Keeping the Right Pressure in Your Car Tires

Newer autos have a monitoring system as a safety feature.

California Casualty Management Company

Do you own a car made after 2002? If so, chances are good that it has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) included as part of the auto's list of safety features. With all 2008 models, these systems are not an option anymore; they are now mandated by the federal government.

If you drive an automobile made after 2002, you likely have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as part of the vehicle's operating system. For 2008 vehicles (cars, vans, or light trucks) these systems are no longer an option — they are now a federal government mandated safety item.

Vehicles with TPMS can save lives and fuel, but the systems need to be maintained, according to the Car Care Council.

This system constantly monitors your car's tire pressure and alerts you if it falls below a preset limit. You can make sure tire pressure stays within the safety limits and you are immediately made aware of a drop in pressure below that limit.

This is important because accurate tire inflation keeps you in control. TPMS is a good idea for both safety and economics, because with properly inflated tires, your steering, brakes and suspension can do their job properly to keep you in control. It also prevents your tires from wearing out prematurely and you will get better gas mileage.

TPMS also offers an extra benefit for cars with “run flat” tires. These tires are built so well that a pressure drop could go unnoticed. TPMS can help prevent tire damage or a serious accident.

Either the TPMS or your tires will have to be serviced at some point, and certain parts will have to be replaced. This is particularly true if you have had a flat, or a slow leak repair; or if you switch to snow tires, change wheels or upgrade to custom tires or rims. If the sensor fails or is damaged during tire removal or mounting, it will need to be replaced.

That means your repair shop must understand the system and have the right equipment and parts to do the job. Standard tire valve service will not work on TPMS-equipped tires and should not be used. So, it is important that your technician knows that your vehicle has TPMS and has been trained to work on these systems.

Your repair shop should check the TPMS to make sure it is working properly before returning the car to you. It is against the law to disable TPMS. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle- specific information.

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