Can Tire Pressure Sensors Improve Your Safety This Winter?
Winter driving brings unique challenges, from icy roads to reduced visibility, making vehicle safety a top priority. Tire pressure is often an afterthought but can significantly affect your vehicle’s handling, braking and overall performance. The air pressure in your tires will naturally drop with cold weather, requiring almost constant monitoring to keep you safe on the road. Regular tire pressure checks are essential to maintaining proper inflation levels, especially in winter.
Fortunately, most modern vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to help drivers monitor and maintain proper inflation levels without touching the tires. But how effective are these TPMS sensors in reporting accurate readings and preventing accidents or other issues during winter? Let’s explore tire pressure sensors’ role in driving safety during the winter.
Understanding Tire Pressure Sensors (TPMS)
What Are Tire Pressure Sensors?
Tire pressure sensors are part of a vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), designed to alert drivers when their tires are underinflated. There are two primary types of TPMS:
- Direct TPMS: Uses sensors inside each tire to measure air pressure and transmit real-time data to the dashboard.
- Indirect TPMS: Monitors wheel speed and other vehicle data to estimate tire pressure changes.
In both cases, TPMS provides timely alerts to help drivers take action before underinflation can lead to serious issues or accidents.
Why Tire Pressure Matters in Winter
Cold weather and temperatures cause tire pressure to drop—approximately 1-2 pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit decrease. This drop in PSI can lead to:
- Reduced traction on snowy or icy roads
- Increased stopping distances
- Faster tire wear and higher risk of blowouts
Maintaining proper air pressure is critical for safe winter driving and can help save money, making TPMS an essential feature for drivers facing harsh and often unpredictable midwestern winters.
Winter Driving Risks and Crash Data
Before determining how TPMS sensors can help prevent winter-related accidents and issues, we must first understand the risks we face on the road during the season.
Common Winter Driving Hazards
Winter conditions significantly impact road safety and contribute to an increase in accidents. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Slippery roads due to ice and snow
- Reduced visibility from snowfall and fog
- Longer stopping distances on wet or icy surfaces
Crash Data: Winter vs. Summer Months
At first glance, data suggests that summer is the most dangerous season for driving as it accounts for the most accidents and fatalities. However, that doesn’t mean winter is safer; it’s just a matter of the volume of drivers. Fewer drivers are on the road during winter, whereas more people take road trips and drive to various events throughout the summer. According to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 150,000 car accidents occur every year due to icy roads, and over 1,800 people are killed in accidents involving snowy or icy conditions. So, while fewer cars may be on the road, the winter conditions make driving more treacherous for those who do have to venture out.
How Tire Pressure Sensors Can Help Prevent Winter Accidents
Real-Time Alerts for Drivers
TPMS provides real-time warnings when tire pressure drops below the recommended fill pressure. When that tire pressure light comes on, drivers can address the issue promptly, reducing the risk of accidents caused by underinflated tires.
Better Handling and Traction
Properly inflated tires maintain optimal contact with the road, improving grip on slippery surfaces. This helps prevent skidding and loss of control, common causes of winter accidents. Additionally, driving underinflated tires leads to excessive rubber flexing, which generates heat and weakens the tire structure. Over time, this structure weakening can lead to blowouts and other tire failures.
Enhanced Braking Performance
Underinflated tires can compromise braking efficiency, leading to longer stopping distances. TPMS ensures tires remain at the proper air pressure, allowing for more effective braking, even in icy or snowy conditions.
Effectiveness of Tire Pressure Sensors in Improving Safety
Research and Studies on TPMS Effectiveness
According to the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of TPMS in Proper Tire Pressure Maintenance report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), TPMS systems are estimated to be 55.6% effective at preventing severe underinflation. This means that every vehicle equipped with TPMS sensors is less likely to be involved in tire-failure-related accidents or those caused by long stopping distances or loss of traction.
Limitations of Tire Pressure Sensors in Winter Conditions
TPMS is Not a Substitute for Regular Maintenance
While TPMS is valuable, it does not replace manual tire pressure checks and routine tire services. Sensors may not always detect slow leaks or temperature fluctuations, so drivers should check tire pressure regularly.
Other Factors in Winter Safety
Tire pressure is just one part of the equation for winter driving safety. Other crucial factors include:
- Adjusting driving speed for road conditions
- Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance
- Ensuring brakes and other safety features are functioning properly
How to Maximize the Benefits of Tire Pressure Sensors in Winter
Regular Tire Pressure Checks
In addition to relying on TPMS alerts, drivers should manually check tire pressure at least once a month to ensure accurate readings and optimal tire performance. If your vehicle has a spare tire, be sure to check whether it has proper pressure, so you know it’s ready in an emergency.
Seasonal Tire Changes
Switching to winter tires can further enhance safety and complement proper tire pressure maintenance. They are designed for better grip and performance in cold weather and are made of materials that can withstand harsh conditions.
Staying Proactive About Tire Maintenance
Routine tire inspections and rotations can prevent uneven wear and extend the life of your tires. Keeping tires in top shape ensures they function as needed in winter conditions and year-round.
Drive Safer This Winter with Telle Tire
Tire pressure monitoring sensors are crucial for winter driving safety. They help drivers maintain proper inflation and reduce accident risks. However, they work best when combined with regular maintenance and proactive tire care.
Visit your local Telle Tire location for a tire pressure check and comprehensive tire services to ensure your TPMS system is functioning correctly or to identify the cause of recurring tire pressure issues.