What Does TPMS Mean?

Modern vehicles have plenty of high-tech features that improve your driving experience and safety but also alert you when something on your vehicle needs maintenance. One of these features is the TPMS. 

What does TPMS mean? TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which uses specialized sensors to track the air pressure of all four tires. If the TPMS detects that one or more of your vehicle’s tires aren’t at the recommended pressure, the TPMS warning light on your dashboard will turn on or flash. This generally means you need to add air to the tires on your car, truck, or SUV. 

Most new vehicles have a TPMS, making it easy to prevent tire failure while giving you an idea about the current status of your tires and maintaining good vehicle handling when driving around Salem and Newberg. Read more about your TPMS with our handy guide!

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features

The tire pressure monitoring system tracks the pressure inside your tires and alerts you if the levels drop below the recommended level. The TPMS dashboard warning light could look like a flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle of it. You might just see the illuminated letters “TPMS”. Check your owner’s manual or vehicle information center on your touchscreen for more information on what this dashboard warning light looks like.

If you notice that your tire pressure light is on, it means your tires are underinflated. Tires with low pressure could cause:

  • Poor traction
  • Decreased load carrying capability
  • A flat tire or blowout
  • Worse fuel economy

In the immediate time frame, correct tire inflation can protect you from a potential accident. For example, poor handling on wet or slick roads can lead to skidding or hydroplaning, and you could lose control of your vehicle on a turn or when trying to brake. 

In the long run, optimal tire pressure can prevent your tires from wearing out prematurely and even improve fuel economy by up to 3% in some cases. Gas prices aren’t going down any time soon, and that money adds up. You save money by not having to replace your tires as often and spending less at the gas pump.

A tire pressure monitoring system is a great way to keep track of your tire pressure during your Hillsboro travels without having to remember to do manual checks yourself. Although we do recommend looking at your tires every time you go to the gas station or once a week for EVs. Tires typically wear out faster on EVs, so keeping an eye on them is important!

Proper Tire Inflation

Both over- and under-inflated tires can lead to a host of unwanted issues for drivers. 

A properly inflated tire will:

  • Reduce tread movement, thereby increasing the life of the tire
  • Reduce rolling resistance, which will increase vehicle efficiency
  • Increase water dispersion, which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning and increases handling on slick roads 

To find out what the proper tire pressure is for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or driver information center on your touchscreen. Making sure your tires are properly inflated is a quick and simple task that can save you money and stress long-term. 

You have several options when it comes to filling up your tires:

  • Many gas stations have tire filling areas separate from the pump station.
  • You can take your vehicle to your favorite service center for full tire service.
  • If you need a little more air in your tires quickly, you can even use a bike pump!

Contact Lum's GMC for Tire Service

If you have questions about your TPMS, our staff would be happy to answer them! When you bring your vehicle in for service, we can check the tire pressure monitoring system to make sure it’s running properly and your tires have the right inflation. Contact us or call (503) 472-6144, and we’d be happy to help in any way we can! We also service tires on all types of vehicles, whether you need new tires, a tire rotation, or a wheel alignment.

 

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