TPMS should be included on all new cars?

[Westcoaster]

I read the following on MSN Auto and wonder why TPMS isn't standard on Porsches now? Also interesting about the effect of tire sealant on the sensor...

Nifty new monitoring systems

The U.S. has legislated that by September 2007 all new cars come equipped with automated tire-pressure monitoring systems. Models sold in Canada will also include this nifty device.

"A light on your dashboard will show you that one tire is low," Ms. Williams explains. "Some tell you the pressure in all four tires."

There are two types of systems:

- Direct systems have a sensor in the actual tire valve.

- Indirect systems measure the speed and rotation of each tire to determine its diameter. If the diameter decreases, the system warns you.

Direct System Expert tip: "With this type of system, do not use foam to fix a flat tire in a pinch, or you could wreck the sensor -- worth about $70.00," Ms. Williams says.

[White987S]

I think it has been standard since the 2007 MY.

[Westcoaster]

Really?

If that is the case then I better consider the sensors if I get new wheels for my car, otherwise there will be an error on the OBC, right?

My 2006 doesn't have it, but I was thinking of wheels that I could use going forward... will any sensor work with the stock monitoring system or do I need to install "Porsche" wheel sensors?

Edited August 16, 2008 by Westcoaster

[stubenhocker]

I don't think it is "good legislation" to make people buy something they don't want nor need.

Unfunded mandates are not something I would endorse.

[Westcoaster]

I don't think it is "good legislation" to make people buy something they don't want nor need.

Unfunded mandates are not something I would endorse.

Wouldn't this be a standard feature now, like anti-lock brakes? You wouldn't actually buy it... at least separately.

[stubenhocker]

I don't think it is "good legislation" to make people buy something they don't want nor need.

Unfunded mandates are not something I would endorse.

Wouldn't this be a standard feature now, like anti-lock brakes? You wouldn't actually buy it... at least separately.

Yes, it is now std equip, but it's not free, nor is it a substitute for checking your air pressure the old fashioned way!

[gandrade1]

I don't think it is "good legislation" to make people buy something they don't want nor need.

Unfunded mandates are not something I would endorse.

Wouldn't this be a standard feature now, like anti-lock brakes? You wouldn't actually buy it... at least separately.

We will have to buy compatible tires, wheels (maybe?!?)...Which will most certainly cost more and restrict choices...So you might not directly pay for it, but you will be impacted by it!!!

Don't like the idea !

All the best,

Gus

[Westcoaster]

Yes I agree that everything that goes into building a car cost the buyer something... however that being said, I think that the ability to monitor the tire pressure from within the cabin is a positive thing.

As for checking the tire pressure the old fashion way, the system is supposed to be fairly accurate (+/- 1 psi), most hand held digital gauges are a bit better maybe +/- 1/2 psi so for most of us it would be at least a good way to monitor things and prompt you to keep the pressure correctly set. On the OEM system (and likely the aftermarket) alarms can be set which would alert you to dropping pressure before it become dangerous, a good thing.

The choce of tire should not be affected by this option, but I have read where wheel selection could be as the sensor stem needs to be compatible with the hole in the wheel. This could affect wheel selection, but with the growing popularity of TPMS the situation should soon not be a problem.

thanks for the feedback!