Checking tire pressure is the road to safety
Monitoring system will warn of low tire pressure
Kal Tire has teamed up with Schrader, the company that invented the tire pressure valve for bicycles in 1844, to warn Canadian motorists to regularly check tire pressure.
Kal Tire is one of Canada’s largest chain of tire and auto service stores and Schrader is the world’s largest manufacturer of vehicle Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). These systems have been mandated for all cars and light trucks built in the U.S. since 2007.
Seventy per cent of vehicles sold in Canada since 2007 have TPMS.
Automatic tire pressure monitoring systems employ tiny battery operated sensors mounted inside the tire rim at the base of the valve stem to send a radio signal to the vehicle computer if tire pressure is 25 per cent lower than what manufacturers specify. An instrument panel symbol warns the driver of low tire pressure.
Underinflated tires kill 660 people in the U.S. every year. According to Transport Canada, 50 per cent of Canadian motorists drive with at least one tire that is under or over inflated.
A recent survey of vehicles showed at least one tire was under inflated by 20 per cent or more. This can cause tires to bend, flex and build up heat creating a dangerous driving condition that can lead to poor braking, skidding, hydroplaning, blow outs and loss of control.
TPMS offers motorists a warning that, just like seatbelts and airbags, is an important safety device that can save lives. Despite this, most motorists don’t know what it is, what it means and that it is installed on their vehicle.
They also don’t know these sensors need servicing or the sensor has a battery with an estimated life of five to seven years. This battery cannot be changed so many early sensors nearing the end of their useful life will have to be replaced.
When there is a changeover to new winter or summer tires, installing a service kit is required for critical sealing of the sensor along with replacing wear components of the sensor.
Trevor Potter, vice-president of Schrader International, says, if the TPMS warning light comes on, motorists should pull over, inspect tires and carefully drive to the nearest service centre. If a tire is severely damaged, the vehicle should be towed.
The national TPMS awareness program being conducted by Kal Tire and Schrader, includes demonstrating how low tire pressure cannot only compromise vehicle safety but negatively impact fuel economy and emissions while significantly decreasing tire life.