Home diagnostics uncover thousands of TPMS issues

Yokohama UK has joined vehicle diagnostic specialist OBDeleven in calling for drivers to be more diligent when checking their tyres, especially during colder months. OBDeleven shares that motorists using its pocket-sized diagnostic tool uncovered over 50,000 issues with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) during a three-month period of last year alone, a result indicating that TPMS installed in modern cars cannot always be relied on to display accurate readings.

The discovery of so many TPMS issues becomes an even greater concern when considering that according to the Department for Transport (DfT), poorly maintained or defective tyres caused 25 per cent of road accidents in which a vehicle fault was cited as a contributing factor.

TPMS are mandatory on all new cars, and most people are familiar with the small electric sensors fitted to each wheel and the yellow dashboard warning light that alerts drivers of a change in air pressure. But OBDeleven warns that this system can often fail and batteries in the wheel-mounted sensors can run out. In such cases, drivers will be unaware that their tyres are not inflated to appropriate levels – unless they take the initiative to physically check them.

According to The Highway Code, drivers should check their tyre pressure weekly. They should perform these checks more regularly in winter months, as tyre pressure is likely to drop during cold snaps.

TPMS shouldn’t replace traditional checks

“While the widespread adoption of TPMS in modern cars has been a positive safety development, they should not completely replace traditional tyre pressure checks recommended by the Highway Code,” comments Juozapas Preikša, vehicle diagnostic specialist at OBDeleven. “Where possible, drivers should also use a diagnostic tool, which will inform them when their monitoring system may be faulty, giving them extra security in knowing their tyres are, safe.”

Karl Naylor, commercial director at Yokohama Tyres, adds: “Yokohama Tyres supports OBDeleven’s call urging drivers to make appropriate tyre checks. As the critical connection between your vehicle and the road, maintaining optimal tyre conditions is paramount not only for peak performance, precise handling, and effective braking, but also for adherence to legal standards.”

About OBDeleven

OBDeleven is a licensed Bluetooth diagnostics tool created for drivers to scan car computers, diagnose different faults, customise features, and program vehicles with just a smartphone. OBDeleven connects to a vehicle’s OBD2 port and the user’s phone via the OBDeleven mobile apps.