There are two types of tire pressure monitoring | | | | usually occurs if the sensor's lithium battery, with a |
| systems. The first, and most popular, is the direct | | | | life expectancy of five to ten years, dies or if the |
| TPMS. Direct TPMS uses pressure sensors located in | | | | transducer or transponder stops working. The older a |
| each wheel. Each sensor measures the real-time | | | | vehicle is the more likely it is that a sensor will fail. |
| pressure in its respective tire, warning you when the | | | | Typically, if the TPMS light is blinking on your |
| air pressure in that tire drops at least 25% below the | | | | dashboard it means there is a problem with the |
| recommended cold tire inflation pressure. | | | | system. |
| The second is an indirect TPMS. This system does | | | | A repair shop will not disable a TPMS low-pressure |
| not use physical sensors but instead measures the air | | | | warning signal upon request because it is illegal to do |
| pressure and bases its warnings upon monitoring the | | | | so. No law dictates that every sensor has to be |
| velocity of the tires. An under inflated tire has a | | | | functioning or that the TPMS must be repaired if it is |
| smaller diameter than a properly inflated tire so it has | | | | malfunctioning. It is not recommended however, that |
| to rotate faster to cover the same ground as the | | | | drivers operate their vehicle without this system in |
| properly inflated tires. | | | | proper working order. A well working TPMS will alert |
| A direct TPMS includes five service parts: a valve | | | | you to low-pressure on the first occurrence so that |
| core, valve nut, valve cap, seal, and seal washer. | | | | it can be fixed to keep you safe and to keep your |
| These parts are fragile and can be easily damaged | | | | tires from wearing prematurely. |
| over time or when you replace your tires. It is | | | | If your car does not have a TPMS, your local tire |
| important to keep the sensor operating and extend | | | | discount store can install a portable direct system in |
| its life by replacing and/or servicing damaged parts. | | | | your vehicle. The system's individual sensor in each |
| An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified | | | | tire monitors tire pressure, temperature and other |
| technician is trained to diagnose and service any | | | | important data and alerts you when a problem arises |
| problem with your TPMS. | | | | through a dashboard transmitter. |
| The sensors are designed to outlast the life of your | | | | Although a TPMS indicates to you low tire pressure |
| tires and since the TPMS sensors are attached to the | | | | as soon as it occurs, it is still strongly recommended |
| wheel itself, every time a tire is removed it is | | | | that you manually check your tire pressure at least |
| recommended the valve cap, valve core, valve nut | | | | once a month and always before a long trip. Low tire |
| and seal washer be replaced with original equipment | | | | pressure can cause tire stress, uneven tire wear, loss |
| (OE) specification parts. The main cause of valve | | | | of control and accidents. Keep you and your |
| leaks is from old and damaged rubber grommets so | | | | passengers safe by properly maintaining your current |
| they must be replaced when reinstalling a sensor. | | | | TPMS or by installing a portable TPMS at your local |
| The most common problem with direct TPMS is the | | | | tire discount store. |
| loss of response from any one of the sensors. This | | | | |