9+ Best Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems 2021 | Unrivaled Guide

A tire pressure monitoring system or TPMS is an electronic system for checking the air pressure in a vehicle tire that automatically transmits a warning of pressure leaks to the driver on the onboard computer and, in some cases, indicates excessive tire pressure.

These systems have been regulated to be installed on all European/American vehicles and similar legislation is being introduced around the world.

Most systems use direct TPMS sensors that transmit real-time tire-pressure information to the driver of the vehicle via a dashboard display or a hazard warning light.

The tire pressure monitoring system helps the driver to maintain the vehicle’s position correctly when cornering, increases driving safety, avoids waste in fuel consumption, increases tire life, and improves stopping performance.

The loss of pressure in the wheels is a natural factor and after a year a tire can lose between 3 and 9 psi. Most drivers only check their tires at service intervals or when problems occur. So there is a large margin of fuel economy and greater efficiency thanks to the tire pressure monitoring system.

Under-inflated tires are a huge safety problem.

TPMS sensors are believed to last roughly more than three sets of tires, so the cost of ownership is limited over the life of the vehicle and more than offset by the benefits gained.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

The TPMS or tire pressure monitoring system is an electronic system for checking the air pressure in a vehicle tire that automatically transmits a warning of pressure loss to the driver, on the onboard computer, and, in some cases, indicates excessive tire pressure.

These systems have been progressively introduced on all new European/American and American vehicles and similar legislation is being introduced around the world. In the United States & Europe, all cars sold from 1 November 2014 onwards are equipped with a TPMS system.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems | Comparison Table 2021

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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems | 2021 Products Overview

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Best Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems | Video Explanation

Most systems use direct TPMS sensors that transmit real-time tire-pressure information to the driver of the vehicle either via a dashboard display or via a hazard warning light. Sensors are physical pressure transducers that are located at the rear of the valve or are in a template that is attached to the wheel.

Sensors are supplied by international manufacturers such as Schrader, Alligator, Beru / HUF, Continental, TRW, Pacific Industrial, Lear, and others.

There is no common technical standard for sensors and original equipment (OE) so suppliers have come up with different designs for the sensors. TPMS sensors also transmit data such as unique sensor ID, temperature, pressure, battery life, and, where applicable, other diagnostic information. This data is sent to the electronic control unit (ECU) or to the specific receiver on the vehicle. Those vehicles that are equipped with graphic displays of the position of the sensors are able to identify on which wheel a certain problem has occurred.

TPMS objectives:

• increase in driving safety and decrease in the number of accidents; incorrect tire pressure can cause the braking distance to be extended, can have a negative impact on the position of the vehicle when cornering, and can cause the tires to overheat;
• suboptimal tire pressure implies higher fuel consumption;
• reduction of tire wear due to increased rolling resistance and CO2 emissions.

Advantages of the TPMS system:

• any tire problems are immediately reported to the driver;
• such problems can be solved in time;
• manual pressure controls, therefore, become superfluous.

 

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Time requirements relating to the provision of a TPMS system:

• from 1 November 2012, all new homologated models of cars and motorhomes sold within the EU must be equipped with a TPMS system;
• As of 1 November 2014, all passenger cars and motorhomes for registration in the EU must have a TPMS system.

 

Characteristics of the TPMS system according to European/American law:

• warning in case of pressure loss of a single tire (within 10 minutes):
• 20% less than the operating pressure (Pwarm) at 1.5 bar
• warning in case of pressure loss of all four tires (immediate and gradual loss):
• 20% less than the operating pressure (Pwarm) at 1.5 bar
• detection of a loss of pressure at speeds between 40 km / h and the maximum power of the vehicle
• data transfer with 434 MHz

What is Direct TPMS?

Tire pressure monitoring through sensors integrated on each tire that measure pressure and temperature, radio transmission of the data detected to the central receiver, data processing, display signaling for the driver

 

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Comparison with the indirect TPMS system:

• extremely precise data collection
• additional functions, such as tire position recognition, measurement of any pressure loss when the vehicle is not moving, and spare wheel monitoring
• higher costs for maintenance and replacement of tires
• requires major changes to the garages, eg. for maintenance, installation, and programming of TPMS sensors
• all tires (winter and summer tires and spare wheels) with a working sensor

What is indirect TPMS?

The use of sensors from the ESP / ABS system by determining the tire pressure by means of the number of revolutions and data transmission to the control unit (ECU = Electronic Control Unit)

In case of pressure loss:

• detection by the system of a higher number of revolutions of the tire
• signaling on the display as a warning for the driver

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Comparison with the direct TPMS system:

• less accurate (e.g. no indication of exact pressure loss and temperature measurement)
• less convenience (e.g. inability to measure pressure when the vehicle is stationary)
• less attention during tire replacement due to the absence of sensors in the tires

How can I perform maintenance on my TPMS?

The valves for the sensors are subject to natural wear and must be checked regularly (recommended with every tire change). A workshop providing dedicated TPMS services will be able to carry out maintenance.

When is there a TPMS obligation?

If you drive a car or a motorhome, it is important to be aware that:

• from 1 November 2012, all new homologated models of cars and motorhomes sold within the EU must be equipped with a TPMS system;
• As of 1 November 2014, all passenger cars and motorhomes for registration in the EU must have a TPMS system.

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How can I get this technology?

An indirect or direct TPMS is already integrated during vehicle manufacturing. If this is not the case, it is not necessary to integrate it later, as the vehicle is not subject to the obligation of TPMS. However, there are aftermarket kits, called retro-fit, which allow a vehicle to be equipped with sensors.

What should I do if my vehicle reports a pressure loss?

It is necessary to promptly go to a workshop, park the vehicle and contact roadside assistance, as a defective tire reduces the level of safety while driving.

My vehicle does not have a TPMS, do I have to integrate it?

In vehicles subject to a TPMS obligation, a direct or indirect TPMS has already been integrated during manufacture, otherwise, such a vehicle would not have been able to obtain any type of approval within one of the EU Member States. A posteriori integration is not mandatory.

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What happens if my TPMS is not working properly?

If an emergency warning appears in the vehicle display, it is advisable to consult a workshop as the TPMS is not working properly or a pressure loss has occurred.

In the review phase, a malfunctioning TPMS is considered a minor defect, pursuant to art. 29 of the German Road Traffic Admission Regulations (StVZO), and due to its importance in terms of safety, however, must be resolved promptly by the owner of the vehicle.

How much does a tire change with TPMS cost for a mid-range car?

An indirect TPMS does not involve extra costs. With direct systems, on the other hand, tire changes can cost twice as much (up to 160 dollars). Even in the purchase of a double train for winter tires, the TPMS has its weight: if the car was registered after 1 November 2014, you must necessarily have the TPMS sensors installed, even on the winter train. This means that if you have 8 rims, you have to equip yourself with 8 sensors, or remove the sensors from the rims for the summer and mount them on the winter ones.