Honda Tire Pressure Monitoring System
What is Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)?
The tire pressure monitoring system is an electronic system designed to warn you if one or more tires on your Honda are significantly under-inflated. TPMS is divided into two different types; indirect and direct.
What is Indirect TPMS?
An indirect TPMS relies on wheel speed sensors that the anti-lock brake system uses to compare the rotational speed of one tire versus the other tires. This system doesn’t necessarily measure tire pressure, but simply measures how fast your tires are rotating and sends signals to the computer when something in the rotation seems amiss.
Advantages of Indirect TPMS
- Less overall installation maintenance
- Relatively inexpensive
- Requires less programming/maintenance over the years
What is Direct TPMS?
A direct system uses pressure monitor sensors for each tire to monitor specific pressure levels. The system sends all the data to a centralized control module where it is analyzed and interpreted.
Advantages of Direct TPMS
- Deliver actual tire pressure readings from inside the tire
- Batteries inside the sensors usually last for about 10 years
- Not prone to inaccuracies because of tire replacements or tire rotation
When does the TPMS activate?
Indirect TPMS
If a wheel is spinning faster than expected, the computer calculates that the tire is under-inflated and will alert the driver immediately with a symbol lighting up on the dashboard.
Direct TPMS
If the tire pressure is lower than it should be, the driver will be alerted with the symbol lighting up on the dashboard.
The TPMS low tire pressure indicator that illuminates on the dashboard will represent the final step in the process for both direct and indirect TPMS.
When Does TPMS Reset?
Indirect TPMS
For the indirect TPMS, it must be reset after properly inflating every tire and after routine tire rotation.
Direct TPMS
For the direct TPMS, it doesn’t need to be reset after tire rotation or inflation.
Why is the TPMS important?
There are tons of benefits that come from doing proper tire pressure maintenance – including fuel savings, less tire maintenance from irregular tire wear, better vehicle handling, and reduced braking distance.
Why Visit Honda of Ann Arbor for TPMS?
Our service technicians at Honda of Ann Arbor will handle all your tire needs. You can be ensured our technicians will prep your tires for proper inflation, maximum performance and security. Don’t wait until you have a flat tire to be proactive about tire inflation. Visiting our service center will not only improve your Honda’s fuel economy, safety on the road, and handling, but will also improve your vehicle’s resale value.