A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a safety device that measures, identifies and warns the driver when one or more tires is significantly under-inflated. Each sensor transmits temperature, air pressure, battery state and sensor location to the vehicle’s computer.
Some of the newest vehicles on the road today use tire pressure monitoring systems to make sure that all four tires are properly inflated. This can be a very valuable feature in a car or truck for several reasons.
Benefits
- Peace of mind knowing that your tires, your only contact with the road, are inflated properly for optimum performance and handling.
- Monitor displays current tire pressures for all tires.
- Tire pressure is constantly monitored, while moving or parked.
- Dig Options TPMS alerts to dangerous low-pressure situations with both a visual and an audible alert.
- Two thresholds of low tire pressure warnings - a double threshold of safety.
- Greater stability, handling and braking with tires properly inflated. Tires with low air pressures skid and hydroplane more easily.
- Each year 80,000 accidents are attributed to low tire pressure.
INTERNAL vs. EXTERNAL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS
There are two types of Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
internal sensor systems where the sensor is inside the tire or external systems which use external sensors. Internal systems use sensors that are strapped around the wheel or replace the valve stem and are inside the tire. Internal sensor systems require additional antennas in the wheel wells for reliable reception of sensor signals, are expensive to install and maintain and are challenged with getting a reliable signal through the metal and materials of a tire. External systems are those which have sensors which read from outside of the tire.
WHY INTERNAL SENSORS? |
WHY EXTERNAL SENSORS? |
Sensor installed inside the tire where the air pressure and temperature are intended to be checked. This is the only way to guarantee the accuracy of the data. |
Less expensive, quick and easy to install. |
Internal Sensors are installed inside wheel assembly. Good for all wheels; |
The Function of External Sensor are the same as the internal. |
It will not be stolen, will not be knocked off, will last for the whole product life (5-7 years); |
Installation is quicker than internal Sensors |
Does not affect tire valve stems. |
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Easy to inflate the tire. |
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