10 Great Safety Features Found In Modern Cars

Photo by Enzo Hayashi

9. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the tire pressure of each tire individually. When a tire’s pressure drops below a certain threshold, a light on the dash informs the driver that a tire is low. Under-inflated tires lead to tread separation and failure, resulting in 40,000 accidents, 33,000 injuries, and over 650 deaths per year. Properly inflated tires offer better handling, stability, and braking. The TPMS system also extends tire life, as it informs the driver when a tire is low, resulting in the driver adding air to keep it at the appropriate levels. Properly inflated tires also help fuel mileage; the Department of Transportation estimates that under-inflated tires waste 2 billion gallons of fuel each year.