For drivers who bought their first car before TPMS became mandatory, the cost of having to service TPMS sensors along with traditional tire services can come as a shock. Learning that their TPMS sensors’ batteries will eventually wear out and the sensors will need to be replaced is a source of frustration for drivers who are trying to live on a budget. In addition, paying for replacement of the sensor service kit whenever tire service is performed adds to the financial pain that drivers feel. That said, when one TPMS sensor battery goes bad, it’s likely a better economic decision for the driver to replace all four sensors at once.

Why replace all four sensors at once?

If one original TPMS sensor’s battery has gone bad, it’s likely that that the batteries in the other tires are about ready to go too. Getting all sensors replaced at once saves that driver from having to make up to four separate service appointments to the sensors one at a time. While the cost of four sensors can be a real pain point for many drivers, having one service appointment versus four will usually win them over.

We mentioned replacing the sensor service kit when any type of tire service is performed. TPMS sensor manufacturers strongly recommend that every time you perform tire service on a TPMS equipped wheel, the TPMS sensor service kit parts, such as the nut, washer, seal, valve core, and cap should be replaced. These parts are designed for one-time use only. Failure to replace these can lead to corrosion that can interfere with TPMS sensor operation, or make removing the sensor when necessary a painfully slow task for the shop.

Avoid TPMS service software roadblocks.

Recently, many service shops have experienced an unusual number of issues in completing TPMS service. What used to be a predictable and profitable service has turned into a bumpy and frustrating routine. The problem is often attributable to one of two issues. First is a failure to update TPMS diagnostic tools with the latest software. The latest generation of sensors requires the latest software. Without it, programming and relearns may not work reliably, or work at all. The other common issue is a lack of tool/sensor compatibility. Peter Dobrowolski, Product Manager for TPMS and TPMS Tools at Continental Automotive Aftermarket explains, “Tool and sensor brands that were always compatible may not be now. Our REDI-Sensor TPMS sensors and Autodiagnos TPMS Tools are both from Continental, and that means we can guarantee their compatibility.” Up-to-date tool software and Tool and sensor compatibility is critical to keeping TPMS service profitable.

The REDI-Sensor Multi-Application TPMS Sensor line includes just four sensors, but they replace over 300+ OE sensors. The line provides coverage that exceeds 225 million vehicles in operation from 2002 to 2024. If a shop stocks a few of each of the four REDI-Sensors, they’ll have TPMS sensor coverage on hand for the vast majority vehicles that come in. That means drivers can get their vehicles back sooner, and you don’t need to put the vehicle on hold while waiting for a TPMS sensor parts delivery. REDI-Sensor can replace clamp-in, snap-in and banded sensors. And, REDI-Sensor relearns faster than most aftermarket sensors available today.

Website: https://www.redi-sensor.com