The Hidden Limitations of Car TPMS You Should Know

📊 Introduction

Modern cars are equipped with TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems) that warn you when tyre pressure drops below a certain threshold. But relying only on that dashboard light might be a costly mistake. This guide will help you understand how TPMS works, where it can go wrong, and how to keep your tyres truly healthy.

⚠️ TPMS: Two Types, Two Truths

1. Direct TPMS

  • Uses sensors inside each tyre to give real-time pressure data.

  • More accurate, but sensors can wear out or get damaged.

  • Expensive to replace.

2. Indirect TPMS

  • Works via ABS wheel speed sensors.

  • Compares tyre rotation speed to detect under-inflation.

  • Doesn’t measure actual air pressure!

  • Can give false positives or miss gradual pressure loss.

Key Insight: Most budget and mid-range cars in India use indirect TPMS, which is less reliable.

❄️ Temperature vs. Tyre Pressure

  • Tyre pressure drops approx. 1 PSI for every 10°C temperature drop.

  • Cold mornings can trigger a TPMS warning, even if tyres are fine.

  • Driving heats the tyres, increasing pressure – and sometimes clearing the warning falsely.

Tip: Always check pressure in the morning when tyres are cold, using a manual gauge.

👉 Why Relying Only on TPMS Is Risky

  • Slow leaks from nails or valve issues might not trigger TPMS.

  • Over-inflation won’t always raise a warning – but can affect braking and handling.

  • Calibration errors after tyre rotation or change can mislead the system.

🔧 Manual Tyre Health Checklist

  1. Use a digital or analog tyre pressure gauge monthly.

  2. Check tread depth using a coin or tread depth gauge.

  3. Look for sidewall cracks or uneven wear.

  4. Keep a tyre inflator or portable air pump in your car.

Recommended pressure (usually 30-35 PSI) is mentioned inside the driver’s door frame or car manual. Adjust for load and highway runs.

🚨 The Cost of Ignoring Tyre Pressure

  • 5-10% drop in fuel efficiency

  • Risk of tyre burst on highways due to over/under-inflation

  • Uneven wear = shorter tyre life

✨ Bonus Tips:

  • For better grip and longer tyre life, check pressure before long trips and after a seasonal temperature change.

  • Invest in nitrogen filling if possible – more stable under temperature changes.

🚀 Final Word:

TPMS is a great feature, but not a substitute for awareness. If you truly care about safety, mileage, and tyre health – check it yourself, regularly.

Stay smart, stay inflated – and drive safe!