What Does TPMS Mean?

Modern vehicles are packed with sensors, microchips, and computer systems that help everything run more smoothly. Find out everything you need to know about a TPMS in our guide. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It’s a high-tech feature on newer vehicles (2008 model year or later) that uses sensors to track the air pressure of all four tires, and it transmits that information wirelessly to your vehicle’s computer.

If your new vehicle’s TPMS detects that one or more of your vehicle’s tires aren’t at the recommended pressure, the TPMS warning light on your dashboard will turn on or flash to draw your attention. This generally means you need to add air to the tires on your car, truck, or SUV. The manufacturer recommends stopping and checking your tires as soon as possible. The system gives you an idea about the current status of your tires, and it can help maintain good vehicle handling when driving around Mansfield and Bucyrus.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features

The tire pressure monitoring system tracks the pressure inside your tires and alerts you if the levels drop below the recommended level. The dashboard warning light could look like a flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle of it. You might just see the illuminated letters “TPMS” on some vehicles.

Check your owner’s manual or vehicle information center on your touchscreen for more information on what this dashboard warning light looks like. If the light comes on, check the situation immediately. This is because low pressure in your tires could cause a number of bigger problems:

• Poor traction
• Decreased load carrying capability
• A flat tire or blowout
• Worse fuel economy
• Damaged wheel
• Damaged axle (a major expense)

Even with the TPMS, we still recommend looking at your tires once a week.

What Does TPMS Mean for Proper Tire Inflation?

A TPMS will help you with both overinflated and under-inflated tires because they can lead to plenty of unwanted issues for drivers.

A properly inflated tire will:

• Reduce tread movement, thereby increasing the life of the tire
• Reduce rolling resistance, which will increase vehicle fuel economy
• Increase water dispersion, which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning and improves handling on slick roads

You have several options when it comes to filling up your tires with air:

• Many gas stations have tire filling areas separate from the gas pumps.
• You can take your vehicle to your favorite service center for full tire service.
• If you need a little more air in your tires quickly, you can even use a bike pump!

Trust Your Tires With Our Team in Shelby!

When you bring your new or used vehicle in for service, we can check your tires to make sure they have the right inflation and if you need a tire rotation. Contact us or call 1-419-827-3815 to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to help in any way we can! Our team also services all makes and models of vehicles, and we have a selection of tires on hand if you need a set of new ones.