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Tyre pressure sensor programming

TavasRiepas.lv tyre service centre in Riga offers tyre pressure sensors and their programming, installation and repair.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is a system that warns the driver about the loss of pressure in one or more tyres.

We offer original BMW tyre pressure sensors. These sensors suit most BMW vehicles made after 2008. The special offer price of one original BMW sensor is EUR 29.

There are two types of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS): direct and indirect.

The direct tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses sensors inside the tyres to monitor the tyre pressure. Some sensors are even capable of measuring the temperature. The obtained data is sent to the vehicle’s central control unit where it is analysed, and if the pressure is below what it should be, a warning for the driver is displayed in the dash. Each sensor has a unique serial number to prevent the system mistakenly recognising data from another vehicle or another tyre. It should be noted that many vehicle manufacturers use sensors made by third-party suppliers, which requires experienced and knowledgeable staff for servicing or replacing the sensors.

The sensors run on single-use batteries: once they are flat, it is time to replace the sensor. At our workshop, you can purchase new sensors and have them replaced by our experienced technicians. The valve components become worn with time too, but they can be replaced separately.

The price of one sensor is on average EUR 45.00.

The indirect tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is based on the same speed sensors used by ABS. It measures the rotation speed of each wheel. Based on this data, the onboard computer detects if the size of the tyre has decreased and warns the driver accordingly. The indirect system does not in fact measure the tyre pressure – it measures the rotation speed and forwards the signal to the computer. The advantages of this system: no need for special maintenance, no need to install a second set of sensors for winter or summer tyres. A drawback is the fact that the system only notifies the driver when the tyre has lost more than 30% of pressure.

Does my car have TPMS?

If there is this symbol - ( ! ) in the dash, then your vehicle is equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system. The direct TPMS will also display the actual pressure in each tyre (also when stationary), whereas the indirect TPMS will only warn if the pressure falls below the set value and the vehicle is in motion.

When is system maintenance or an update required?

When changing tyres (if tyres are removed from wheels) or if the TPMS warning light is illuminated in the dash.

The service is available at the TavasRiepas.lv service centre in Riga, Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve 205.

-How long will it take?

The programming of TPMS takes 20 minutes per car on average (excluding tyre change).