Volkswagen ID.4: How the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Works

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System warns the driver if tire pressures are too low.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System uses the ABS sensors to monitor the RPM and therefore the rolling circumference of the individual wheels during travel.

If a tire loses air or the tire pressure is too low, the rolling circumference is reduced and the RPM increases.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System shows a change in the rolling circumference of the tires via the indicator light in the instrument cluster.

However, the following situations can also cause changes in the RPM

• The tire pressure has changed
• The tire has structural damage
• One side of the vehicle has a heavier load than the other
• Snow chains are installed on the tires
• A compact spare wheel has been installed
• Only one wheel was replaced on each axle

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System will not work if the ESC or ABS is malfunctioning (→ Braking assistance systems).

Reference Pressure

The reference pressure for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is the recommended tire pressure for the tires installed at the factory when the tires are cold at maximum load. The reference pressure corresponds to the details on the tire pressure label (→ Tire pressure).

If the tire pressure has been correctly adjusted on all four tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated (→ Tire Pressure Monitoring System). This adapts the reference pressure to the current tire pressure.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not react at first or may not react at all when you are driving in a sporty manner, or on snow-covered or unpaved roads, when you are driving with snow chains, or in certain other situations.

A change in the tread circumference of a tire is signaled by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicator in the instrument cluster (telltale).

The tire pressure recommended for the tires originally installed on the vehicle is on a sticker on the driver door jamb.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires).

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system( TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

WARNING

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is not a replacement for the driver's attention and works only within the system limitations. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System cannot detect all driving situations and may not react, or may react with a delay, or may react in a way that is not desired. If you are careless, there is a risk of accidents, serious injuries and death.

• Always stay attentive and do not rely solely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The driver is always responsible for adhering to the correct tire inflation pressure.
• Observe the system limitations (→ Tire Pressure Monitoring System).
• Regularly check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and always maintain the specified pressures as stated on the tire inflation pressure label for the tires fitted on the vehicle (→ Tire pressure).
• Check the tires regularly for signs of wear or damage and replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
• Never exceed the maximum permissible speed and tire load specified for the tires fitted to your vehicle.

WARNING

Driving with too low a tire inflation pressure could cause the tire to become so hot that the tread could separate, the tire could rupture, and you could lose control of the vehicle.

Different tire pressures or low tire pressures can increase tire wear, decrease vehicle stability, increase braking distance, and result in tire damage, tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• Always pay attention to the warnings given by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. If the indicator light turns on, stop the vehicle immediately where it is safe to do so and check all tires (→ Tire pressure).
• The driver is responsible for maintaining the correct tire pressure. Regularly check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and always maintain the specified pressures as stated on the tire inflation pressure label for the tires fitted on the vehicle (→ Tire pressure). The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can only function correctly when all tires are inflated to the correct pressure when they are cold.
• If the tire is not "flat" and the tire does not need to be replaced immediately, drive slowly to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the tire pressure checked and corrected (→ Tire pressure). Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Always set up the Tire Pressure Monitoring System correctly (→ Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

WARNING

Excessive speeds and vehicle overloading can cause overheating, sudden tire damage (including tire blow-outs) and separation of the tread.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

• Never exceed the maximum load for the tires fitted (→ Tire labeling and tire classifications).
• Never exceed the maximum permitted speed for the tires fitted (→ Tire labeling and tire classifications).

Low tire pressures increases energy use and tire wear.

New tires may expand slightly the first time they are driven at high speeds, which can trigger a tire pressure warning.

Only replace old tires with tires that have been approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle model.

Do not rely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System alone. Inspect the tires regularly to make sure the tire pressure is correct and check the tires for any signs of damage, such as punctures. Remove any objects stuck in the tire tread as long as they have not punctured the inside of the tire.

Snow chainsLimitations of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System