Battery Life: The Main Cause of TPMS Sensor Failure
Direct TPMS sensors contain an internal battery that powers continuous pressure monitoring and radio transmission to the vehicle's receiver. Unlike the batteries in most consumer electronics, TPMS sensor batteries cannot be replaced independently — when the battery reaches the end of its service life, the entire sensor unit must be replaced.
Battery life varies between manufacturers and sensor designs, but most direct TPMS sensors are designed to last between five and ten years from manufacture. Sensors on vehicles used in cold climates or subjected to frequent temperature extremes may reach the end of their battery life towards the lower end of this range.
Other Causes of TPMS Sensor Failure
Beyond battery depletion, TPMS sensors can be damaged physically during a tyre change if incorrect tools or techniques are used. The sensor body and valve stem are vulnerable during demounting and mounting if the technician does not take appropriate precautions. This is one reason why tyre changes on TPMS-equipped vehicles should only be carried out by technicians with the correct equipment and training.
Corrosion of the valve stem — particularly on aluminium sensors used on steel wheels — can cause the sensor to seize in the rim, making removal destructive. Triumph Mobile Tyres technicians are trained to handle TPMS sensors correctly during all tyre changes and carry replacement sensor kits for the most common vehicle applications.
What TPMS Sensor Replacement Involves
Replacing a TPMS sensor requires removing the wheel from the vehicle, demounting the tyre from the rim, fitting the new sensor to the rim, remounting the tyre, balancing the wheel, and — critically — reprogramming the vehicle's ECU to recognise the new sensor's unique ID. Without the reprogramming step, the warning light will remain on or the system will fail to communicate with the new sensor.
Triumph Mobile Tyres carries a range of OE-specification and aftermarket TPMS sensors and the diagnostic equipment necessary for reprogramming all major vehicle makes and models. This service is available as a standalone callout or as part of a tyre fitting appointment.
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