2014 The Birth of the new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Article written by Bush Tyres

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

Our technicians at Bush Tyres Boston played host to one of our very long-standing customers recently. Their stunning Aston Martin DB9 was booked into our workshop for a set of new, fully coded, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors. TPMS have been in the automotive industry for many years now and became a mandatory fitment on all new cars in November 2014.

There are two main styles of sensors:

Active TPMS, have valves containing a battery powered sender unit. These sensors transmit live pressure information to the cars computer (ECU). If the tyres become punctured or lose pressure, this system alerts the driver to any possible defect by illuminating a warning light on the instrument cluster. If this light comes on, you are advised to check your tyre pressures before continuing your journey. If the pressures are all okay, and there is no apparent issue remaining, you should still bring your vehicle in for a check as soon as possible as there may be an underlying fault or slow loss of pressure in one of your tyres.

Passive TPMS, this style of system uses wheel speed sensors to determine when a tyre is punctured. A punctured tyre will have a longer rolling radius and therefore take longer to complete a revolution. When the system detects this, a warning light will illuminate. Once this happens, you should check your pressures and visit Bush Tyres as soon as possible.

In order to prevent costly or potentially dangerous tyre deflations, it is recommended that these relatively low cost tyre pressure monitoring system stems are serviced, and replaced at regular intervals.

The other most common TPMS failure is batteries. They are designed to last 5-7 years but if your sensors are nearing the end of their working life, it makes sense to change them before they fail. If you do this at the same time as your tyre change, it saves the additional cost of stripping down the wheel and tyre just to replace the sensor. If your car is approaching 7 years old and has never had the sensor replaced to your knowledge, ask for them to be included in your next tyre change.

Valve stem replacement starts from as little as £10 per valve if done at the same time as a tyre change.

Your car’s TPMS became a mandatory test item on the annual MOT inspection from January 2015 for vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012. It is not currently illegal to drive without a TPMS. However if your vehicle is fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system, it must be working correctly. If the TPMS warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, you could also receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). You can avoid these additional costs and delays, by keeping your TPMS in good working condition. Tyre pressure monitoring system checks can save you time and money compared to potentially more expensive visits to the dealership service centre.

Bush Tyres TPMS Check

Our expert staff will offer a no obligation inspection of your vehicles tyre pressure monitoring system to establish the current tyre pressures and the state of the electronic system, including, where possible, the battery status of most working sensors. If required, we can then reset your tyre pressure monitoring system and if necessary, also replace the TPMS valve, removing the old valve, fitting a new one and programming it. At Bush Tyres we have invested in the market leading i-Sensor equipment and training from the recognised industry professionals, Autogem.

With this system, almost all repairs that are necessary can be completed the same working day.

Make replacing your TPMS stems at every tyre change routine

Even if the system appears to be performing correctly, Aston Martin and most major manufacturers recommend a “stem replacement” at every tyre change. This is the mechanical part of the system and can degrade and perish over time and even corrode if they are the metal type.

This Beautiful Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 was created at a time when the Ford Motor Company still controlled Aston Martin. It was the successor to the DB7 and designed by the now legendary British designer, Sir Ian Cullum. Debuted in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor show Aston began delivery to customers starting in 2004.

Production eventually ran all the way to 2016 with two minor face lift variations, 2008 and again in 2010. The model was more drastically uplifted in 2013 with a full front fascia change. This example, built in 2008, and is one of the first generation of facelifted cars. Minor changes were made to the headlights and taillights, engine, and body.

All DB9 were fitted with a large displacement 5.9 litre V12 engine, producing over 450hp. This propels the luxury grand tourer from 0-60mph in under 4.7 seconds. Power is delivered through a fully automatic six speed ZF Touchtronic gearbox to the rear wheels only.

Imagine the feeling of you and three friends, travelling down the road on to an electronically limited maximum speed of 186mph (which we advise you don’t do). All the time in complete luxury whilst the V12 engine provides the rumbling soundtrack.  All in all, the DB9 is the perfect companion for a late evening summer drive.

This car also has a notable private or cherished registration plate. The plate was first Issued on the 18th of December 1903, this makes it one of the earliest numbers ever issued. It was originally registered to a Napier belonging to the Duke of Bedford. You can read more about the Duke’s collection of Cherished plates in the book, “Car number classics” by Nicholas young, inspired by Pat & Noel Woodall and forwarded by the Duke of Bedford himself. The Duke was interestingly the owner of the original first issue number “A1.”

Peace Of Mind

You may not know which type of sensor you have fitted on your vehicle; you may well have a tyre pressure monitoring system warning light illuminated. Rest assured that we have Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) repair equipment along with replacement sensors and service kits for all the major manufacturers. Our trained TPMS technicians are ready to offer you the best possible advice and service for your vehicle.

You can download a FREE Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Check voucher here… Get my voucher.

Or you can call into one of our many depots. To find your nearest Bush Tyres branch click on the button below.

FIND MY NEAREST BRANCH