Tire pressure monitoring required by 2008

[mchastek]

An article published by the Detoit News (http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0504/07/01-143380.htm) states that the U.S. government is requiring all automotive manufacturers to install tire pressure monitoring devices in new passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans by the year 2008. Tiny sensors will monitor pressure and set off a dashboard warning light if the pressure drops 25% below recommended inflation.

These devices could potentially save around 120 lives per year, and at the cost of only $48.44 - $69.89 per vehicle.

What are your thoughts?

[Jim L]

They are a great idea however, these items bring on some hidden issues for both the consumer and the service technician. On the consumer side, say you like to rotate your tires in your driveway. Not a big job. But, when you finish the pressure monitoring system does not understand that the tires have been moved. The lights are a glowin on the dashboard. Now you must tell the computer where the tires ended up. Certain vehicle models it can be very difficult to reset the tire positions. Some are easy. The difficult ones may even need to go back to a service station or dealer to reset the system. Most vehicles can be reset by the consumer. It can get a little confusing though. It's in the owners manual.
On the technician side of things, if it wasn't getting hard enough to mount and dismount low profile tires. Now there are items inside the tire they have to look out for. When a typical tech breaks down a tire it used to be fast and easy. If they don't pay attention with one of these tire assemblies they can easily make a costly mistake. The sensors on most of these systems are part of the valve stem. When the tech breaks down the tire, if he does it at the wrong point (at the valve stem) the sensor will be destroyed. Buy the way these sensors range anywhere from $65 to $200 each!

So here again some simple technology brings with it a learning curve. Great idea and hopefully will accomplish its goal!

[Paul12801]

Didn't they mandate this before, only to find out the sensors were affected by the cold and thus provide a false reading?

[Jim L]

I clipped the statement below from a SEMA article. I think there was some issues early on about temperature. However I do believe they got around it. That is just another reason that Nitrogen is becoming popular to fill tires with. Unfortunately Nitrogen comes with a price for the consumer. You thought paying a quarter for air at a pump was expensive. Wait until you have to find a station that can supply you with Nitrogen!

NHTSA issued a proposed rule requiring new vehicles be equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems capable of detecting when a tire is significantly
under-inflated. A federal court rejected a previous rule that gave automakers the
option of installing “direct” or “indirect” systems on the grounds that indirect systems were not as reliable. NHTSA was instructed to mandate installation of
direct pressure sensors on all four wheels. The TPMS would only be required
to function with the original tires and rims.

[carfreaksp]

GREAT idea however people are lazy or sloppy!!!

[mchastek]

GREAT idea however people are lazy or sloppy!!!

Good point - these will only save lives if people actually put air in their tires when the sensors go off!