TPMS Service & Reset
That little yellow horseshoe with an exclamation point on your dash? That's your Tire Pressure Monitoring System — and when it comes on, it's usually telling you something important.
What Is TPMS?
TPMS is an electronic system that monitors your tire pressure and warns you when it drops below a safe threshold. Since 2008, it's been mandatory on all new vehicles sold in the US.
Two Types of TPMS
- Direct TPMS: A battery-powered sensor inside each wheel measures pressure directly and transmits to the car's computer. Most common. Sensors last 5–10 years.
- Indirect TPMS: Uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors to detect pressure differences by comparing rotational speed. No sensors in the wheels. Common on some European cars.
Why the Light Comes On
- Genuinely low pressure — Most common. Check and inflate.
- Temperature drop — Pressure drops ~1 PSI per 10°F. Cold snaps trigger it.
- Sensor battery dead — After 5–10 years, sensor batteries die and the light stays on.
- Sensor damaged — Usually during a tire change by a careless shop.
- Corrosion — Road salt attacks the valve-mounted sensors.
- Programming lost — New sensor was installed but not programmed.
- System fault — Rare, but the module can fail.
What Our TPMS Service Includes
- Full diagnostic scan of all four sensors
- Pressure check and correlation with TPMS readings
- Sensor battery level test
- Sensor replacement if needed (we stock common sensors)
- Programming of new sensors to your vehicle
- Light reset — the proper way, not by disconnecting the battery
- Verification drive to confirm the light stays off
Can I Just Ignore the Light?
Not recommended. Underinflated tires wear faster, hurt fuel economy, and can overheat and blow out at highway speeds. Overinflated tires are also unsafe. The light exists for a good reason.
Cost of TPMS Service
- Diagnostic & reset: Often included with tire service.
- Sensor replacement: Roughly $50–$90 per sensor, installed and programmed.
- Rebuild kit (seals, nut, valve core): $10–$25 per wheel.
Do I Need TPMS at All?
Yes — legally, and for your safety. Removing or bypassing TPMS isn't worth the risk or the legal trouble. If the system is failing, let's fix it right.