What is TPMS and what features does TPMS programming software have?

The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is a tire pressure monitoring system that has been mandatory on all new cars manufactured in Europe since 2014. In the United States, this system originated a little earlier, and it has been mandatory to install it in cars since 2007. The main purpose of this system is to provide the driver with real-time information on the tire pressure, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents, extending the service life of the car's tires and improving fuel consumption.

How did TPMS come about? The origins date back to the United States in the last century, when research showed that improper tire pressure increases risk and causes accidents. Development of the system had already begun at that time, but the technology was not yet advanced enough to make such a system public. Later, the Oil Crisis began, which pushed the public to look for ways to reduce fuel consumption in cars. And again, research has shown that poor tire pressure increases fuel consumption. And in 1991, the first car to be launched that had an autonomous tire pressure monitoring system installed was the Chevrolet Corvette. But this first system is far from similar to the current one, which is already developed.

If the car's wheels are fitted with TPMS sensors, also known as TPMS sensors, the following points should be taken into account when repairing faults in the car where the wheels had to be removed:

The wheel positions must not be confused and the rims must be installed where they were before;

Do not damage the sensor, which is often done when the tires are incorrectly mounted on the rim;

After replacing the wheels, it is necessary to check whether the car computer continues to receive data from the TPMS sensors and display them on the car dashboard.

Also, we do not recommend moving the TPMS sensor from one wheel to another, i. from a set of summer wheels to a set of winter wheels. If you have already decided to do this, remember that it is necessary to replace the screw, gasket and valve core when overdoing it.

If you are replacing old TPMS sensors. In Europe, the radio frequency allowed for TPMS sensors is 433MHz. The frequency allowed for cars on the American market is both 433MHZ and 315MHz. So be sure to pay attention to this when purchasing new sensors.

Servicing the entire TPMS system really requires a responsible approach and attention when performing repair work. So we definitely recommend following special procedures both when changing sensors and using special TPMS diagnostic devices. Because quality service with the right equipment will avoid making risks and additional losses for the car owner.

There are two types of TPMS systems - direct and indirect control system.

Indirect tire pressure monitoring system:

This system works on the principle that the pressure in the tires is controlled and monitored by the wheel speed depending on the ABS system. For example, if one tire has a low tire pressure, then that wheel will make more revolutions than a wheel with a normal tire pressure. The advantage of this system is that the car uses the same existing systems and requires absolutely no additional investment for TPMS sensors when purchasing another set of rims, which is especially true when changing from summer to winter wheels. However, this system also has its disadvantages. One of them is that the tire pressure only starts to be measured when the car reaches a speed of 30 km / h. Another disadvantage is that if the pressure in all four tires is too low, the computer will not understand it and will not inform the driver. Another nuance is that when new tires are fitted with an indirect tire pressure monitoring system, calibration is necessary.

Direct tire pressure monitoring system:

In this case, each wheel of the car is already equipped with separate pressure sensors, which send all the information about the pressure to the car's computer on a radio frequency and this is displayed on the instrument panel. Of course, the main advantage of this system is that each individual sensor measures the pressure and temperature in the tire. Also, the pressure is measured even when the car is standing straight in one place. Cons - if you buy another set of rims, you will also need to purchase separate TPMS sensors; weak TPMS sensor battery, it is an integral and integrated part of the sensor, so when the battery is discharged, you will need to buy a new sensor - the battery life is individual, but ranges from 6 to 12 years. The last nuance is that some sensors require programming, in other words, connection to a car computer.

Services that are performed with TPMS programmers:

TPMS sensor diagnostics are performed

Checking the battery condition

Valve elements are replaced

Programmable sensors

Why TPMS programming devices?

While all current cars have