FAQ

Where is the TPMS sensor located?

It is inside the tire attached to the inner part of the rim. If you remove the tire from the rim, you'll see a small cylinder, which is the tire pressure sensor.

How does the direct TPMS work?

As the name implies, direct tire pressure sensors explicitly measure air pressure. These battery-powered sensors send radio signals to a receiver within the car. When the pressure gets too high or low, the TPMS warning light comes on.

How does the TPMS know which tire is which?

The TPMS can tell how much psi air pressure is in each tire by recognizing and monitoring each number of the designated tire.

How long does a TPMS sensor last?

The lithium-ion batteries inside TPMS sensors may last anywhere from five to 10 years. Five to six years is a more typical lifespan for older TPMS sensors.

What happens when the TPMS battery dies?

When the battery in a TPMS sensor dies, it will trigger a malfunction warning from the system, indicated by a blinking TPMS light on your dashboard. It may continue to flash, or it may turn solid after 60-90 seconds.

What happens if a TPMS sensor is bad?

If the tire pressure sensor is not functioning properly, you may receive improper warnings on the DIC. The sensor could indicate that you have a flat tire, even if there is nothing wrong with the tire. It may also indicate low tire pressure even if you have recently inflated the tires to the optimum pressure.

What do I do if the TPMS light comes on?

If you see the TPMS light illuminated, it's best to stop driving and check the air pressure in each tire. Ensure they are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended PSI level. You can find this number in the door jamb of your vehicle or the owner's manual.

Is it safe to drive the car when the TPMS warning light is on?

No, driving with the TPMS light on is not safe. It means one of your tires is underinflated or overinflated.

Should I replace all 4 TPMS sensors?

If you will be replacing all four tires soon, then it’s suggested replacing all 4 TPMS sensors at that same time. If one of them is dead and they were all installed at the same time, then the remaining sensors will be low on battery and die soon.

Can I replace just one TPMS sensor?

You can replace just one sensor. However, when you replace a TPMS sensor you have to "register" it on the vehicle. That is, the vehicle ECU has to be programmed to know that it has a new sensor with a new ID.

Can I replace the TPMS sensor by myself?

Snap-in TPMS sensors that have a rubber stem are as easy to replace as any conventional valve stem. No special tools are needed. But hex nut stems do have to be carefully tightened to a specific value with an accurate inch-pound torque wrench or TPMS valve stem tool.

Why is the TPMS light on but tires are fine?

The batteries that power TPMS sensors have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years. If they become weak, then a signal interruption will occur. Such a situation will cause the low-pressure warning lights to illuminate. A damage may occur when a substance such as a tire sealant gets into the tire. As a result, it can likely destroy the TPMS sensors.

Can you rotate tires with the TPMS?

Rotating your tires will mess up the TPMS sensors. It doesn't ruin the sensors themselves, just the location that they're in. You're taking a tire that used to be in the front and putting it in the rear.

Do TPMS sensors go to sleep?

When a vehicle is not moving for a defined period of time, usually between 10 to 20 minutes, the sensors will go into a rest or sleep mode.

Can I drive with low tire pressure?

Driving with low tire pressure is not recommended.

Does weather tire pressure?

For every 10-degree drop in temperature, a tire may lose one to two pounds of pressure. It's best to check your tire pressure every two weeks during big temperature swings. If your tire pressure light pops on, don't ignore it! Low tire pressure can often lead to hydroplaning when it rains.

Do tires lose air when not driven?

You may find that your tires lose pressure or start to slightly deflate over time while the car is immobile. This is because rubber is porous, and while it's not enough to cause an issue normally, air molecules can make their way through the rubber slowly over a period of time.