TPMS sensors are designed to measure air pressure inside the tire. Some systems also provide temperature data, but their primary function remains the same: alert the driver when pressure falls outside recommended values.

What TPMS does well:

• Alerts to underinflation or sudden pressure loss

• Improves safety and regulatory compliance

• Reduces the risk of driving on severely underinflated tires

What TPMS does not measure:

• Tire balance or imbalance

• Uneven internal weight distribution

• Vibration caused by tread wear or flat spotting

• Dynamic changes while driving

In other words, a tire can show perfect pressure on TPMS and still be severely out of balance.

Tire imbalance occurs when weight is unevenly distributed around the wheel and tire assembly. This imbalance creates centrifugal forces as the wheel rotates, leading to vibration that increases with speed.

TPMS sensors are blind to this because:

• Pressure remains within acceptable limits

• No air loss is detected

• The imbalance develops gradually

A common real-world example:

A light commercial vehicle runs daily routes with frequent stops. Tires maintain correct pressure, so TPMS shows no warnings. Over time, tread wear becomes uneven and the internal balance shifts. The driver notices vibration at 80–90 km/h, but the dashboard shows no alerts.

This is a classic case where TPMS confirms pressure, but balance has already degraded.

When imbalance goes undetected, the effects compound quickly:

• Accelerated tire wear: Irregular contact with the road increases shoulder and cupping wear

• Higher fuel consumption: Vibration increases rolling resistance

• Reduced driving comfort: Steering wheel shake and cabin vibration

• Increased stress on suspension components

For fleets, this translates into higher operating costs and shorter tire replacement cycles. For private drivers, it means reduced comfort and premature tire wear despite “everything looking fine” on the dashboard.

Counteract internal balancing beads work dynamically inside the tire, continuously redistributing to counteract imbalance as it develops.

This means:

• Balance is maintained throughout the tire’s life

• No need for repeated rebalancing

• Compensation for tread wear, flat spotting, and load changes

While TPMS monitors pressure, Counteract manages dynamic balance. Together, they form a more complete tire management system.

A practical comparison:

• TPMS alerts you when something has already gone wrong

• Counteract works continuously to prevent imbalance from becoming a problem in the first place

For fleet managers:

• More predictable tire wear

• Reduced downtime and maintenance interventions

• Improved fuel efficiency over long distances

For private drivers:

• Smoother driving experience

• Longer-lasting tires

• Fewer vibrations without repeated workshop visits

The key takeaway is simple: TPMS alone is not enough to manage modern tire performance.

TPMS is an essential safety feature, but it was never designed to be a complete solution. Pressure is only one variable in tire performance, and balance plays a critical role that sensors cannot detect.

By combining TPMS with dynamic internal balancing solutions like Counteract, drivers and fleets gain a more accurate, proactive approach to tire management.

Because the most important tire problems are often the ones your dashboard never warns you about.