Tyler Personal-Injury Lawyer Offers a Brief Overview of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Auto manufacturers have introduced a multitude of technologies to make the driving experience more comfortable, enjoyable and safe. Crash avoidance systems, GPS, backup cameras and other innovations are preventing injuries and saving lives. One of the most influential of these modern technologies is the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

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As its name implies, a tire pressure monitoring system informs the driver when his or her tire pressure is low. Although this may seem like a common and negligible problem, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that 5 percent of vehicles involved in crashes had tires that were poorly maintained or underinflated.

In response, the federal government enacted the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act. This legislation mandated that most vehicles sold in the United States feature a TPMS of some kind.

Driving with poorly maintained or underinflated tires can be particularly dangerous when combined with negligence. If you were injured in a crash that a reckless driver caused, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

Call 903-297-0037 today to schedule a consultation with a Tyler accident attorney. You can also learn more about injury lawsuits in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.

Indirect vs. Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

There are two main types of TPMS: indirect and direct. According to BRIDGESTONE, an indirect TPMS does not directly measure tire pressure; instead, it measures wheel speed using sensors from the anti-lock brake system.

The vehicle’s computer compares the rate of revolution of each wheel and references this against the speed of the vehicle and other data. If a wheel spins faster than it should, the indirect TPMS will indicate that the tire is underinflated and inform the driver by activating an indicator light.

Unlike an indirect TPMS, a direct TPMS measures tire pressure using sensors within the tires, according to TireReview.com. These systems send data wirelessly.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each TPMS?

Both indirect and direct TPMS come with pros and cons. The indirect TPMS is less expensive and easier to maintain. However, it may be inaccurate if you install larger or smaller tires, or if the tread wear is uneven. Also, you have to reset the TPMS after inflating or rotating your tires.

A direct TPMS is easier to synchronize after a tire replacement or rotation. However, this process may require expensive tools, and the overall cost of an indirect TPMS is higher.

There are batteries in each tire of a direct TPMS. Although these can last for a decade, they are not serviceable so you will have to replace the entire sensor if a battery drains.

Low tire pressure and other maintenance oversights can cause devastating crashes. If you were injured in an accident that another driver caused, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

N. Eric Cooper is a Tyler accident attorney who can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]