How accurate is the TPMS?
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More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 38
From: Groton, MA
How accurate is the TPMS?
I've set my tire pressure and checked it using a stick gauge, an analog gauge and a digital gauge. They all read within a half pound, yet the TPMS reads 2 pounds lower. I didn't use high end calibrated gauges, but I doubt they would all be off by the same amount. All 4 wheels are the same.
Just curious if anyone else has noticed this and checked the actual vs indicated pressure.
Just curious if anyone else has noticed this and checked the actual vs indicated pressure.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,306
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My friend, a Ford mechanic, said TPMS sucks. Yes, I checked into that. I had the Goodyear people put in 40 in all tires with their high-tech equipment and my TPMS shows 38, 39, 42, 42. For some reason, they all get closer to each other when I'm driving but not when it's cold. No idea why.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
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I'm not sure about their absolute accuracy, but they seem "close enough". Also, bear in mind that your other gauges aren't highly accurate either... even high-end $100 gauges are typically only good for 0.5psi accuracy.
I do like the rapid refresh time... I found a handful of screws with my RR the other day and was able to keep a close eye on the pressure for a rapid dash to the tire shop. Sadly, one screw was in the edge of the sidewall... write that tire off
I do like the rapid refresh time... I found a handful of screws with my RR the other day and was able to keep a close eye on the pressure for a rapid dash to the tire shop. Sadly, one screw was in the edge of the sidewall... write that tire off
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
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My TPMS reads a little higher than what my hand gauges have showed.
Good enough IMO. As was said, cold, overnight all 4 read slightly different, once up to temp they are equal and stable.
Also, operating temp is +2psi versus cold.
Josh
Good enough IMO. As was said, cold, overnight all 4 read slightly different, once up to temp they are equal and stable.
Also, operating temp is +2psi versus cold.
Josh
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Overall it seems like a lot of trouble and extra cost due to the fact that tires still need to be visually inspected now and then anyway. Maybe some will ignore their tires more than they already do if that's possible.
Then there's some who don't own a tire gauge but try to use the TPMS as one. Hilarity ensues.
Then there's some who don't own a tire gauge but try to use the TPMS as one. Hilarity ensues.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
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From: Seattle area
Yep, same issue. My system reads about a pound more than my tire gauge. Add in the normal one-half to one pound variability and I found it impossible to get all four tires reading the same pressure when cold. It set my terrettes off initially, but I've learned to cope with it. It has been interesting to watch them warm up at different rates. Mine add about 4lbs of pressure once warm.
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From: Central Florida
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Likewise. I'd say the TPMS is off by maybe 1 PSI, but it also depends on the gauge. Our digital one seems to be closer to the TPMS than the old analog gauge. Probably good enough, as I don't stress on it too much.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
Lots of new technology haters in this thread.
Last winter I picked up a nail in my tire on the way to work. That evening I got in the truck, started it up, and an orange "Low Tire Pressure" warning came on the dash with all four pressures displayed. The low tire was flashing 22 PSI in orange.
I limped it over to the gas station but couldn't find my tire gauge. Hit it with the air hose for about 30 seconds, climbed in the truck, and the gauge showed 29 PSI. Added air for another 45 seconds and I was at 38 PSI, which was enough to get me home. It worked out just great as a tire gauge, why would this be hilarious?
The above is the second time the TPMS caught a leak long before I would have visually caught it. Both times I was alerted while driving, and it could have saved me from a blowout or possible loss of control. Call me negligent if you wish, but I don't check my pressures daily, nor does any other rational person I've ever met. I like my TPMS, and think we're all safer for it.
I limped it over to the gas station but couldn't find my tire gauge. Hit it with the air hose for about 30 seconds, climbed in the truck, and the gauge showed 29 PSI. Added air for another 45 seconds and I was at 38 PSI, which was enough to get me home. It worked out just great as a tire gauge, why would this be hilarious?
The above is the second time the TPMS caught a leak long before I would have visually caught it. Both times I was alerted while driving, and it could have saved me from a blowout or possible loss of control. Call me negligent if you wish, but I don't check my pressures daily, nor does any other rational person I've ever met. I like my TPMS, and think we're all safer for it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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x2, mine (Toyota) just tells you when a tire is down 5lbs from what you set them at. Good enough. Exact numbers at all corners would be better, but this system scores a "good enough".
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
On my wife's 05 Expedition a simple dummy light has been more than enough to save me huge headaches and possible tire blowouts. She doesn't necessarily notice tires when loading our kids in the vehicle and the light has saved her many times.
Use a good digital tire pressure gauge for accuracy and the TPMS for catching a unexpected low tire.... I personally don't need it but the vast majority of drivers nowadays do.
Use a good digital tire pressure gauge for accuracy and the TPMS for catching a unexpected low tire.... I personally don't need it but the vast majority of drivers nowadays do.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
No. Technology is great, don't put words in my mouth... The problem is it too often becomes a substitute for regular maintenance and inspection and people become dependent on the technology to the exclusion of good common sense, of which they were maybe a little short on to begin with.