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Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
Most people ignore their tires, yet tires are undoubtedly a critical safety component on a vehicle. Where the rubber meets the road affects traction, handling, steering, stability and braking. Because of this, a sudden tire failure can have serious consequences, especially if it occurs when operating at high speeds. - Nearly 250,000 accidents occur in the United States per year due to low tire pressure.
- About 75 % of roadside flats are preceded by a slow leak or under inflation.
- According to a recent survey, America could reduce its fuel consumption by 10 % and save a collective $2 billion a year by keeping tires properly inflated.
- NHTSA estimates that tire pressure monitoring systems could prevent as many as 79 deaths and 10,365 injuries each year in the United States.
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Why Newer Vehicles Are Equipped with TPMS |
In 2000, Congress passed the Tread Act in direct response to nation-wide tire recalls. The Tread Act spelled out a number of provisions related to tire safety, the most significant of which is the requirement that all new vehicles less than 10,000 GVW come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system warns the driver when one or more tires are significantly under inflated.
Each tire has a sensor mounted to the rim that detects air pressure in the tire and relays it to the vehicle's on board computer. Early systems had a light on the dash that would alert the driver when one or more tires were under inflated by at least 25% or more. Newer systems display individual tire pressures by a gauge located on the dash.
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What is the Effect of Under Inflation? |
20% under inflation
Reduces tire life by 20% (Michelin). Reduces fuel economy by 10% (Goodyear). 25% under inflation
Reduces tire's load carrying capacity by 20%. 40% under inflation
Reduces braking distance by 10%. (Michelin).
Under inflated tires is the leading cause of tire failure
Under inflation is involved in 20% of flat tire / blowout cases that result in a crash An estimated 23,000 accidents and 535 fatal accidents annually involve blowouts or flat tires. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is not only a major safety concern, but can also affect the handling and performance of your vehicle.
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Why Is It More Expensive and Time Consuming to Have Tires Serviced Rather Than Rotated? |
Technicians use special diagnostic tools to test and recalibrate sensors any time a tire is moved from one location on the vehicle to another. A sensor must be tested to make sure it is functioning correctly and also must be reprogrammed whenever tires are moved from one position to another during rotation. OEMs recommend a sensor service kit be installed every time a tire is serviced. These kits include replacement parts to properly service the sensor. Sensors are powered by a battery that usually has a life of 6 to 8 years. The sensor has to be replaced when the battery fails because the batteries are not replaceable.
- The battery goes dead
- Electronics fail
- Damaged
- Tire stop leak (the use of tire stop leak products will clog the sensor making it unable to detect the pressure)
Most people ignore their tires, yet tires are undoubted¬ly a critical safety component on a vehicle. Where the rubber meets the road affects traction, handling, steer¬ing, stability and braking. Because of this, a sudden tire failure can have serious consequences, especially if it occurs when operating at high speeds. - Nearly 250,000 accidents occur in the United States per year due to low tire pressure.
- About 75 % of roadside flats are preceded by a slow leak or under inflation.
- According to a recent survey, America could reduce its fuel consumption by 10 % and save a collective $2 billion a year by keeping tires properly inflated.
- NHTSA estimates that tire pressure monitoring sys¬tems could prevent as many as 79 deaths and 10,365 injuries each year in the United States.
Download Tire Pressure Monitoring System Brochure
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