How the TPMS System Works and Why Its Battery Is Not Replaceable
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a key safety component in modern vehicles. Its sensors, installed inside each tire, constantly monitor air pressure and wirelessly send data to the car's computer. To operate, each unit relies on a small lithium battery that is completely sealed inside its housing. This design protects the electronics but also makes it impossible for the user to replace the battery. 🛞
The Limit of the Sealed Internal Battery
The lifespan of this internal power source is typically between 5 and 10 years. Factors such as vehicle usage and extreme temperatures affect its duration. When the battery is completely depleted, the sensor stops transmitting. Immediately, the TPMS system activates a failure warning on the instrument panel. There is no standard method to open the sensor without breaking it, so the only real option is to replace the entire unit with a new one.
Steps that occur when a sensor fails:- The internal battery discharges and the sensor stops sending signals.
- The vehicle's control unit detects the lack of signal and lights up a warning indicator.
- The driver notices the warning, which is often confused with a simple loss of pressure.
The system that alerts you to a low tire is programmed to have a finite lifespan, leading to an unplanned visit to the workshop.
What Replacing a TPMS Sensor Entails
Replacing a depleted sensor is not a simple part change. It is a technical procedure that requires several steps. First, a workshop must dismount the tire from the rim to install the new device. Then, it is crucial to program or relearn the sensor so that the car's computer identifies it correctly, a process that requires special diagnostic tools.
Components of the total replacement cost:- Price of the new TPMS sensor.
- Labor to dismount the tire and install the new unit.
- Reprogramming or relearning service for the system.
A Planned Obsolescence in Your Tire
In summary, the TPMS is a vital system for safety, but its design entails inevitable maintenance. The sealed battery ensures durability but also guarantees that, after years of service, the entire sensor will fail. This turns a simple pressure alert into an unexpected expense that includes the part, specialized labor, and reprogramming. It is a reminder that even the systems that protect us have a built-in expiration date. 🔋