What Does TPMS Mean?

Tires represent an essential part of your new vehicle’s operation, yet perhaps you don’t pay as much attention to them as you should. We understand because a TPMS on vehicles built in 2008 or later can help you manage an underinflated tire as you drive around Waco in your new or used vehicle. What is a TPMS? Find out everything you need to know about this system thanks to our guide.

What Does TPMS Mean for Your Vehicle?

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It’s a high-tech feature on vehicles that uses sensors to track the air pressure of all four tires. The sensors transmit that information wirelessly to your vehicle’s computer.

If there is anything wrong with one of your vehicle’s tires, a warning light will appear on your dashboard to draw your attention through the TPMS. The dashboard warning light could look like a flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle of it. You might just see the illuminated letters “TPMS” on some vehicles. Check your owner’s manual or vehicle information center on your touchscreen for more details on what your exact warning light will look like.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Best Practices

If you notice that your tire pressure light is on, it usually means your tires are underinflated, and you should fix the issue immediately because tires are a vital safety feature of your new or used vehicle. 

Low pressure in your tires could lead to a host of problems, all of which might cause expensive damage or an accident. And you want to keep those at bay as much as possible.

• Poor traction
• Decreased load-carrying capability
• A flat tire or blowout
• Worse fuel economy
• Damaged wheel (expensive to replace)
• Damaged axle (a major expense)

Immediately, correct tire inflation could prevent a potential accident. Less-than-ideal tire pressure could cause poor handling on dirt, gravel, wet, or slick roads. You could start hydroplaning, and your anti-lock brakes won’t work as well. 

In the long run, optimal tire pressure can prevent your tires from wearing out prematurely. You’ll save on tire replacement costs because you won’t need as many sets of tires when owning your vehicle. 

Why Else is a TPMS Important?

Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to 3% on average. The U.S. Government Accounting Office in 2007 said underinflated tires wasted 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline collectively among all drivers on American roads. Imagine that figure now with gas prices at $3 or more per gallon!

What Does TPMS Mean for Proper Tire Inflation?

A TPMS will help you with both overinflated and under-inflated tires because improper inflation can lead to unwanted issues. You’ll still have to determine the best course of action if your TPMS light comes on.

A properly inflated tire will:

• Reduce tread movement, thereby increasing the life of the tire.
• Reduce rolling resistance, which will improve the vehicle’s gas mileage because the tires turn more readily.
• Increase water dispersion, which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning and improves handling on slick roads. Your vehicle will be safer. 

Consult your owner’s manual or driver information center on your touchscreen to discover the correct tire pressure. Making sure your tires are properly inflated is a quick and simple task that can save you money and stress over the long term. 

Where Can I Inflate My Car’s Tires?

Look at a few ways to fill up your tires with the correct amount of air. Each way is convenient and doesn’t take more than a few minutes to get you back on the road.

• Many gas stations have tire filling areas separate from the gas pumps. 
• You can take your vehicle to your favorite service center for full tire service. We’re happy to help in %%di_city%!
• Consider keeping an electric air compressor and a tire repair kit in your cargo area for emergencies. 
• If you need a little more air in your tires quickly, you can even use a bike pump.

Even with the TPMS, we still recommend looking at your tires every time you go to the gas station or once a week for EVs to notice any tread wear. 

Trust Your Tires With Our Team in Waco!

When you bring your vehicle in for service in Waco, we can check your tires to make sure they have the right inflation, look over the tread wear, and tell you if you need a tire rotation to help your tires as long as possible. 

Contact us or call to schedule an appointment.