When it comes to vehicle safety, one of the most important factors is the tire pressure. A tire that is overinflated or under inflated can cause a variety of issues such as decreased fuel efficiency, reduced tire life, and even accidents. To prevent these issues, many modern vehicles come equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The 2017 Audi Q3, for example, uses an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS) to keep its drivers safe on the road.
In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of how the 2017 Audi Q3 TPMS works, including its components, operation, and benefits.
Steps to Reset Audi Q3 TPMS:
With the car on or running.
Select CAR on the infotainment system.
Select SERVICE & CHECKS.
Select TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING.
Select STORE TIRE PRESSURES.
Select YES, STORE NOW.
Infotainment system will read “The current tire pressures have been stored” meaning you have successfully reset the TPMS.
What is an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
Before we dive into how the 2017 Audi Q3 TPMS works, it’s important to understand what an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System is. Unlike Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (DTPMS) that use sensors inside the tires to measure the air pressure, TPMS uses the vehicle’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) wheel speed sensors to indirectly monitor the tire pressure.
Components of the 2017 Audi Q3 TPMS
The 2017 Audi Q3 ITPMS consists of three main components: the ABS control module, the instrument cluster, and the tire pressure monitoring system control module. The ABS control module collects data from the wheel speed sensors and sends it to the tire pressure monitoring system control module. The tire pressure monitoring system control module then analyzes the data and sends the tire pressure information to the instrument cluster.
Operation of the 2017 Audi Q3 TPMS
When the 2017 Audi Q3 is first started, the tire pressure monitoring system control module initializes the TPMS. The TPMS then begins to monitor the wheel speed sensor data to determine if a tire is underinflated. If the TPMS detects that a tire is underinflated, it sends a signal to the tire pressure monitoring system control module. The tire pressure monitoring system control module then sends a warning message to the instrument cluster, which displays a warning message on the driver information display.
Benefits of the 2017 Audi Q3 TPMS
One of the main benefits of the 2017 Audi Q3 ITPMS is that it provides drivers with real-time tire pressure information. This allows drivers to take action if a tire is underinflated, preventing issues such as decreased fuel efficiency and reduced tire life. In my opinion a tire pressure monitoring system provides drivers with peace of mind. Knowing exactly how much pressure each tire currently has puts me at ease while driving. Additionally, the 2017 Audi Q3 ITPMS is designed to be easy to use and requires no maintenance, making it a convenient and hassle-free feature for drivers.
When to Reset TPMS:
After replacing or rotating the tires: When you replace or rotate the tires on your Audi Q3, you’ll need to reset the TPMS so that it can accurately monitor the new tire positions and pressures.
After changing the tire pressure: If you need to adjust the tire pressure on your Audi Q3, you’ll need to reset the TPMS to ensure that it’s reading the correct pressure.
After repairing a flat tire: If you have a flat tire and get it repaired, you’ll need to reset the TPMS so that it can accurately monitor the tire pressure again.
It’s important to note that if you don’t reset the TPMS when necessary, it may not be able to accurately monitor the tire pressure, which could lead to issues such as decreased fuel efficiency, reduced tire life, and even accidents.
Causes for Why TPMS Comes on:
Low tire pressure: The most common reason for the TPMS light to turn on is low tire pressure. If one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated, the TPMS will alert you to this by illuminating the warning light on your dashboard.
Faulty ABS sensor: If one or more of the wheel speed sensors in your Audi Q3 is faulty or malfunctioning, it may cause the TPMS light to turn on. This could be due to a wiring issue or other technical problems.
Wheel speed sensor not communicating: Sometimes the speed sensor may fail to communicate with the car’s computer system. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as interference from other wireless devices, signal interference or the sensor is out of range.
Cold weather: In colder temperatures, tire pressure tends to decrease. If the temperature drops significantly, it can cause the TPMS light to turn on even if the tire pressure is within the recommended range.
Tires are worn out: If your tires are worn out, it can also cause the TPMS light to turn on. Worn out tires can cause pressure imbalances which the TPMS would detect.
Structural damage to the tire: any type of tire damage can cause the TPMS light to come on.
Spare tire being installed will cause TPMS light to come on.
Tire pressure was adjusted and new pressure levels were not stored.
TIPS:
The tire pressure monitoring system can stop working if there is an ESC malfunction.
If your TPMS indicator flashes for about a minute upon vehicle start up, then goes solid, the tire pressure system is indicating there is a malfunction.
Using snow chains will cause the TPMS light to turn on.
Always adjust tire pressure when the tires are cold, before driving the vehicle. Check the pressure regularly.
Do not use run flat tires unless specified by the manufacturer.
In conclusion, the 2017 Audi Q3 Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System is an important safety feature that helps keep drivers safe on the road. By using the vehicle’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) wheel speed sensors to indirectly monitor the tire pressure, the TPMS provides drivers with real-time tire pressure information and alerts them if a tire is underinflated. Its convenience, ease of use, and low maintenance make it a valuable feature for drivers.