When did TPMS sensors become standard?
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) sensors have become a standard feature in most new vehicles sold in the United States since the early 2000s. These sensors are designed to alert drivers when the tire pressure in one or more of their vehicle's tires falls below a certain threshold, helping to improve safety and fuel efficiency.
The Rise of TPMS Sensors
TPMS sensors were first introduced in the late 1980s, but they did not become widely adopted until the early 2000s. In 2000, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a rule requiring all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States to be equipped with TPMS sensors by September 1, 2007. This rule was part of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which was enacted in response to a series of tire-related accidents involving Ford Explorers and Firestone tires.
The NHTSA rule gave automakers several years to phase in TPMS technology, and by the time the requirement took effect, most new vehicles were already equipped with the sensors. Today, TPMS sensors are standard equipment on virtually all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States, and they have become an important safety feature for drivers.
How TPMS Sensors Work
TPMS sensors are typically located inside each of a vehicle's tires, either mounted on the wheel rim or integrated into the tire valve stem. These sensors continuously monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit this information to a central control unit in the vehicle. If the pressure in any tire falls below a certain threshold, the control unit triggers a warning light on the dashboard, alerting the driver to the issue.
TPMS sensors have been shown to be effective in reducing the number of tire-related accidents and improving fuel efficiency. Studies have found that vehicles equipped with TPMS sensors are less likely to experience tire blowouts or other tire-related issues, and they also tend to have better fuel economy due to the improved tire pressure.
Conclusion
TPMS sensors have become a standard feature in most new vehicles sold in the United States since the early 2000s, thanks to a federal mandate that required their installation. These sensors play an important role in improving vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, and they have become an essential part of the modern driving experience.
