The Importance of TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) in Used Cars for Sale in Calgary

When it comes to vehicle safety, airbags, and seatbelts often hog the spotlight. Meanwhile, a crucial component called the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) quietly works behind the scenes, ensuring your ride is smooth, safe, and efficient. This system, especially in used cars, is pivotal in maintaining optimal tire health.

What’s a TPMS?

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is an automated system within vehicles that continuously monitors the vehicle’s tire pressure. When the tire pressure drops below or rises above the manufacturer’s recommended levels, the TPMS alerts the driver via an icon or light on the dashboard.

This alert allows the driver to take appropriate action, like adding or reducing air in the tires to ensure they are at optimal pressure.

Advantages of TPMS

A TPMS is one of the most important features you should look for in a used car. Here are some reasons why.

Improved Safety

The TPMS bolsters vehicle safety in used cars for sale in Calgary in several ways:

• Preventing Tire Blowouts: You can prevent tire blowouts with a properly working TPMS. Blowouts occur if you are driving with significantly underinflated tires. In severe instances, they can lead to fatal accidents.
• Ensuring Optimum Tire Performance: TPMS ensures that your tires are inflated at their optimum level, directly influencing your vehicle’s handling, braking, and stability. Neglecting your tire pressure may lead to poor vehicle performance, increasing the risk of road accidents.

Improved Fuel Economy

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) allow drivers to monitor the pressure in their tires, which can improve fuel economy. With modern TPMS, you will know when your tires are losing pressure. This means you can pump up your tires before they are too low. The extra steps may seem minor, but every little bit helps save money at the pump.

Extended Tire Lifespan

If a vehicle has a TPMS fitted, the tires will be less prone to developing uneven or premature wear. Unbalanced driving can cause the tires to wear out faster on one side of the road than on another. So fitted TPMS is an important safety feature that ensures you get the most out of your tires by ensuring even wear across all four wheels.

How to Check and Maintain TPMS in Used Cars

Verifying the TPMS’s functionality is vital when shopping for a used car. You can follow these steps to ensure the TPMS is in working condition.

Examine the TPMS Indicator

Start the car and check whether the TPMS indicator lights up on the dashboard. It should come on briefly and then turn off. If it stays on, there might be an issue with the system.

Inspect for Faulty Sensors

Ask the previous owner or dealer about the TPMS sensor history. If the sensors were never replaced, it could be time for a change, as their batteries typically last around five to seven years.

Consult the Maintenance Records

Request the car’s maintenance records and see if there have been any TPMS-related repairs or replacements.

Consult a Professional

Finally, ask a trusted mechanic to inspect and evaluate the used car’s TPMS, ensuring the system works correctly.

Conclusion

Whether new or used, every vehicle benefits from a functioning TPMS. A well-maintained system guarantees safety for yourself and others on the road while also saving you money over time. When purchasing a used car, don’t take the TPMS for granted. Confirming that it is fully operational can ultimately save lives and dollars in the long run.

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