Motorsport Pressure Sensors Guide
Pressure sensors are a critical component of motorsport telemetry, providing accurate data to enhance performance, safety and vehicle control. Whether you want to optimise driving performance or maintain the vehicle’s engine, pressure sensors play a vital role in various motorsport applications.
As part of our motorsport sensors series, we will explore how pressure sensors work, their benefits for motorsport applications, a guide for the different types available and maintenance tips to enhance your setup.
What Is A Pressure Sensor?
A pressure sensor is an electronic device that detects, measures and converts pressure into an electrical signal. In motorsport applications, pressure sensors help drivers and teams to monitor things like oil, fuel, brake or boost pressure to fine-tune their setup and optimise performance.
Benefits Of Motorsport Pressure Sensors
Motorsport pressure sensors allow drivers and teams to monitor various pressure components on motorsport setups to reduce the risk of mechanical failures and, ultimately, improve lap times. Here are just some of the ways that pressure sensors can impact motorsport performance:
- Driving Safety & Handling – Optimised tyre pressure improves handling and reduces lap times.
- Performance Monitoring – Maintaining oil and fuel pressure protects engine components and ensures consistent performance.
- ECU Connection – Many pressure sensors can be connected directly to the vehicle’s ECU for streamlined connectivity.
- Engine Protection – Accurate pressure prevents issues that could impact engine performance.
Inadequate pressure in a range of vehicle components can lead to handling issues, tyre blowouts, damage to the engine or even engine failure. If you’re a competitive driver or putting a lot of pressure on the vehicle, pressure sensors are a must-have for overall performance and safety.
Types Of Pressure Sensors
There are hundreds of different motorsport pressure sensors on the market that each serve different purposes, so choosing the right one for your needs can be quite daunting. While there are hundreds of pressure sensors to choose from, below we have compiled a list of the most common pressure sensors, what they are used for and how they work to give you a better idea about which ones are best for your motorsport setup.
Absolute Boost Pressure Sensors
- Used for: Monitoring the pressure in a turbocharged engine. Essential for tuning, performance and avoiding engine damage.
- How absolute boost pressure sensors work: They measure how much air pressure is building up in the intake system. This data is sent to the ECU, which can be used to adjust things like fuel delivery and turbo boost. Absolute means it’s measuring against a vacuum, not just normal air pressure — so it’s extremely precise.
- Related product: Absolute Boost Pressure Sensor 3 3/8 24 0-5 Bar
Brake Pressure Sensors
- Used for: Monitoring how hard you’re braking to improve driving consistency and performance.
- How brake pressure sensors work: They measure the hydraulic pressure in your brake lines when you drive. The data goes to the data logger or ECU, helping drivers and teams understand braking force.
- Related product: Brake Pressure Sensor M10 0-100 Bar
Oil/Fuel Pressure Sensors
- Used for: Monitoring oil and fuel pressure to maintain engine health and driving performance.
- How oil/fuel pressure sensors work: These sensors monitor how much pressure is in your oil or fuel system, sending that data to the ECU or data logger. If pressure drops too low, it can be a sign of a failing pump or leak.
- Related product: Oil/Fuel Pressure Sensor M10 0-10 Bar
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems)
TPMS sensors continuously measure tyre pressure and temperature to ensure optimal performance.
Impact on Performance:
- Prevent tyre blowouts by detecting anomalies.
- Optimise grip and tyre life through precise pressure adjustments.
- Provide critical insights for wet or dry conditions.
Potential Drawbacks of Not Monitoring:
- Unmonitored tyre pressure can lead to premature tyre wear or dangerous blowouts.
- Missed adjustments can result in suboptimal grip during changing conditions.
Related Product: Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
Choosing the best pressure sensor depends on what you want to monitor, compatibility with the ECU and durability in high-performance environments. Take a look at our full range of pressure sensors to find the best option for your setup or contact us for more information.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and maintenance of motorsport sensors can make a huge difference in accurate data acquisition and performance. Below, we have added some tip and tricks that you should follow to get the most out of your pressure sensor:
- Follow official manufacturer guidelines and technical sheets.
- Ensure sensors are secure and not loose.
- Recalibrate sensors for accuracy.
- Regularly clean and inspect the sensors for wear or damage.
- If the sensor needs to be repaired, speak to our experienced technicians.
Pressure Sensor FAQs
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What Happens When A Pressure Sensor Fails?
A failed pressure sensor can lead to a variety of issues, including damage to the engine and reduced performance due to inaccurate readings, so it’s extremely important to fix as soon as issues arise. -
Can You Drive With A Bad Pressure Sensor?
Although you can drive with a bad pressure sensor, it’s generally not advisable as it can lead to further issues as mentioned above.