Tyre Pressure Sensor Technology: How They Work and Why They’re Important

Tyre pressure sensors (TPMS) are small but important devices that monitor the air pressure in your tyres and alert you if it drops below a safe level. Let’s take a look at how this technology works, what types of sensors exist, and how they interact with your vehicle.

How Do Tyre Pressure Sensors Work?

At the heart of TPMS is the idea of constantly monitoring the pressure in each tyre and relaying that information to the driver. This is accomplished in two main ways:

Direct TPMS:

A sensor is installed in each wheel that directly measures the pressure and temperature inside the tyre. The sensor transmits the data via radio signal to a receiver in the vehicle. The onboard computer processes the information and displays it on the dashboard, often with the pressure in each tyre.

• Advantages: High accuracy; ability to identify a specific tyre with low pressure.
• Disadvantages: Higher cost; need to replace batteries in sensors (usually every few years).

Indirect TPMS:

• Advantages: Utilises wheel speed sensors that are already in the ABS system. The system compares wheel speeds and determines if one of the wheels is spinning faster due to a smaller diameter (indicating low pressure).
• Disadvantages: Less accuracy; inability to identify a specific wheel with low pressure.

Interaction With Onboard Systems

Regardless of the type, TPMS sensors transmit information to the vehicle’s onboard computer. The computer processes the data, and the tyre pressure can be displayed on the dashboard as numbers or a graphical indicator. If the pressure in one or more tyres falls below a preset threshold, the system activates a warning signal (audible or visual).

Why Do I Need Tyre Pressure Sensors?

• Safety: Proper tyre pressure is critical to vehicle handling and braking. Low pressure can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially on wet or slippery roads.
• Fuel economy: Reduced pressure increases rolling resistance, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
• Tyre life: Improper pressure causes uneven tyre wear, which shortens tyre life and requires more frequent tyre rotation.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your Audi A5, as in the picture above, is an important safety feature that helps prevent accidents and keep your tyres in good condition. To keep the system working perfectly, it’s important to service the sensors regularly and know how to solve any problems that arise.

Practical Maintenance Tips

Visually inspect the gauges.	Check the pressure in all tyres, including the spare tyre, at least once a month and before long trips. Use an accurate pressure gauge and follow the Audi A5 manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual or on the sticker in the door opening.
Visually inspect the gauges	When you change tyres or do other work on the wheels during the season, pay attention to the condition of the gauges. Make sure there is no damage, corrosion, or signs of battery wear (TPMS sensors in the Audi A5 typically have a battery life of about 5–7 years).
Wheel alignment and wheel alignment.	After any work on the wheels (tyre mounting/dismounting, suspension repairs), be sure to have the wheel alignment and wheel alignment (camber) performed. Unbalanced or incorrect mounting angles can lead to increased stress on the sensors and premature sensor failure.
Training the system after replacing sensors or wheels.	A TPMS training procedure may be required after replacing sensors or realigning wheels. This will allow the onboard computer to recognise the new sensors and display the information correctly. The training procedure may vary depending on the year and equipment of the Audi A5. Consult the owner’s manual or your authorised Audi dealer for exact instructions.

Troubleshooting

• Low Pressure Warning: First, check the pressure in all tyres and inflate them if necessary. If the problem persists, one of the sensors may be defective, or its battery may be dead. Contact a service centre for diagnosis and replacement.
• The system does not respond to pressure changes: Make sure the sensors are properly installed and securely mounted in the wheels. Try the TPMS training procedure. If the problem persists, the signal receiver or TPMS control unit may be defective. Contact a specialist.
• TPMS warning: This can indicate a variety of problems, from sensor malfunctions to wiring problems. It is recommended that you contact a service centre for diagnosis and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Tyre pressure sensors are an important technology that helps keep your tyres safe, economical, and durable. If your vehicle is not equipped with TPMS, consider installing this system — it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.