Under Pressure – Why tire pressure shouldn’t go overlooked
We take our warning lights in our vehicles for granted. If your tire pressure is off or your gas is too low, your car will let you know. It hasn’t always been that way, however, and many of the regulations pertaining to these signals were adopted much more recently than you’d think. The technology for your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for instance, wasn’t required until the TREAD Act went into effect in the 2000’s.
The act mandated the use of effective TPMS technology in commuter vehicles. This legislation led to technology that alerts drivers in dangerous instances of under and over inflation. Properly inflated tires ensure that your car handles well and carries loads to its capability. With the right inflation level, you can increase water dispersion and reduce rolling resistance, all while increasing driver and passenger safety.
The low tire pressure indicator is a yellow symbol that represents a tire cross section with an exclamation point over it. This light alerts drivers to inflation issues; you need to air up your tires immediately. This recent feature is simpler and more accurate than the old hand gauge method, and it improves driving safety, so it makes sense to pay attention and act accordingly. Thanks to the TREAD act, your vehicle now has either an indirect or direct TPMS.
Indirect TPMS is the simpler of the two systems. It is cheaper, requires less maintenance, and is easier to install than the direct method. An indirect TPMS uses wheel speed sensors to determine tire inflation. If a wheel spins too fast, the TPMS sends a signal that activates the indicator light, letting the driver know the tires are under inflated.
Direct TPMS, while less simple, is far more reliable than the indirect option and delivers actual tire pressure readings from inside the tire, rather than relying on the revolution rate for information. While costlier, it is more accurate and can even provide tire temperature readings. Perhaps more difficult to install, the increased assurance of your safety is worth a little complication.
Even with their differences, both systems ensure that you arrive safely at your destination. Always remember that, although the TPMS system is accurate, as a driver, you must also manually check your air pressure. As one of the largest commercial tire dealers and retread manufacturers in the United States, we at Bauer Built often see the problems that arise from improperly inflated tires, and we want to keep everyone safe on the roads. For more insights into tire maintenance—as well as tips for the right oils, additives, and tires for your vehicle—visit Bauer Built today!
Categories: Bauer Built Blog, Tire Care Tips
