Tire pressure monitoring system. Is the tire pressure sensor working?

The subject of safety in the automotive industry has long been one of the main criteria in the development and production of new and modern machine models. And if individual systems are optional and they are completed only to maintain the status of a particular brand, other electronic "chips" are strictly required. It depends on them whether the operation of the car will be safe.

One of such important "chips" is a system that controls the level of pressure in the tires. It is designed to prevent possible emergencies. Electronics promptly informs the driver that the pressure has decreased. Let's see what the tire pressure sensor is like , how it works ("Mazda CX 5" including) and what can.

General acquaintance with the system

What is the essence of this option? This system allows the car owner to constantly keep under strict control the pressure indicators in the tires.

Electronic equipment is able to respond to various pressure drops and display this information to the driver on the on- board computer display or to a separate special screen. Now this system is designated in the form of letters TPMS. With this abbreviation, all those who buy a new car and start to study its capabilities will necessarily collide.

Types of systems

This set of sensors and electronic components can be different in performance and technology. The principle of operation and the device depend on how the pressure level is monitored.

There is an indirect measurement and a direct one. If the first type is implemented in the system, the information on the deflated wheel is calculated on the basis of the distance it travels in one revolution. If the tire is lowered, then its diameter is reduced. Accordingly, it means that the car will go slower. In systems with a direct measurement method, a tire pressure sensor is used.

How the system works depends on the algorithm embedded in the electronic unit. The sensor itself can measure the pressure. In popular car models, the first option is most often used. In fact, there are many individual sensors that measure pressure. In general, this system is one of the parts of ABS.

These are several sensors that measure the speed of the wheels. This is the solution used in Toyota cars. So, electronics can determine the distance that the tire will travel on each of the wheels. Then, using an on-board computer, the figures are compared with the factory parameters. If there are discrepancies, then the pressure control will necessarily warn the driver through sound signals or through a bulb on the instrument panel. Here's how the tire pressure sensor works, either directly or indirectly (but the first is much more difficult).

Advantages of the indirect tire pressure control system

A significant advantage of this option is its ability to adapt to various changes in pressure parameters. This may be due to work on the replacement of tires or any other service operations. The system is calibrated and reconfigured. It can be produced automatically if the car rides on new tires. Electronics evaluates and remembers new indicators. Then the calibration is finished, the tire pressure sensor is turned on. How a particular sensor works depends on the type of system.

Another advantage of indirect systems for controlling pressure is that there is no need to purchase and install additional equipment. This reduces the cost of this option. However, do not forget about the shortcomings.

For example, an indirect TMPS is not able to compare the speeds on each wheel with each other. That's why it's not quite a full tire pressure sensor. How does the Mazda CX5 work in this regard? Here, manufacturers have used an indirect solution based on ABS.

Disadvantages of indirect pressure control

Pressure systems are designed in such a way that the speed of each pair of wheels located diagonally is folded, and the difference is calculated from the result. Then it is divided by the average speed for each of the wheels. If the system gives the driver a signal, he does not yet know anything about which of the wheels the pressure has dropped. It is necessary to leave the salon and examine everyone.

In this case, it is better to install a tire pressure sensor. How does this device work? The device measures the pressure in each wheel, but more on this later. The indirect system does not make it possible to detect sharp drops in pumping, if, for example, the wheel is punched. Also, it will not be indicated that the level falls in several wheels. The accuracy and the way the tire pressure sensor (or more precisely, one of the ABS parts) is affected by slips, the level of loading of the machine and the condition of the tires. The system will not be able to detect the level of pressure until the car has gone. And the calibration process takes a long time. Such systems are installed in Japanese cars. Some owners are faced with the fact that the tire pressure sensor does not work (Toyota is no exception). In order to find out the cause of the malfunction, it is possible to diagnose the monitoring system or the general.

Direct system

So, the indirect does not give the driver almost any specific information. It simply reports a malfunction. Therefore, most self-respecting automakers, along with an indirect control system, use direct measurement methods.

The principle of implementation of such control

The principle is that the parameters of the vibrational designer, and this tire and disk, directly depend on the elasticity parameters of the tire - the air pressure in it. The frequency of these oscillations is measured with a speed sensor signal . It is installed in the wheel. This signal also gives information about what the tire was striking.

Fully direct system

How does the tire pressure sensor work (Volkswagen is also interested in us)? Such solutions are implemented a little differently.

Here on each of the wheels separate sensors are installed. In addition, the complex is equipped with a special receiving antennas, a control unit and a display.

Pressure meter

This is a complex electronic device. It measures both the pressure and the temperature of the air that is inside the tire. These sensors are wireless and are installed in place for a regular valve. The information is read once a minute. Here's how the tire pressure sensor works. The Mercedes is also equipped with a TPMS system.

Antenna

With this element, the unit can receive the signal that the sensors transmit. Very often these functions are entrusted to the antenna of the central lock. However, there are other models, where each wheel has its own separate detail. You can find it inside the wheel arches.

Benefits

This solution has a lot of advantages. But the most important is the ability to receive information about even the most minor or sudden changes. Here, too, the developers have provided the possibility of adaptation to replace the tire or sensor.

Conclusion

This system gives the driver many advantages. It makes driving by car safer, helps to save fuel, and reduces tire wear. The only negative - low accuracy, which slightly complicates life.