Does my vehicle use TPMS?

If you are upgrading to new wheels and tires, you may be wondering whether your vehicle uses a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and what that means for your new setup. Here is everything you need to know about TPMS and how to find out if your vehicle has it.

What is TPMS?

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is a small sensor located inside your tire that monitors air pressure at all times and activates a warning light on your dashboard if a tire becomes significantly over or under inflated. TPMS is designed to help drivers maintain safe tire pressure and avoid the risks associated with improperly inflated tires, such as reduced traction, increased tire wear, and blowouts.

Does my vehicle have TPMS?

In the United States, TPMS has been federally required on all new passenger vehicles since 2008. Here is what to know:

• If your vehicle was manufactured in 2008 or later, it almost certainly has TPMS
• If your vehicle was manufactured before 2008, it may or may not have TPMS depending on the make, model, and trim level
• The easiest way to confirm whether your vehicle has TPMS is to check your owner's manual or look for a TPMS warning light on your dashboard

What happens to my TPMS when I install new wheels?

When you install new wheels, your existing TPMS sensors may or may not be compatible with your new setup. Here is what to know:

• In some cases, your factory TPMS sensors can be transferred to your new wheels if the valve stem configuration is compatible
• If your new wheels use a different valve stem style, your factory sensors may not be compatible and you will need new aftermarket sensors
• Aftermarket TPMS sensors are available to add to your order at an additional cost and will be installed before your package ships if ordered as part of a wheel and tire package
• Even if your sensors are physically compatible, they may still need to be reprogrammed to sync with your vehicle after installation

How do I sync my new TPMS sensors?

After installing new wheels with new TPMS sensors, here is what to expect:

• TPMS sensors should automatically sync with your vehicle after approximately 50 miles of driving
• If the TPMS warning light remains on after 50 miles, your sensors may need to be manually programmed
• We recommend visiting a reputable wheel and tire shop equipped with the proper tools to manually sync your sensors
• We do not recommend going to a dealership for aftermarket sensor programming as they often do not have the equipment needed to read aftermarket sensors

What if my TPMS light is still on after installation?

A TPMS warning light that stays on after installation is usually caused by one of the following:

• Sensors that need to be manually programmed or synced with your vehicle
• Tire pressure that is too low or too high and needs to be adjusted to your vehicle's recommended PSI
• A sensor that needs to be replaced

If your TPMS light remains on after checking your tire pressure and driving approximately 50 miles, visit a reputable wheel and tire shop to have your sensors inspected and programmed. If you need a replacement sensor, contact us and we will be happy to help.

Do I need TPMS sensors for my new wheels?

If your vehicle came equipped with TPMS, it is important to make sure your new wheels are also set up with functioning sensors. Here is why:

• Driving without functioning TPMS sensors can trigger a persistent warning light on your dashboard
• In some states, vehicles are required to have functioning TPMS sensors to pass a safety inspection
• Properly functioning TPMS helps you maintain safe tire pressure and can alert you to a slow leak before it becomes a serious issue

Still have questions about TPMS?

Contact us before placing your order and our team will be happy to help confirm whether your vehicle uses TPMS and what sensor options are available for your new wheel setup!