How to Install a Cap-Based Tire Pressure Monitor
Tire pressure monitoring systems are a vehicle safety technology that prevent you from driving with a flat tire. Some vehicles come with built-in systems, but you can install a tire pressure monitoring system at home. There are two main types of aftermarket tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). One type uses sensors installed inside the tires, and the other type uses sensors built into valve stem caps. You can only install the cap type at home.
Move Cap-Based Sensors to New Tires or Vehicle
If you buy new tires or rims or you upgrade your entire vehicle, it’s easy to take a cap-based tire pressure monitoring system with you. While in-tire monitors typically have to go with your old car if you sell it, it’s a straightforward matter to pop off the sensors in a cap-based system and take the sensors with you. Remove the sensors, replace them with the caps that you saved during the initial installation procedure, and you’re good to go.
Enough sensors for your tires: Most vehicles only need four sensors, but you’ll need six if you have dual rear wheels. Make sure the sensors are designed for the air pressure level in your tires.A receiver unit designed for use with the sensors: Most kits come with both sensors and a receiver unit. Make sure the sensors and receiver are compatible.Somewhere to store the old valve stem caps: If you ever need to remove the sensors or switch the sensors to a different vehicle, you’ll need the old valve stem caps. Don’t lose them.Anti-seize compound: This is optional, and you don’t need it to complete the installation. Anti-seize prevents metal sensors from getting stuck on the valve stems.
Swapping a cap-based aftermarket tire pressure monitor system to a new vehicle is just as easy. Install the sensors on the new vehicle, make sure everything is correctly calibrated, and your vehicle will have an aftermarket tire pressure monitor just like that.
How to Install an Internal Sensor TPMS
To install an aftermarket tire pressure monitor that uses internal sensors, release the air from each tire, break the bead on each tire, remove the valve stems, and then replace the valve stems with the pressure sensors.
