So, how do you accurately read tire pressure?
First, the answer to the first question is: tire pressure always refers to "cold pressure." That is, the static tire pressure when the vehicle has been stationary for more than 4 hours. This is the true "tire pressure." Therefore, checking the tire pressure before going to work in the morning is usually the most convenient and accurate method.
While driving, the wheels constantly rotate, the tire rubber constantly rubs against the ground, and the sidewall rubber constantly flexes, so the tires gradually heat up. As the temperature rises, the air inside the tires is naturally heated, and the pressure naturally increases.
Typically, the pressure will increase by about 0.3 kg after the tires have been stationary overnight and then continuously rolling for an hour. For example, if the cold pressure is 2.5 kg, and after driving for an hour the pressure has risen to 2.8 kg, this is completely normal. Many car owners are unnecessarily worried because they see the tire pressure monitoring system showing increasingly higher tire pressure.
Does the tire pressure alarm sound during driving?
Previously, some experienced drivers might check their tire pressure before driving and then confidently set off. Now that tire pressure monitoring is becoming more common, car owners can see the current pressure of their tires at all times, but they are starting to get scared. This is largely because they don't know how to use the "pressure upper limit alarm" function of the tire pressure monitoring system.
Therefore, the factory-preset alarm point for tire pressure monitoring is usually 3.2 kg. When the tire pressure reaches 3.2 kg after continuous rolling, it will continuously sound an alarm to remind the driver. So, if the driver finds that the tire pressure monitoring alarm setting is unreasonable, they can adjust it according to the instructions.
The same tire, different pressure gauges, incredibly different readings?
The second question is about the error of tire pressure gauges. Indeed, some careful drivers will find that their car has had a tire repaired. We ask the tire shop to inflate the tire to 2.5 kg. The tire pressure gauge in the shop shows 2.5, but our car's tire pressure monitoring system shows 2.2 kg. So, which one is wrong?
It's simple! – The tire pressure gauge in the shop is inaccurate. In fact, a closer look will reveal that there are two types of tire pressure gauges: one is a needle type, and the other is a digital electronic type. The error of the former is often difficult to control. Using two identical needle-type gauges to test the same tire may yield completely different data. Digital instruments are far more accurate and reliable!
Analog gauges have larger errors, so we recommend using digital gauges. Furthermore, tire pressure monitoring is very accurate.
After all, mechanical pointer-type instruments work based on the elasticity principle of metal springs. As the metal ages, the instrument becomes inaccurate. Therefore, the error problem with mechanical pointer gauges has never been solved. Conversely, digital instruments, which work based on the principle of electronic pressure sensors, are much more stable and accurate.
The working principle of our vehicle tire pressure monitoring system is actually similar to that of a digital pressure gauge. The pressure signal is read via a wireless signal and then displayed. Therefore, the readings from the on-board "direct" tire pressure monitoring system are very accurate!
