When choosing a tire pressure monitor system or TPMS for your vehicle, you must make sure they are compatible. This would help make sure you get accurate tire monitoring data. There are many types of TPMS systems. Each of them requires a specific type of sensor and installation settings. Using the wrong TPMS can lead to issues like wrong readings. System errors and they not functioning at all can also happen. Picking out a tire pressure monitoring system that is compatible with your vehicle is very important to get the correct readings. It is also important for overall tire monitoring. When you make compatibility an important part of getting TPMS, you will get better tire health. Fuel efficiency and safe driving are also benefits of getting the right TPMS.

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Compatibility

Before buying or installing a tire pressure monitoring system, it is important to understand how different systems work. It is also important to note the requirements for compatibility. There are different types of TPMS. These different types all have different requirements. It is not a one size fits all devices. So, knowing the needs of the vehicle and matching them to the TPMS is very important. A buyer should take note of these before deciding on a TPMS to buy. 

Types of TPMS Systems

In the market, there are two main popular types of tire pressure monitoring systems. Knowing the right one for your vehicle and recognizing the type it uses would help. This would be important when choosing a sensor for replacement or for upgrades. Before you choose, you should understand these two types. They are the direct TPMS and the indirect TPMS. To check out quality TPMS, check out our store.

Direct TPMS

A Direct TPMS is one of the two types of Tire Pressure Monitor System. It functions and performs the task of monitoring the air pressure of a tire by using sensors inside each tire to measure the air pressure directly. Hence, the name direct TPMS. The sensors are placed in each of the tires of the vehicle. This type of TPMS sends alerts in real time about issues like low pressure or leaks. It also sends the tire air pressure data in real time too, making it very efficient. The alerts are also better because they are to specific tires. The direct TPMS uses a battery for the sensors that need to be replaced from time to time. This is the most preferred type of Tire Pressure Monitor System. That fact is due to its advantages over the indirect Tire Pressure Monitor System. The direct TPMS requires a specific frequency compatibility (e.g., 315 MHz or 433 MHz) to communicate with the vehicle’s system.

There are various advantages to the use of a Direct TPMS. For example, the high accuracy it has when measuring tire air pressure. There’s also the real-time monitoring feature. This runs even when the vehicle isn’t moving. Also, the direct TPMS can cause gradual or sudden loss in air pressure. As like every other technology or device, there are always limitations and drawbacks. For a direct TPMS this involves the high cost for additional components. The maintenance of a direct TPMS requires a regular replacement of the sensor batteries. It can also be very complex to install, especially when the tires or wheels of the vehicle are changed.

Indirect TPMS

Indirect Tire Pressure Monitor System is the second type of TPMS. It estimates the air pressure in a tire by monitoring wheel speed using the vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

This type of TPMS uses the Anti-lock Braking System or ABS as a method to gain data on the vehicle’s tires. This is less accurate and works with estimates. The estimates are made based on the differences in tire rotations. The size of the tire and wear also affects the readings by this type of TPMS. The indirect TPMS measures the speed of the wheel and uses the data to detect any issues in the tires. For an Indirect TPMS to work properly, the sensors have to be properly integrated into the ABS or the ESC system of the vehicle.

The maintenance of the indirect TPMS is way simpler and doesn’t need batteries. Lastly, It is integrated into an already existing ABS or ESC system. It also requires a manual recalibration after the tires are changed or after every rotation. Also, it may not be well equipped to detect loss of air pressure in the tire under certain conditions. An example is when all the tires are underinflated.

Steps to Ensure TPMS Compatibility

There are steps you can take to make sure your TPMS is compatible with your vehicle. This would ensure proper functioning of the TPMS. Some of the steps are as follows.

Check Your Vehicle’s Manual

Every vehicle comes with a manual. This manual contains information on the TPMS requirements of the vehicle. The manufacturer always provides details on the TPMS type and specification for the vehicle. The first step is reading the manual to find out. This would help determine if your vehicle uses direct or indirect TPMS. It would also help find out what frequency or sensor type it requires.

