Tire pressure is important for the safety and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. A simple solution is to check tire pressure frequently, but the reality is many people don't check their tires as often as they should. For this reason, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, or TPMS, are becoming common in Canadian vehicles.

This guide will give you more information on why tire pressure is important. It provides an explanation on Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, including the types of TPMS, maintenance, and new systems for vehicles.

Why Tire Pressure is Important

Your tire's contact with the road and traction is directly related to its air pressure. Proper tire inflation gives your car optimal handling, reduces tire tread wear, and increases fuel economy. But many vehicles have improperly inflated tires, with under-inflation being the most common problem. 70% of passenger cars and light trucks have at least one under-inflated tire.*

Under-inflation increases the rolling resistance of your tires, and places additional stress on tire rubber, reducing fuel economy and increasing the risk for tire damage or even a blowout. Under-inflated tires cause about 250,000 accidents a year, and 75% of roadside flats are caused by a slow leak or under-inflation. A tire may lose up to half of its inflation before you can visibly see the difference, and 35% of drivers admit they never take the time to check tire pressure.*

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system for monitoring your vehicle's tire pressure. Most cars manufactured after 2007 already have TPMS installed. Before changing your tires, check with your service advisor if your car has TPMS installed.

Your TPMS makes it easy to ensure your tires are properly inflated, without any need to remember to check your tires. Your vehicle will be more fuel efficient, offer better performance and increased safety, and your tires will have longer tread life.

TPMS Types

There are two types of pressure monitoring systems: direct and indirect.

Direct TPMS measures the actual pressure from within the tires, using a pressure sensor with a transmitter. An in-car receiver monitors the pressure, and notifies the driver if the pressure in any tire drops below a set level.

Indirect TPMS monitors tire pressure by using the vehicle's antilock braking system's wheel speed sensors. The system compares the rotation of the tires to one another, and will alert the system if one tire rotates at a different speed than the others. Because the system is indirect, it may trigger more false alerts.

TPMS Maintenance

TPMS sensors may require replacement/maintenance for these reasons:

• The sensor has been damaged and is no longer reading the psi properly
• The battery on the sensor has died. If the battery is dead the entire sensor must be replaced

Whether you are looking for a second set or for replacement sensors for your TMPS, Canadian Tire offers an economical solution.

If you are putting on your winter wheels and tires, the existing sensors will stay inside the tire when removed. Moving sensors from one tire to another requires additional time/labour. In addition, driving around without your sensors is dangerous and your warning light will stay on permanently.If this symbol appears on your dashboard, you may have an issue with your TPMS system.

Orange Electronics evolved out of the early development in TPMS technology, and has been developing OE Replacement sensors for more than a decade. Sensors by Orange Electronics are 100% compatible with original equipment. Plus the sensors' smart two-piece design lets you replace your valve stem without replacing the sensor. The sensors are compatible with Multi, OE steel and alloy rims, and offer a long 7-year battery life. For Asian vehicles, Orange Electronics offers a unique programmable sensor system (OPSS) that updates the sensor, eliminating complicated or expensive vehicle updates to the vehicle TPMS receiver.

* Study by Rubber Association of Canada.

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