Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Wireless tire pressure monitoring system (WTPMS) is also known as tire pressure indication system (TPIS), which reports real time tire pressure information to the driver, either through a pictogramme display, gauge or a simple low pressure warning light. It is a wireless electronic system that remotely measures both, tire pressure and temperature. It automatically warns the driver if the tire pressure in one or more tires is below a preset value. Hence, wireless tire pressure monitoring systems help avoid any drastic situations from happening, like losing control of the vehicle while driving or a tire being torn due to flat tire.

A drop in tire pressure could be due to a puncture caused by a nail or any other object, poor seal between the tire and wheel or change in ambient temperature. A wireless tire pressure monitoring system not only helps in detecting a flat tire, but also determines:

• Low front tire pressure during under-steering and low rear tire pressure during over-steering.
• Over or under inflation that decreases the tire life and also increases the fuel consumption.
• Hydroplaning or aquaplaning, which is a big risk, as there is no road contact in the center of the tire beyond speeds of 100km/h
• Inflated tires that increase the stopping distance from 100km/h, with ABS up to 10m during wet conditions.
• Wrong tire pressure that disturbs the suspension control.

The TPMS monitor can be charged by 2 AAA batteries or a vehicle cigarette lighter. It comes with a suction cup adapter for the windscreen and dashboard adapter. It comprises of 4 easy to install valve caps wireless transmission of the tire pressure data to the dashboard mounted unit, which displays the information in real time. The dashboard unit, also known as 'wireless master', can be plugged into the vehicle's power or can operate on its rechargeable batteries that last for about a week between charges. Along with displaying the current tire pressure, it also indicates problems like low or high tire pressure, rapid decrease in the pressure, which may cause a flat tire.

General Features of Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Given below are some general features of wireless tire pressure monitoring systems:

• External tire sensors secured with anti-theft fittings.
• Pressure alarms when tire pressure below or above the adjusted range
• Temperature alarms when tire temperature over the fixed range.
• Simple read out graphic icon.
• Increase tire expectancy and improve fuel consumption.
• Increase driving safety and decrease braking distance.
• Reduce CO₂ and rubber wastage
• Immediately detect air leakage and tire overheat.
• You can preset the pressure and temperature range.
• Works even when the car is stationary.
• Highly accurate and not affected by bumpy roads.

Gates AirAware Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Gates AirAware Tire Pressure Monitoring System is an outstanding automotive safety product released by Repco, Australia's largest automotive retail and trade supplier of automotive parts and accessories to enhance road safety and minimize the risks of road accidents. It is completely wireless and has sensors located on each wheel. This provides the driver with accurate tire temperature and air pressure information. Using two AA batteries, its dash mounted display unit immediately alerts the driver of any slow air leak, tire damage or puncture well before a potential delamination (burst tire or blow out). The sensors transmit information through a radio frequency to the on-board receiver to alert the driver of any changes in tire pressure. It also monitors the air pressure of the spare tire, which is another important factor that we usually ignore.

One of the most speedily growing pressure-sensor applications is wireless tire pressure monitoring. It not only indicates the tire pressure and temperature, but also improves the braking performance, steering response, fuel economy and optimizes the life of the tires as well as humankind.