TPMS Explained
What is TPMS?
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and refers to a system that monitors your vehicle's tire pressure in real time and alerts you when the pressure is below an acceptable level. TPMS is a safety system that was introduced in a few European luxury vehicles in the 1980's, and that first appeared in the United States in the 1991 Chevy Corvette. In 2000 the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation) Act was passed, which mandated that all new cars sold after September 2007 must be equipped with TPMS. The TREAD legislation was the result of over 250,000 crashes and 660 deaths attributed to tire separation or tire failure.
Where is the TPMS Sensor Located?
For vehicles with an active TPMS, a tire pressure sensor is located inside each wheel and tire assembly. The sensor is attached to the valve stem that extends from the rim, and is held in place against the inside of the wheel's barrel with a nut that is tightened down against the surface of the rim.
What Does a TPMS Sensor Look Like?
TPMS sensors are often orange, gray or black in color, and with a few early exceptions, most are a few inches wide, 3-4 inches tall, and less than an inch deep. The sensor body houses the battery and electronic components, and the body is connected to the valve stem. Take a look at these pictures to see a TPMS sensor before assembly, a TPMS sensor before installation, and a TPMS sensor that has been attached to a wheel.
How Often to Replace TPMS Sensors
How long do TPMS sensors last? Each TPMS sensor runs on its own battery, so on average, a tire pressure monitoring system TPMS sensor should last 3-5 years or more. But sensors are electronic devices that are subjected to many different forces, including heat, rotation, jarring, and length of use, so it's hard to predict how long your sensors will last. We've seen TPMS sensors last 7-8 years in some cases, but we've also seen sensors fail within a year. Is TPMS required when replacing tires? Not every time. If you burn through tires quickly you may be able to replace your sensors less frequently. But many leading manufacturers recommend that you replace your valve stem every time you change tires, even if your sensors still have plenty of life in them. So the answer to the question "when to replace TPMS sensors" can be different depending on your particular situation, but it's ususally best practice to replace your sensors when you replace your tires, since tires must be removed anway (or at least have the bead broken) when you want to replace your sensors.
How Much Are TPMS Sensors?
The cost of a replacement TPMS sensor depends on the vehicle and the manufacturer. Try to avoid off-brand sensors, or extremely low cost sensors, which may have been purchased from rejected inventory or that could already out of date. Quality name brand TPMS sensors will generally cost somewhere between $35 to $85 each, depending on the brand and the make of the vehicle. It may just be brand marketing, but more expensive vehicles often require more expensive TPMS sensors.
How To Sync TPMS Sensors
Once TPMS sensors are replaced they need to be activated and synced to your vehicle. This process is also referred to as pairing or relearning. Each make and model vehicle uses a different procedure to sync or relearn TPMS sensors, so the best advice is to check your owner's manual and make sure that your service tech is familiar with the specific procedure for your vehicle. Some vehicles require configuration using the on-board computer, some just require the vehicle to be in motion for a certain period of time, but all of them require the sensors to be scanned first, and this requires the use of a TPMS tool that your technician will have available at the service center or shop. By the way, syncing or relearning is not the same as "programming" a sensor, which is usually done by the manufacturer or retailer, but is sometimes performed at the shop by your service tech. Whether you buy Titan, Huf, Schrader or OEM TPMS sensors from OE Wheels, they will always arive pre-programmed and ready to be paired to your vehicle.
TPMS Sensor Brands
There are many TPMS sensor brands, but only a few name brands that are consistently dependable. Huf and Schrader are two of the leading brands. Huf is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for sensors used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and many other European makes. Schrader makes OEM sensors for GM, Ford and Chrysler, among others. Titan TPMS has also become a leading brand, as Titan TPMS sensors were created specifically to provide an OEM quality product at a lower cost. To accomplish this, Titan TPMS sensors are German engineered and German manufactured.
Titan TPMS Sensors
Titan TPMS provides solutions for virtually any make and model vehicle. For the past decade, our involvement in the automotive industry has helped us provide unbeatable prices on OE replacement sensors, while ensuring uncompromised quality and ease of use. All Titan TPMS products meet or exceed the DOT safety requirements for TPMS components, in addition to meeting our own internal standards for quality. Titan TPMS sensors undergo rigorous product testing so we can provide our customers with the very best TPMS solutions at an affordable price.
- OEM Quality TPMS Sensors
- Made in Germany
- Adjustable Valves
- Precision Fit
- Sleep Mode for Longer Battery Life
- Affordable Pricing
- Fitment Guarantee
How To Purchase TPMS Sensors
If you'd like to purchase a new set of TPMS sensors for your vehicle, just enter the year, make and model in the dropdown at the top of the page, then click TPMS in the left-hand menu. You'll be presented with all the Titan, Huf, Schrader and OEM TMPS sensor options for your specific vehicle. For the best pricing, order a set of four instead of four individual sensors. If you have any questions about TPMS or would like help finding the best sensors for your car, truck or SUV, just give us a call at 866-273-3651 and speak to one of our specialists!
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