How does a car sense tire pressure?
Direct TPMS uses a sensor mounted in the wheel to measure air pressure in each tire. If a tire’s pressure is low, it will roll at a different wheel speed than the other tires. This information is detected by your car’s computer system, which triggers the dashboard indicator light.
Are car tire pressure sensors accurate?
Meanwhile, a direct TPMS measures a tire’s actual pressure. Such systems are usually accurate to within 1 psi. Current direct systems use a gauge mounted to the wheel or tire valve. This gauge sends a signal to the car’s computer.
How do tire pressure sensors work when you rotate tires?
The system taps into your car’s ABS to figure out the air pressure. In this case, it’s looking at how quickly the tires rotate in relation to one another. If one tire is rotating slower, then that’s a sign that the tire is underinflated. Once this is sensed, then the TPMS sensor triggers a warning to your dashboard.
Can you drive with low tire pressure light on?
What Should I Do When The Tire Pressure Light Is On? When the tire pressure light comes on, there’s no need to worry. If you don’t have a tire gauge, then you can always drive the car to a nearby gas station or a tire shop and use their tire pressure gauge to see what the PSI is for each tire.
Where is a TPMS sensor located?
Where is the tire pressure sensor located? It is inside the tire attached to the inner part of the rim. If you remove the tire from the rim, you’ll see a small cylinder, which is the tire pressure sensor.
Does my car have a tire pressure monitoring system?
In the U.S., if you purchased a car or light duty vehicle under 10,000 lbs, manufactured after September 1, 2007, you have TPMS. If your model was manufactured after October 5, 2005, you may have TPMS. Also, prior to the legislation, some higher-end vehicles also came equipped with TPMS as a premium option.