The acronym TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or RTPMS Remote Tire Pressure Monitoring System, indicates the ability of an electronic system to monitor the air pressure level of a tire fitted in any type of transportation vehicle and to deliver real time information to the end user of the vehicle, the driver, regarding the status of its tires' pressure and whether they need to be inflated or deflated to accommodate for optimal driving conditions.

 

 

 

History

The first passenger vehicle to adopt TPMS was the Porsche 959 in 1986. In the US, the Firestone scandal of the late 90’s which caused in excess of 100 deaths due to roll overs following tire blow out, pushed the Clinton Administration to publish the “TREAD ACT”. This act mandates the use of a suitable TPM technology in order to alert drivers of severe under inflation condition of their tires. This act affects all light motor vehicles registered after 9/1/07. Phase-in starts in Oct 2005 at 20% and ramps up to 70% after Sep 2006. 

 

 

 

Technology

TPM systems can be made of radio transmitters sensors mounted on a standard tire valve and a dedicated radio frequency receiver, whose functions can also be integrated in other radio frequency units mounted on the vehicle, such as Remote Keyless Entry receivers, Body Control Units or else. 

 

 

Performance

A TPM system improves vehicle safety and aids drivers in maintening their vehicle tires. Properly maintained tires ensure vehicle safety, performance and economy. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that every year 533 fatalities are caused by tire defects in road accidents. Adding TPM to all vehicles could avoid 120 of the 533 yearly victims and spare as many as 8,400 injuries every year. On the maintenance side, it is important to remember that fuel efficiency and tire wear are severely affected by underinflation. Tires leak air naturally and we can conclude that tire underinflation today is responsible for over 20 million litres of unnecessary burned fuel dumping over 2 million tons of CO₂ in the atmosphere and 200 million tires wasted in the world. For these reasons, the US Federal government has ruled to mandate the use of a TPM system and other countries should follow closely.

 

SOURCE:  www.Wikipedia.org