TPMS Services

Restore TPMS Performance for Safe Driving

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to detect under inflated tires. The TPMS has been a requirement on light motor vehicles in the United States since 2007, as documented in the TREAD Act.

When the TPMS detects an under inflated tire, it alerts the driver with a dashboard warning light. This alert provides the driver with more time to react.

I'm Worried My TPMS Isn't Working: If your TPMS isn't working, the service technicians at Tire & Wheel Center are here to help. We repair and replace TPMS sensors, diagnose malfunctioning systems, and reset warning lights in the event of an incorrect trigger.

Direct TPMS vs Indirect TPMS

There are two primary types of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: Direct (dTPMS) and Indirect (iTPMS). Tire & Wheel Center services both types, explained in more detail below.

Direct TPMS: Most vehicles have a dTPMS. In this system, each tire gets its own sensor located on the inside or outside of the tire. The individual sensors report to your car's on-board computer. A dTPMS often works with batteries. As a result, tire sensors have a limited lifespan. However, most systems only record data when your vehicle is running in an effort to make the battery last longer. 

Indirect TPMS: An iTPMS monitors each tire's rotational speed to determine whether or not a tire is at proper inflation levels. This is because an under inflated tire has an overall diameter that is less than a properly inflated tire. As a result, the under inflated tire needs to rotate faster to cover the same distance as the properly inflated tires. If the iTPMS identifies a tire rotating at a different speed, it alerts you to an inflation problem. Your iTPMS may also be able to catch over inflated tires since they rotate more slowly than the other tires.

3 Good Reasons to Repair the TPMS

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a valuable part of your car for more than one reason, including:

• Road Safety: An early warning about a flat tire can make a big difference. With a TPMS alert, you have more time to react to the situation and get your car off the road for safety and before you cause damage to the wheel. 
• Tire Life: When a tire isn't at the correct inflation level, the tread wears faster and the tire doesn't provide you with as good of a defense against road hazards
• Tire Performance: A properly inflated tire provides better wet and dry handling; underinflated tires make it easier to hydroplane, crash from a tire blowout, or skid on a curve.

If you need a TPMS service, contact Tire & Wheel Center. We serve Sacramento, CA, Elk Grove, CA, Yuba City, CA, and surrounding areas.