Cecily Zamora
In 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) passed a federal law requiring all vehicles to be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to warn drivers of significant tire under-inflation. The TPMS illuminates a warning telltale when one or more tires are 25% or more below the recommended cold inflation pressure. This law came into effect on September 1, 2007, for all vehicles manufactured after that date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year tire pressure sensor became federal law | 2007 |
| Date the law was passed | 2005 |
| Agency responsible for the law | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| Department the agency is part of | U.S. Department of Transportation |
| Purpose of the law | To warn drivers of significant under-inflation of tires and the resulting safety problems |
| Vehicles the law applies to | Passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less, except those vehicles with dual wheels on an axle |
| Type of tire pressure monitoring system required | A system that detects when one or more of a vehicle's tires is significantly under-inflated and illuminates a low tire pressure warning telltale |
| Time taken for the warning telltale to illuminate | Not more than 20 minutes after the inflation pressure in one or more of the vehicle's tires is equal to or less than either the pressure 25% below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure or the pressure specified in the 3rd column of Table 1 of this standard for the corresponding type of tire, whichever is higher |
| Conditions for the warning telltale to remain illuminated | As long as the pressure in any of the vehicle's tires is equal to or less than the pressure specified and the ignition locking system is in the "On" ("Run") position, whether or not the engine is running, or until manually reset in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions |
| Additional information that must be included in the owner's manual | An image of the Low Tire Pressure Telltale symbol and a statement in English about the importance of maintaining correct tire pressure and the safety problems that can arise from under-inflation |
What You'll Learn
TPMS Sensors for Tesla Vehicles
In 2005, the US government passed a law requiring all new vehicles to be fitted with a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) by September 1, 2007. TPMS sensors are physical pressure transducers that are part of the valve stem mounted inside the tire or strapped inside the wheel. They send unique IDs and tire-pressure data to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Tesla vehicles use two types of TPMS sensors: RF 433MHz type and BLE Bluetooth type. The two types of sensors are not interchangeable, so it is important to order the correct type for your vehicle.
T Sportline offers plug-and-play TPMS sensors for all Tesla models and model years. No programming or calibration is needed; simply install the TPMS and drive. Your Tesla will automatically recognize the TPMS and sync to the sensor.
You can also purchase TPMS sensors directly from Tesla to re-equip your Model S, Model X, Model 3, or Model Y with the original TPMS.
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TPMS: It’s The Law
TPMS: It's The Law
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are safety features that warn drivers when their tires are significantly under-inflated. TPMS sensors are physical pressure transducers that are part of the valve stem mounted inside the tire or strapped inside the wheel. TPMS sensors send unique IDs and tire-pressure data to the powertrain control module (PCM) via tiny radio antennas.
Tires lose air pressure over time, and even new tires can lose up to 10% of their pressure in a year. Punctures, corrosion from aluminum wheels, and bad valve stems can all contribute to tires running at under-inflated pressures. Driving on under-inflated tires is dangerous and can lead to tire failure. Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safety and fuel economy, and it also helps tires wear evenly so they last longer.
In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the TREAD Act, mandating TPMS in all passenger cars and light trucks sold as of September 1, 2007. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on April 8, 2005, establishing FMVSS No. 138, which requires TPMS in certain vehicles. The rule took effect on October 7, 2005, with voluntary compliance permitted immediately.
TPMS Sensors and Replacement
A specialized TPMS scan tool is required to check the sensor, read the ID code, and program it into the PCM. Aftermarket sensors often require special programming to meet vehicle specifications before installation and relearn. TPMS sensors typically last between five and ten years, and their battery and transmitter life may be shortened the more a vehicle is driven.
TPMS Service and Maintenance
Keeping a supply of TPMS service parts and replacement sensors on hand is important to ensure customers' safety. Tires are regularly exposed to elements such as road salt in the winter that can cause galvanic corrosion around the stem, leading to small air leaks. Selling TPMS service kits can help customers maintain proper air pressure and keep sensors in working order.
