Do you know what a TPMS sensor is? You NEED to know!

With the recent advances in automotive technology, more and more systems are being designed to make our lives easier and our cars safer. One such system is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This system uses sensors to monitor the air pressure in your tires and warn you if they get too low. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what TPMS sensors are and how they work. We'll also give you some tips on how to keep your sensor in good working condition.

A TPMS sensor, also known as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensor, is an electronic device installed in each tire of a car. A TPMS sensor is designed to monitor the air pressure inside a tire, alerting the driver if it drops below a pre-determined baseline level that is safe for driving. There are two types of TPMS-- indirect and direct-- and each has its advantages. 

Indirect systems measure RPMs with rolling resistance while direct systems use pressure transmitters. 

Both are excellent at monitoring your vehicle’s tires to ensure you get maximum safety, performance, and fuel efficiency when on the road.

Keeping you safe on the road is no small feat, but Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors are up to the challenge! TPMS sensors measure the pressure inside tires and alert you when individual tire pressure goes below or above a certain level. This means that if one tire is underinflated and another is overinflated, you'll be able to address it before any serious risks or damage occurs. What's more, if you have a spare tire with a TPMS sensor, you will know if your spare tire has enough air, so you'll never have to worry about getting stuck on the side of the road with a flat! 

When you are behind the wheel of your vehicle, safety is your top priority. That’s why it’s so important to have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor in place. TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your tires and notify you if they become too low, helping to keep you safe on the road by ensuring that your tires remain properly inflated. Additionally, underinflated tires can significantly decrease fuel efficiency, so having a TPMS sensor helps keep costs low and get more miles out of each tank. 

Most vehicles have a light or warning on the driver's console letting you know if a sensor is sending out inaccurate readings or missing completely. If this alert blinks or stays on, it's likely time to replace your TPMS sensors. Depending on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket sensors, the cost can be in the range of $50 (aftermarket) to as much as $200 (for OEM). Replacing Direct TPMS sensors will require taking off the tire, so you will need to schedule a visit to your dealership, tire center, or local mechanic. It is recommended that you replace all four sensors, especially if you decide to choose after-market sensors. Mixing and matching 2 or more manufacturers can cause several problems; 1. TPMS manufacturers often lock their programming tools to read and program ONLY their own branded sensors; 2. your vehicle's TPMS warning may randomly come on while driving due to having more than one brand of sensor installed in the vehicle; 3. Manufacturers are starting to block aftermarket sensors from being used in their vehicles forcing you to only use OEM sensors.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have become increasingly popular over the years since they can alert drivers when their tires are underinflated and help them save on costly repair or replacement bills. But did you know that TPMS sensors may be required by your state, province or territory law? Check with your local DMV to find out what the regulations are regarding TPMS sensors in your area. You may automatically have the device installed in your vehicle if you purchased a vehicle model released after 2007 - which is why it pays to research ahead of time so you can be prepared for any changes that may affect your car ownership. In most cases, even if it is not mandated by state law, having a TPMS sensor in place can still benefit you substantially in terms of handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity as well!

It’s a question many drivers have asked— can you drive with a broken TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor? The short answer is usually yes; however, that doesn't mean it’s the best idea. The TPMS sensors are designed to alert you if your car's tire pressure is low and keep you and your loved ones safe.