What is a Car Tire Pressure Sensor? Which Type is Good?

What is a car tire pressure sensor?
Latest update date: February 26, 10

Tire pressure sensor (Tire Pressure Monitoring System – TPMS) is an electronic system mounted on the wheel, which is responsible for monitoring and warning about the pressure status of each tire.

According to statistics from the American Trucking Association, about 75% of tire-related accidents stem from improper pressure, showing the importance of using TPMS.

Thanks to the sensor, tire life is increased, driving is safer, and fuel consumption is reduced.

Currently on the market, there are 2 popular types of car tire pressure sensors: internal valve tire pressure sensors and external valve tire pressure sensors with prominent brands such as: Steelmate, Fobo Tire, Xiaomi, Michelin, Careud, and Icar.

To choose the optimal TPMS sensor, you need to pay attention to some criteria such as: classification, power source, features, brand, price and vehicle compatibility.

In short, using tire pressure sensors is a smart investment in the safety and performance of your vehicle. Learn more car tire pressure sensor to make the best decision for your vehicle.

What is a car tire pressure sensor?
Car Tire Pressure Sensors: An A-Z Overview

What is a Car Tire Pressure Sensor?

A tire pressure sensor (TPMS) is a compact electronic device that is attached to a tire to monitor and warn about tire pressure and temperature in real time. When tire pressure is lower or higher than the allowable threshold (usually ±25% compared to standard pressure), the system will warn on the dashboard so that the driver knows and can handle it promptly.

1. Structure of car tire pressure sensor

Each sensor consists of the following main components: Pressure sensor, temperature sensor, battery, antenna and transmitter.

Thành phần Function
Pressure sensor Uses MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to measure the air pressure inside the tire. When the pressure changes, the sensor membrane will deform and generate a corresponding electrical signal.
Temperature sensor Measures the temperature inside the tire, helping to compensate for the effect of temperature on tire pressure.
Pin Provides power to the sensor to operate. Batteries typically last 5-10 years depending on the type.
Antennas and transmitters Transmits tire pressure and temperature data to the vehicle's receiver via radio waves.

2. Working principle of car tire pressure sensor

As the vehicle moves, the sensor will continuously measure tire pressure and temperature, then transmit data wirelessly to the vehicle's central control unit. If the tire pressure is lower or higher than the allowable threshold (usually ±25% compared to the standard pressure), the system will warn on the dashboard so that the driver knows and can handle it promptly.

tire pressure sensor operating principle
Tire pressure sensor operating principle

Should I Install Tire Pressure Sensors In My Car?

You should install tire pressure sensors to extend tire life, ensure traffic safety, save energy consumption and protect the environment.

1. Extend tire life

According to a report from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association, on average, about 30% of car tires fail prematurely each year due to incorrect pressure. Using TPMS helps drivers easily detect tire-related problems such as:

  • The tire was punctured by a sharp object.
  • Valve leak.
  • Uneven tire inflation.
  • Abnormally low/high tire pressure.

From there, timely measures can be taken to avoid the situation of the tire being "overloaded" leading to rapid deterioration. Experts estimate that maintaining tire pressure at the standard level can extend tire life by 20-30%.

2. Improve safety for drivers and pedestrians

Pressure differences between the wheels will cause the vehicle to fall into an unbalanced state, negatively affecting the smoothness, stability and controllability. According to research, under-inflation of just 0.5 bar can increase the braking distance by up to 30% and make the vehicle more susceptible to sideslip when cornering.

Thanks to TPMS constantly monitoring pressure, the driver can proactively make adjustments to ensure that the tire is always in optimal condition. This not only increases the safety of the vehicle's occupants but also helps protect other road users.

3. Save fuel and protect the environment

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that for every 1% decrease in tire pressure, fuel consumption increases by 0.3%. This is because underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to use more fuel to maintain speed.

Thus, maintaining tire pressure at standard levels thanks to TPMS will help save fuel costs significantly, while limiting toxic emissions into the environment. This is a practical contribution to the global climate change response.

