TPMS: Headache for tyrefitters

JKD · 28 Sep 2016 at 12:50

Hey all,

Picking up a new Merc on Friday and it appears to come with full TPMS rather than a passive system. Luckily from my old car I have a set of winter tyres that are the correct size.

Mt question is, will the fact that I have TMPS cause a headache for tyrefitter (and expense for me) if I bother to have the winter tyres put on this year?

Cheers for any of you with experience of this.

Joe T · 28 Sep 2016 at 12:51

It shouldn't. The device is normally fitted to the wheel (inside the tyre area), so need to touch it.

When you restart the car it can take a few moments for the TPMS to pick up the reading again, but you should be fine.

(From my experience in an Insignia).

JKD · 28 Sep 2016 at 13:00

Ah OK. For some reason I thought the device was fitted to the valve stem and usually tyre fitters replace the valves.

[TW]Fox · 28 Sep 2016 at 13:08

JKD said:
Ah OK. For some reason I thought the device was fitted to the valve stem and usually tyre fitters replace the valves.

It is - but this simple means the tyre fitter doesn't need to replace the valve. In theory it should be cheaper for you as no new valves are required but we all know that saving won't be passed on

The bigger problem is of course for you - your old wheels won't have the sensors fitted so if you intend to use them you'll need to either purchase a set of sensors or put up with constant warning messages.

JKD · 28 Sep 2016 at 13:42

Ok sounds good.

I'll. it be bothering with a spare set of rims at all this time round, so I should be fine.

Thanks all

Glanza · 28 Sep 2016 at 15:47

Had no problem swapping mine over to new alloys + tyres.

I did ask before I ordered them and they said it wouldn't be a problem but some places refuse to touch them as they are easy to break compared to a normal valve?

adolf hamster · 28 Sep 2016 at 16:41

the only issue potentially is if they hit the sensor with the tyre/tyre iron when fitting the new tyres, but any tyre fitter worth their salt shouldn't even touch the sensor let alone break it.

iirc the systems merc use are pretty tough cookies anyway.

6thElement · 28 Sep 2016 at 20:04

Legal requirement in the US for all new cars to have them fitted. Which is a nuisance if your car doesn't auto-learn new sensors and has to be re-programmed by a dealer instead.

I have one of these to get around the problem of swapping between summer and winter wheels:
http://www.tirerack.com/tpms/detail.jsp?&ID=2115&ID=2115

Joe T · 28 Sep 2016 at 20:15

Legal requirement in the UK too.

theone8181 · 29 Sep 2016 at 07:45

Joe T said:
Legal requirement in the UK too.

Really, not heard of this.

Joe T · 29 Sep 2016 at 07:56

theone8181 said:
Really, not heard of this.

Yep, as of 1st November 2014 any new vehicle registered in the EU must have a TPMS safety device fitted.

Dave777 · 29 Sep 2016 at 08:53

Yep, even my son's little baby Kia has a basic system that just lights a dash indicator if there is a problem. No other info given though!

adolf hamster · 29 Sep 2016 at 09:03

Joe T said:
Yep, as of 1st November 2014 any new vehicle registered in the EU must have a TPMS safety device fitted.

neither the us or the eu regulations specifically require sensors in the wheels though, systems such as the ones vw use that involve the traction control system are just as valid.

[TW]Fox · 29 Sep 2016 at 09:38

adolf hamster said:
neither the us or the eu regulations specifically require sensors in the wheels though, systems such as the ones vw use that involve the traction control system are just as valid.

Not true. The US regulations at least specifically require pressure monitoring not flat tire monitoring.

I suspect the EU regulations are similar as just before they came in BMW made the full pressure monitoring system standard fit despite the ABS sensor system being fitted already for years..