What Does TPMS Mean?

Newer models today are coming with more and more safety features, with one of the favorites among Powell drivers being TPMS. But what does TPMS mean? A TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, uses sensors to track the air pressure inside your tires, alerting you to any changes or if a tire drops below a recommended pressure level. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System will alert you via the dashboard that there is a problem. Leaving your tires running on low pressure for too long can lead to potentially worse issues, so it’s advised to find out why the TPMS system is alerting you by bringing your vehicle into our service center near Cody. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features

The purpose of any tire monitoring system is to track the pressure inside your tires, and alert you of any drops in level that may come from damage, wear, or usage. The TPMS dashboard warning light might come across differently depending on your model, but most often is presented to the driver as either illuminated letters TPMS, or a flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle. The light being on means you’re driving with one or more tires underinflated, which could cause: 

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

In the short-term, proper tire inflation can protect you from potential accidents, and in the long run can save you money by optimizing fuel economy and premature blow outs from excessive wear. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a great way to keep track of your tire pressure, even when you’re on the road around Billings, MT, and you can’t remember the last time you manually checked your tires. 

Keeping Your Tires Properly Inflated

Make sure that your not over inflating your tires, nor are you letting them become under inflated either, as this can lead to a host of unwanted issues for drivers, such as: 

• 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 

To find out what the proper tire pressure is for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual. 

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!

Keep Your Vehicle Running Properly With Yellowstone Toyota

Now that you know, “What does TPMS mean,”, and how it can help keep you and your family safe, your step is making sure you’re keeping up with routine maintenance. Contact us today to schedule service, or schedule service online to make sure you’re staying up to date on all of your vehicle’s maintenance needs.