What does a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alert the driver about?

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is specifically designed to monitor the air pressure within a vehicle's tires. When the pressure in any tire falls below a certain threshold, the TPMS activates and sends an alert to the driver, often through a warning light on the dashboard. This system is crucial for safety, as it helps prevent tire blowouts or poor handling due to under-inflated tires. Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.

The other options relate to different vehicle systems. Engine oil levels are monitored by oil level sensors or dipsticks, brake wear is determined by wear indicators or visual inspections, and coolant levels are checked by the cooling system's overflow reservoir or temperature gauge. Each of these plays a role in vehicle maintenance but is not related to the functionality of a TPMS, which focuses solely on tire pressure.