What is TPMS?

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)  is required to maintain the optimal traction and prevent tire failure from underinflation. Vehicle manufacturers have in recent years added tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) into their vehicles. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual to see if your vehicle has a system in place. However, the TPMS only warns drivers when underinflation of 25% or more is reached. Thus, it is still a good idea to have a quality tire pressure gauge in your vehicle and regularly check the tire pressure of your tires. It is recommended to check your tire pressure once a month.

Transferring a TPMS to Your New Wheels

When installing custom wheels, it is ideal to have the installer take out and transfer your factory TPMS onto the new wheels to maintain readings and prevent any warning lights appearing on your dash. Another alternative if you wish to retain your stock wheels is to purchase new TPMS sensors from the dealer. This would require the dealer to reset your TPMS to read new sensors. Please consult your vehicle's Owner's Manual and your dealer on how to perform such an action. If you are upgrading your steel wheels to aluminum wheels, you may be required to purchase new TPMS sensors that are specifically made for aluminum wheels. In many instances, TPMS sensors for steel wheels are different from sensors for aluminum wheels. An alternative to purchasing aluminum wheel compatible TPMS sensors is the use of a TPMS adapter strap kit. This kit consists of a strap with a sensor bracket that relocates your TPMS sensor to the barrel of the wheel. Strap kits are also used for custom wheels with designs necessitating a relocation of the factory TPMS. They allow your factory steel TPMS sensor to be retained without resorting to purchasing new aluminum wheel compatible TPMS sensors. These strap kits are readily available for purchase online.

Tire Pressure and Proper Inflation

For upgraded wheels and tires, please observe the recommended tire pressure as indicated by the tire and vehicle manufacturer.

Do not inflate the tires to the maximum psi allowed by the tire manufacturer, as the air inflated into tires is going to be cold. Air in the tires will heat up under use and usually increase the psi, pushing overall pressure to exceed the recommended psi as outlined by the tire manufacturer. Always check tires with a quality tire gauge when cold to ascertain the correct tire pressure. Note that it is recommended to check your tires once a month to maintain the proper inflation. This is because on average each month passing means 1 psi lost in tire pressure. Also every 10°F change in ambient temperature changes your reading by 1 psi.