Yes, You Can Change Your Tire's TPMS Sensor Alone—but Should You?

Contemporary vehicles are capable of performing many remarkable feats. onboard diagnostic (OBD) system Can inform us about a vehicle malfunction by triggering an alert. check engine light , while advanced car safety features Can assist in keeping you and your occupants safe while driving on the expressway. Many modern cars are equipped with a system that alerts you when your tire pressure drops below an optimal level (and, based on the vehicle model, can specify which particular tire or tires require additional air). tire pressure surveillance system (TPMS) .

Many contemporary vehicles come equipped with either an indirect or direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Indirect TPMS typically utilizes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) speed sensors located within the wheel hubs to track the rotational velocity of each wheel during travel. This information is then compared against expected speeds for correctly inflated tires; discrepancies trigger alerts indicating underinflated tires. Conversely, direct TPMS employs dedicated TPMS sensors inside the tires to continuously measure both their internal air pressure and temperature levels. These systems promptly notify drivers via dashboard warnings whenever they detect incorrect inflation pressures among any of the vehicle’s tires.

These TPMS sensors are durable components, yet they depend on batteries that usually last between 5 to 10 years before failing. Additionally, these sensors can get damaged quite readily when replacing tires. If a TPMS sensor malfunctions, you must replace it for the system to function correctly and effectively. dashboard TPMS light To deactivate. Although performing an at-home TPMS sensor replacement is entirely feasible, it is not recommended unless you have experience with this type of work. DIY auto repair And ensure you have the right equipment. Having been a professional mechanic who has installed numerous TPMS sensors, I can elaborate on this point.

Read more: 8 Car Enthusiasts' Picks That Are Ridiculously Oversold

What Is the Price of Replacing a TPMS Sensor?

Before delving into why attempting to install a new TPMS sensor yourself might not be advisable, let’s go over the expenses and steps involved when having a professional handle this task. Although small in size, these components can come with a hefty price tag ranging from approximately $70 to upwards of $150 each. When seeking help from an experienced mechanic, expect additional charges for labor, which could range from about $50 to $150 based on where you take your vehicle. However, certain garages offer complimentary installation as part of another repair or maintenance service package they provide simultaneously.

Should you decide to install a new TPMS sensor yourself at home, purchasing the replacement component will be necessary. Replacing a TPMS sensor itself tends to be a swift and straightforward procedure. This includes taking off the tire, separating the tire from the rim, installing the new sensor, sealing and reinstalling the tire, followed by potentially needing to recalibrate the TPMS system according to your vehicle’s requirements. Nonetheless, this task becomes uncomplicated solely for those who possess the requisite knowledge and tools needed for the job.

Why Attempting DIY TPMS Sensor Replacement Might Not Be Such a Good Idea

The costliest aspect of replacing numerous TPMS sensors often lies in acquiring the new sensors themselves. This serves as a strong incentive against attempting such repairs without experience. Additionally, several other factors make handling this task yourself less than ideal.

A major factor is that typicalDIYers lack the appropriate tools needed for this task. Installing anewTPMSsensor usually involves taking off both thewheelandtirefrom the vehicle. Forstem-mounted sensors,you mayneed to break thebead(sealbetween the tire and wheel)on onesideor totally removeband-type TPMSsensorsby detachingthetireentirely. Whileit’spossibleto take atyreoffa vehicless_wheelwithoutprofessionaltools,itcan stillbe quitechallengingandsomewhatsafeforthoseunfamiliarwiththeseprocedures.

Even if you possess access to a tire changer or, at minimum, an air compressor, you might still want to reconsider doing a DIY TPMS sensor swap. Many automobiles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems necessitate reprogramming the system to deactivate the TPMS warning light post-sensor replacement. In certain cases, this involves inflating your tires correctly and then driving several miles or executing a dashboard button sequence to initiate a reset. Yet, other models demand using pricey specialist equipment to interface with the onboard computer. Should that be required, you may end up having to hire a professional to perform the reset anyway, potentially negating all cost benefits from changing the sensor independently.

Looking for the newest tech and car advancements? Sign up for our complimentary email newsletter. For the most recent news updates, detailed guides from experts, and practical advice delivered directly, all within a single email.

Read the Article from The News Pulse .