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TPMS Sensors
Background
In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which included a mandate for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in new vehicles. This was in response to concerns over tire underinflation, which can lead to safety issues, reduced fuel efficiency, and premature tire wear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was tasked with establishing the TPMS standard.
TPMS Functionality
Maintenance and Replacement
Federal Law
The TPMS federal law went into effect on September 1, 2007, mandating that all new passenger cars and light trucks be equipped with TPMS. This law ensures that drivers have a reliable system to monitor tire pressure and maintain their safety on the road.
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TPMS Scan Tools
TPMS sensors are physical pressure transducers that are part of the valve stem mounted inside the tire or strapped inside the wheel. They send unique IDs and tire-pressure data to the powertrain control module (PCM) via tiny radio antennas.
There are two main types of TPMS scan tools: direct TPMS sensors and indirect TPMS sensors. Direct TPMS sensors are physical-pressure transducers that are part of the valve stem mounted inside the tire. Indirect TPMS sensors do not have tire pressure sensors but rely on wheel speed sensors to detect and compare differences in the rotational speed of a vehicle's wheels, which can indicate tire pressure issues.
When choosing a TPMS scan tool, it is important to consider the type of vehicle, the specific TPMS system installed, and the features required. Some scan tools offer basic functionality, while others provide more advanced features such as sensor activation, programming, and learning capabilities. It is also important to ensure that the scan tool is compatible with the vehicle's TPMS system.
Some examples of TPMS scan tools include the Autel TS508WF, the Bartec Relearn Magnet, and the Schrader TPMS Solutions S41. These tools offer a range of features, including sensor activation, reading sensor data, and programming sensors.
In conclusion, TPMS scan tools are essential for maintaining proper tire pressure, improving safety, and maximising fuel efficiency. They can help diagnose and resolve TPMS issues, ensuring that tires remain in optimal condition. When choosing a TPMS scan tool, it is important to consider the specific needs and compatibility with the vehicle's TPMS system.
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TPMS Service Kits
Service kits are available in a variety of materials, including rubber snap-in valve stems, fixed angle clamp-in valve stems, and adjustable clamp-in valve stems. These kits may also include brass or nickel-plated valve cores, aluminum seats, and other components.
It is important to replace service kits with every tire change to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the TPMS. This includes replacing components such as the valve screw, grommet, rubber valve, nut, valve core, and cap.
For example, the Schrader TPMS Service Kits offer a range of options, including fixed angle aluminum clamp-in, black fixed angle clamp-in, and rubber snap-in service kits. Schrader also provides service pack assortment kits that include the market's most popular service packs in a durable, organized tackle box.
Standard Motor Products also offers a range of TPMS service tools and programming tools, as well as individual, application-specific service kits and bulk packs of valve stems, cores, and other parts.
It is important to choose the correct service kit for your specific vehicle and TPMS system to ensure proper functioning and to maintain the safety benefits of tire pressure monitoring.
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Frequently asked questions
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a system that detects when one or more of a vehicle's tires is significantly under-inflated and illuminates a low tire pressure warning telltale.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safety and fuel economy. Tires lose air pressure over time and even new tires lose up to 10% of their pressure in a year. Punctures and corrosion from aluminum wheels and bad valve stems all contribute to tires running at underinflated pressures. Recognizing the danger of driving on underinflated tires, the U.S. Congress passed the TREAD Act in 2000, mandating tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in all passenger cars and light trucks sold as of Sept. 1, 2007.
The tire pressure monitoring system must illuminate a low tire pressure warning telltale not more than 20 minutes after the inflation pressure in one or more of the vehicle's tires, up to a total of four tires, is equal to or less than either the pressure 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure, or the pressure specified in the 3rd column of Table 1 of this standard for the corresponding type of tire, whichever is higher.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
The TREAD Act mandated a regulation to require a tire pressure monitoring system in new vehicles. In satisfaction of this congressional directive, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration established FMVSS No. 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, in a final rule published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2005. The effective date of the amendments made in this final rule was October 7, 2005.
