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Differences between direct and indirect tire pressure indicators

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Tire pressure warning light

Video tutorial

This video gives us a rough indication of the difference between direct and indirect tire pressure indicators: direct ones use specific sensors installed directly inside each tire, measuring the pressure in real time and transmitting the data to a central control unit.

This unit transmits the received data with preset values, and in case of anomaly, it lights up the warning light on the dashboard.

It provides precise and updated information on the pressure of each individual tire, but it also has its flaws. The sensors are expensive, and the batteries cannot be replaced, so the sensors need to be replaced periodically.

The indirect system relies on ABS data to estimate tire pressure, analyzing wheel rotation to detect differences that could indicate a loss of pressure. It is a much cheaper system, but much less precise and does not indicate which tire has lost pressure.


Posted on 23 June 2025 by ScegliAuto


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