TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
- Thread starter Monk
- Start date
<RANT ON>
I'm not certain if this is the sort of suggestion that you're looking for but... IF the aftermarket systems are as "GOOD" (...cough...) as the OEM systems then avoid them like the plague and thank your lucky stars that you don't have a system installed.
The OEM systems that use the shraeder valves whether european, domestic, or japanese always leak in cold weather thereby CAUSING low tire pressure (ask me how I know..) They're also very prone to curb damage if wifey or teenage child isn't paying attention though less so on SUVs with larger sidewalls.
The systems that use the bands are far better BUT they still tend to show low tire pressure even when they're not far more often then not. In fact, the low tech GM system of the mid 90's where they used the wheel speed sensors to determine if a tire was rotating faster than another for a given amount of rotations seemed to be far more reliable than the modern day tech.
My advice? Go buy a decent tire pressure gauge with a dial and check the pressure once a month; It only takes a few minutes. And do what your driving instructor told you to do during driver's ed. and walk around your car for visual inspection before getting in!
</RANT OFF>
I'm not certain if this is the sort of suggestion that you're looking for but... IF the aftermarket systems are as "GOOD" (...cough...) as the OEM systems then avoid them like the plague and thank your lucky stars that you don't have a system installed.
The OEM systems that use the shraeder valves whether european, domestic, or japanese always leak in cold weather thereby CAUSING low tire pressure (ask me how I know..) They're also very prone to curb damage if wifey or teenage child isn't paying attention though less so on SUVs with larger sidewalls.
The systems that use the bands are far better BUT they still tend to show low tire pressure even when they're not far more often then not. In fact, the low tech GM system of the mid 90's where they used the wheel speed sensors to determine if a tire was rotating faster than another for a given amount of rotations seemed to be far more reliable than the modern day tech.
My advice? Go buy a decent tire pressure gauge with a dial and check the pressure once a month; It only takes a few minutes. And do what your driving instructor told you to do during driver's ed. and walk around your car for visual inspection before getting in!
</RANT OFF>
TPMS generally don't leak in cold weather - the reason for the low pressure is that the air in the tires becomes more dense in extremely cold weather. If your pressures are already at the low end of the range (32'ish), then an overnight cold temperature can easily drop them to 26-28. For every 10 degrees drop (or rise) in temperature, your tires will change approximately 1 PSI.
For areas with colder weather, you need to top off the pressure in your tires in the fall & winter. It's just a fact of life.
Current TPMS systems are usually pretty accurate.
For areas with colder weather, you need to top off the pressure in your tires in the fall & winter. It's just a fact of life.
Current TPMS systems are usually pretty accurate.
JonW, it's not a tire pressure issue. I've discussed this with numerous dealers as the tire pressure on the cars is still within spec and they run into it quite frequently. I've conversed with friends who've had this issue as well and when their light comes on in cold weather and they check their pressure it's usually OK as well. We all know about air density vs temperature change unless running nitrogen filled tires but it's usually just not THAT large of a swing to give it another thought.. If these things chimed at 2 PSI variance we'd have a problem.
On at least 3 of my cars my lights/chimes come on randomly throughout the winter when it's cold regardless of tire pressure and turn off when it's warmer.
On at least 3 of my cars my lights/chimes come on randomly throughout the winter when it's cold regardless of tire pressure and turn off when it's warmer.
pete_c
Guru
I do and don't pay attention to my TPMS indicator. I check the tire pressure and its always fine.
Out of the blue it'll go on; I'll push the indicator button for a few seconds then it goes off. I do a monthly check anyways with my tire pressure guage.
My neighbor's new 7 series plays an animation showing a character doing stuff to the car. Never seen anything like that before.
Out of the blue it'll go on; I'll push the indicator button for a few seconds then it goes off. I do a monthly check anyways with my tire pressure guage.
My neighbor's new 7 series plays an animation showing a character doing stuff to the car. Never seen anything like that before.
would rather have these: http://www.autoblog....for-big-trucks/
i have an orange brand tpms kit (still in the box)
i have an orange brand tpms kit (still in the box)
Interesting thread. My cars tire pressure light goes off from time to time, usually during cold weather. The pressure may be a bit low but still within a few pounds so I top them off and the light eventually goes out. All I have gotten so far is false alarms. I guess it's good to know its not just this car (but would be better if the system actually worked reliably!).
drozwood90
Senior Member
Pete,
Hopefully the guy is doing good things to the vehicle, and not nasty things like keying the car?
--Dan
Hopefully the guy is doing good things to the vehicle, and not nasty things like keying the car?
--Dan
Monk
Active Member
Yep - I saw that. One of the posters I noticed made mention that they (orange) went out of business - not sure whether to believe that and I just yesterday put the tires on with regular valve stems - missed the opportunity to get it done @ the same time.
drozwood90
Senior Member
Pete, you said there was a guy on the screen doing things to your car. I'm guessing showing you how to take tire pressure, or some stuff.
I was being tounge-in-cheek that he would be doing nasty things like keying the car. I.e. Hey, you need to get the oil changed, or I'll scuff your paint!!
Sorry, about that Pete.
--Dan
NickTheGreat
Member
What makes you think it's unreliable? Tires do lose pressure when it's colder.
