【Car Knowledge】Introduction to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

As a longtime car owner reviewer and hands-on tester of numerous automotive technology products, I'm particularly impressed by the application of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's compact population, complex roads, high speeds, and often dangerous roads mean that insufficient or excessive tire pressure not only impairs handling but also significantly increases the risk of blowouts, loss of control, and fuel consumption. Yet, many drivers neglect tire pressure issues, often waiting until a blowout becomes a major issue. This article will provide a detailed, up-to-date overview of tire pressure monitoring systems to help you drive safer!

1. What is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)? What does it do?

TPMS is an electronic system that monitors tire pressure and temperature in real time . If tire pressure is too low or too high, or even if the tire temperature is abnormal, the TPMS will immediately issue a warning, notifying the driver to take immediate action to prevent tire blowouts, wheel ruptures, and control failures.

Main functions:

  • Prevent tire blowouts : Detect abnormal tire pressure in time to reduce the risk of high-speed tire blowouts.
  • Improve handling safety : Maintain correct tire pressure, ensure driving stability, and reduce slipping or deviation.
  • Save fuel : Low tire pressure will increase fuel consumption, and maintaining correct tire pressure can save money.
  • Reduce tire wear : Incorrect tire pressure will cause uneven tire wear and reduce tire life.
  • Environmental protection : low fuel consumption, long tire life, and reduced pollution.

2. Hong Kong Laws and Current Status of TPMS

  • Hong Kong currently does not require all private cars to be equipped with TPMS , but it has been mandatory for new EU cars since 2014. Newly imported European cars in Hong Kong are generally pre-installed with TPMS.
  • Most Japanese, Korean, and parallel imported car models may not be pre-installed with TPMS and need to be added later.
  • Taxis and commercial vehicles have begun to be equipped with TPMS in recent years to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.

3. TPMS Types

1. Direct TPMS

principle:

  • A wireless sensor is installed in each tire (or at the valve position) to measure tire pressure and temperature in real time, and the data is sent wirelessly to the display screen or instrument in the car.
  • The sensor has a built-in battery with a lifespan of 3-5 years.

advantage:

  • Highly accurate, capable of monitoring four-wheel pressure and temperature simultaneously.
  • Respond immediately and sound the alarm when there is any abnormality.
  • Individual tire data can be displayed.

shortcoming:

  • The tire needs to be removed for installation, and the installation fee is high.
  • If the sensor battery is exhausted, the entire sensor must be replaced.
  • Reinstallation is required when switching to a different rim.

Suitable for:

  • Long-term high-speed driving (such as returning to the mainland, long-distance drivers), high-performance cars, and private car owners who value safety.

2. Indirect TPMS

principle:

  • The wheel speed sensor of the ABS/ESP system is used to calculate the difference in the speed of the four wheels to determine abnormal tire pressure (such as insufficient pressure in one wheel, smaller diameter, and higher speed).
  • No additional sensors are required.

advantage:

  • Low cost, no additional parts required.
  • Don't worry about sensor battery issues.
  • Original design, pre-loaded on some Japanese and Korean models.

shortcoming:

  • The accuracy is low and it can only check the apparent pressure difference but cannot display the actual value.
  • It may not be possible to detect air leaks on all four wheels at the same time.
  • Manual reset is required (e.g. after tire change or inflation).

Suitable for:

  • Mainly for short-distance driving in urban areas and car owners with limited budget.

3. Aftermarket TPMS

Types are:

  • Built-in : Direct TPMS principle, requires tire removal for installation.
  • External type : Install the sensor head on the gas nozzle, which is simple and quick to install.

advantage:

  • The installation is flexible and the price is affordable.
  • The external type can be DIY installed without removing the tire.
  • There is a Bluetooth model that can be used with a mobile phone app for display.

shortcoming:

  • External sensor heads are easily stolen and damaged (e.g., in car washes or dropped at high speeds).
  • Cheap models have poor accuracy and stability.
  • The built-in type requires professional garage installation.

My personal advice:

  • If your budget is limited, you can choose an external model, but choose a reputable brand (such as Steelmate, 70mai, Carchi, etc.).
  • If you value stability, it is recommended to choose a built-in type and find a professional garage to install it , especially if you often drive at high speeds.

