How to Replace Tires with Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
4 Answers
Tires with tire pressure monitoring system can be replaced by following these steps: 1. Use a jack to lift the side of the car where the tire needs to be replaced; 2. Remove the bolts with a tire wrench; 3. Take off the old tire and install the spare tire; 4. Tighten the bolts, lower the jack, and inflate the tire. The functions of tires include: 1. Supporting the weight of the vehicle; 2. Enhancing traction, braking, and off-road capability; 3. Ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; 4. Direct contact with the road surface, working together with the vehicle's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly removing debris from the tire tread; 2. Periodically checking tire pressure; 3. Inspecting tire wear and replacing them in time; 4. Promptly repairing punctures; 5. Avoiding curbs and potholes.
Last time I had these sensor-equipped tires replaced at the shop, the mechanic explained many technical details to me. When removing the old tire, the most critical part is avoiding the valve stem position because that small block houses the heart of the tire pressure sensor – getting crushed by the tire changer would render it useless. The mechanic first removes the old sensor and cleans the metal contacts with specialized cleaner. During new tire installation, the sensor must be handled gently, the rubber gasket should be renewed, and the screw torque must follow specifications – overtightening could damage the circuit board. After replacement, sensor identification is required. For my car, it involves long-pressing the steering wheel button to activate pairing mode, then sequentially deflating each tire so the system registers position by detecting pressure changes. Finally, standard tire pressure is replenished, and the job isn't complete until driving two kilometers confirms normal dashboard readings.
We handle this kind of job frequently at our tire shop. The key to changing tires with TPMS is not to damage the sensors. When removing the old tire, pay special attention to the valve stem area, and the tire machine claws must avoid the sensor position. After removing the sensor, check if the rubber sealing ring is aged – if cracked, it must be replaced to prevent slow leaks. When installing the new tire, use a torque wrench to secure the screws, typically around 10 Nm, as overtightening can crack the sensor housing. After tire replacement, a relearn procedure is necessary – for example, most German cars require diagnostic tool activation for matching, while Japanese cars often have manual operation modes. Recently, we encountered a Honda owner who installed the sensor backward during a DIY tire change, causing the right front wheel to display as the left rear wheel.
I remember doing my homework before getting these tires changed for the first time. The professional technician first marked the sensor positions with stickers before removing the tires, taking extra care to avoid the valve stem area. After removing the old sensors, they conducted comprehensive tests, focusing on battery voltage and signal transmission function. During installation, the rubber base was coated with special silicone grease to prevent leaks, and the screws had to be evenly tightened in a diagonal pattern. The most crucial part was the matching process—my Ford required using a trigger tool to activate each sensor by walking around the car. The whole process took twenty minutes longer than a standard tire change, but it ensured that those tiny tire pressure monitors could continue safeguarding my journey.
