Tire Pressure Monitoring System – Working, Benefits and Cost

Are you a beginner in the fleet business and want to know everything about Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems? This blog post will enlighten you about the definition, working, benefits and importance of TPMS.

Do you like working under pressure? 

Well, some people say they outdo themselves under pressure, while others may say something completely opposite. But tbh, nobody can take too much pressure than what their body and mind allow. 

Similarly, tires(tyres) also perform the best under the optimum pressure range. 

Overinflated tires may reduce tyre traction resulting in lesser shock absorption and added pressure on tyres. It also leads to uneven wearing of tires. However, underinflated tyres increase the rolling friction resulting in extra fuel consumption and quicker tyre damage. 

That is where the role of the tyre pressure monitoring system comes into play. 

How does it help reduce the above-mentioned ill effects? Let’s find out!

What is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System?

A tire pressure monitoring system or TPMS is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure inside the tyres and alerts the driver or the manager when the pressure drops or rises beyond the optimum level. 

It’s the combination of a hardware sensor and a software unit. At least a set of three to four sensors is installed in a vehicle that captures the tyre pressure at all times and sends the data to the software. The software acts as the data processor that generates alerts and notifications every time the system records a rise or drop in pressure beyond the safe levels.

How Does a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Work?

As we mentioned earlier, tire pressure monitoring sensors are mounted on the tires to track the real-time air pressure inside the tires. There are two types of tyre pressure monitoring sensors:

Direct Sensors: The tyre pressure sensors meant for solely monitoring the tire pressure and sending the data to the software are called direct sensors. 

Indirect Sensors: By indirect sensors we mean, the TPMS gathers the wheel speed data via ABS(Anti-lock Braking System) and detects any difference in the movement and performance to alert the manager about the possible tire pressure issue. 

However, as far as the end-to-end working of a TPMS is concerned, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: The sensors mounted on the tyres monitor and track the air pressure and temperature status inside each tyre.  

Step 2: The hardware sensors share the data with the control unit or the GPS device installed on the vehicle.  

Step 3: The central unit/ GPS device sends the data to the cloud which further sends it to the software via telematics.

Step 4: The software massages the data and compares it with the optimum range set for the vehicle. 

Step 5:  If the system detects a difference of more than 20-25%(or whatever percentage set by the fleet manager on the software), it shoots an instant alert to the driver/manager or pushes notifications on the dashboard. 

With the real-time reading of tyre pressure, drivers or managers can keep a tab on different vehicles and manage fuel efficiency.

Why is a TPMS an Important Part of Tire Management?

A tire pressure monitoring system is an essential part of tire management, and in fact, the entire fleet management process. It’s imperative for the vehicle’s overall performance and safety. 

Let’s discuss in detail why and how TPMS is important for tire management.

1. Safety: Safety is the biggest concern with tire pressure ups and downs. Lower tire pressure can lead to reduced handling, hydroplaning, skidding, and tyre blowouts. 
2. Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tyres keep problems such as rolling resistance at bay, which otherwise may lead to reduced fuel consumption. A TPMS would help maintain optimal tire pressure hence, help improve fuel efficiency and overall fuel cost. 
3. Tire Health: Feeding tires with optimal air at all times means, you are helping them stay fit. If the air pressure and temperature don’t stay in the optimal range, it directly impacts the health and life of the tire negatively. 
4. Compliance: TPMS is regulatory compliance in some developed parts of the world such as the European Union, the USA, and South Korea. Having the system in place will not only help ensure safety but also, save you from burning a hole in your pocket with hefty fines.

Benefits of using a TPMS in your Fleet

A TPMS offers several benefits to fleets of all types and sizes. The primary and broader benefit is improvement in the bottom line of the business. The best Tire Pressure Monitoring System is the one that justifies its importance in fleet management operations.  

1. Improves the overall fleet safety by reducing risks of accidents due to underinflation or overinflation of tires
2. Reduces the downtime due to tyres going flat unannounced. 
3. Increases the life span of tires, hence, saving a lot of money. 
4. Also, reducing the overall maintenance cost by putting less strain on the vehicle engine, tires, etc. 
5. Complying with the regulations saves you the added costs of big challans and fines.

How Much Does a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Cost?

The cost of a tyre pressure monitoring system may vary depending on various factors such as the type of sensor, the number of devices installed and the brand you decided upon. On the software front, the more sophisticated the tool is, the higher the prices go. Having said that, a complete tire pressure monitoring system would cost somewhere between $50-$200. 

However, usually, the OEMs give you an in-built TPMS. Advanced fleet management software providers such as TrackoBit offer TPMS along with its primary fleet monitoring solutions. If you already have a hardware system of tyre pressure sensors installed in your fleet, then it’s just a one-step process to get the monitoring started.

Which is the Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)?

As far as the best tyre pressure monitoring software is concerned, TrackoBit has established its name in the fleet and logistics space. This fleet management software is not only the best TPMS but also offers top-notch accuracy along with advanced fleet monitoring solutions – Video Telematics, Route planning and optimisation, Fuel Monitoring and Driving Behaviour Analysis to name a few. 

Can you count on TrackoBit’s new-age telematics software for end-to-end optimisation of fleet operations? Absolutely yes. 

Intrigued? 

Reach out to us here!