How do I know if I have a TPMS sensor?

The TPMS sensor is a pneumatic pressure control system that is installed on new vehicles. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it's a good idea to verify that your vehicle model actually has one. Checking your owner's manual or looking for the TPMS warning on your dashboard are a few ways to verify that your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS sensor.  Here are some tips and tricks to help you verify that you have a TPMS sensor.

TPMS Sensor: Checking if you have one

All passenger vehicles manufactured in the U.S. and Canada have been equipped with TPMS sensors since September 1, 2007. However, TPMS sensors have been standard on European cars since November 1, 2014. So, if you have a vehicle manufactured in one of these territories after that date, it's likely equipped with a pressure sensor. In fact, the requirement to install pressure sensors, or TPMS, stems from certain studies conducted in the United States. These showed that 70% of vehicles were being driven with one or more improperly inflated tires, resulting in accidents. As a result, it was decided to make TPMS a standard feature.

More tips to find out if you have a TPMS sensor

Check the owner's manual or log book for the TPMS sensor.

The owner's manual or owner's guide provides information about a vehicle's specific characteristics. In fact, just using these documents can help reassure a buyer about the materials or other elements used to build a car. For example, a car whose tires are equipped with a TPMS sensor would necessarily have the words "indirect TPMS sensor or direct TPMS sensor" in its owner's manual.

In addition, a TPMS sensor is considered direct if it is independently placed on a vehicle's wheels after manufacture. Equipped with a connector, it returns signals through a vehicle's air pressure system. Unlike a direct TPMS sensor, a TPMS is indirect when it works with a vehicle's braking system.

Start your vehicle and look for the TPMS sensor light on your dashboard.

Once you've turned on your vehicle's ignition, simply look at your illuminated dashboard to see if a TPMS sensor is present. It's important to note that not all vehicles display the TPMS warning at first glance. In this case, you'll have to wait for your vehicle's wheels to begin to swell abnormally before you see the TPMS warning.

Statistically, most vehicles cause accidents because they lack a proper tire pressure system. These are the reasons why the U.S. government decided in 2005 and 2007 to make TPMS sensors mandatory. As a result, any driver who encounters a tire failure will be able to recognize it thanks to TPMS warnings. But there are other ways to check a TPMS sensor?

Take a close look at your car's wheels

Usually in the form of a USB stick, a TPMS sensor is placed in the device that allows air to enter and exit the vehicle. Because it is difficult to detect, tire experts have often recommended the use of a barometer. To avoid any confusion about the presence of the TPMS sensor, you can consult a vulcanizer. This way, you can be sure whether or not your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS sensor.

Finally, there are several other tips for detecting a TPMS sensor. In fact, the ones mentioned above can be described as rational and economical. At the risk of creating more technical problems for your vehicle, it would be best to apply them without moderation.

What are the benefits of TPMS sensors?

By monitoring tire pressure, TPMS pressure sensors keep you safe and reduce fuel consumption.

The benefits of TPMS sensors include:

• Improved road safety: Low tire pressure increases stopping distance and reduces grip. Tires also tend to overheat, increasing the risk of a blowout.
• Reduced fuel consumption: Proper tire pressure reduces fuel consumption and saves you money. It's also good for the environment.
• Reduced tire wear: Proper tire pressure reduces tire wear. Thanks to TPMS sensors, you'll be alerted quickly to any pressure loss. This allows you to react quickly and ensure that your tires last longer.
• Potential cost savings: TPMS prevents tire and rim damage.

TPMS systems are installed by the vehicle manufacturer. Some vehicles manufactured before November 2014 are also equipped with TPMS.