TPMS Sensors in Poole

TPMS sensor replacement in Poole and across Dorset

A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) watches the air pressure in your tyres and warns you on the dashboard when one drops. It's a useful safety feature, until a sensor fails and the warning light won't go out. We diagnose TPMS faults, replace faulty sensors and programme new ones for all makes and models. We do it at our Poole depot or at your home, work or roadside anywhere in Dorset.

How TPMS works

Every new car sold in the UK since late 2014 has had to have a tyre pressure monitoring system. There are two main types:

• Direct TPMS uses a small battery-powered sensor inside each wheel, usually attached to the valve. It measures the actual pressure and sends it wirelessly to the car.
• Indirect TPMS has no sensors in the wheels. It uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors to spot a tyre turning faster than the others, which is a sign it's lost pressure.

Direct sensors are sealed units with a built-in battery that can't be replaced. They typically last around six to eight years, after which the sensor itself needs replacing.

What does the TPMS warning light mean?

• The light comes on and stays on. One or more tyres is probably low on pressure, often from a slow puncture. Check your pressures as soon as it's safe.
• The light flashes when you start the car, then stays on. This usually points to a fault with the system itself, such as a failed sensor or flat sensor battery, rather than low pressure.
• The light is on but your pressures are correct. The system may need resetting. Your handbook will explain how. If it comes back, a sensor may be faulty.

If a tyre is losing air, we can repair the puncture or fit a new tyre in the same visit.

How we fix TPMS faults

1. Diagnose. We use a TPMS tool to read each sensor and find out which one has failed, and why.
2. Replace. We remove the tyre, fit a new sensor that's compatible with your vehicle, and refit and balance the wheel.
3. Programme. We programme the new sensor and make sure your car recognises it.
4. Check. We confirm the warning light has cleared and every sensor is reporting correctly.

Why not just ignore the light?

A permanent warning light means the system can't warn you about a real pressure loss, which matters for grip, braking and tyre life. A TPMS warning light can also lead to an MOT failure on cars first used from 2012 onwards that are fitted with the system. It's worth getting it sorted.

Frequently asked questions

Can you replace TPMS sensors at my home?

Yes. We carry the tools to replace and programme sensors at your home, workplace or the roadside, or you can visit our Poole depot.

Do you work on all makes and models?

Yes. We can programme TPMS sensors for all makes and models.

Should I replace all four sensors at once?

Not necessarily. If one sensor's battery has failed, the others may be close behind if they're the same age. We'll test them all and let you decide.

Will a TPMS fault fail my MOT?

On vehicles first used from 1 January 2012 that have a TPMS, a malfunction indicated by the warning light is an MOT failure.

How do I book?

Call 0800 7311 260 or send a quote request with your registration, and we'll arrange a time that suits you.