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How much do you know about the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and its best benefit?
You may have heard that the TPMS provides fuel economy benefits. While technically true (more on that below), this is not its primary perk. The best—and only reason—you should need to maintain your TPMS isn't related to savings, rather, it's related to safety.
Today, we take a look at:
Why the United States Requires All Modern Vehicles to Have a TPMS
The United States was the first country to require the TPMS on vehicles. What spurred this mandate was the amount of accidents happening due to tire blowouts and rollovers caused by low pressure. Since 2007, all new cars, SUVs, and light trucks manufactured in the US must have a TPMS installed.
Safety IS the Primary Benefit
The TPMS is your early warning system for tire-related problems. It serves as a vigilant guardian, continuously monitoring your tire pressure levels and alerting you when they fall below a certain threshold. By detecting low pressure caused by issues such as slow leaks, punctures, and gradual pressure loss, the TPMS gives you a chance to address them early to help prevent blowouts, sudden loss of control, and accidents resulting from tire failures.
Safety is the reason for the TPMS.
What's the Relationship Between the TPMS & Fuel Economy?
While it's true that properly inflated tires contribute to improved fuel economy, this benefit is more of a result of routine tire care than responding to a TPMS alert. Here's why: The TPMS alerts you when the tire pressure drops to 25% under the recommended level, but by that point, you've been driving with suboptimal inflation for some time. The fuel savings you'll enjoy at this point are minimal and pale in comparison to the potentially catastrophic safety risks of driving with underinflated tires if you don't fix the issue.
A Modern Tire Dealer article looked at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and concluded that a vehicle without a TPMS installed would only use .88 gallons of fuel more than a vehicle with a TPMS installed. That said, there is a national benefit to consider. If every vehicle in the US were equipped with a TPMS, this could result in savings of $782,943,744. Now THAT is an impressive number.
Another item to keep in mind: there are technologically advanced TPMS solutions available today, including aftermarket options. Some of these systems allow you to know the pressure of each tire in real time, so you don't need to wait until you reach the 25% threshold to see a reminder about tire pressure.
If it isn't already, checking tire pressure levels should be a routine part of your tire care plan, at least once a month.
Maintain, Repair, Replace: Your Responsibility
To harness the safety benefits of TPMS, you must take responsibility for maintaining, repairing, and replacing sensors when needed. Regular maintenance ensures accurate readings, timely alerts, and swift action to address any tire issues. Repairing or replacing malfunctioning sensors is vital to ensure that this safety feature works.
While fuel economy benefits are up for debate and might be minimal on an individual level, that's okay. Because the primary function of the TPMS is to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Check your owner's manual for information on your vehicle's TPMS and how best to maintain it, as well as when to replace the sensors. This way, you can drive with peace of mind knowing if there's an issue or if you forgot to give your tires air, there's a system in place to alert you.
Safety is the ultimate benefit of TPMS, and it should be the only reason you need to take care of this essential component of your vehicle.
TPMS Service in Ferndale, Washington
Do you need a TPMS repair shop in Ferndale, WA? The team at Northwest Custom Wheel LLC can assist you! We specialize in tire services, including the repair of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
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