Perceptions of TPMS Within the UK

Excerpt taken from Tyre Trade News:

Tyre Pressure Monitoring

An overwhelming number of motorists in the UK believe that tyre pressure monitoring systems, due to be fitted as standard on all new cars from 2012, must provide a safe and prompt indication when one or more tyres are under inflated. Independent consumer research amongst almost 1000 drivers has indicated that motorists favor a TPMS system that does not require it to be reset following a low tyre pressure alert or when tyre pressures are adjusted. 

The research undertaken by fast.MAP asked motorists a series of questions related to the tyre safety technology and 69% of respondents said that recalibration of TPMS should not be allowed  for safety reasons. It was noted by respondents that car companies do not allow drivers to recalibrate airbag, ABS or ESP systems following activation. The research also asked motorists how quickly a warning of deflating tyre(s) should be provided to them, 97% said no more than 20 minutes - an indirect system can take up to 60 minutes or more to alert the driver, particularly when deflation involves more than one tyre or when tyres are under-inflated because of air seepage. 

Some vehicle's TPMS systems, such as the indirect TPMS technology, will not operate under certain driving or environmental conditions (including slippery surfaces, uneven roads, winter conditions etc). The survey asked consumers if it is acceptable that the TPMS in inoperative in those conditions, an overwhelming 71% of respondents said no. Clearly it is precisely in those conditions when the tyre pressure monitoring system is most needed. 

Finally the research confirmed an interesting environmental benefit of accurate TPMS, 88% of motorists in the survey said if the system was capable of detecting slight under inflation, which will affect CO2 emission and fuel consumption, that they would check their tyre pressures more regularly.