Keep Flat Tires At Bay With The Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 12:57 p.m.

There are few things as devastating as a flat fire or low tire pressure after encountering an accidental bump in the road. Aside from being a major source of inconvenience, underinflated tires have statistically contributed to up to half of automobile accidents. Considering the risk and hazards of low tire pressure, it is important to ensure your vehicle’s tires have optimal air pressure at all times.

That’s where a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) comes in. A TPMS is a handy piece of equipment that can be seamlessly calibrated to the vehicle’s valvular system to conveniently keep an eye on the air pressure level of the car’s tires. This simple yet high-utility tool is great for all vehicle owners. We’ve compiled a list of the top tire pressure monitoring systems of 2023 and included a comprehensive buying guide so you can shop confidently. 

Automobile accessories are exciting items to purchase, and the ones that increase the functional capabilities and bring ease into the lives of owners and buyers are automatically more lucrative. Choosing a tire pressure monitoring system is a tricky decision, particularly if you only have limited knowledge in this regard. Through this buyer’s guide, we aspire to equip you with all the necessary information regarding TPMS to confidently purchase the correct items.

Definition of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

A tire pressure monitoring system is also alternatively known as a tire pressure monitor. It is an electronic system designed to be integrated with the vehicle, such that it gives off a warning each time the pressure in the tires drops below the optimal recommended levels. Whether it is one tire or more than one, the TPMS proves to be life-saving as it alerts users. Real-time tire pressure tracking is instrumental for maneuvering around situations with inconsistent tire pressure. 

Tire Pressure Gauge and Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Contrary to popular belief, the tire pressure monitoring system is not the same as an analog tire pressure gauge. The two pieces of equipment significantly differ from each other. The tire pressure monitoring system delineates and indicates optimal or less-than-optimal tire pressure. It does not indicate the exact amount of pressure in a tire. A tire pressure gauge, on the other hand, measures the exact amount of pressure present in the tire.  The tire pressure monitoring system is an excellent way to monitor the optimal pressure requirements of your vehicle’s tires. However, there may be a chance of malfunction or battery failure. If that is a concern to you, it may be best to use a TPMS in conjunction with a tire pressure gauge. The gauge can also keep an eye on and ensure that the TPMS is functioning adequately.

How To Choose a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The arduous job of choosing a tire pressure monitoring system can be simplified by considering the following factors:

Durability

The durability is not only a measure of how long a monitoring system lasts, but it is also a measure of how rugged its construction is and its ability to withstand harsh environmental and climatic influences, including waterproofing, heatproofing, and other similar features. An optimal functioning one is resistant to all the aforementioned influences. 

Budget

The TPMS, despite being high utility equipment, has a varying price range, with options ranging from incredibly affordable to outrageously expensive. A basic tire pressure monitoring unit with a single sensor can be sourced for even $25, while the feature-dense and more sophisticated versions have pricing as high as over $350. Therefore, choose a quality option, but avoid going too overboard with your budget.

Additional features

A basic TPMS can gauge the changing air pressure levels in your tires. However, the more sophisticated ones have several other lucrative features, including numeric measurement, heat sensors, a tire pressure leak warning, and other handy features. The greater the number of features, the greater the pricing.

Benefits of Purchasing a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Many consider the tire pressure monitoring system an extravagant purchase. However, it is an instrumental tool to keep track of the pressure in your vehicle’s tire without the hassle of constantly stopping by the gauge mounted at your nearby gas station. There are several benefits of purchasing a TPMS. With the TPMS, you no longer have to rely on guesswork and assess the need to replenish the pressure in your vehicle’s tires by glancing at it. There are no downtimes, and one can instantly check the pressure in the tires and rule out all doubts and errors of judgment. It also eliminates the need to rule on unreliable and obsolete pressure gauging equipment, like the small stick gauge. Moreover, the TPMS is constantly on the go with you as once mounted on the vehicle, it stays put and is functional. There is no added weight and hassle involved as the tool has been calibrated in the car’s valve.  A car with a pre-fitted TPMS offers better rates than a car without one due to its direct impact on the fuel economy and inherent safety. Poorly inflated tires decrease the offered mileage. However, the TPMS issues timely warnings and aids in saving fuel. Along with conserving the money otherwise spent on fuel, it also saves a great deal of time due to its speedy operation.  Inadequately inflated tires pose a significant risk to security and safety by predisposing the vehicle to blow-out incidents, which can further lead to a dangerous accident. With the presence of this monitor, there are constant alerts regarding the changing pressure levels in the tire, giving the drivers ample time to inflate the tires to optimal levels and rule out any risks of accidents occurring due to this reason. 

How to Care for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Optimal care and maintenance can make goods and equipment last a lifetime. The expected service life of a tire pressure monitoring system is about a decade. However, adequate care has proven to extend it.  The TPMS requires frequent assessment checks to rule out a malfunction. Since they are electronic equipment, it is pertinent to run routine checks. The service refers to sensor cleaning and monitoring. Despite the extended service life, the sensors mjust be cleaned frequently, or otherwise, the device may malfunction. Moreover, since it is calibrated with the tires and valvular system of the vehicle, it is also recommended to check the efficacy and functional integrity after each vehicle change and any other changes in the valve system.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Tymate Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Best Value: Fobo Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Incredible Features: Vesafe Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Premium Quality Option: Eeztire Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Worth Considering: Guta Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Reviews

How does the TPMS issue a low-pressure warning?

A dashboard indicator light in a horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark in the middle is the key indicator of a low-pressure warning. 

Who decides the optimal tire pressure?

It is commonly believed that the optimal tire pressure is a result of the TPMS guidelines; however, that is not the truth, as the air pressure ratings are determined by the tire manufacturers.

How to manage if the TPMS gives off a warning indicator?

The warning indicator of the TPMS means that the air pressure in the tire is less than recommended by the manufacturer. In order to prevent any unfortunate incidents, it is vital to inflate the tires to reach optimal levels. 

Do all vehicles require the installation of a tire pressure monitor?

All vehicles benefit from the installation of a tire pressure monitor. However, some vehicles come with a pre-fitted monitor. 

Which one is more expensive; the direct or the indirect TPMS?

The direct tire pressure monitoring system is more sophisticated and resultantly more expensive as well. 

Can you install a tire pressure monitoring system on your own?

Most modern tire pressure monitoring systems have a simple and easy installation, which makes it easy to install the new system and replace the old system without significant help.