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What is a TPMS valve and what does it do?

Date： 2025-08-05      Categories： Tire valve knowledge    

The tire pressure monitoring valve (TPMS valve)  is a valve device with integrated tire pressure monitoring function, which is used to monitor tire pressure in real time to ensure driving safety. The following is a detailed analysis:

1. Tire pressure monitoring valve assembly

  1. Valve body

    • Made of metal (aluminum alloy/stainless steel) or high-strength rubber, it replaces the traditional valve stem.

  2. Sensor module

    • Pressure sensor: Real-time tire pressure monitoring (accuracy ±0.1 bar).
    • Temperature sensor: Monitors internal tire temperature.
    • Wireless transmitter: Transmits data via radio frequency (such as 433MHz or 315MHz) to an onboard receiver.
    • Battery: Internal coin cell battery (typically has a service life of 5-7 years).

2.Core Functionality

  1. Real-time tire pressure monitoring

    • Directly displays the exact pressure value for each tire (e.g., 2.5 bar), eliminating visual errors.Low/High Pressure Alarm: Activates a dashboard alert when pressure is abnormal (e.g., <1.8 bar or >3.0 bar).

  2. Abnormal temperature warning

    • Tire overheating (e.g. >70°C) may cause a tire blowout and the system will provide an early warning.

  3. Extend tire life

    • Maintaining standard tire pressure can reduce tread wear (underinflated tires can increase wear by 20%).

  4. Improve fuel economy

    • If tire pressure is 10% below standard, fuel consumption will increase by approximately 2%.

  5. Active safety protection

    • Prevents high-speed tire blowouts (approximately 35% of tire blowouts are caused by underinflated tires).

3. Type Comparison

Type Direct TPMS valve Indirect TPMS
Principle Physical sensors directly measure tire pressure Estimating tire pressure changes through ABS wheel speed sensors
Accuracy High (±0.1 bar) Low (only indicates abnormality, no specific value)
Cost Relatively high (single wheel sensor about $40~$100) Low (depends on existing ABS system)
Install Need to replace the original valve No hardware modification required
Representative models Standard on high-end cars such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz Some entry-level models of Volkswagen and Toyota

4. Installation precautions

  1. Dynamic balance calibration

    • The weight of the sensor (approximately 30-50 grams) may affect the tire balance and require rebalancing.

  2. Battery maintenance

    • Sensors with non-replaceable batteries must be completely replaced (at the end of their life).

  3. Anti-theft design

    • Some models are equipped with anti-tamper screws to prevent theft.

  4. Compatibility

    • After-installed TPMS must match the vehicle's receiving frequency (such as universal or vehicle-specific).

5. Typical faults and solutions

  • Signal loss: Check sensor batteries or sources of interference (such as electromagnetic devices).

  • False alarm: Calibrate tire pressure reference value (set when tires are cold).

  • Air leakage: Check whether the valve stem seal or sensor is installed in place.

6. Mainstream brands in the market

  • Schrader：OE supply accounts exceeding 50% (GM, Ford, etc.)。

  • Continental：Integrated sensor, supports Bluetooth transmission.

  • Shengshiweiye：High cost performance, suitable for aftermarket。

The TPMS valve is an important component of active safety, effectively preventing tire-related accidents. We recommend choosing direct TPMS and regularly checking the sensor status, especially in winter when low temperatures may affect battery performance.

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