FAQS/Resources

The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning light is a critical safety feature in modern vehicles. It is designed to alert the driver when there is a problem with the tire pressure, which can affect the performance and safety of the vehicle. Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency, extend tire life, and increase road safety.

If the TPMS warning light is illuminated on your dashboard, it is important to take action to address the issue as soon as possible.

The specific meaning of the TPMS warning light can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Still, it typically indicates that one or more tires are under-inflated or over-inflated. The warning light may be solid or blinking, typically located on the dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle.

If the TPMS warning light flashes a few times and becomes solid, one or more of the TPMS sensors may have stopped working. Various factors, including damage to the sensor, a malfunction in the sensor, the life of the battery, or a problem with the TPMS system itself, could cause this.

If the TPMS warning light is solid (no flashing) on your dashboard, it could indicate that one or more tires are under-inflated or over-inflated. Check the tire pressure: Ensure the tire pressure is at the recommended level. The recommended tire pressure can be found in the owner's manual or on a placard located on the vehicle's door jamb, glove compartment, or fuel door.

If you are still unsure, you should have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and determine the necessary repairs.

If you see both 315 and 433 Mhz listed for your vehicle. Please contact the dealership parts department and ask "based on my VIN: what MHz or OE part number do I require". If they give you the MHz your good to go. If they give you the OE part number please call or email us with this info so we can better assets you.

HOW DOES TPMS WORK? DIRECT TPMS VS. INDIRECT TPMS

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) works by routinely checking tire pressure levels in all tires that are installed on a vehicle. The type of TPMS (Direct TPMS or Indirect TPMS) determines the mechanics of how tire pressure levels are monitored.

With an Indirect TPMS, all tire pressure monitoring data is estimated, using the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) to approximate tire pressure. This is a disadvantage, as an Indirect TPMS often fails to provide accurate tire pressure information, when it is needed most.

Ironically, the proper functioning of an Indirect TPMS is largely dependent on the monitored vehicle’s tires already being properly inflated, which essentially defeats the purpose of a TPMS. What’s more, since an Indirect TPMS is unable to read tire pressure status on a tire-by-tire basis, the system may fail to warn drivers when all four tires are equally under-inflated or equally overinflated.

Alternately, a Direct TPMS provides highly accurate tire pressure monitoring results, using tire pressure sensors that are mounted on each wheel of a vehicle. The tire pressure sensors used by a Direct TPMS collect tire pressure data from the tire valves on each tire, reporting tire pressure information in near real-time.

Direct tire pressure monitoring systems are preferred by consumers for their reliability and for their convenience, as Indirect TPMS requires manual resets of the system by the driver, when triggered. What’s more, car owners with an Indirect TPMS must also manually recalibrate the system whenever they add air to the tires in their vehicle. For these reasons, Direct TPMS (dTPMS) is the most popular type of tire monitoring solution on the marketplace today.

When a TPMS light on a vehicle's dashboard stays on, it is a sign that one or more tires on the car is underinflated. When a TPMS warning like this has occured, it's important to remedy the issue promptly, to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.

The first step to resolving a tire pressure issue is a manual check of the tire pressure in all four tires. This ensures that the TPMS is functioning properly, by providing a back-up reading of the tire pressure for the tires on a vehicle.

Once the pressure has been manually read for all tires, the recommended tire pressure for the vehicle must be determined.

This information is usually provided on the information sticker located inside the vehicle's door panel, as well as in the vehicle owner's manual.

Air should be added to any tires with low pressure as soon as possible, according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. The TPMS light should turn off, once the TPMS detects that the tire pressure in all tires is within an acceptable range.

Note: It is important to use the tire pressure inflation guidelines that have been provided by the vehicle manufacturer, when inflating tires, since the maximum tire inflation ratings printed on each tire wall may be outside of a safe operating range for your specific vehicle.

TPMS is an electronic system that advises the driver of either a low pressure condition or system malfunction for the sensor. This is indicated by a light dashboard in the form of an ICON or other warning, or both. This indicator light is in the form of an exclamation point surrounded by parentheses (example image below):

If the indicator light is flashing, this means there is a malfunction with your tire pressure sensor. To find out more about indicator lights, read Why is my TPMS Warning Light Flashing?

Most Direct TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) deploy tire pressure sensors on each wheel of a vehicle. As tire pressure data is collected for each tire, it is sent to one or more TPMS receivers, using RF (radio frequency) technology.

The majority of Direct TPMS installations transmit their data via UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio. TPMS data is typically transmitted in one of two frequency ranges, which depends on the geographical location of the TPMS. TPMS signals are transmitted at about 433MHz in Europe, and at 315MHz in most other parts of the world.

Additional information such as the TPMS serial number, is also transmitted to the TPMS receiver(s), acting as a unique identifier. The inclusion of TPMS serial number information in the TPMS data transmission prevents a vehicle's TPMS receiver(s) from capturing tire pressure monitoring data from another TPMS equipped vehicle that is nearby.

UHF based TPMS data transmissions occur in the unlicensed ISM radio band range. The ISM radio band is primarily reserved for industrial, scientific and medical use. Nevertheless, some devices, such as non-industrial microwave ovens, also utilize the ISM radio band.

A number of other non-industrial devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless computer networks and NFC (near field communication) devices now commonly transmit data in the ISM radio band range. In some cases, devices in the preceding list may cause a temporary loss of a TPMS signal, when operated in close range of a TPMS receiver.

All returns must receive a prior authorization (RGA) and will be subject to a 10% restocking charge. All items returned must be in new, resalable condition. If not, they will be refused, returned freight prepaid and billed back to the purchaser. Discontinued items are not returnable.

To initiate return, contact us for an RGA number. All returns must have the RGA clearly marked on the packing slip and on the carton. Any items returned without an RGA number will be returned freight prepaid and billed back to the purchaser. All returns must be shipped freight prepaid. Shop Saver Express reserves the right of final approval on all returns.

Products listed in the current online catalog which prove to be defective in material and workmanship within one (1) year from the date of purchase may be returned freight prepaid for repair, replacement, or credit at the discretion of Shop Saver Express Customer Service. If Shop Saver Express inspection discloses no defect in material or workmanship then repair, replacement, or return will be made at customary charges.