Today, we’ve got TPMS winter tips and more. Winter weather creates a challenge for technicians who work in snowy regions. Tire chains can disrupt TPMS signals and cause indirect systems to misread wheel speed. Technicians should check the owner’s manual for specific chain types and approved mounting positions. Automakers often include detailed guidance for vehicles that require chains.
Tire pressure monitoring systems improve safety, but they can make drivers forget basic tire care. A TPMS light may stay off, yet hidden issues like sidewall damage or early uneven wear can still develop. A quick monthly check with a quality gauge helps catch these problems before they grow. Manual inspections still give drivers important information that TPMS cannot provide.
Many newer vehicles give drivers a Select-to-Fill feature on the infotainment screen. This feature displays live tire pressure while the driver inflates a tire. The system also provides audible and visual alerts when the correct pressure appears. Drivers benefit from this tool when they forget to carry a tire gauge.
Technicians often ask where manufacturers place TPMS antennas. Some vehicles use passive antennas built into the keyless entry system or mounted in the glass. Other vehicles use active antennas or exciters positioned near the wheel wells to trigger sensor transmissions. Some Stellantis models even use the ignition switch as the antenna for the left-front sensor. Technicians should keep a scan tool ready and confirm each antenna location while diagnosing these systems.
Looking for more Autel TPMS tips? Click here.
This content is sponsored by Autel.
The post Autel TPMS Tips: TPMS Mistakes Techs Still See Every Winter appeared first on Tire Review Magazine.
