TPMS Technology
Basically there are 2 technologies in use today, Indirect and Direct, and two methods of monitoring pressures, Mechanical, and
Strain-gauge. Additionally there are two types of installations, internal and external.
- Passive Systems are still in use by some OEMs. They rely on the ABS system and can’t tell which tire is loosing pressure because they compare tire rotation rates to determine if a tire might be underinflated.
- Active systems that actually monitor tire’s pressure, with “internal” systems mounted on the wheel rim inside the tire, or “external” systems sensors installed on the tire’s valve-stem. The Tire Sentry sensor systems feature “active, external” tire pressure sensors that are actually "electronic valve caps" that just screw onto the valve stem replacing the existing valve caps.
- All TPMS tire sensors require power from an internal battery to operate. Power is needed to do the pressure monitoring and/or to transmit an RF warning signal to the driver's display module. The Tire Sentry is unique, and possibly the only TPMS that enables sensor battery replacement, rather than having to replace the entire tire sensor.
- Another key feature of the Tire Sentry systems is that the pressure monitoring is done mechanically which does not require battery power. This is an important feature since it enables the tire sensors to monitor for loss of pressure 24 hours a day even while the vehicle is parked or in storage.
- Other systems that use battery power for monitoring pressure and for signal transmission must conserve battery power by only “sampling” tire pressure at 5 to 16 minute intervals.
- In an effort to further reduce battery consumption, other pressure monitor goes into a “sleep mode” when the wheels are not rotating or when the vehicle is parked.Those sensors will not activate from their "sleep mode" until the vehicle is moving 15 to 20 MPH. This prevents getting a reading until after you are underway. This is necessary to preserve the sensor's battery power since they have no provision for battery replacement.
- The patented Tire Sentry tire sensors only use battery power for the transmission of a Low Tire warning signal, and is the only system that enables battery replacement by the owner when necessary (usually within 2-3 years, and at a cost of $2.50 each). The Tire Sentry sensors even advise you when battery replacement is recommended.
- The Tire Sentry systems come as “plug and play” with no complicated programming procedures required. Each system comes pre-programmed specifically for your vehicle's wheel and axle configuration and tire pressure requirements.
- The Tire Sentry systems are easy to install since they do not removing the wheels, special tools or technical knowledge to install due to its modular plug together design.
- Additionally, the Tire Sentry is the only TPMS that comes with a 3 year factory warranty on RV models.
