Car manufacturers have made sure
Regular pressure monitoring systems help diagnose a puncture, even in the early stages. Very convenient and safe! Now they are installed even on relatively inexpensive models. A warning is displayed on the instrument panel and an audible alarm sounds. Automation “learns” about insufficient pressure, either by changing the speed of the lowered wheel or by a sensor in the tire.
The first option is simpler and more reliable. Even when mounting tires with different diameters on the front and rear axle, you can “explain” the system that it should be done this way. There are no problems with seasonally changing shoes.
Problems can arise with the second system, for example when mounting tires. Soldiers often damage sensors. But such diagnostics monitor not only the pressure, but also the temperature in the wheel. And it can warn of the onset of tire failure or a wedged brake mechanism causing excessive heat build-up.
A pressure, acceleration and temperature sensor, a radio transmitter and a battery are built into the housing. The standard wheel cover serves as an antenna.
Helpful tuning
You can install a tire pressure detection system yourself. There are two types of such devices for sale. The first are screwed onto the threads of standard valves, the others are installed in the wheels. In both cases, all four sensors transmit information via radio to the unit in the car, which is powered by the on-board network or its own batteries.
Trust only yourself
The most common way to determine a reduction in tire pressure is organoleptic. If the driver trusts his gut feeling.
I will list the factors that affect the accuracy and speed of this process.
Weather. In heavy rain, snow, ice, when all the driver’s attention is focused on keeping the car on the road, the chance of detecting a flat tire is reduced. The driver will not feel the decrease in the overrun of the car, which is inevitable in the event of a puncture.
Driver experience and vehicle feel. A novice driver, and even on an unfamiliar car, may not notice a flat tire for a long time. Some experienced drivers even have time to lower the power mirrors to inspect the rear tires.
Height tire profile. The higher the tire profile, the easier it is to detect a flat tire. If a tire with a profile of 65% or more is punctured, the car is noticeably warped. On tires with a profile of 45 or less, it is almost impossible to feel a flat tire. But the rapid loss of pressure on a high-profile tire is more dangerous than on a low-profile tyre.
Front or rear?
A flat front wheel is easier to determine – the steering wheel begins to pull in its direction. And the car leans in the same direction.
By tilting the car, you can also determine the flat rear wheel. In addition, the stern starts to slip when turning.
In the city, the speeds are slow and it is usually possible to stop quickly to save the tire.
And on the highway, many motorists learn about a flat tire just from the sound, reminiscent of flapping wings. And by the time you hit the curb, the tire is usually chewed up and useless.
Some useful tips
Owners of vehicles without a tire pressure monitoring system should check their wheels more often with a pressure gauge. It is important to see trends. If all four wheels keep busy, great. One or more wheels slowly “poison” the air – go to the tire store. Why wake the neighbors every morning with the sound of a compressor?
If you see a car with a flat tire next to you on the road, warn the driver. The sign is simple: write a circle with your hand and, as it were, pierce it at the bottom with your finger. You can point to a specific wheel to make it completely clear. Help your neighbor and someone will help you tomorrow.