10 Questions You Should Ask About Your Next TPMS

(Tyre Pressure Measure System)

So you consider installing a TPMS on your vehicle. Here are 10 questions you should ask before making the final decision:

1. IS IT EASY TO INSTALL?

• Internal sensors vs external sensors.

• Internal sensors are installed inside the tyre, which means they are protected from theft. But at the same time, when you install the system you need the help of a tyre repair shop. Each tyre has to be dismantled for the sensor to be installed inside the tyre. The same has to be repeated at some time in the future, the sensor battery or the sensor (if the battery is not replaceable) needs changing.

• External sensors are installed on the valve instead of the valve cap. This is typically a five minute DIY installation. You also have the option to install an anti-theft device that will protect the sensor from vandalism.

• A TPMS has the purpose to increase driving safety and the reliability of your vehicle, as not to get stranded on the roadside. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to install it correctly. A manufacturer who takes this seriously will provide several ways of installation support:

• Videos: Explainer videos that will show installation and setup step by step can solve problems and answer questions that might arise during installation.

• User Manual: A user manual will explain in detail and in your own language all the details of the system down to the package contents and conditions of warranty.

• Technical hotline: Ideally there is also a phone number available if you have any questions or doubts.

2. IS IT EASY TO USE?

A TPMS is a technical system that can also be used by laymen. What you want is information about the current status (pressure, temperature) of your tyres plus a warning (audible, visible) in case something is happening that might lead to a problem. You should not be expected to have a PhD in order to understand the complexity of settings or system functions.

3. HOW ABOUT READABILITY?

While driving, you have a lot more things to do than babysit your TPMS. The TPMS therefore should be easily accessible and also easy to comprehend. If you have a display that shows all tyre pressures in big letters, so that you can read and grasp them in one short glance, this is the ideal situation. Having to tap a button to activate the display or to flip sequentially through the tyre information is more of a distraction (that might lead to destruction) and reduces driving safety rather than improving it.

4. DOES IT PROVIDE ADJUSTABLE WARNING THRESHOLDS?

You may want to operate your vehicle using different tyre pressures for different driving situations. So adjusting warning thresholds should not be complicated but easy to do. A clearly structured settings menu will make changing the warning thresholds swift and easy. It should not be more than pressing a few buttons.

5. IS THE SENSOR ROBUST ENOUGH FOR THE INTENDED USE, I.E. IS THE SENSOR CASE MADE OF METAL?

TPMS sensors are exposed to all weather conditions and also to all kinds of road conditions. In addition there is mechanical stress from the tyre rotation. With every bump that the tyre gets, the sensor gets a bump of the same magnitude when making contact with the rim – if sensors are installed on rubber valves. A plastic sensor case may withstand this mechanical wear for a certain time, but in the long run a metal sensor case shows a clear advantage. Rugged and robust? Metal will go much farther.

6. ARE SENSOR BATTERIES REPLACEABLE?

Sensors are electronic devices and they need electrical energy coming from a battery. Make sure this battery is replaceable, and that replacing a battery is an easy task, too. Otherwise prepare for replacing all your sensors after 4-5 years, which will cost as much as buying a new system. A replaceable battery might last just two years or even only one year, but three or even five batteries will be much cheaper than a new sensor. Consider the cost of ownership!

7. ARE SPARE PARTS AVAILABLE?

Check with your future TPMS supplier. A TPMS is a technical system and an automotive accessory. As such it will see wear and tear and things may break eventually – not a big thing if your supplier has the necessary spare parts. A display holder is broken? You lost a cigarette lighter adapter cable? This is no reason to throw away the system. The same goes for a defective sensor.

8. WILL SPARE PARTS BE AVAILABLE IN 10 YEARS?

How long do you generally plan to drive a car? This is ideally how long your TPMS should serve you. Since it is a retrofit system, why not take it along from this car to your next one. Easy, if you have a reliable supplier who can still support you with spare parts. TireMoni has a history of doing just that.

9. IS SERVICE AVAILABLE?

Sometimes things wear and break that you cannot fix yourself. Air might leak if a sensor gasket is worn down. Your display might fall and the glass breaks. In this case a reliable supplier can offer his service and repair your system.

10. WHAT IS THE PRICE OF THE SYSTEM?

Considering all the questions above, a low price system is in the long run often more expensive than an adequately priced system of excellent quality that comes with a decent level of service and support. TNN

Tyre Pressure Monitor TM-160 (TireMoni 6-Wheel) N$ 3782 Product code: 9131002039

Tel: +264 61 295 6000 Email: info@cymot.com www.cymot.com