Category: Tires

What is TPMS? Why you need TPMS

What is TPMS? (TPMS)stands for: Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are a safety device installed by the factory to alert the driver of an underinflated tire. The most common systems used is a sensor mounted inside the tire to measure tire pressure directly and then transmits this information wirelessly to onboard electronics.

Is it necessary to replace the TPMS sensors when a vehicle needs new tires?

It depends on the age of the sensors. By the time the tires are worn out, the TPMS sensors may be nearing the end of their useful service life — or they may not have enough remaining battery life to last another set of tires.

Does the law require replacing a bad TPMS sensor?

It depends on your state and local laws. There is no legal requirement (yet) at the national level to replace a bad TPMS sensor if the TPMS warning light is on or flashing. That’s a decision the vehicle owner has to make regarding their own safety. Obviously, if a TPMS system has one or more bad sensors, it can’t warn the motorist of a low tire. If any vehicle owner decides not to have the sensors replace when it’s recommended the owner may be asked to sign a waiver stating  that they won’t hold the service shop liable for any damage or injury from improperly inflated tires

Why do you need it? (this is my opinion)

Well for several reasons:
  1. NHTSA-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled that all vehicle manufacturer’s that sell motor vehicles in the U.S must have a Tire pressure monitoring system installed since 2007.
  2. it helps you save on gas because you’ll know when your pressure is low.. low tire pressure causes you to waste gas because of the increased friction.
  3. It tells you when you may need to service your tires or sensors.
When the light is steady, it means you need to have your tire pressure checked. When the light is flashing, it means you need to have your TPMS checked. And by keeping the TPMS in good working order you’re less likely to have an unexpected tire blowout that can occur when the TPMS is inactive or not installed at all. Yes, it can be annoying but in my opinion, that’s a small price to pay when it comes to you and your families safety. If you would like to know more about the NHTSA-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration go here NHTSA And here’s the link for the NHTSA –TPMS-Final Rule]]>

The importance of buying the right tires for your car

If you have never had to change the tires on your vehicle before, it can feel like quite a challenge if you don’t know what tires your vehicle needs. There are many factors to consider when it comes to changing your tires including price, brand, comfort, appearance, and safety: things that should all be on your checklist. If your car was brand new when you bought it, it is likely that the tires you need are the same as the ones you had to start with. This makes the job fairly simple; as you know which tires you need, the only other job you need to do is find someone reliable to fit them for you. Different vehicles are fitted with different types of tires that are specific to each vehicle. Factors depending on where you live, your typical weather conditions and terrain will all affect the type of tire that you need so it is important to ask a specialist about your tires, as they can advise you depending on all of the above factors. The cost of your new tires will very much depend on your vehicle and tire type. If it was used when you bought it, you may be able to find the name of your tires in your handbook. If you don’t have that information, it is a good idea to do your research before you jump into anything. You can find information from a local dealership or even through the internet. It is also important to check the tires when you buy a used car, as the vehicle could be fitted with the wrong tires so it is a good idea to replace them quickly with the correct tires. Knowing what tires you need is also important because it helps you for the next time you need to change them, meaning you can get replacement tires quickly. There are exceptions, however; some vehicles allow you to have different types of tires. It is important that you research beforehand and that you know for certain that they can be fitted to your vehicle safely. Your tires should be replaced when the tread falls below the legal minimum. In the U.S Most states require a minimum of 2/32 of an inch (approximately 1.6 mm) of tread. If you are pulled over by the police and they are below the minimum legal tread depth you could end up with points on your license and a fine. If they are not up to the standard it will also mean that your vehicle will fail its yearly inspection where it’s required by law. It is important that you carry out regular checks on your tires to make sure that they are in the best condition. These checks can be carried out at home and involve looking for bulges, scratches, general wear and tear and even objects that could have punctured the tires such as sharp stones or nails.]]>