A TPMS is a tyre pressure monitoring system. This device is mandatory for all motor vehicles registered in Europe after 1 November 2014.
There are two types of TPMS: indirect and direct.
- Indirect: this system uses your car's ABS sensors to determine the approximate tyre pressure.
- Direct: this system measures the pressure directly in the tyres and transmits it to your car's ECU.
In both cases, the TPMS is there to notify you in case of a pressure drop of 25% or more. This means you'll be alerted in case of a slow puncture or low pressure. Be aware that a tyre loses an average of 0.1 bars of pressure per month. You should adjust their pressures at regular intervals for greater safety, performance, and fuel economy.