Tire Pressure Monitoring [Applications of Control]

Proper tire inflation pressure improves fuel economy, reduces braking distance, improves handling, and increases tire life, while underinflation creates overheating and can lead to accidents. Approximately 3/4 of all automobiles operate with at least one underinflated tire. Beginning with 2006 models, all passenger cars and trucks in the United States are required to have tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs). A TPMS is a driver-assist system that warns the driver when the tire pressure is below or above the prescribed limits. TPMSs are classified into two categories, namely, direct and indirect. In direct TPMSs, the pressure drop is calculated based on actual pressure measurements through sensors. In contrast, measurements such as wheel speed are used in indirect TPMSs.