A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is, essentially, a safety software installed into any vehicle, including fleets, to monitor the pressure inside the tyre. It ensures the tyres are adequately inflated, a very critical factor in ensuring safety and performance on road running. In a TPMS tyre, each tyre has sensors fitted in or on the tyre. 

The sensors frequently monitor the air pressure in all of them and forward the data to the dashboard of the vehicle. The system would then activate the dashboard light warning the driver that the pressure in any one of the tires is low and that it is now time to check the tire pressure.

Advantages of Tyre Management System

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System has several critical benefits for the individual driver and fleet management.

1. Improved Safety

Without a doubt, the biggest advantage of a TPMS has to be improved safety. Proper tyres are vital for safety when it comes to handling and braking. Under-inflated tyres can cause blowouts or accidents, which is something no one ever wishes to face. 

The TPMS informs the drivers about low tyre pressure, which would help prevent precarious road situations from arising on the road.

2. Improved Fuel Efficiency

Well-maintained air within the tyres enables your vehicle to consume fuel more efficiently. Under-inflated tyres will have more resistance in rolling than well-inflated one. It simply tells you that the engine is not working as much as it would in other cases, which generally points to better fuel economy. For fleet users, saving a lot in costs of fuelling over time.

3. Tyre Longevity

A TPMS can enhance the lifespan of your tyres. Well-maintained tyres will wear at a uniform rate on their inner and outer tread surfaces. Under-inflated tyres degrade much quicker, and in addition to the extra replacement, this increases the recurrent cost. 

A Tyre Health Monitoring System empowers drivers and fleet managers to keep track of tyre health and take action if necessary.

4. Real-Time Monitoring

Most TPMS offers Real-time information about tyre pressure. This allows the driver, as well as the Fleet Manager, to monitor the tyres instantly under real conditions. Any abnormal pressure change can be addressed promptly. Also, the driver can pull over to inspect the tyre or check for a possible leak.

5. Saves Time And Money

Regular tyre pressure alerts are a time and money saver. Drivers And fleet managers can use this as a scheduling tool for maintenance. It helps to avoid problems that might lead to a breakdown or costly repairs.

6. Ease of accessibility

Most TPMS are easy to use. They can be fit in the dash display. By doing so, they will be able to give out clear and transparent warnings and information. This makes them friendly to use and it means users do not necessarily need technical know-how to be in a position to use the system.

7. Alerts and Notifications

The system sends out alerts as the tire pressure is beyond safely acceptable levels, usually going to 20 percent below the recommended pressure. Drivers or fleet managers take quick action in inflating the tires or replacing them as needed.

Disadvantages of Basic Tyre Pressure Monitoring Software

Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) serve as very helpful software in keeping track of your vehicle's tyre air pressure. However, the basic models come with several disadvantages that some users are not aware of.

Lack of Specific Information

The only setback of basic TPMS is it only warns you that the pressure in the tyres is low. It does not tell you how much to add or which tyre requires topping. So, so many drivers are left wondering what to do after the warning.

Advanced TPMS allows you to read your tires. In case of an issue, it will clearly tell you which tyre needs service and how much air is needed. So, at such a time, the driver will immediately take action without driving further on a flat tyre, which can be fatal.

Weather Sensitivity

A basic TPMS struggles in cold weather. When temperatures go down, the tyre pressure also drops, sometimes causing false alarms. It may be an irritating factor for the drivers sometimes.

Systems that are advanced would consider the thermal changes and thus would have a more correct reading. This means the drivers get information they can trust irrespective of the weather conditions.

Monitoring Inconsistencies

Most basic TPMS check tire pressure only when the vehicle starts. Such systems do leave most drivers unaware of a slow leak of air while driving.

Advanced TPMS comes with real-time monitoring. This way, you are already aware that tyre pressure is checked constantly.

Sensors

The main disappointment of basic TPMS is its sensors that gradually wear out. Due to this fact, with the possibility of an inappropriate reading created by a malfunctioning sensor, motorists might continue to drive completely oblivious to their tyre conditions.

Advanced TPMS uses more reliable, long-lasting sensors that need less maintenance.

Read Blog: Tire Pressure Monitoring System – Working, Benefits and Cost

Before You Go!

Management of fleet vehicles would become all the more important with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

It helps maintain optimal tire pressure, saving fuel and extending tire life. However, it does come with some downsides like potential false alarms and maintenance costs.

Despite these drawbacks, the benefits of having advanced software such as TrackoBit provide real-time information about your tire pressure which often outweigh the negatives, making TPMS a valuable feature for fleet management.