What are Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems?
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) monitor real time tyre pressures using sensors in each tyre and report to the driver with warning light and/or audible alert if there is any change in tyre pressure or temperature.
Having TPMS fitted to your vehicle improves your safety as the system checks tyre pressure every few seconds reducing your chance of an accident related to incorrect tyre pressures. TPMS can also save you money as having the correct tyre pressure maximises tyre life and also helps improve fuel efficiency.
TPMS are now fitted to all new vehicles as a standard, and have been since 2014. Vehicles fitted with TPMS as standard AND first used / registered on or after January 1st 2012 will have their TPMS system tested as part of their MOT, and if your system is not functioning correctly it means an automatic fail.
TPMS sensors should be serviced regularly to avoid sensors developing faults. One of the most common TPMS sensor issues is battery failure. The batteries in TPMS cannot be replaced and replacement sensors need to be fitted. This will mean that an electronic reset is required.
Why Do Direct TPMS Sensors Need Servicing?
Ideally, the only time a sensor should need to be replaced is when the internal battery runs flat. However, due to environmental weathering and sometimes galvanic corrosion of some of the components fastening the valve to your wheel and sealing the valve air tight, TPMS valves can become faulty or fail completely. A simple and considerably cheaper solution is to keep the valve in good condition through servicing, replacing the old components with a brand new set.
Servicing of TPMS Sensors every time the tyre bead is broken is considered a standard requirement by sensor manufacturers in order for them to last a full lifetime.
Why Do TPMS Sensors Need Replacing?
Ideally, sensors generally require replacement once the internal battery has died. Battery life of each sensor can be anything between 3 & 7 years, or around 100k-150k miles. The internal battery of a sensor is used all the time at some level, with minimal use whilst the vehicle is stationary, moderate use when the vehicle is moving and heavy use if the TPMS system is in alert mode due to low tyre pressure or puncture detection (warning light on dashboard). Unfortunately, due to incorrect handling or neglect of servicing, sensors and sensor components can also break which in some cases may require a complete sensor replacement. When TPMS sensors are replaced an electronic reset is required.
What Is An Electronic Reset?
When new sensors are fitted to a vehicle they must be paired to the ECU (the car’s computer) in order for them work, and to clear the warning lights from the vehicles dash at Cheadle Tyres we have state of the art equipment to to check the TPMS, correct any faults and reset the ECU of any vehicle.