Does Spare Tires have TPMS

Does Spare Tires have TPMS?

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TPMS stands for ‘Tire Pressure Monitoring System’ and it’s a device installed in tires to ensure that the air pressure is adequate enough for use. However, there has been a debate on if spare tires are equipped with such a mechanism as well – does spare tires have TPMS?

Yes, your spare tires are also equipped with TPMS as long as it is the full-sized tire and not the donut spares some drivers have. This installation is also connected to your dashboard to warn you in case of a puncture to warn you of a flat.

Why is TPMS important in tires

We need the time to plan our day, we need the calendar to know certain dates amongst other reasons – the same applies to a TPMS. Without a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, you are likely to be blindsided with regards to the happenings in your vehicle tires which is not only dangerous for your personal safety but also for your car safety. 

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Below are other reasons TPMS is important

It helps improve your handling

‘Lower than normal tire pressure will always equate to poor handling which can make driving something not to look forward to or enjoy. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System installed in the vehicles helps to notify the driver to pump in the air required for proper handling.

It reduces the risk of a flat

You are more likely to have a flat tire if your tire pressure is low than when it isn’t, and only a functioning TPMS can help you avoid the odd job of having to set up a jack and get your hands dirty all in the name of changing your tire.

Increases fuel economy

When you are driving on a lower tire pressure than required, your car tends to consume more fuel. An active TPMS will save you loads of bucks in this regard.

The TPMS also notifies you if it isn’t functioning properly by giving flashing warning signals that go on and off before remaining illuminated.

When this occurs, it means that your tires are no longer being monitored by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and it would serve you good to take it to an Automobile repair shop for professional assistance. Ignoring such signals could put you and your car at very serious risk of damage.

How can I check my tire pressure?

When your TPMS gives you the warning signal regarding your tire pressure, you don’t just assume the current pressures on your tires. There are steps to take in order not to put too much air in your tires which is as bad as having little. The following steps below will guide you through a very seamless process.

Materials required

  • Pressure gauge
  • Tire pump.

 Step 1

Know the standard tire inflation pressure for your vehicle

The number can vary depending on the type of vehicle and manufacturer. The number you need here is the lowest PSI to inflate your tires which is usually suggested by a vehicle manufacturer, but on a general note, the information provided below would do.

  • Minivans, pickups, and sedans would generally have a recommendation range of 27-32 PSI (pound per square inch), but note that this number can increase to 40 – as stated earlier, this all depends on the vehicle manufacturer.
  • Vehicles built to carry loads such as SUVs and trucks would require a PSI of around 46 which is about 8 PSI more than it would have been for smaller cars as we know them.
  • It is also common for front and back tires to have different pressures depending on the discretion of the manufacturer, so don’t just assume that all your tires have the same pressure – take note.

Step 2

Remove the valve stem cap of your tire

To be on the safe side, remove the valve stem caps from all your tires. If you are having difficulty locating it, the valve stem cap is usually silver or black (depending on your car) extension located close to the hubcap. It has a length of about 3cm – remember I said you should do it for all your tires.

Step 3

Record the pressure of the tires using your air pressure gauge

Once you are done with step two, get your air pressure and record the pressure on your tire. If you notice a hissing sound while on this process, it means you didn’t place your air pressure gauge properly and may need to readjust it as you wouldn’t get an accurate reading.

There are mainly two types of pressure gauges; the digital pressure gauge and the traditional gauge.  For the traditional gauge, the reading comes up as soon as you place it on the valve mechanism, but the digital gauge may require you to press a button as stated by the manufacturer to get a reading.

Step 4

Note your reading and compare it with the information you already have

After taking your figure, use the recommendation given by your vehicle manufacturer and know which tire requires more pressure, then do the needful and put in more air to reach the required PSI specified – it shouldn’t be more.

Once you are done, replace the valve stem cap on all the tires and ensure you do it properly as they help to protect the valve mechanism from moisture and dirt which could compromise the valve stem as a whole.

Things you should know

  • Your manufacturer’s PSI for tires doesn’t always mean your tire would perform better, it’s more like a safety measure to ensure you don’t endanger yourself while driving. Drivers have been known to add some extra pounds to the initial P.S.I recommended by car manufacturers to increase fuel efficiency but the downside to this is that your ride may get a little bit bumpy and unpleasant, so if your fuel efficiency is more important than your comfort, knock yourself out.
  • Increasing the PSI than normal could also cause your tire to wear out unevenly, reduce the overall handling needed for your vehicle, and also require a longer braking distance.
  • Note that the max press value does not mean the maximum pressure required for the tire to burst or explode as often misinterpreted by many. It simply means the maximum pressure the tire can carry the maximum amount of weight suitable for the vehicle. You mustn’t exceed the maximum pressure specified by the manufacturer, as not only will you be prone to tire malfunction, a slight contour or pothole when on speed could send your car somersaulting, to say the least. 
  • A slight hack you can do with tire pressure when carrying heavier loads in your car is to slightly increase the PSI in the rear tires to accommodate for the load especially if you will be traveling far. But as soon as you arrive at your destination, ensure you reduce the pressure to the normal spec – only do this if you will be carrying heavy goods and traveling on a long-distance journey.
  • Seasonal changes can affect the air pressure in your tires. For instance, snowy seasons or cold weather can reduce the air pressure in your tire, while warm weather will do the direct opposite. Therefore to stay on the safe side, you must always check your tire pressure using the steps explained in this article to avoid surprises on the road instead.
  • The best gift you can get yourself is an air pressure gauge – that’s if you don’t have one. Aside from saving you a couple of hundreds in puncture repairs, it could also save your life. Never assume you can tell when your tire needs more pressure or less pressure by simply looking at it. Some people think when the bulge disappears around the sidewall area, then the tire is well pumped when in reality it can also mean you have overinflated your tires past the required PSI which could put your life at risk. Get an air pressure gauge today!

FAQs

Is TPMS required when changing tires?

Ideally, you don’t need to change your TPMS sensors when changing your tires. However, you might need to if your TPMS has been working for a couple of years before you decided on changing the tires.

The TPMS sensor batteries can last for about 5-7 years before requiring a change, which means old sensors may not have the lifespan of your new tires.

Is the TPMS part of the tire?

Yes, the TPMS is part of the tire.

Where is TPMS located?

The TPMS is located inside the tire in the inner part of the rim. The moment you take the rim off, you are likely to see a small cylinder which is known as the tire pressure sensor.

Does Spare Tires have TPMS – Conclusion

Since the year 2008, TPMS has been made mandatory in the United States of America to further ensure road safety in general.

Anyone who takes their TPMS seriously is less likely to have a tire blowout, and as for your spare tires having a TPMS, I’m glad you now have your answer. Kindly drop your comments and suggestions in the comment section. Cheers!!!  

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