Remedy for Low Pressure Tires

Untold drivers use devices from simple to high-tech to keep track of their tire pressure. The reason is simple: Under-inflated tires cause increased rolling resistance that decreases fuel economy. Plus, greater rolling resistance also shortens tire life.

In an attempt to reduce the waste caused by under-inflated tires, the federal government is expected to implement a safety requirement that mandates tire pressure monitors on new vehicles. Manufacturers of microelectric mechanical systems are quickly developing the 30-40 gram sensors in anticipation of an expected demand of 76 million devices by 2008.

 

The sensor is designed to attach inside the rim of a wheel, where it measures tire pressure and transmits data to a central receiver in the vehicle. This data is analyzed and displayed as a numerical readout on the dashboard, with a warning light signaling a potential hazard. Each device includes a temperature sensor, voltage sensor, accelerometer, micro-controller, antenna, and battery, and is designed to withstand the extreme tire conditions of vibration and corrosion.