Everything You Should Know About Your Porsche’s TPMS

To ensure that your Porsche drives as it was designed to, you need to know about some special features in the car such as the TPMS – Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system assists in ensuring that you are safe on the road by monitoring your tire pressure. Below is all the information that you would require about the TPMS installed in your Porsche.

What is the TPMS?

TPMS is an acronym that stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is a safety mechanism that is aimed at checking the pressure of your tires and giving you a warning once the pressure gets below a particular level. The system makes use of sensors found either inside the tires or the valve stems. They are always sensing the tire pressure and relaying the data to your car’s computer system. If the pressure is too low then the warning light will come on in the dashboard of your Porsche.

Why is the TPMS Important?

• Safety: Tires that are not inflated to the recommended pressure can be a menace to drivers. They are more likely to burst and cause an accident. Correct tire pressure makes it possible for the tires to have the maximum area of contact with the road hence improving the level of traction and control which makes your Porsche safer to drive.
• Performance: Low tire pressure is considered to have a direct impact on the performance of your car. It results in poor handling, increased time for braking, and poor stability, particularly at high speed. Under-inflated tires affect the drivability of your Porsche as well as its overall performance.
• Fuel Efficiency: Tires that are not properly inflated are resistant to rolling and this puts more stress on the car and the fuel is used up more. Proper tire pressure enhances your car’s fuel economy, meaning you’ll be able to use less fuel on the road and spend less on fuel.
• Tire Longevity: Correct pressure in the tire is very important because it enables equal wearing of the tires in order to increase the lifespan of the tires. Tires that have low pressure on them will wear out faster and this will mean Porsche owners have to replace them more often.

How Does the TPMS Work?

• Direct TPMS: This method uses sensors that are fitted inside the tires. These sensors pick the real pressure of the tire and relay this information to the car’s computer systems. In case the pressure falls below the set standard, there will be a light on the dashboard informing the driver. Direct TPMS is usually more precise and reliable.
• Indirect TPMS: This system employs the speed signals from the car’s ABS, or anti-lock braking system sensors to determine the speed of each wheel. When a tire is under-inflated, its diameter is smaller as compared to the well-inflated tires and it rotates with a higher speed. The system can sense this differential in rotation speed and this is when a warning light is initiated. Indirect TPMS is cheaper than direct TPMS but it is not very precise and it can be influenced by several factors including wear and tear of the tire or their rotation.

Maintaining Your Porsche’s TPMS

For your TPMS to work properly, it is vital to service it regularly. Even though your Porsche has this device, it is still a good idea to physically inspect the tires often. Check your tire pressure with a good quality tire pressure gauge and compare the pressure with the one indicated in the car manual.

The TPMS sensors are known to have a certain life expectancy and it is usually between 5-7 years of usage. If the sensors are worn out or you have observed constant problems with them, it may be time to replace them. When you are changing your tires or even when you are rotating them, ask the technician to clean the sensors and also check for any signs of damage.

Motorwerks Auto Group Has The Porsche Mechanics You Can Count On

Searching for a professional auto workshop with friendly and courteous staff has been made easier by us at Motorwerks Auto Group for owners of European cars in Humble, TX. You can always count on our certified technicians to work on any fault in your Porsche. If you feel your Porsche’s TPMS may be failing, we can help. Call us now at (346) 477-4103 for a comprehensive auto inspection, which will also involve looking at the TPMS.