The TPMS continuously and reliably monitors the inflation pressure in real-time. In the event of pressure loss below a safe threshold, it immediately alerts the driver to take action. When used correctly, the TPMS can enhance driving safety by eliminating a frequent cause of accidents.
There are two types of TPMS systems. Direct and Indirect. Direct TPMS gathers accurate pressure data directly from the tyre valve via four dedicated sensors, reporting pressure information in near real time. Indirect TPMS, on the other hand, uses the ABS system to approximate tyre pressure, and motorists must drive a substantial distance before an alert will be generated.
Advantages of TPMS:
- The TPMS continuously monitors the tyre inflation pressure, and alerts the driver if it falls below a certain level.
- Optimising tyre performance characteristics, from braking performance to aquaplaning protection;
- Extended tyre life;
- Speed-related warning signal;
- Systems built with modular architecture for scalable functionality;
- Compatible with a complete spectrum of Continental mechanical solutions.
During tyre removal, TPMS sensors can get snagged by the sidewall of the tyre. These tips can help you prevent damage:
Safely demounting a tyre with valve-mounted TPMS:
- With an aluminium clamp-in stem, remove the nut from the stem and allow the sensor to fall inside of the tyre. This is by far the easiest way to avoid damaging the sensor in the dismounting process.
- If you are servicing a rubber snap-in stem, make sure that the valve is at the 12:00 or 6:00 position (90 degrees) when breaking the bead on both the front and back sides of the tyre. This will ensure the machine doesn’t crush the sensor on the opposite side of the valve inside of the tyre.
- When servicing a rubber snap-in stem, the valve should be under the dismount head when starting the turntable when removing the tyre from the rim. This will keep the tyre from hitting the valve when it snaps into place and protect the sensor.
Safely mounting a tyre with valve-mounted TPMS:
- Whether servicing an aluminium clamp-in or rubber snap-in valve, when mounting the tyre to the rim on the turntable, the valve should be placed just before the “traction point” (where the tyre meets the rim). This will make the tyre flip over the lip of the rim directly over the valve at the end, keeping the sensor protected in the process.
- Always lubricate rubber snap-in valves before pulling them through the valve hole. This step will help ensure proper placement of the valve and also give more protection during the pull-through process.
TPMS sensors vary in size and shape, making some sensors more susceptible to damage than others. In general, the larger a sensor is, the more likely it will get in the way during a tyre service and cause damage.
