Tire-pressure monitoring systems
Mandatory tire-pressure monitoring systems in EU
16/11/2012

Starting from 1st November 2012 all new car models to be phased in the European Community should have integrated tire-pressure monitoring systems. This obligation, adopted in the US since 2008, represents important news in terms of car safety. A market survey lead by Goodyear Dunlop shows that at least 73% of the persons interviewed don't know the correct pressure of their tires in the various drive conditions. Integrated system can be direct or indirect. The first ones, also called TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), detect actual tire pressure thanks to sensors (inside or outside each tire). These sensors can detect pressure both on parked vehicles and in driving conditions.
The seconds, called indirect TPMS or DDS (Deflation Detection System) detect pressure by checking the rolling speed of each tire. A flat tire has indeed a smaller diameter than a properly inflated one. These differences are shown by ABS/ESC wheel speed sensors.