You’ve checked your tyres, set the pressures and you’re ready to hit the road. But once you’re travelling, who’s keeping an eye on your tyres?
A tyre can begin losing pressure while you drive, and you may not notice it from behind the wheel, especially when the problem is on a caravan or trailer.
A tyre pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, helps you keep track of tyre conditions during the journey. Safety Dave TPMS displays individual tyre pressure and temperature readings on an in-vehicle monitor, with alerts to warn you about pressure problems.
Your pre-trip check tells you the pressures before you leave. Monitoring helps you see what changes along the way.
The benefit of monitoring while you drive
When a tyre loses pressure, you need information you can act on. Knowing which tyre is affected helps you identify where to look when you stop.
With Safety Dave TPMS, you can:
- View individual tyre pressure and temperature readings while travelling
- Receive alerts when pressure moves outside your configured limits
- Receive slow and fast leakage alerts
- Monitor caravan or trailer tyres that may not be covered by your vehicle’s factory system
If an alert occurs, find a safe place to stop. Check the affected tyre and investigate the cause before continuing.
How does a tyre pressure monitoring system work?
There are two main types of TPMS: direct and indirect. Both can warn you about a problem, but they collect their information differently.
A direct TPMS uses a sensor at each monitored tyre to measure air pressure. The sensors transmit information wirelessly to a receiver or monitor. Depending on the system, the driver can view individual readings or receive a warning. Some direct systems also monitor temperature.
Direct TPMS sensors can be fitted inside the tyre or externally on the valve. The names “internal” and “external” describe their location. Both measure pressure directly, although their installation and maintenance requirements differ.
An indirect TPMS uses information from the vehicle’s wheel-speed sensors and other vehicle systems to identify changes that may indicate low tyre pressure. It does not measure air pressure through a dedicated sensor in each tyre and generally provides a warning rather than individual pressure readings.
Check your vehicle handbook to see which system is fitted and what information it provides.
How Safety Dave TPMS monitors your tyres
Safety Dave TPMS uses external valve-mounted sensors and a dedicated in-vehicle monitor. Its adjustable pressure alert levels allow the system to warn you when readings move outside your configured limits.
Different tyre pressure monitoring system configurations are available for vehicles and towing setups, including combined car and caravan kits. Choose enough compatible sensors for the tyres you want to monitor.
For help with programming and setup, refer to the user guides and instructions. Compatible replacement sensors and parts are available through the TPMS accessories range.
Why tyre pressures change during a journey
Tyres do not stay at exactly the same pressure throughout a trip. As they warm during driving, their pressure normally rises.
This means a warm reading above the recommended cold pressure does not automatically mean you should release air. Follow the vehicle or tyre manufacturer’s instructions when checking and adjusting inflation.
A monitor lets you view pressure and temperature readings during the journey. Understanding normal changes helps you interpret those readings alongside the system’s alerts.
Already have TPMS? Check whether your caravan is covered
A factory system that monitors your car’s tyres does not automatically monitor the tyres on your caravan or trailer.
Before adding equipment, check exactly which tyres your existing system covers. If you want to monitor a caravan or trailer as well, you need a suitable system with compatible sensors for those tyres.
Speak with Safety Dave about your vehicle and towing setup if you are unsure which configuration you need.
Keep checking the tyres themselves
TPMS provides useful information while you drive, but it cannot show you tread wear, cuts or sidewall damage.
Continue inspecting your tyres and checking pressures manually. Maintain the recommended inflation for your vehicle and load, and use the monitor to keep track of pressure changes between those checks.
Common questions about TPMS
What is TPMS?
TPMS stands for tyre pressure monitoring system. It alerts the driver to pressure problems through a dashboard warning light or a separate monitor. Some systems also display individual pressure and temperature readings.
How does a tyre pressure monitoring system work?
Direct TPMS measures pressure using sensors at each monitored tyre. Indirect TPMS analyses vehicle sensor data to identify changes that may indicate pressure loss.
Why is TPMS important for drivers?
It can warn you about pressure loss during a trip, before you notice a change in how the vehicle feels. It is particularly useful for monitoring caravan or trailer tyres while towing.
What does a TPMS warning indicate?
Depending on the system, it can indicate low pressure, pressure outside configured limits or a system fault. Check the warning message and follow the instructions for your vehicle or monitor.
Can TPMS monitor tyre temperature as well as pressure?
Yes, some direct systems can. Safety Dave TPMS displays both tyre pressure and temperature. Temperature monitoring is not available on every TPMS.
What is the difference between direct and indirect TPMS?
Direct TPMS measures tyre pressure using dedicated sensors. Indirect TPMS detects signs of pressure loss using wheel-speed and other vehicle data, without measuring air pressure directly.
