(R)EVOLUTION - TPMS

TPMS – Monitoring tyre pressure in real time

Among the many innovations that have transformed vehicle safety and energy efficiency, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) occupies a special place. Designed in the 1980s by French engineer Claude Valade, this system is based on a simple but decisive idea: continuously measuring tyre pressure and alerting the driver in the event of an anomaly.

This is because underinflated or overinflated tyres can have much more serious consequences than they appear. They increase braking distance, reduce grip, accelerate tyre wear and increase fuel consumption. These risks are invisible to the naked eye but have a significant impact on safety and the environment. With TPMS, these dangers can finally be detected in real time, allowing the driver to take immediate action.

In 1999, the Renault Laguna became the first mass-produced model to incorporate this device. This innovation, long reserved for high-end or competition vehicles, thus became part of everyday life for motorists. A few years later, its effectiveness attracted the attention of the authorities: in 2014, TPMS became mandatory on all new cars in Europe, illustrating its strategic role in accident prevention.

The system has continued to improve. The first generations, known as indirect systems, used ABS sensors to detect differences in speed between the wheels. Today, most models are equipped with direct systems, which incorporate a sensor in each tyre to transmit accurate pressure and temperature data in real time. Connected to the dashboard, TPMS is now an essential part of electronic vehicle management.

Beyond safety, it also contributes to energy efficiency. By maintaining the correct tyre pressure, it reduces rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption, while extending tyre life. In the current context of ecological transition and resource optimisation, it embodies the very example of a simple innovation with multiple and lasting impacts.

Now universal, TPMS perfectly illustrates how a visionary idea born in the mind of a passionate engineer can transform everyday actions into safety reflexes. It also reminds us that, in the automotive industry, innovation is not always visible at first glance, but often works silently to protect, save money and support every journey.