Closer Look: Hella TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Slide Show
When was the last time you checked your vehicle's tire pressure? If recent surveys by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) are any indication, you probably haven't lately. These studies show that 74% of cars are driven with incorrect tire pressure, and one third of all accidents caused by technical reasons can be attributed to tire-related malfunctions*.
Numbers like those inspired Hella to create a new tire pressure monitoring system: the Hella TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitor. This monitor is a fully active, radio-controlled system that offers permanent, real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature.
Why Should I use Hella's TC-400?
The NHTSA's survey numbers say a lot about tire pressure's role in driver safety; however, safety is just one factor affected by tire inflation. Vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and tire life are also influenced by tire pressure and temperature. An under-inflated tire can lead to the following conditions:
* Increased wear
* Reduced control
* Hydroplaning
* Reduced traction
* Poor brake performance
* Increased fuel consumption
* Overheating of tire
An over-inflated tire can cause:
* Reduced contact area
* Increased wear
* Reduced control
* Hydroplaning
* Poor traction
Still, many people don't monitor tire pressure as often as they should because it takes a lot of time and effort to check each tire regularly with a hand-held gauge. The Hella TC-400 system takes the hassle and guesswork out of the process because it's permanently mounted and automatically provides readings every 54 seconds.
How does it Work?
The Hella Tire Pressure Monitoring System includes four valve stem sensors, a central receiving unit, a cockpit display, and wiring harness. The sensors mount in place of the tire valves and measure tire pressure and temperature. This vital information is then sent via radio to the central receiving unit, which forwards the data to the cockpit display.
The cockpit display provides instant, accurate readings and warns you when there's a problem with tire pressure or temperature. It displays tire pressure in your choice of PSI or bar units and tire temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The display allows you to monitor each tire separately by highlighting the appropriate tire symbol on the display's car graphic.
In the event of sudden pressure loss, such as a tire blowout, the system shows separate warning symbols for a slow loss of pressure, excess tire pressure, or high tire temperature.
The Hella Tire Pressure Monitoring System's display can be customized to fit your application. It can accommodate up to three extra sensors for spare tires or trailer tires and has seven background color options so you can set it up to match your existing gauges.
Is it Easy to Install?
Since installation of the Hella Tire Pressure Monitoring System requires the removal of your vehicle's tires, Hella recommends installing the system the next time you change your tires. Once the tires have been removed from your car or truck's rims, simply unscrew the tire valves and remove them from the wheels.
The system comes with four pressure sensors, which are marked for a specific tire: RF for right front, LF for left front, RR for right rear, and LR for left rear. Choose the proper sensor for each tire, insert them on the corresponding rims in place of the old tire valve, and use a torque wrench to secure the sensors with the included nuts. Once they are in place, you can fit the tires on the rims, balance each tire, and inflate them to the manufacturer recommended pressure.
The receiving unit and cockpit display are easy to install. The central receiving unit should be placed behind the trim in the driver's footwell near the fuse box. The display should mount in a clearly visible place on the dash using double-sided adhesive tape or a mounting bracket. You can set the TC-400 system by turning on the ignition and depressing the "Check" button on the cockpit display. Simply enter the factory recommended pressure for the tires, set the measuring units (Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature, bar or PSI), and select the display's background color.
Once you've got the system installed, you'll never again have to worry about sub-par performance, poor fuel economy, or decreased safety due to improper tire pressure. That's hassle-free peace of mind!
*NHTSA, March 2005; FMVSS 138-Final regulatory impact analysis.
