Treadworks® provides Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) services to Farmington, NM, Kirtland, NM, Durango, CO, and other surrounding areas.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety feature designed to alert drivers when one or more tires are significantly under-inflated, which could lead to poor handling, increased tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, or tire failure. TPMS became widespread and mandated by law in many regions after several high-profile accidents were linked to poorly inflated tires, leading to an increased focus on tire safety. In the United States, the move towards mandating the Tire Pressure Monitoring System was largely a result of the TREAD Act (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation Act), which was passed by Congress in 2000.

There are two main types of TPMS: direct and indirect.

Direct TPMS uses pressure sensors located in each wheel to measure the actual tire pressure in real time. The sensors transmit tire pressure information to the car's computer system, typically via radio frequency signals. If the pressure in one or more tires drops below the manufacturer's recommended level, the system triggers a warning light on the dashboard to alert the driver. Direct TPMS is known for its accuracy and reliability but tends to be more expensive due to the cost of the sensors.

Indirect TPMS doesn't use physical pressure sensors in the wheels. Instead, it works with the car's antilock braking system (ABS) sensors to monitor the rotational speed of each wheel (an under-inflated tire has a smaller diameter and rotates faster than a properly inflated tire). The system compares the rotational speed of all four tires, and if it detects that one tire is rotating more quickly than the others, it infers that the tire is under-inflated and activates the warning light. Indirect TPMS is less costly than direct TPMS but may not be as accurate since it can be influenced by other factors, such as uneven tire wear.

Regardless of the type, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is designed to be a maintenance aid, not a replacement for regular tire pressure checks. It is typically set to alert the driver when tire pressure is 25% or more below the manufacturer's recommended pressure level. This means that tires could be slightly under-inflated without triggering the TPMS warning, which is why manual checks with a tire gauge are still important for optimal vehicle performance and safety.

When the TPMS warning light illuminates, the driver should check the tire pressure levels and inflate the tires to the proper level as soon as possible. Some vehicles also have a TPMS reset button that may need to be pressed after the tires are inflated to the correct pressure, to recalibrate the system. Check your owner's manual to learn more about TPMS reset procedures for your make and model.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is an essential feature in modern vehicles that serves to improve safety and performance by ensuring that tires are properly inflated and giving drivers a warning. It is important for drivers to understand how their vehicle's TPMS works and to continue to perform regular tire pressure checks to maintain their car's handling, efficiency, and safety.

If you need TPMS service in Farmington, NM, contact Treadworks®. We can assist with a variety of tire services to keep your vehicle rolling for miles to come. From TPMS sensor replacement to TPMS warning light resets, our team is ready to aid you in all things tires.