Aftermarket TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor kits are designed to monitor tire pressure and alert drivers to any issues, making them a valuable addition for vehicles not originally equipped with a TPMS system. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of the benefits, selection criteria, technical specifications, and popular aftermarket TPMS sensor kits to help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful DIY installation.
Benefits of Installing an Aftermarket TPMS Sensor Kit
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Improved Safety: TPMS systems help prevent accidents caused by under-inflated tires, which can lead to blowouts, hydroplaning, and loss of control. By constantly monitoring tire pressure, these kits can alert you to any issues, allowing you to address them promptly and maintain optimal driving safety.
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Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, resulting in improved fuel economy. Aftermarket TPMS sensor kits ensure that your tires are maintained at the recommended pressure, maximizing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
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Extended Tire Life: Under-inflated tires wear out faster, leading to premature replacement. By maintaining the correct tire pressure, an aftermarket TPMS sensor kit can extend the lifespan of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
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Enhanced Vehicle Handling: Proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal vehicle stability and handling. Aftermarket TPMS sensor kits help you maintain the ideal pressure, ensuring your vehicle responds predictably and safely, even in challenging driving conditions.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket TPMS Sensor Kit
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Compatibility: Ensure that the aftermarket TPMS sensor kit you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s make, model, and year. This information is typically provided by the manufacturer or can be verified through online resources.
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Sensor Type: Decide between band-mounted or valve-mounted sensors based on your vehicle’s valve stem type. Band-mounted sensors (e.g., Dill 9400-B) attach to the existing valve stem, while valve-mounted sensors (e.g., Dill 9400-V) replace the valve stem entirely.
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Kit Contents: Carefully review the kit contents to ensure that it includes all the necessary components, such as the sensors, a display unit, and a signal repeater (if required). Some kits may also include additional sensors for trailers or spare tires.
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Accuracy and Range: Choose a kit with accurate pressure and temperature readings, and consider the range of pressure measurement. For example, the TireMinder TM89FR kit offers a pressure measurement range of 0-180 psi, providing a wide coverage for various tire types and applications.
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Ease of Installation: Opt for a kit with a straightforward installation and programming process, as this will simplify the DIY installation and minimize the risk of errors.
Technical Specifications of Aftermarket TPMS Sensor Kits
- Sensor Types:
- Band-mounted sensors (e.g., Dill 9400-B) attach to the tire valve stem and are a popular choice for their ease of installation.
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Valve-mounted sensors (e.g., Dill 9400-V) replace the valve stem entirely, providing a more integrated solution but may require more complex installation.
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Kit Contents:
- Sensors: Typically, 4-6 sensors are included for standard vehicles, with additional sensors available for trailers or spare tires.
- Display unit: This is often a dash-mounted receiver that displays the tire pressure and temperature readings.
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Signal repeater: Some kits may include a signal repeater to strengthen the wireless signal, particularly in vehicles with complex wiring or metal-heavy construction.
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Accuracy and Range:
- Pressure measurement range: Aftermarket TPMS sensor kits can typically measure tire pressure from 0 to 180 psi, accommodating a wide range of tire types and applications.
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Temperature measurement range: The temperature measurement range can vary depending on the specific kit, but most provide a range suitable for automotive use.
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Power and Connectivity:
- Solar-powered displays: Some kits, such as the Schrader TPMS Retrofit Kit, feature solar-powered display units, eliminating the need for battery replacement.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Certain aftermarket TPMS sensor kits, like the Dill Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS, offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for mobile app integration and remote monitoring of tire pressure and temperature.
Popular Aftermarket TPMS Sensor Kits
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Dill Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS: This kit offers both band-mounted and valve-mounted sensor options, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a mobile app for easy monitoring and management of your tire pressure.
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Schrader TPMS Retrofit Kits: Designed for vehicles without factory-installed TPMS, these kits include a solar-powered dash-mounted display unit, making them a convenient and eco-friendly choice.
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TireMinder TM89FR: This comprehensive aftermarket TPMS sensor kit features internal sensors and a wide pressure measurement range of 0-180 psi, making it suitable for a variety of tire sizes and applications.
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Tymate Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This kit offers a user-friendly display, real-time pressure and temperature monitoring, and the ability to monitor up to 22 tires, making it a versatile option for larger vehicles or trailers.
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TPMS Sensor Kit by Autel: Featuring a compact and easy-to-install design, this kit provides accurate pressure and temperature readings, as well as low-pressure and high-temperature alerts to keep you informed about the health of your tires.
References
- Dill Air Controls Products. (n.d.). Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS. Retrieved from https://www.dillvalves.com/product_category/tpms/bluetooth-aftermarket-tpms/
- Amazon. (n.d.). Aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Aftermarket-Tire-Pressure-Monitoring-Systems-TPMS/b?ie=UTF8&node=2201765011
- Tire Rack. (n.d.). TPMS Aftermarket Systems. Retrieved from https://www.tirerack.com/tpms/category.jsp?category=Aftermarket+Systems
- Schrader TPMS. (n.d.). Schrader TPMS Retrofit Kits. Retrieved from https://www.schradertpms.com/en/our-products/schrader-tpms-retrofit-kits
- Tymate. (n.d.). Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Retrieved from https://www.tymate.com/tire-pressure-monitoring-system.html
- Autel. (n.d.). TPMS Sensor Kit. Retrieved from https://www.autel.com/tpms-sensor-kit.html