Should I install car tire pressure sensors?
Should I install car tire pressure sensors?

How Many Types of Car Tire Pressure Sensors Are There?

There are 2 types of popular car tire pressure sensors on the market: Internal valve tire pressure sensors and external valve tire pressure sensors.

1. Internal valve tire pressure sensor

Internal valve tire pressure sensor is a type of sensor designed to measure the air pressure inside the tire directly. Instead of being installed on the outside of the tire valve like other types of sensors, this sensor is integrated right inside the valve body.

Advantages of internal valve tire pressure sensor:

  • High accuracy: Due to direct measurement of pressure inside the tire, the accuracy is very high.
  • Hard to steal: Since the sensor is built into the valve, it is very hard to steal.
  • No aesthetic impact: The sensor is hidden inside the valve so it does not detract from the aesthetics of the wheel.
  • Easy to monitor: You can monitor tire pressure anytime, anywhere via the phone app.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost: Compared to other types of sensors, internal valve sensors are usually more expensive.
  • Complex installation: Installing the internal valve sensor requires high technical skills and requires replacing the entire tire valve.

2. External valve tire pressure sensor

The external valve tire pressure sensor is a device that is installed directly on the valve head of a car tire. It measures the air pressure inside the tire and transmits data to a central receiving device, usually a display screen on the car or an application on a smartphone.

Advantages of external valve tire pressure sensor:

  • Easy to install: Installing the external valve sensor is quite simple, can be done at home or at auto repair shops.
  • Low cost: Compared with internal valve sensors, external valve sensors are usually cheaper.
  • Easy to replace: If the sensor is damaged, you can easily replace it with a new one.
  • Multiple features: Some types of external valve sensors also have additional features such as measuring tire temperature and tracking tire pressure history.

Disadvantages of external valve tire pressure sensors:

  • Accuracy: The accuracy of external valve sensors is usually lower than that of internal valve sensors.
  • Easy to steal: Since it is installed outside, the sensor is more susceptible to theft.
  • Environmental impact: External valve sensors are directly affected by the external environment such as sun, rain, and dirt, so their lifespan may be reduced.
Function External valve sensor Internal valve sensor
Installation location Outside the tire valve Inside the tire valve
Accuracy Lower Higher
Anti-theft ability Low High
Billing Low High
installation Easy Difficult
External valve tire pressure sensor
External valve tire pressure sensor

Which Type of Tire Pressure Sensor is Good?

The types of car tire pressure sensors that are highly appreciated on the market include: Steelmate, Fobo Tire, Xiaomi, Michelin, Careud, Icar.

1. Steelmate tire pressure sensor

Steelmate was established in 1993, is a large and famous brand of automotive electronic components manufacturing in China. Steelmate has continuously improved and developed high-quality tire pressure sensor product lines, meeting the diverse needs of users.

The brand provides 2 types of tire pressure sensor products including internal and external valves with the following lines: TP-MT30, TP-MT11, TP-MT11 PRO tire pressure sensor, Steelmate MT-11 tire pressure sensor...

Outstanding features of Steelmate tire pressure sensor:

  • Tire pressure leak warning.
  • Convenient for inflating and rotating tires without needing to rotate sensors.
  • Intuitive, accurate parameters.
  • Energy saving mode, solar battery.
Steelmate tire pressure sensor
Steelmate tire pressure sensor

2. Fobo Tire Pressure Sensor

Fobo Tire is one of the famous tire pressure sensor brands, trusted by many users. Fobo Tire sensor provides detailed information about the pressure and temperature of each tire, helping you grasp the tire situation quickly and accurately.

