Certainly, the message is getting through overseas. In Europe, all new models of passenger cars must be equipped with a TPMS and, in the US, the systems have been fitted to all vehicles since 2006. Many experts, quoting statistics that 80% of tyre failures are due to under-inflation, think it is a matter of time before the systems become mandatory here.

Aside from the safety benefits of reduced blowout risk and optimising braking capability and road handling, the systems can help cut motoring costs … a fact which can help justify the after-market cost of several hundred dollars.

Motorists can certainly save money on their fuel bill by correctly inflating and monitoring their tyres. A 9% drop in tyre pressure increases fuel consumption by around 5%. Similarly, there are savings to be had on tyre costs as underinflated tyres wear faster than correctly inflated tyres. For example, experts say that tyres which are 30% under-inflated will wear up to 45% faster.

So how does a tyre pressure monitor system help?

Basically, it alerts drivers to the fact that their tyres are under-inflated, or are becoming too hot … and before the issue becomes a major problem. They can be used to monitor pressures in individual tyres in both a towing vehicle and in caravans or camper trailers.

Direct systems directly monitor tyre pressure against pre-set values and send a pretty much instantaneous warning to drivers when pressure falls below set values. Pressure and temperature sensors can either be mounted inside the tyre wall, or simply screwed on the outside of the tyre in place of the normal valve cap. Internal mounting of monitors reduces the chance of damage or theft but will probably mean installation by a tyre specialist.

Messages from sensors are communicated via mini transmitter to in-car display monitors which may be plugged into a cigarette lighter socket, be wired in, or run on battery power. Sometimes an additional remote antenna kit may be required to improve the reception of the signal.

Drivers can then monitor the readings transmitted by the pressure sensors attached to their wheels and will be alerted when the tyre pressure is off. Quickly knowing whether tyres are under or overinflated without having to manually check, allows motorists to take action and return the air in their tyres to the appropriate level, keeping their tyres healthy.

As more caravanners and motorhomers set out on big trips, the focus on travelling safety is becoming ever more intense. In much the same way that interest in electronic stability control devices has skyrocketed, so too has the demand for information about tyre pressure monitoring systems.

Many long-term travellers have decided that the price of increased peace of mind is one well worth paying.

• Do you have a tyre pressure monitoring system? Would you recommend it to others? Email us here to share your thoughts.

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