The TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a technology used to monitor the air pressures of tires. It is an electronic system designed and created to monitor the air pressure inside a vehicle's tires. This system is built with some form of alert to notify the driver when the tire’s air pressure is below or above the recommended level. It is an essential tool for a modern vehicle. They ensure that the tire pressure remains within the recommended range. There is always a recommended air pressure level for all kinds of vehicles. This device notifies the driver when it is below or above the recommended range. This feature promotes safety, helps manage fuel, improves fuel efficiency and also keeps tire wear to a minimum. TPMS helps maintain optimal tire pressure, improving vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

One of the most important parts of the TPMS is the power source or battery. Understanding how long the battery lasts and whether it can be replaced is important for maintaining the efficiency of your TPMS. Since TPMS sensors monitor tire pressure nonstop, the battery must be strong. Recognizing this would help maintain and choose great batteries for your TPMS. It would also help in your maintenance practice for the TPMS.

Battery Lifespan in TPMS Sensors

The batteries in these TPMS have a lifespan. This lifespan can be different depending on the battery. They are based on factors like how often they are used. The condition of the environment and also the quality of the sensor itself can affect the lifespan too. TPMS sensor batteries that are strong and durable are very important as they would provide consistent monitoring. There would be no situation where the sensors stop working due to battery life. This would make them functional for years on end. It will produce a nonstop monitoring of the tire’s air pressure.

Average Lifespan

Generally, the average lifespan of most TPMS sensor batteries is between five to ten years. In miles this is between 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles. These TPMS can also last longer and shorter than this lifespan due to some external factors. Some of these factors are:

Frequent Driving

When a vehicle is being driven continuously, the TPMS works nonstop and this affects the battery. A long continuous use of the TPMS can drain the battery at a faster pace. The presence of constant activity in the sensor would tell on the battery as it would deplete at a rate higher than usual. So if you notice a sensor battery is depleting at an alarming rate, this might be one of the reasons.

Extreme Temperatures 

Another external factor that can affect the lifespan of a TPMS sensor battery is the temperature. In any form of extreme weather condition, be it too hot or too cold, the battery is affected. These environmental conditions take a toll on the battery. They can affect its performance also and eventually lead to a shortened lifespan.

Sensor Type

The type of TPMS sensor also affects how long the battery lasts. TPMS sensors with high quality tend to have a longer lasting battery life. The batteries in these types are of very high quality. This makes sure they can match the sensor and also don’t drain easily. The cheaper TPMS sensor models also come with less stronger batteries. They get weak and wear out sooner than the ones in high quality sensors. So, the type of sensor you use can greatly affect how long your batteries last. This should be taken into consideration when getting TPMS sensors for your vehicles.

Types of TPMS and Their Battery Requirements

The way a TPMS operates depends on the type. These types also affect the quality of the batteries and the requirements. When you understand the type of TPMS sensor your vehicle uses, getting a battery becomes easier. It helps to make informed decisions. This doesn’t just affect the battery life but also the compatibility with the TPMS sensor itself. A battery replacement should fit perfectly with the sensor used and also have a good battery life. These would help choose a battery that satisfies both criteria. For more on the types of TPMS, you can check out some articles here.

Direct TPMS

This type of tire pressure monitor system uses a sensor to monitor the air pressure directly in the tires. 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 sensors in this type of TPMS use built in batteries. They are mostly non replaceable. This means the whole sensor might need to be changed. When the battery dies and cannot be replaced, the entire sensor would need to be replaced.

Indirect TPMS

This is the second type of Tire Pressure Monitor System. This type 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. This type of TPMS reads the tire rotation speed. 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. 

In contrast with the direct TPMS, these types of TPMS sensors are not powered by batteries. In this case replacing the battery of a sensor is only an issue with the direct TPMS.

Are TPMS Batteries Replaceable?

TPMS batteries being replaceable depend on a couple of things. One of them is the type of system that was installed. Checking and identifying the specification of your vehicle would help make the right choices when maintaining or replacing any part of the TPMS. Based on the type of system installed, these are two examples;

Sealed TPMS Sensors

The TPMS installed in factories mostly come with a built-in battery. These built in batteries are irreplaceable. If by chance the battery in the sensor dies, the whole sensor must be changed. The battery alone cannot be changed. The sensors are sealed and in most cases you can’t even reach the batteries. This makes changing them not an option. A popular type of sealed TPMS sensor is the Original Equipment Manufacturer or the OEM TPMS sensors. It is a type of TPMS where the sensor is sealed shut, making the batteries irreplaceable.

Replaceable Battery TPMS Sensors

The second type is the replaceable battery TPMS sensors. Unlike the first these sensors are not sealed shut. They are mostly aftermarket TPMS model products. These types have a feature called the user-replaceable batteries. They exist but they are less common. This feature allows the user to swap out the old battery with a new one. This can be done without changing the whole sensor. They mostly require the need of specialized tools to change the batteries.

They are a cheaper option but also need to be reprogrammed or synced with the TPMS system after changing the battery of the TPMS sensor.

Signs of a Weak or Dying TPMS Battery

When the battery of a TPMS sensor gets weak or is about to die, there are signs. Being able to recognize these signs would help change them before a dangerous failure. There are always warning signs and recognizing them would give time for prompt action. A weak or dying battery can cause an issue like wrong tire air pressure reading. It can also be the cause of some potential road and driving hazards. Some of the things you might notice are;

Inconsistent Pressure Readings

The system or display dashboard might show the wrong tire air pressure. They might also fluctuate and end up confusing the driver.

Frequent TPMS Warning Lights

The TPMS sensor warning lights might begin to fail. Some would not be on properly while some would be on frequently. This would affect the information passed to the driver of the vehicle.

Failure to Update Tire Pressure Readings in Real-time

Another issue that might come up when the battery is getting weak or dying is a delay in updates. It might take longer than usual to relay the changes in the tire’s air pressure to the driver. It can also stop providing updates completely. The real time update feature becomes dormant as the updates would come later than usual.

What to Do When TPMS Batteries Die

When your TPMS sensor batteries are showing signs of weakening or failure, there are certain steps you should take. These steps would help prevent extensive damage or further issues.

For Non-Replaceable Batteries

In the case of non-replaceable batteries, the whole TPMS sensor would have to be replaced. This process can be done at an automotive service center. It is also recommended that all four sensors for all the tires should be replaced at once. This would help sync all four together and is more cost effective. The new sensors would also need to be programmed so they can communicate with the vehicle’s TPMS system.

For Replaceable Batteries

In terms of replaceable batteries, you should make sure the right batteries are used. They should be of high quality and last long. This would help with the performance. It can even increase it by a bit. Always make sure the sensors are installed properly. They should also be calibrated after the battery is changed. Finally, in some vehicles you might have to reset the TPMS so it can recognize the new battery being installed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, monitoring the lifespan of the batteries in your TPMS sensors is important. It helps with safety and improves the general performance of the TPMS. By understanding the type of TPMS in your vehicle and recognizing the signs of battery failure, you can prevent unexpected tire issues and maintain a smooth driving experience. Whether replacing the entire sensor or just the battery, taking proactive measures ensures that your TPMS remains reliable for years to come. To make sure you get the best batteries, you can explore our website for a vast number of options.