If you own a vehicle manufactured after September 2007, it should be equipped with a tire pressure management system. Otherwise known as TPMS, this system is now federally mandated for all new vehicles. When working correctly, the TPMS alerts the driver of inflation issues with each tire on the vehicle. This system helps vehicle owners obtain a better tire life, better fuel economy, and higher safety levels on the road. As experts in NH auto repair, our team at Silver Arrow often sees drivers with little to no understanding of the TPMS. So, we’re here to provide you with three things we feel every vehicle owner should know.

Battery Life

Each tire pressure management system sensor has a factory permanent sealed battery located inside of it. Since the sensor battery cannot be replaced, the entire sensor requires replacement upon failure. In some cars, this problem will initiate the instrument cluster tire pressure light. However, if your tires have the correct pressure, but the light is on, odds are you have a bad battery within the sensor.

Tires can be expensive. So, before you commit to purchasing new tires, it is always wise to first have your automotive technician check the battery life using their diagnostic scan tool.

Tire Sealants Can Kill Tire Sensors

For many, tire sealants are the solution for punctures. However, it’s imperative to know that the use of these sealants can damage some TPMS sensors. Furthermore, several sealant products advertise on their label that their product will not damage your sensors. We highly recommend avoiding these products as well.

Make Sure Your Mechanic Is Familiar With TPMS

While routine maintenance calls for tire rotations and balancing, without experience, you may end up in an undesirable situation. A simple tire rotation can cause issues with some tire pressure management systems equipped vehicles. Although the task seems simple, a tire rotation may lead to more significant problems if the sensors are assigned to a particular axle of the vehicle.

Imagine this – your TPMS light shows a low tire for your driver’s front tire. Obviously, this alert is something that you will address right away. However, you later discover that the low tire was not on the driver’s side, but your passenger rear tire! Problem.

TPMS technology is still evolving in automobiles and will continue to do so over the years. As you can see, without the most recent working knowledge, your NH auto repair can quickly turn disastrous. If you are looking for a trustworthy mechanic to help diagnose any issues in your tire system, it’s time to contact the team at Silver Arrow Service.

Contact Silver Arrow today by calling 603-566-2075.