TPMS
Rip-off or safety standard? - All about tire pressure monitoring systems
TPMS - 2 systems 1 task
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
...automatically monitor the tire pressure. On the one hand, this monitoring protects against accidents caused by loss of pressure and thus increases driving safety. On the other hand, fuel consumption is kept as low as possible with constantly correct air pressure, which benefits the environment and your wallet. A distinction is made between the direct (active) and indirect (passive) system, depending on how it works.
Indirect systems
- The ABS and traction sensors already on the vehicle monitor the vehicle's engine speed. If the pressure drops, the speed increases in the affected tire. The system registers this difference and reports it to the driver.
- By dispensing with separate sensors, the indirect system is the uncomplicated and inexpensive variant and shows its advantages particularly when buying and changing tires/wheels.
- ATTENTION: An indirect system does not measure tire pressure or temperature, but only registers differences in compressed air due to deviating speeds. The indirect system is only functional when the vehicle is moving - but not when it is stationary.
Direct systems
- A direct TPMS offers sophisticated, reliable tire pressure monitoring, but is associated with higher costs and effort.
- Functionality is ensured by special sensors that have to be regularly maintained and replaced.
- The direct system offers detailed and second-by-second data recording of the air pressure and internal tire temperature of each individual tire as well as additional functions such as tire position detection, pressure loss detection when stationary and spare tire pressure monitoring.
- This information is transmitted from the sensor to the control unit in the vehicle by radio.
- Depending on the vehicle manufacturer and version, the TPMS display can be divided into 2 variants: Warning light signals pressure loss without localizing which wheel is affected (similar to the indirect system) or detailed display of the respective air pressure values per wheel.
- To ensure trouble-free communication between the tire sensor and the vehicle, the sensor must be taught every time the wheel position on the car is changed, every time the tires and wheels are changed and every time new sensors are used.
- Teach-in is carried out using a special device in your specialist workshop and at our premises before your new complete wheels are dispatched.
- If your vehicle has a TPMS (from new registration in November 2014 at the latest), it is mandatory that all fitted wheel sets (summer/winter) are equipped with a functional sensor.
Advantages of TPKS
Increased driving safety by avoiding accidents due to incorrect tire pressure
Reduction in fuel consumption through correct tire pressure
Avoidance of increased tire wear
No more manual checking of tire pressure necessary
Notes and recommendations
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TPKS obligation
In vehicles that are subject to mandatory TPMS (from new registrations in November 2014 at the latest), an indirect or direct system is already installed during production in accordance with the law. If your vehicle is not already fitted with a TPMS as standard, retrofitting of TPMS systems is not mandatory.
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Assembly
The use of TPMS systems requires specialist knowledge and is a safety-relevant issue. When you buy a complete wheel from felgenoutlet, we take care of fitting and programming the new sensors. All you have to do afterwards is program the sensors. Otherwise, please have your specialist workshop carry out the installation, programming and, if necessary, the teach-in.
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Software
Direct systems require vehicle-specific software, which is provided by the individual sensor manufacturers. Each sensor is given an individual ID. This ID must be learned in the vehicle and can also be copied from the sensors already installed in the vehicle. Some vehicles have a corresponding control unit, with the help of which the sensors are automatically recognized and assigned. In any case, trouble-free communication between the sensor and TPMS receiver must be ensured.
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Battery level
The battery level of the sensors must be checked by your specialist workshop every time you change your tires. We offer you a 2-year battery warranty for a maximum of 50,000 kilometers driven.
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System type
If your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, it is important to find out which type of system has been installed. You can find out how to do this here.
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Wheel change
Regular maintenance and, if necessary, replacement of the valves or their seals at every wheel change prevent wear or failure of the sensors.
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Main inspection
Since the new regulation of May 20, 2018, a defective or non-functional TPMS is noted as a significant defect during the main inspection in accordance with Section 29 StVZO. This means that you will not receive an inspection sticker and must have rectified the defect within one month. The vehicle must then be presented to the TÜV again for a follow-up inspection.
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TPMS states
The regular warning signal has 3 states: Display not lit: The system is functioning correctly. Flashing display: System error, e.g. sensor not detected. In this case, a specialist workshop should be consulted immediately. Display lights up continuously: Tire pressure does not correspond to the target value. In this case, a workshop should also be visited immediately and the wheel/tyre combination and the TPMS checked (contact a breakdown service on the way if necessary). Driving safety may no longer be guaranteed.
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Buying wheels
If your vehicle has an indirect system, everything remains as usual for you. Buying wheels has no influence on the TPMS. However, if a direct system is installed, sensors must be fitted to the new wheels. Please also note the requirements in the expert reports for your new wheels. The installation and programming of the new TPMS sensors is included in our service.
Legal information
Since November 1, 2012
Since November 1, 2012, all newly type-approved cars and motorhomes sold in the EU must be equipped with a TPMS.
From November 1, 2014
Since November 1, 2014, the new EU directive for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) has applied to all newly registered vehicles. However, the EU regulation ECE-R64 does not stipulate which tire pressure monitoring system must be installed, i.e. both direct and indirect systems are permitted. The decision as to whether original or retrofit sensors are used is also optional - as long as functionality is guaranteed.
Since May 20, 2018
Since the new regulation of May 20, 2018, a defective or non-functional TPMS is noted as a significant defect during the main inspection in accordance with Section 29 StVZO. This means that you will not receive an inspection sticker and must have rectified the defect within one month. The vehicle must then be presented to the TÜV again for a follow-up inspection.
All-round carefree ordering: TPKS at Felgenoutlet
Are TPMS sensors included?
Yes, if you own a vehicle with a direct system and therefore require TPMS sensors, these are included in the scope of delivery when purchasing complete wheels. They can be selected as an option when ordering wheel sets.
Are sensors supplied assembled and programmed?
When ordering complete wheels, the sensors are shipped already mounted and programmed. You only need to take care of the programming. You will find information on this in your vehicle handbook.
Question: which system is installed?
If it is not possible to clearly identify the installed system based on your vehicle details, we will play it safe and ask you again. However, if the system can be clearly identified as a direct one, TPMS sensors will be added automatically.
Which sensors can I use?
In the shopping cart, you have the option of choosing from all compatible TPMS sensors from different manufacturers and colors. In our range you will find both original spare parts from the vehicle manufacturer and universal sensors.