Determine Sensor Frequency

Most tire pressure monitor systems come with sensors that operate at a specific frequency. In most cases it is at either 315 MHz or 433 MHz. Using the wrong frequency for your TPMS can lead to different malfunctions. Installing the sensor at the wrong frequency can cause a failure in communication. This is between the vehicle’s monitoring system and the TPMS. It can also lead to inaccurate or wrong readings. Lastly, always check and confirm the required frequency before buying a new sensor for your vehicle or TPMS.

Choose Between OEM vs. Aftermarket Sensors

When getting a new sensor. You would have the option to choose between two types. They are the OEM and the aftermarket sensors.

For OEM sensors, these are sensors designed specifically for your vehicle. They always aim to make sure there is smooth integration of the sensor, the TPMS and your vehicle. These are designed by the vehicle’s manufacturer. They also work smoothly without any additional programming or installation. They are overall the better option but are more expensive. In general they provide a reliable performance.

The second type is the Aftermarket Sensor. This is a cheaper option to the OEM therefore suitable for buyers on a low budget. It is cost effective and more budget friendly. It may also require some extra programming when installing them. Sometimes they might even need some re-learning. They are a good option if the specific choice is certified as being compatible with your vehicle’s TPMS system.

Verify Fitment and Installation Requirements

The third step to follow is verifying the requirements to fit and install the sensor before doing so. The TPMS in some vehicles may have a need for re-learning procedures to recognize new sensors. They may also require manual programming after they have been installed. Sometimes, this might call for a professional to handle the installment and fitment of the new sensor. Certain vehicles may also need very specific tools to sync the new sensor with the onboard TPMS system. Checking and confirming the details for fitting the sensor before buying helps. This would allow you avoid compatibility issues and unnecessary returns.

Consult a Professional

Lastly, seek the help of a professional mechanic. A certified mechanic or dealership can confirm the compatibility of a sensor before you buy them. If you find yourself having doubts about the compatibility of the sensor, reach out to a professional. They can also help handle the installation process better. This would make sure no issues come up and if they do, they’ll be handled promptly by the mechanic. They would ensure proper functionality of the sensor. Some shops have tools that can test sensor signals before installing them. This prevents potential errors later on.

Common Issues with Incompatible TPMS

There are various issues that can arise from the use of an incompatible tire pressure monitor system. These issues can affect the performance of your vehicle and also the safety. They can also affect the tires leading to poor fuel efficiency and performance.

Frequent TPMS Warning Lights

One of the popular issues is the TPMS giving multiple warning lights. The system might detect a malfunction and show warning alerts nonstop. Instead of the warnings to be a onetime thing, they repeat over and over again. This poses an issue as even resolved malfunctions would be read as unresolved. This causes confusion for the driver and can be distracting sometimes.

No Sensor Readings on the Dashboard

Another issue that can come up is the TPMS failing to recognize signals sent from the installed sensors. It may also fail to receive the signals being sent by the sensor installed. The sensors might work generally but still have issues communicating with the vehicle’s dashboard. This could be from the sensor sending signals, or from the dashboard receiving them.

Inability to Pair Sensors with the System

Some aftermarket sensors might have a need for special programming after purchase. This programming might not always work with your vehicle. This can lead to the sensors not functioning properly.

All these issues can arise from the use of sensors that are not compatible with your TPMS or vehicle. They can be easily fixed by following the steps above and choosing a compatible sensor when buying a new one.

Conclusion

Making sure the TPMS you use is compatible and fits with your vehicle helps in multiple ways. It is important for maintaining proper tire pressure and the overall driving safety of your vehicle. It prevents errors and ensures the TPMS is working at an optimal state. When you verify the sensor type, the frequency, and the installation requirements of your sensor, you can maintain an efficient and reliable TPMS. This will help with improved safety and performance for your tires and vehicles in general. It also brings about a smooth and error-free monitoring experience. Consulting a professional when in doubt can help avoid unnecessary costs and guarantee the reliability of your TPMS system. To learn more about them, check our other articles.