Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS for short)

So, TPMS, was first introduced as a safety feature and a way to help lower the cars emissions. So, wheat many drivers dont know is that when their tyres have low pressure. Hence the engine has to work harder to propel the car along. Thus creating more pollution than necessary.

Most modern cars now have this system fitted. In fact TPMS is fitted to cars as standard from 2014 onwards. So if the The wheel of your car is fitted with a sensor attached to the wheels valve. Although it looks like a regular old fashioned rubber valve, it is a piece of modern technology warning light comes on then it should not be ignored. The illuminated light means that your tyre pressures are low. Of course this could be caused by a puncture repair and needs immediate attention.

A sensor valve in each tyre monitors tyre pressures

This is how the system works. The wheel of your car is fitted with a sensor attached to the wheels valve. Although it looks like a regular old fashioned rubber valve, it is a piece of modern technology. The sensor knows what pressure your tyres should be set at. If pressure is lost then a signal is sent to the cars computer which illuminates the warning light on the dashboard.

If the rubber or metal valve is damaged then it can be simply replaced and a new one reattached to the sensor. Most car models would cost £19.90 for this service. Incidentally, this price also includes re programming the sensor to the cars computer. Of course this resets the warning light, which consequently goes out.

TPMS sensors should be serviced regularly to avoid sensors developing faults.

So each sensor has its own unique number allocated to it. Of course it is also fitted with a tiny battery. battery failure is beginning to become one of the main problems. The sensor unit is sealed and when the battery fails then a new sensor is required. Like any other battery the more miles a car does then the more use the battery gets. Subsequently, this then leads to battery failure. Thus a new sensor will be needed.

Also like anything else on a car then corrosion can be an issue. The valves and sensors are open to the elements and will eventually be subject to corrosion. This will also be a problem in years to come. New sensors start out at about £69.90 fitted and the light reset. This depends on the type of sensor and whether or not a standard off the shelf replacement will fit your particular car. If the sensor has to come from the main agent then the cost would be much higher.

New vehicles fitted with TPMS and registered from 1st January 2012 so becomes part of the MOT

Drivers should be aware that if your car is presented for an MOT Test. Hence with the The wheel of your car is fitted with a sensor attached to the wheels valve. Although it looks like a regular old fashioned rubber valve, it is a piece of modern technology warning light illuminated then it is a test failure. Although yet another piece of technology, then I think that TPMS is a great safety feature. As a result the system is constantly checking the tyre pressures for you as you drive along. So, any reduction in your pressures ,perhaps due to a puncture will alert you to take evasive action and could save an accident and even lives.

Finally the TPMS system that we use at Pellon Tyres is the Apaseal system and replacement valves.