Ensure your safety on the road with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This essential feature monitors your tyre pressure, alerting you to minor tyre pressure issues before they become major problems. Understanding and maintaining your TPMS is vital for road safety, fuel efficiency, and extending tyre life. Fortunately, you can trust First Stop for expert TPMS services. From installation to repair, we’ll make sure your tyres are always in ideal condition.
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Don’t let tyre pressure issues stop you! Tyres are what we do best—and that includes TPMS installation, servicing, and repair. Use our store locator to find your nearest First Stop and let’s get started.
What exactly is a TPMS and why is it so important?
Tyre pressure monitoring systems are designed to monitor and report the air pressure inside your tyres, and have become an integral part of many modern vehicles. This advanced technology is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances road safety by alerting you to any dangerous variations in tyre pressure, reducing the risk of accidents caused by underinflated or overinflated tyres. Secondly, maintaining correct tyre pressure leads to better fuel efficiency, as improper inflation can lead to increased fuel consumption. Additionally, TPMS can even extend the lifespan of your tyres by preventing the type of premature wear associated with incorrect tyre pressures.
TPMS is also essential for run-flat tyres, which are designed to continue performing even when they’re “flat”. Without TPMS, which alerts you as soon as one of your tyres loses pressure, you might not know you were driving on an underinflated tire.
Road safety and tyre longevity with TPMS
TPMS significantly enhances road safety and tyre longevity by helping you keep your tyres properly inflated. The system contributes to your vehicle’s performance in many ways, including:
- Improved handling: Correct tyre pressure ensures better vehicle stability and handling, especially in challenging driving conditions.
- Shorter braking distances: Properly inflated tyres provide more effective braking compared to overinflated or underinflated tyres, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Even wear: Maintaining the right tyre pressure with TPMS helps prevent uneven wear, prolonging tyre life.
- Reduced risk of blowouts: Correct pressure minimises the chance of sudden tyre failures, which can be dangerous.
- Fuel economy: Properly inflated tyres have lower rolling resistance, which means better fuel efficiency.
TPMS service and maintenance
At First Stop, our comprehensive TPMS service includes a thorough inspection and servicing of the system. This process begins with a diagnostic check to assess the condition and functionality of the TPMS sensors. These sensors, which provide accurate tyre pressure readings, can suffer from wear and tear or battery failure over time. Our technicians ensure that each sensor is functioning correctly and replace any that are faulty or nearing the end of their lifespan. We also recalibrate the system to ensure accurate readings, which is a particularly important step for vehicles with indirect TPMS systems.
Impact of overinflation or underinflation
TPMS helps you monitor and maintain the right tyre pressure, making it much easier to avoid the risks of overinflation and underinflation. Regularly monitoring your tyre pressure with TPMS and maintaining it within the recommended range is key to avoiding these issues.
Overinflation risks
- Reduced traction: Overinflated tyres have less contact with the road, leading to decreased grip and longer braking distances.
- Uneven wear: Excessive pressure often results in accelerated wear in the centre of the tyre tread.
- Harsher ride: Overinflation can cause a less comfortable driving experience due to reduced tyre flexibility.
Underinflation risks
- Increased fuel consumption: Underinflated tyres have more rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel usage.
- Overheating: Low air pressure causes tyres to overheat, increasing the risk of tyre failure.
- Edge wear: Tyres with low pressure typically show lots of wear on the edges.
TPMS direct and indirect systems
TPMS usually comes in two forms: direct and indirect. Direct TPMS uses pressure sensors located in each tyre, which provide individual tyre pressure readings to the vehicle’s computer system. In contrast, indirect TPMS works with the vehicle's antilock braking system (ABS) to monitor the rotation of each wheel. A tyre with excessive or insufficient pressure will rotate at a different speed compared to properly inflated tyres. While indirect systems are less expensive, they are generally considered less accurate than direct systems and can require more frequent recalibration.
Recognising TPMS faults
The most obvious indicator of a TPMS issue is when the TPMS warning light on your dashboard comes on. This light, often in the shape of a tyre with an exclamation mark, means there’s a discrepancy in tyre pressures or a malfunction within the TPMS itself. Another sign of TPMS trouble is when the system consistently gives inaccurate readings, which can be verified through manual tyre pressure checks. If the TPMS warning light stays on despite the tyres being at the correct pressure, there may be a sensor malfunction or system error.
It's important to address these issues promptly, as they can lead to incorrect tyre pressure and impact your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre life. At First Stop, we have the expertise to quickly diagnose and repair TPMS faults. Our technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of the problem and provide the right solutions to keep your TPMS functioning properly.
Make us your First Stop for TPMS
TPMS is an essential safety feature in modern vehicles, playing a crucial role in maintaining tyre pressure. As a result, regular checks and maintenance of tyre pressure monitoring systems have become an important part of any car servicing schedule.
For professional TPMS installation, servicing, and repair, simply visit your nearest First Stop. With our skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, we can make sure your TPMS functions flawlessly, providing you with peace of mind and a safer driving experience.
TPMS FAQs
IF WE INSTALL THE SPARE WHEEL, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TPMS?
When we fit the spare wheel, we have to connect the TPMS sensor to monitor the pressure on this tyre in real-time. We recommend you visit a First Stop garage to get the TPMS properly adjusted.