What is TPMS?
TPMS as it is commonly refered to stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Over the last few years TPMS has become a standard feature of many new cars and trucks.These systems consist of sensors that are mounted in each of the tires and relay the tire pressure information to the vehicles computers. When the tire pressure in any one tire drops below the manufactures recommended psi a TPMS warning light is illuminated on the dash. This TPMS light looks like a u-shaped tire symbol, some of these symbols have a dot in them.
When this light is displayed on your dash one or more of your tires is low and should be checked. There are three common types of TPMS sensors. The first is a sensor that is mounted to the rim as part of the valve stem, these can be identified by simply checking the valve stem on your wheels for a metal valve with a ferral nut. These are common on GM vehicles as well as Nissan, Toyota, Honda and many other Imports. When these types of sensors are used it is important to remember that valve caps must be placed on all sensors, these caps must also be plastic. The use of a metal cap or the result of no cap will cause the valve core to seize and the sensor will have to be replaced.
The second type of sensor is commonly used by Ford. This type of sensor is attached to a metal band on the inside of the rim and mounted opposite of the Valve stem. The final type of TPMS is a sensorless system that was used prior to TPMS becoming standard and is common on GM manufactured vehicles including Cadillac. This system measures the rolling diameter of the wheel to ensure that the tire pressure is properly set. However this method resulted in problems due to tred wear, aftermarkets wheels, different size tires, and malfunctions.
If your not sure if your vehicle is equipt with TPMS, turn the key to the on position (Don't Start) and look at the lights on the dash and Identify whether or not you have a TMPS light, or refer to your vehicles user manual.
Proper Maintenance
So you have TPMS, proper and simple maintenance should be performed to avoid expensive replacement costs. The average TPMS Sensor cost is about $125-$350 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
1. Always ensure that your tires are kept properly inflated, running a tire flat will result in damage to both the tire and the TPMS sensor.
2. NEVER use fix-a-flat, or any other type of sealant that is sprayed into the tire, These sealants clog and damage the sensors. They can also cause the valves to seize and will have to be replaced.
3. You'll also find that when purchasing new tires, shops will often charge a TPMS kit labor. These kits are used to rebuild the sensor and replace seals. Manufactures recommend servicing the TPMS sensors everytime the tire is removed from the rim. This service/kit typically costs only a few dollars and will save you hundreds in TPMS sensor replacement.
