Properly maintained tires ensure vehicle safety, performance and economy and in the US the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that every year over 500 fatalities in road accidents are caused by tire defects or failures. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) was designed to improve driving safety and can dramatically reduce tire defects and failures caused by unknown under or over inflation. The US Federal government has even ruled to mandate the use of a TPMS system. TPMS systems are implemented using Radio Frequency technology with an electronic central unit that is fitted inside the vehicle which provides the processing power to interpret pressure data coming from the sensors and delivers alerts and warnings to the drivers.

How your system works.
Inside each tire, a sensor has been placed that will transmit a warning to your dashboard warning system when the tire pressure changes by more than 25% of the recommended inflation reading established by your vehicle's manufacturer.
If you receive a transmitter warning, you should identify the specific tire(s) with trouble and have it repaired or replaced. Once the tire is repaired or replaced the system must be reset (recalibrated) manually or through automation depending on the warning system installed in your vehicle. 

Examples of TPMS warning systems in today's vehicles:

Things you should know about your TPMS unit

1. Each sensor has an internal battery designed for up to 10 years of service. TPMS sensor requires replacement when the battery life expires.
2. Pressure build up or pressure loss may trigger a warning that is not a result of tire damage. Stable air pressure can reduce false warnings. (Consider Nitrogen Tire Inflation to overcome heating and cooling inflation warnings)
3. Pressure sensors can require unique internal component replacement that may include rubber seals, valve cores and valve caps that should be replaced if damaged. The process of replacement of these components can extend the life of your TPMS system.
4. Warning: Do not use unapproved components with a TPMS system. Even minor changes can result in an internal TPMS failure.
5. Proper tire rotation is strongly recommended to insure equal tread wear and tire life for most tires. After tire rotations, recalibration of the sensor is required to insure proper transmitter readings.

What you should know about TPMS

• TPMS systems have been mandated by the Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability Documentation (TREAD) Act.
• It is against the law to disable a TPMS system in any vehicle equipped with federally required and factory installed TPMS items.
• TPMS systems are already present in some new and late models, but will be implemented in mostly all vehicles.