Long time coming - lets talk a little TPMS

A little info on TPMS Sensors

In 2007, every new vehicle in the US was required to have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). These systems are designed to alert the driver when there is a tire pressure issue/problem.

The sensors are very fragile and sensitive (here's what one looks like TPMS sensor). When getting any tire service, damage can easily be inflicted to a sensor because there are a lot factors and things to look for and know. Unfortunately technology is a little ahead of education and therefore it is common to find damaged sensors from previously completed work.

Here are a few things that are required when handling a sensor:
- A sensor needs to be torqued correctly when fitted to the rim
- The sensor core needs to be torqued correctly when installed in the sensor
- The core needs to be correctly coated for the sensor
- The correct cap needs to be fitted to the sensor

**One of the most common ways to damage a sensor is during the mounting and dismounting of the tire.

When I said technology is a little ahead of education I meant that the transition from the old valve stems to the new sensors was completed without the requirement for tire service centers and even DEALERSHIPS to bring up employee knowledge. When learning about the new sensors we were surprised to find out the amount that get installed incorrectly by dealerships that are supposed to know their own product. Our instructor had a black hefty bag filled with broken sensors from one dealership alone that he collected.


Galvanic Corrosion and TPMS Sensors:

When a tire service technician's tire mounting process is almost complete they have to put in the sensor's core. When working with TPMS sensors the core that gets inserted is different from a traditional rubber valve stem core even though they are very similar in appearance.

We'll go down the beaten path on what happens when this last part of the job is done incorrectly:

1. The incorrect core is used or the correct core is used but is over-torqued.
2. The two metals inside the stem of the sensor in combination with the oxygen inside the tire begin to corrode (galvanic corrosion).
3. The sensor's core loses its strength and usability and "rusts" solid inside the stem.
4. The next time you go to get new tires or a tire service the core cannot be removed and at this point the sensor is beyond repair.
5. You are now forced to get new replacement sensors at the fault of the previous technician.

The main "pain" with this is that no light will come on in your dash to tell you there is a problem because the computer chip which communicates with the car is still in good working order.

If you have any TPMS questions just ask...

...and if you need new tires go to MyTireGuys.com