Some outstanding features of Fobo Tire:

  • 24/7 tire pressure and temperature monitoring.
  • Wireless design, compact, easy to install.
  • CR2032 battery has a life of up to 2 years, easy to replace.
  • Equipped with safety anti-theft valve.
Fobo Tire Pressure Sensor
Fobo Tire Pressure Sensor

3. Xiaomi tire pressure sensor

Xiaomi's tire pressure sensor not only has an impressive design but also has an affordable price. In the Vietnamese market, this brand is popular thanks to its good quality, reasonable price and diverse designs. The outstanding advantages of the product include:

  • Easy connection to smartphone.
  • Provides temperature, pressure and air leak alerts.
  • Compact design, good water resistance.
  • Use solar energy.
  • Sharp screen, clearly visible in sunlight, with eye-friendly display mode in strong light conditions.
Xiaomi tire pressure sensor
Xiaomi tire pressure sensor

4. Michelin tire pressure sensor

Michelin is one of the prestigious brands in the tire industry, also famous for its external tire pressure sensor products.

Below are the outstanding features of Michelin tire pressure sensors:

  • Anti-theft valve lock: Enhanced security, helps prevent theft.
  • Impressive battery life: With the ability to operate continuously for about 2 years, the sensor is also designed with IP67 waterproof standards, ensuring good performance in all weather conditions.
  • Smart processing chip: Using advanced technology chip, providing fast and accurate processing speed, helping to monitor tire pressure effectively.
  • Solar display: Michelin TPMS display is attached to the windshield, not only easy to observe but also has the ability to self-charge the battery thanks to solar energy.

With an external valve design, the Michelin tire pressure sensor allows users to easily install it at home, providing convenience and efficiency in monitoring tire condition.

Michelin tire pressure sensor
Michelin tire pressure sensor

5. Careud tire pressure sensor

Careud tire pressure sensor, originating from China, stands out with its superior quality. This product is equipped with an LCD screen to display information, using direct power from the vehicle, giving users peace of mind without worrying about battery problems.

Careud TPMS offers many benefits, including:

  • Connect to your phone quickly and conveniently.
  • Warning by light and sound, easy to recognize.
  • Convenient tire rotation with on-screen settings.
  • Genuine 3-year warranty at Careud Vietnam.
Careud tire pressure sensor
Careud tire pressure sensor

6. Icar tire pressure sensor

Icar is a prominent Vietnamese brand, specializing in developing accessories and toys for cars. Icar's tire pressure sensor product line is very diverse, with prices ranging from 2 to 15 million VND, suitable for the needs of many different customers.

Icar TPMS is popular thanks to its outstanding advantages such as:

  • Long battery life: Helps users not to worry about frequent battery replacement.
  • High durability: The device is designed with optimized energy source, providing long-term performance and cost savings for consumers.
  • Attractive warranty policy: Icar commits to supporting customers with good after-sales services.

With these outstanding features, Icar tire pressure sensor is the top choice for those who care about vehicle safety and performance.

Icar tire pressure sensor
Icar tire pressure sensor

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Car Tire Pressure Sensors

When choosing a tire pressure sensor for your car, you need to consider the type of sensor (internal or external), power source (rechargeable battery or solar), and features (display screen, phone connection). You should also choose a reputable brand, consider price and quality, and make sure the sensor is compatible with your car before installing.

1. Sensor type

Choosing between internal or external tire pressure sensors will affect aesthetics, safety and cost. Internal sensors are highly appreciated for their durability and aesthetics, but the installation cost is often higher. On the contrary, external sensors are easier to install and cheaper but are more susceptible to theft.

2. Energy source

Tire pressure sensors typically use rechargeable batteries or solar power. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Rechargeable battery sensors need to be replaced periodically, while solar sensors are dependent on light conditions.

3. Features and technology

In addition to the tire pressure measurement function, many modern sensors also integrate additional features such as:

  • Display screen: Helps users easily and visually observe tire pressure information for each wheel.
  • Connect to phone: Allows monitoring and control of sensors via phone application.
  • Warning: Automatically emits a warning when tire pressure is too high or too low.

Depending on your needs, consider choosing the right car sensor line.

4. Brand

Choosing a reputable brand is important to ensure product quality and durability. Products from big brands often have good warranties and are more trusted by users.

