In the past year, the rate at which faulty Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) were responsible for MOT failures has trebled. Unfortunately, this doesn’t just mean that a lot of people have had to fork out for another MOT test and any repairs; it has also had serious implications for the road safety of all, too.

TPMS: What Is It?

Your vehicle’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is responsible for, as its name suggests, monitoring the pressure of all of your tyres. When the pressure drops below acceptable levels in even only one of your tyres, a warning light alerts the driver to the imbalance. The driver can then change driving behaviour, take the vehicle off the road and rectify the issue.

Normally, warning will be given well in advance of dangerously low pressure levels, allowing drivers to travel to a garage to either refill their tyres or have them looked at. However, when TPMS issues arise the warning light won’t remain as a solid light. Instead, the warning light will flash, indicating a broken sensor.

If your vehicle was sold after November 2014, it will have TPMS installed. What’s more, since 2015, all vehicles first used since January 2012 and equipped with TPMS by the manufacturer have to have a functioning system to pass its MOT.

TPMS MOT Issues

In 2016, over 23,000 vehicles required a retest after TPMS problems were identified during an MOT. Compare that with the 7,000 cases in 2015 and you have a staggering jump of 212% between the years. Clearly something is amiss if people are willing to forego repairing their TPMS system.

It is absolutely essential that if your TPMS warning light flashes that you book your vehicle into a garage to have it checked. As stated briefly above, it is very likely that all this means is that a sensor has broken, and replacing this should be relatively straight forward process. The alternative is to leave it, remain unwarned about falling tyre pressure and put yourself, and other road users, in jeopardy.

But relying on your TPMS alone isn’t enough: once a month, you should also check your tyre pressure yourself. Take your vehicle to a local petrol station and test the tyre pressure of all your wheels to ensure your tyres are in the safest condition.

Universal Tyres offer a comprehensive tyre service. We’re able to look at the conditions of your tyres, supply and fit new ones, and even address issues with your TPMS. If the warning light flashes in your vehicle, don’t put off rectifying the issue until your MOT; visit us today!

With over 90 years of experience in the motoring industry, Universal Tyres are able to meet all your tyre and TPMS requirements regardless of what they are. We also offer MOT and servicing for your complete convenience. Be sure to contact our friendly team today to find out more about how we can help you.