4. TPMS Installation and Usage Details

1. Installation Process

  • Built-in type : Need to go to a tire shop or garage to remove the tire and install it, the process takes about 1-2 hours.
  • External type : You can just screw on the valve yourself and use it with the display or mobile phone app.

2. Pairing and calibration

  • Most TPMS require pairing and calibration after installation to ensure that each sensor head corresponds to the correct wheel position.
  • The sensor must be reset after changing the tire or replacing it.

3. Daily maintenance

  • Check the sensor head regularly to see if it is loose or damaged.
  • Pay attention to the battery life of the built-in type (usually 3-5 years).
  • Pay attention to anti-theft for external models (it is better if it is equipped with anti-theft nuts).

5. Common Problems and Solutions for TPMS Alarms

1. Common alarm causes

  • Tire pressure is lower than the preset value (usually below 2.1-2.3 bar or 30-33 psi).
  • High tire pressure (such as in hot summer or long-distance driving).
  • The sensor is malfunctioning or the battery is dead.
  • The system has not been reset for a long time (common with indirect TPMS).

2. Response methods

  • When the alarm sounds, stop the car and check the tires immediately . Do not take it lightly.
  • If the alarm persists after refilling, you need to manually reset it or check the sensor.
  • If there are multiple false alarms without reason, you need to ask the garage to check the sensor or the system itself.

6. TPMS and its application in everyday vehicles in Hong Kong

1. The parking lot is full of bumps and gravels, which can easily damage tires

  • There are many bumpy roads in Hong Kong, which can easily cause tire sidewalls to be cut and leak. TPMS can detect problems early.

2. Long-term short-distance driving in the city, frequent changes of vehicles, and not paying attention to tire pressure

  • It is difficult to judge abnormal tire pressure by feeling when driving slowly in the city, and TPMS provides instant warning.

3. Frequent highways and tunnels

  • Abnormal tire pressure increases the risk of high-speed driving, and TPMS can prevent sudden tire blowouts.

4. Hong Kong's hot and humid weather greatly affects tire pressure

  • In summer, when the temperature is high, the tire pressure will rise. TPMS can remind you of excessive pressure to avoid tire blowout.
  • In winter, the temperature drops sharply and tire pressure is prone to being insufficient, so TPMS reminds you to refill the tires.

7. TPMS Selection and Brand Recommendation

1. Purchase recommendations

  • If you have a budget, you can choose the original/high-end built-in type , which is stable and durable.
  • If you have a limited budget, an external model may be sufficient for your basic needs , but you should pay attention to its reputation and after-sales service.
  • Pay attention to the display interface : a display screen installed in the car is more intuitive; the mobile app type is suitable for technology enthusiasts.
  • Whether to support temperature monitoring : Some models also monitor tire temperature, which is more comprehensive.

2. Common brands in Hong Kong

  • Steelmate : A complete range of internal and external models with high stability.
  • 70mai : Highly cost-effective, supports mobile app.
  • Carchi and Nonda : They are external models and easy to install.
  • Original TPMS : pre-installed on new European cars such as BMW, Benz, and VW.

3. Purchase channels

  • Go to regular auto supply stores, tire shops, and online auto platforms (such as Carousell and Price.com.hk) to avoid unbranded products from Taobao.

8. Practical Tips

  • Check tire pressure regularly : Even if you have TPMS, it is recommended to go to a gas station/tire shop for a physical check once a month to ensure accuracy.
  • If you are going on a long-distance trip, check the tire pressure first : TPMS is just a reminder, and it is safest to proactively check before departure.
  • External type equipped with anti-theft nut : reduces the chance of theft.
  • Don't wait until the alarm sounds before taking action : Abnormal tire pressure not only affects safety, but also increases fuel consumption and damages the suspension.

9. Editor’s Summary

While TPMS isn't mandatory, it's a highly valuable investment for improving driving safety, saving fuel, and reducing maintenance costs . Hong Kong's unique environment can easily lead to tire problems due to parking, road conditions, and weather. TPMS provides an added layer of protection. Choose a reputable brand, install it properly, and perform regular inspections . Make it a habit to enjoy peace of mind every day!

If you have any questions about TPMS installation, model comparisons, or encountering any alarms, please leave a message and ask the editor, and we will teach you more practical tips that are more down-to-earth!

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