How do I know if my TPMS sensors need to be replaced?

Your tire pressure monitoring system is a safety feature that depends on functioning sensors to work correctly. When a sensor stops working, the system can no longer provide accurate pressure data for that tire, which defeats the purpose of having the monitoring system in the first place. Here is how to recognize when a TPMS sensor needs to be replaced and what to do about it.

How TPMS Sensors Work and Why They Eventually Fail

TPMS sensors are small battery-powered devices mounted inside the tire on the valve stem of the wheel. They monitor tire pressure continuously and transmit data wirelessly to the vehicle's onboard monitoring system. Because the sensors are sealed units with non-replaceable internal batteries, they have a finite lifespan determined by the battery life. Most TPMS sensors have an expected battery life of approximately five to ten years depending on how frequently they transmit and the conditions they operate in. Once the battery is depleted, the entire sensor unit needs to be replaced since the battery cannot be swapped out independently.

Beyond battery depletion, sensors can also fail due to physical damage from impacts, corrosion of the valve stem or sensor body from road salt and moisture exposure, or electronic failure of the sensor's internal components. In any of these cases, the affected sensor will need to be replaced for the monitoring system to function correctly in that wheel position.

Warning Signs That a TPMS Sensor May Need Replacement

The most common and straightforward indicator that a TPMS sensor needs attention is the illumination of the TPMS warning light on your dashboard. However, understanding the different ways this light can behave helps you distinguish between a pressure issue and a sensor issue.

If the TPMS warning light comes on as a solid light and stays on, the first step is to check the actual pressure in all four tires. If all four tires are at the correct pressure and the light remains on, this is a strong indication that one or more sensors are not communicating with the vehicle's monitoring system correctly, which may point to a failing or dead sensor rather than an actual pressure problem.

If the TPMS warning light flashes rapidly for approximately 60 to 90 seconds when you start the vehicle and then remains on as a solid light, this typically indicates a system malfunction rather than a simple low pressure situation. This flashing pattern is a common indicator that the vehicle's monitoring system has detected a sensor fault, which may mean a sensor has failed, its battery is depleted, or it has lost the ability to communicate with the system.

If the TPMS light comes on and off intermittently without a clear pattern and tire pressures are correct, this can sometimes indicate a sensor that is functioning inconsistently, which may be a sign that the battery is nearing the end of its life and the sensor is transmitting unreliably.

After Installing New Wheels

If your TPMS warning light comes on after installing a new set of wheels, it does not necessarily mean the sensors have failed. If new wheels were installed without transferring the original sensors or adding new aftermarket sensors, the warning light will illuminate because the monitoring system is not receiving any signal from the new wheel positions. In this case the solution is to add the correct sensors to each wheel rather than indicating a sensor failure on the original setup.

If sensors were installed on the new wheels and the light remains on after approximately 50 miles of driving, a manual sync at a qualified wheel and tire shop using a TPMS programming tool is the recommended next step to allow the vehicle to recognize the sensors in their new positions.

Corrosion and Physical Damage

In climates where road salt is heavily used during winter months, corrosion is a real concern for TPMS sensors. The valve stem portion of the sensor, which protrudes through the wheel and is exposed to road spray and moisture, is particularly vulnerable to corrosion over time. Corroded valve stems can seize and become difficult or impossible to remove without damage, and significant corrosion can compromise the seal between the sensor valve stem and the wheel, potentially leading to a slow leak in that position.

Physical damage from impacts such as curb strikes, pothole impacts, or off-road use can also damage sensors. If a sensor's housing is cracked or the valve stem is bent or broken, replacement is necessary.

Sensor Age as a Replacement Factor

Even if a sensor appears to still be functioning, age is a worthwhile consideration when planning for replacement. If your vehicle's sensors are approaching or have passed the seven to ten year mark, proactively replacing them during a tire or wheel change is a practical approach that avoids the inconvenience of a sensor failing shortly after the new setup is installed. This is particularly relevant when purchasing new wheels and tires, as combining the sensor replacement with the new wheel installation eliminates the need for a separate dismount and remount service later when the old sensor eventually fails.

TPMS Warranty Coverage

Aftermarket TPMS sensors purchased through the store come with a one year warranty covering manufacturing defects. Within the first 30 days of purchase, the team will work to provide a replacement sensor if a defect is identified. After the 30 day period, the customer is responsible for TPMS swap and installation fees associated with any warranty replacement, though the team will continue to work with customers and the manufacturer to find the best resolution depending on the issue and how much time has passed since the original purchase.

How to Get a Replacement TPMS Sensor

If you believe one or more of your TPMS sensors needs to be replaced, reaching out to the customer support team is the recommended starting point. Providing your order details, vehicle information, and a description of the issue allows the team to assess the situation and help identify the right replacement sensor for your specific setup. Replacement sensors need to be installed by a qualified wheel and tire shop with the proper equipment to dismount the tire, replace the sensor, remount and re-inflate the tire, and sync the new sensor to the vehicle's monitoring system.

When choosing a shop for TPMS service, a reputable independent wheel and tire shop with experience handling aftermarket sensors is recommended over a dealership, as dealerships do not always carry the tools needed to program and sync aftermarket TPMS sensors correctly.

Have Questions About Your TPMS Sensors?

If you are experiencing TPMS warning lights, have questions about sensor replacement, or want to add sensors to an existing order, the customer support team is happy to help. You can reach out through the Contact page on the website and a team member will be glad to assist.