Since November 1, 2014, it has been legally required that every vehicle in vehicle categories M1 and M1G be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This applies to every vehicle in one of these registration categories that was registered after November 1, 2014. The basis for this is EU Regulation ECE R-64, which also specifies the technical requirements for a TPMS; it came into force in two phases: on November 1, 2012 (for new vehicle models) and on November 1, 2014 (for all newly registered vehicles). On the following pages, we provide information about the... Benefits of a tire pressure monitoring system for the user, you will find a product overview of the various TireMoni models and in our press review we link to current specialist articles and publications in which a TireMoni tire pressure monitoring system was mentioned.
Comparison of direct vs. indirect tire pressure monitoring systems
The legally required tire pressure monitoring system can be a direct-measuring system, meaning it uses tire pressure sensors (inside the tire or on the valve) that measure the air pressure and transmit the data to the vehicle. Alternatively, the pressure loss can also be detected by evaluating the ABS sensors. This system evaluates the fact that as the tire pressure decreases, its radius also decreases, and it therefore rotates slightly faster than the other tires with normal pressure. However, indirect systems cannot be expected to display the pressure values.
Driver information with warning function
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) belongs to the class of driver information systems; it informs the driver about the status of their tire pressure in the case of direct measuring systems, or about a pressure loss in the case of indirect measuring systems. The responsibility for ensuring the vehicle is driven with the correct tire pressure (and therefore roadworthy) remains with the driver in all cases. Although the responsibility remains with the driver, the TPMS offers significant practical benefits: In the event of pressure loss, the warning usually comes early enough for the driver to find a safe place to pull over and resolve the problem. This almost always prevents total vehicle failure. The tedious task of checking tire pressure is completely eliminated with direct measuring systems, as the pressure values are displayed in the instrument cluster.
Costs and environmental aspects
Furthermore, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows the driver to ensure that the tires are operated at the optimal pressure, thereby improving tire wear and fuel consumption. This also helps avoid unnecessary environmental pollution and results in significant cost savings. In contrast, the direct measurement systems offered by car manufacturers incur the cost of the sensors. A separate set of sensors is required for summer and winter tires, and after a few years of operation – when the sensor batteries are depleted – this investment becomes necessary again. Therefore, a full return on investment through savings in fuel consumption and tire wear is likely only realistic for high-mileage drivers.
Conclusion
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is generally a good idea for any vehicle that uses pneumatic tires. That's why TireMoni has been offering suitable devices for easy and quick retrofitting to any vehicle since 2008. TireMoni was designed so that the system can be installed in almost any vehicle and is as cost-effective as possible for the user. One set of tire pressure sensors is sufficient for both summer and winter tires; the sensors are simply swapped when changing tires. Sensor batteries are also easy for the user to replace, keeping ongoing costs pleasantly low. At the same time, the performance is on par with the direct measurement systems offered by car manufacturers.