Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems - TPMS

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

As of November 2014, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are fitted to all new vehicles as standard although some vehicle manufacturers have been making use of this technology since as far back as 1992.

TPMS is a safety system which monitors your tyre pressure and tyre temperature for irregularities.

A pressure sensor is installed in each tyre air valve which transmits data direct to the dashboard, informing the driver when tyre pressures are low or imbalanced. The TPMS warning light is designed to activate when there is a minimum 20% drop in tyre pressure (between 6-7 psi). Like most car components, your TPMS should be serviced regularly.

TPMS Servicing at The Prestige Service Centre

At The Prestige Service Centre we believe in preventative maintenance and your TPMS sensors should be serviced every time a tyre bead is broken. The most common cause of TPMS failure is damage or corrosion due to lack of maintenance as each sensor stem is open to the elements.

Each of the valve sensors is also fitted with an internal battery which is designed to last approximately 5 to 7 years or 100,000 miles – the more miles you do, the faster the battery will deplete.

Our technicians will carry out a thorough visual and electronic examination of your TPMS to ensure it is working correctly. If damage or a fault is detected, we can replace your TPMS sensors for less than an official dealership.

Regularly servicing your TPMS system ensures it is working correctly which in turn provides the following benefits:

• Improved vehicle safety – correctly inflated tyres will demonstrate shorter braking distances
• Prolonged tyre life – underinflation will cause your tyres to wear more quickly
• Improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions – Your fuel will go further on correctly inflated tyres
• Additional peace of mind knowing that your tyres are properly inflated.

TPMS servicing will incur an additional charge. Should new pressure sensors be required (in instances where these are damaged or the sensor battery has depleted) we will supply a cost effective replacement sensor which clones your existing settings or create new ones where these are irretrievable.

TPMS and the MOT Test

TPMS is now being tested as part of the MoT road worthiness test. At present, any vehicle manufactured before 2012 that has been fitted with a TPMS will receive an ‘advisory’ on their test if a fault is detected or the TPMS dashboard light is illuminated. This will be recorded on the MoT test certificate.

However, as of 2012, MoT legislation underwent review and an illuminated TPMS warning light will now result in an immediate MoT failure.