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WHAT IS TPMS & HOW DOES IT WORK? - Bridgestone Tires

Author: XMtongxue

Sep. 08, 2025

WHAT IS TPMS & HOW DOES IT WORK? - Bridgestone Tires

The purpose of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your vehicle is to warn you that at least one or more tires are significantly under-inflated, possibly creating unsafe driving conditions. The TPMS low tire pressure indicator is a yellow symbol that illuminates on the dashboard instrument panel in the shape of a tire cross-section (that resembles a horseshoe) with an exclamation point.

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That indicator light in your vehicle has a history. It’s a history rooted in years of uncertainty about proper tire pressure and many serious car accidents that might have been avoided had drivers known their air pressure was low. Even now, it’s estimated that a substantial number of vehicles hit the road each day with underinflated tires. However, proper tire maintenance with the aid of a TPMS can and does help prevent many serious accidents.

Before this indicator light became commonplace, knowing whether your air pressure had reached unsafe levels meant getting out, crouching down, and using a tire gauge. With few exceptions, this was the only pressure-checking tool ordinary consumers had at their disposal.

Then, in response to a surge in accidents due to underinflated tires, the US government passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act. One of the outcomes of this legislation is that most vehicles sold in the United States since include a tire pressure monitoring system of some kind.

Not every TPMS works the same way. The illumination of the low tire pressure indicator represents the final step in the process of either an indirect TPMS or a direct TPMS.

INDIRECT TPMS: WHAT IS INDIRECT TPMS & HOW DOES IT WORK?

An indirect TPMS typically relies on wheel speed sensors that the anti-lock brake system uses. These sensors measure the rate of revolution each wheel is making and can be used by on-board computer systems to compare with each other and to other vehicle operation data such as speed.

Based on the rate of revolution of each wheel, the computer can interpret the relative size of the tires on your vehicle. When a wheel starts spinning faster than expected, the computer calculates that the tire is underinflated and alert the driver accordingly.

So, an indirect tire pressure monitoring system doesn’t actually measure tire pressure. It’s not electronically processing the same kind of measurement you might see with a tire gauge. Instead, an indirect tire pressure monitor simply measures how fast your tires are rotating and sends signals to the computer that will actuate the indicator light when something in the rotation seems amiss.

ADVANTAGES OF INDIRECT TPMS

-- Relatively inexpensive compared to a direct TPMS

-- Requires less programming/maintenance over the years than a direct TPMS

-- Less overall installation maintenance than its direct counterpart

DISADVANTAGES OF INDIRECT TPMS

-- May become inaccurate if you purchase a bigger or smaller tire

-- May be unreliable when tires are unevenly worn

-- Must be reset after properly inflating every tire

-- Must be reset after routine tire rotation

DIRECT TPMS: WHAT IS DIRECT TPMS & HOW DOES IT WORK?

Direct TPMS uses pressure monitoring sensors within each tire that monitor specific pressure levels – not just wheel revolution data from the anti-lock brake system.

Sensors in a direct TPMS may even provide tire temperature readings. The direct tire pressure monitoring system sends all of this data to a centralized control module where it’s analyzed, interpreted, and, if tire pressure is lower than it should be, transmitted directly to your dashboard where the indicator light illuminates. A direct tire pressure monitor usually sends all of this data wirelessly. Each sensor has a unique serial number. This is how the system not only distinguishes between itself and systems on other vehicles, but also among pressure readings for each individual tire.

Many manufacturers use proprietary technology for these highly specialized systems, so replacing a TPMS in a way that’s consistent and compatible with your vehicle will require an experienced, knowledgeable technician.

ADVANTAGES OF DIRECT TPMS

-- Deliver actual tire pressure readings from inside the tire

-- Not prone to inaccuracies because of tire rotations or tire replacements

-- Simple resynchronization after tire rotation or tire replacements

-- Batteries inside the sensors usually last for about a decade.

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-- May be included in a vehicle’s spare tire

DISADVANTAGES OF DIRECT TPMS

-- More expensive overall than an indirect TPMS

-- Though simple, resynchronization may require costly tools.

-- Battery rarely serviceable; if the battery is drained, the whole sensor must be changed.

-- Proprietary systems make installation, service, and replacement confusing for consumers and auto shops.

