Winter Tires - Tire Pressure Monitor

[xVitality]

Hi all,

I bought a 2014 Sonic LT Sedan in June, and I'm starting to look for winter tires right around now. I inquired at the dealership to see how much it would be since they said they will price match any deal I find (currently Costco has Bridgestone Blizzak WS-80's on promo that I'm likely going to get).

My question is regarding the Tire Pressure Monitor the vehicle is equipped with. The dealership is saying that I need to buy a tire pressure sensor for each tire in addition to the new tires, or my low tire light will always be on. Does anyone have any information about this or have run into this happening to them? I really don't want to fork out $260 extra just for these sensors that I don't really think I need.

Appreciate the help.
Cheers

 

[Papasonic]

If you are going to install the new tires on new wheels, then new TPMS sensors are necessary. If you install the tires on your existing wheels, then the sensors mounted in your wheels will continue to work with your new tires. There is a thread on this forum regarding the TPMS. Use the search tab above to find more info.

 

[4g63gst20]

You don't have to get new sensor unless you are using after market wheels.
I somehow broke my valve stem and had to remove and replace my tire to get to the valve stem. I ordered a replacement from eBay, $8 part. Put everything back on and did the TPMS relearn from the blinker handle thingie and done.

 

[xVitality]

If you are going to install the new tires on new wheels, then new TPMS sensors are necessary. If you install the tires on your existing wheels, then the sensors mounted in your wheels will continue to work with your new tires. There is a thread on this forum regarding the TPMS. Use the search tab above to find more info.

I read through the TPMS thread and it didn't provide much info..

I'm looking at simply taking off the current wheels that came with the car (with the sensors installed) and throwing on new winter tires on after-market steel rims.

Now... If I do NOT install the sensors right away (say I get the wheels without them this season and next season I decide I want them), can I install the sensors later on when I have the extra $$??

 

[RMinNJ]

Yes..you can install the sensors later.. until then the light will be on with your new winter sensorless wheels.

 

[Maddmatts]

I spent the last winter with sensorless winter tires. The TPMS warning light flash for a while after each startup and then stay constantly lit. That's all.

If you do get sensors later and change the wheels yourself, you'll still need to visit a shop to learn the set at each change or buy/borrow/rent a tire re-learn tool and follow the procedure in the manual.

 

[jgrote]

I just lived with the light too. Only problem it caused is now, with my summers back on, it says "learn" instead of telling me which tire has how much air in it. Ironically, the sensors still work. I know this because my LF tire was low a week ago, and my light came on and told me that it was. It even said LF.