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TPMS Sensors

Everything you need to know about Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and how they affect your alloy wheel purchase.

TPMS stands for Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. A TPMS is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the tyres of a vehicle. The TPMS sends the air pressure data back to the driver in real time either by a gauge, a pictogram display or a simple low-pressure warning light.

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Benefits of TPMS

There are two main reasons that TPMS has been introduced:

  • Avoiding traffic accidents due to under-inflated tires by early recognition of the malfunction of tyres.
  • Reducing rolling resistance to increase overall fuel efficiency.

Types of TPMS

There are two main types of TPMS. Direct systems or Indirect systems.

  • Direct TPMS uses sensors inside each tyre that are attached to the tyre valves. The sensors monitor the pressure of each individual tyre and send a wireless signal back to the vehicle computer. The pressure data is then displayed on the vehicle's dashboard. If the pressure drops below a preset level it will issue a warning to the driver so they can have that specific tyre checked.
  • Indirect TPMS uses data from ABS or wheel-speed sensors to determine a loss of tire pressure. If the difference between one and another tyre exceeds a certain tolerance, the monitoring system will indicate tyre pressure loss.

TPMS Legislation in the UK

TPMS has now become such an important issue due to recent legislation changes regarding its use in the United Kingdom and European Union. Important facts about TPMS are below:

  • As of 1st November 2012, all new-type vehicles are required by EU law to have a pressure based tyre pressure monitoring system installed. This applies to the road wheels, not the spare. This system can be direct or indirect TPMS.
  • By 1st November 2014, all new passenger vehicles had to have TPMS installed by the manufacturer.
  • The law is not currently retrospective, and does not apply to older vehicles and this law applies to passenger vehicles only, with no more than 7 seats.
  • TPMS is now part of the annual vehicle test (MOT), and applies to all newly registered cars from January 1st 2012. This means that a car with a faulty TPMS will fail the vehicle test since January 2015.
  • Until 2015, a faulty TPMS was only an advisory and listed on the testing certificate (UK). Different European countries may interpret the EU legislation differently. So please refer to your own European country legislation.

What does TPMS mean for your aftermarket alloy wheel purchase?

So with the implementation of TPMS in most vehicles and the change in legislation, what does this mean when you are buying a new set of aftermarket alloy wheels from AlloyWheels.com?

  • If your car does not come with a factory fitted TPMS, or is fitted with an indirect TPMS, then there is no change and nothing you need to do. Wheels or wheels and tyres can be purchased without TPMS sensors and fitted to your vehicle with no issues at all.
  • If your car comes with a direct TPMS then you will need to make the decision to either re-use your existing sensors or purchase a set of new sensors. At AlloyWheels.com we stock sensors for all vehicles and have the equipment to set all the sensors to the specific settings for your vehicle. If your car has a direct system you will be prompted to add sensors to your order after selecting your alloy wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my car have TPMS?

If your car was first registered after 1st November 2014, it will have TPMS fitted as standard. Many cars registered from 2012 onwards also have it. Check your dashboard for a TPMS warning light (a horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark) — if you have one, your car has TPMS.

Will my car fail its MOT with a faulty TPMS?

Yes. Since January 2015, a malfunctioning TPMS is a reason for MOT failure on vehicles that were factory-fitted with the system. If the TPMS warning light is on when you take your car for its MOT, it will fail.

Do I need new TPMS sensors when buying aftermarket alloy wheels?

If your car has direct TPMS, you have two options: transfer your existing sensors from your old wheels, or buy new sensors. New sensors are often the easier choice as they come pre-programmed and avoid the risk of damaging old sensors during removal. When ordering from AlloyWheels.com, you'll be prompted to add sensors if your vehicle needs them.

Can I reuse my existing TPMS sensors?

In most cases yes, a tyre fitter can transfer your existing sensors to your new wheels. However, sensors do have a battery life of around 5-7 years, so if your car is older it may be worth fitting new ones at the same time.

Do TPMS sensors need to be programmed to my car?

Yes. Direct TPMS sensors need to be paired with your vehicle's onboard computer. At AlloyWheels.com we programme all sensors to your vehicle's specific settings before dispatch. Your local tyre fitter or dealer can then complete the pairing process when fitting.

What happens if I ignore the TPMS warning light?

Driving on under-inflated tyres increases fuel consumption, accelerates tyre wear, and significantly increases stopping distances. In extreme cases it can cause a blowout. If your TPMS light comes on, check your tyre pressures as soon as possible.

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