Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

As some of you may know, new cars now come standard with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) or (TPM). These systems work my a pressure sensitive device in your wheel that communicates with your vehicles computer.

A lot of people think their tire-pressure monitoring system in their new car makes sure that their tires are adequately inflated. This is not true. A TPMS is not required to issue a warning until the tires pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. And according to AAA, that's "well below the pressure required for safe driving." And the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) says that 25 percent below the recommended pressure is "barely adequate to carry the vehicle's maximum load." TPM systems are intended as a last-minute warning before imminent tire failure is possible, not as a monitor to make sure your tires are properly inflated. 

If your TPMS does recognize that one of your tires is below spec, you should see a symbol like this somewhere on your vehicles instrument display. 

To make sure that your tires stay at their optimum operating pressure. Be sure to check the pressure regularly.  Buy a quality tire gauge and set your tire pressure to at least the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, which is found on the driver's door jamb. I'd rather you set your tires 3 or even 5 psi high rather than 1 low. Tire-pressure gauges can be inaccurate, and tires leak as much as 1 psi per month. Higher pressure improves hydroplaning resistance and, if you're like many folks, you may not bother to check your tires again for six months.