5. Price

Price is a factor that many people care about when choosing to buy tire pressure sensors. However, you should not be too frugal but consider the quality and accompanying features.

6. Vehicle compatibility

Before purchasing, you need to carefully check whether the sensor is compatible with the type of valve of your car and other features of the car. Installation should be done by reputable auto garages to ensure accuracy and safety.

Questions About Car Tire Pressure Sensors

1. Can the tire pressure sensor automatically inflate the tire when the pressure is low?

No, the tire pressure sensor only has the function of warning when the tire pressure is abnormally low or high, but cannot automatically inflate the tire. When receiving the warning, the driver needs to proactively check and inflate the tire to the standard pressure level.

2. Besides car tire pressure sensors, what other types of car sensors are popular?

the kinds car sensor Common ones include: Car tire pressure sensors, position sensors, velocity and speed sensors, acceleration sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors...

3. Can tire pressure sensors be interfered with by mobile phone signals?

Most modern tire pressure sensors use a dedicated radio frequency (usually 315MHz or 433MHz) and are immune to interference.

However, in rare cases, mobile phone waves can cause interference and make the sensor unstable. In this case, it is necessary to check and remove the sources of interference near the sensor.

4. Can tire pressure sensors warn of a puncture?

Tire pressure sensors can detect and warn when tire pressure drops suddenly due to a puncture. However, if the puncture is small and causes a slow leak, the warning may not appear immediately. Therefore, drivers still need to pay attention to tire condition and check regularly.

5. Can the accuracy of tire pressure sensors be affected by temperature?

Temperature can affect tire pressure and sensor accuracy. As temperature increases, tire pressure also increases, and vice versa.

However, most modern tire pressure sensors are capable of compensating for temperature effects, with errors typically no more than ±1 PSI over the normal operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C.

6. Can tire pressure sensors be used for off-road vehicles?

Yes, many tire pressure sensors are specifically designed for off-road use, with the ability to withstand strong vibrations and shocks. However, due to harsh conditions of use, the sensor's lifespan may be reduced and more frequent inspection and maintenance will be required.

7. Can tire pressure sensors be transferred from an old car to a new car?

Transferring tire pressure sensors from an old car to a new car is possible if the sensor is compatible with the TPMS system on the new car. However, this process requires specialized knowledge and skills, and often requires specialized equipment to reprogram the sensor. It is best to have it done by a professional or a reputable auto repair shop to ensure safety and accuracy.

8. Is it necessary to recalibrate the tire pressure sensor after replacing new tires?

After replacing a new tire, it is usually not necessary to recalibrate the tire pressure sensor if the same sensor type and tire specifications are used. However, if a different size or specification tire is replaced, or a new sensor is replaced, it may be necessary to recalibrate the TPMS system using specialized equipment to ensure accurate operation.

9. What are the advantages of wireless car tire pressure sensors?

Advantages of wireless automotive tire pressure sensor the:

  • Simple installation: The exterior design makes installation easier.
  • Solar Display: Uses solar power and has the option to charge via wire.
  • Timely notification: Sensor sends signal to display when detecting abnormal tire temperature or pressure.
  • High Accuracy: Advanced sensor technology from Japan allows sending signals in just 2 seconds.
  • Multiple warnings: Visual and audible warning system when tire pressure is below 1,7 Bar, exceeds 3,3 Bar, or when tire temperature is above 70 degrees Celsius.
  • Stable operation: Good function even when the vehicle is moving at high speed (over 110 km/h).
  • Effective water resistance: The valve cover is designed to prevent water from entering.

10. Where is a good place to repair and maintain cars?

With many years of experience in the industry, Thanh Phong Auto Confidently providing professional, quality car repair and maintenance solutions in HCM.

Advantages of Thanh Phong Auto:

  • Able to maintain and repair many vehicle errors from simple to complex.
  • Professional, dedicated and honest technicians.
  • Spare parts supply, Genuine car accessories and toys.
  • Reasonable price.
  • Careful warranty.

Contact us for advice and support if needed!

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