‘Concerning’ rise in MoT failures due to tyre safety system defects

Recently, there has been an significant amount of MoT failures due to tyre safety system defects which has raised concerns for TyreSafe regarding the implications for safety on the roads.

 

All vehicles manufactured since 2012 must be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and since January 2015 it must be fully functional in order to pass the MoT. These systems are designed to provide drivers with a warning should tyre pressures drop below recommended levels while on the road and are a proven means to improve safety. Concurringly, increasing numbers of vehicles are failing their MoT due to TPMS defects.

 

How TPMS works

 

There are two types of TPMS fitted by car manufacturers;

 

The first type of TPMS uses sensors in the wheel/tyre combination to measure in real-time the exact pressure in that specific tyre.

 

The second type is ‘indirect’ TPMS uses the ABS system to deduce pressure based on the circumference of the wheel and the changes in vibration caused by incorrect inflation.

 

You’ll know if you have the indirect system fitted as you’ll be asked to confirm the pressures are correct after adjusting them by your vehicle’s on-board computer.

In both cases, a warning light will appear on the dashboard display should the tyre pressure drop. If you do see this warning light it is important not to just ignore it, make sure you check the pressure as soon as possible. If the light continues to appear, you may have a puncture and should have it inspected by a professional.

 

 

TPMS and MOT

 

An inoperative or faulty TPMS will result in an MOT failure. TPMS sensor valves can be serviced or replaced with a similar valve when their battery runs out. Standard, non-TPMS, valves are not an acceptable replacement.

 

This advancement in road safety helps drivers to keep track of the air pressure in their tyres, but it should be used in conjunction with monthly manual checks and precautionary tyre inspections in advance of long journeys.

 

If you are unsure about how to manually check your tyres take a look at our guide.

 

Why do we need TPMS?

 

The TPMS was introduced as a warning to drivers when there is a change of tyre pressure which helps to increase driving safety and reduce accidents. The pressure of your tyres can directly affect the performance of your car, along with the handling response, tyre wear rate and overall road safety. Along with the speed capability and load capacity it is very important that your tyres are prepared for the everyday job in needs to do.

 

It is important that you gage the correct tyre pressure for your vehicles tyres as both under inflated and over inflated can have damaging effects. Under Inflated tyres will consume more fuel along with causing the engine to emit more CO2 as it is working harder to complete the journey in hand.

 

Save money and drive safe knowing important information about your tyres.

 

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