What Does TPMS Mean?

When discussing the technology inside your vehicle, what does TPMS mean? It’s a term that stands for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, an integral part of your car’s internal system. Your TPMS tracks the air pressure of your tires using vehicle sensors and alerts you if there’s something wrong with one or more of your tires. Tire failure due to low air pressure can cause major problems for your car, so the TPMS will illuminate a warning light on your dashboard if there’s an issue so that you can get your car to a service center right away. This system makes it easy to maintain your Kia’s tire integrity on the streets of Federal Way.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features

The TPMS is designed to track the pressure inside your tires so it can send you an alert if the pressure unexpectedly gets too low. Looking at your dashboard, you can recognize the TPMS symbol by its letters or by a flat tire with an exclamation point, although it may appear as another similar symbol depending on your make and model. The tire pressure light could also indicate underinflated tires, which is another problem to solve quickly. If left unattended, underinflated tires can cause:

• Poor traction
• Decreased load carrying capability
• A flat tire or blowout
• Poor fuel economy

Proper tire inflation is essential to keeping your Sumner rides safe and smooth. In the short term, properly-inflated tires protect you and your car from accidents, while in the long run, they keep your tires from prematurely wearing down. Keeping your tires properly inflated can even optimize your car’s fuel economy!

Proper Tire Inflation

Properly-inflated tires carry plenty of benefits beyond optimizing your fuel economy and reducing wear-and-tear. Check out some other advantages: 

• Reduce tread movement, thereby increasing the life of the tire
• Reduce rolling resistance, which will increase vehicle efficiency
• Increase water dispersion, which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning 

If you’re wondering what the proper tire pressure is for your vehicle, your owner’s manual should tell you. There are a few different ways for you to fill up your tires routinely:

• Many gas stations have tire filling areas separate from the pump station.
• You can take your vehicle to your favorite service center for full tire service.
• If you need a little more air in your tires quickly, you can even use a bike pump!

Keep Your Vehicle Running Properly With Sunset Kia of Auburn

Interested in a vehicle equipped with the latest in TPMS technology? Check out our online inventory of new vehicles! You can stop by our dealership if you want to take an available model out for a test drive around Puyallup if you’d like to see how one handles on the road. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or want more information on the services we provide!