-- Sensors are susceptible to damage during mounting/demounting

TIRE PRESSURE AND SAFETY

Although the methods may be different, both systems serve the same purpose and activate the same indicator light. Even though a TPMS can deliver accurate alerts when properly maintained, it’s not a replacement for manual air pressure checks, consider it just another item in your car maintenance toolbox.

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

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Advantages of using Internal Sensors in TPMS - Tire Monitor System

Using Internal Sensors compared to External Sensors on TPMS for Industrial or Off-The-Road (OTR) vehicles offers several advantages that are particularly beneficial in the challenging environments experienced with OTR vehicles.

These are the advantages of using internal sensors:

1. Accuracy in extreme conditions

Internal Sensors are located inside the tire, providing direct contact with the air inside. This location ensures accurate tire pressure and temperature readings. In many applications the tire temperature increases substantially because of a combination of loads carried and vehicle speed. The internal temperature needs careful monitoring to ensure the tires do not exceed the manufacturer?s limits. Internal Sensors are really the only way to measure the tire temperature accurately especially in these more extreme temperature conditions.

2. Protection and durability

Internal sensors are shielded from external elements, such as debris, rocks, and more severe weather conditions (such as direct sunlight and frost) which are commonly encountered in OTR environments. This protection ensures the durability and longevity of the sensors, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring reliable tire pressure and temperature readings.

3. Resistance to Vibrations and Shocks

Industrial and OTR vehicles operate in rough terrains, encountering constant vibrations and shocks. Internal Sensor design allows them to withstand these harsh conditions. Their internal mounting within the tire provides added protection, minimising the risk of sensor dislodgement or malfunction caused by vibrations and shocks.

4. Reduced Risk of Damage or Theft

Internal sensors mount securely inside the tire, making them less susceptible to damage or theft. In the mining and earth moving sectors, this is particularly pronounced because of likelihood of rocks and other debris hitting an External Sensor. OTR vehicles often operate in remote and unattended areas, increasing the risk of damage to or theft of external sensors. Internal sensors are not visible, minimising the likelihood of tampering or unauthorised removal.

5. Compatibility with Tire Types and Configurations

Industrial and OTR vehicles employ a wide range of tire types and configurations based on their specific application. Internal Sensors offer greater flexibility and compatibility with various tire types, including large or speciality tires used in OTR vehicles. They install in different tire sizes and configurations, ensuring accurate monitoring regardless of the specific tire setup.

6. Minimized External Interference

External sensors are susceptible to external interferences such as dirt, mud, and moisture, which can affect their reliability or accuracy. Internal sensors are shielded from these external factors, providing more reliable and consistent readings. This ensures that operators receive accurate tire pressure and temperature information, enabling effective maintenance to prevent tire-related incidents.

7. Wheel Compatibility

OTR vehicles often have unique and specialised wheel designs. External sensors may not be compatible with certain wheel types and, when mounted on the valve, may clash with, or reduce necessary clearance, with the wheel. Internal sensors are not visible, providing a cleaner, lower-risk installation. They eliminate compatibility concerns with specific wheel designs, ensuring seamless integration with OTR vehicles.

8. Maintenance-Free

Internal Sensors are typically maintenance-free for the lifetime of the tire, once installed properly. External sensors mounted on valve stems, may require occasional adjustment, to tighten, reseat or replace O-rings to ensure a good seal. Whereas internal sensors eliminate the need for these additional maintenance tasks, providing convenience to the business.

9. Easier to inflate tires

Many external sensors, particularly the valve stem sensors, need removing when inflating the tire. However, to prevent potential theft issues, these external sensors often have different kinds of locking system making them difficult to remove easily by someone else. This of course means that the operator must find the specific tool for removing the locked external sensor and be able to reassemble it.

It’s important to note that internal sensors may require professional installation due to the specialised nature of OTR vehicles and their tire configurations. The installation is however usually a quick and easy process.

In summary, for many applications, the advantages of the Internal Sensors compared to External Sensors far outweigh the extra cost of installation. They provide more accurate measurements of the pressure and the temperature of the tire and can also be more cost effective. The internal sensors are protected from damage, and usually last for the lifetime of the tire. They cannot be stolen or tampered with and can be fitted to more wheel configurations than the external sensors. They are maintenance free. All these factors improve efficiency and increase profitability for the business.

The company is the world’s best Universal Programmable TPMS Sensor supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Advantages of using Internal Sensors in TPMS

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