5 Must-Have Features in a TPMS Sensor Tool

If you're like me, you probably didn&#;t give much thought to your car&#;s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) until that little warning light started blinking on your dashboard. That's when I realized how important it is to have a TPMS scan tool handy, such as the Foxwell NT.

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This nifty device can save you from a lot of headaches by making it easy to monitor and manage your tire pressure. After some trial and error, I&#;ve gathered a few tips that can make using a TPMS scan tool a breeze. Here they are:

Choose the Right TPMS Scan Tool for Your Car

First things first, not all TPMS scan tools are created equal. Make sure you get one that's compatible with your vehicle.

• Research: Start by researching different TPMS scan tools online. Look for ones that specifically mention compatibility with your vehicle&#;s make and model. It might seem tedious, but this step saves a lot of headaches later.
• Read Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Amazon or specialized automotive forums. These reviews often provide insights into the reliability and ease of use of the tool. It's always good to learn from others' experiences.
• Check Manufacturer's Website: Visit the manufacturer's website for detailed specifications and compatibility lists. This ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For example, when I was searching for a TPMS scan tool for my SUV, I initially bought a generic one that was cheaper but didn't support my vehicle's sensors. After returning it, I purchased a model recommended by fellow SUV owners in an online forum. This tool worked perfectly and saved me a lot of frustration. The key takeaway? Spend a little more time upfront to get the right tool.

Read the Manual &#; Seriously

Next, take the time to read the manual that comes with your TPMS scan tool.

• Locate the Manual: Once you get your TPMS scan tool, find the manual. It&#;s usually in the box or available as a PDF on the manufacturer&#;s website. Don't just toss it aside.
• Identify Key Sections: Focus on sections about setup, basic operation, and troubleshooting. These parts will be your best friend when you first start using the tool.
• Perform a Dry Run: With the manual in hand, do a dry run without actually connecting to your vehicle. This helps familiarize you with the tool's interface and options, making you more confident when you actually use it.

I skipped reading the manual the first time and missed out on learning how to use the tool&#;s advanced features like real-time pressure monitoring. After going through the manual, I discovered these functions and they have been incredibly helpful in maintaining my tire pressure. Sometimes, a few minutes of reading can save you hours of confusion.

Perform Regular Checks

Regular checks are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's tire health. Make it a habit to use your TPMS scan tool regularly.

• Set a Reminder: Use your or calendar to set a monthly reminder to check your tire pressure. Regular checks can catch issues before they become serious problems.
• Initial Setup: Connect your TPMS scan tool to your vehicle following the instructions in the manual. Typically, this involves plugging the tool into the OBD-II port and turning on the ignition. It&#;s straightforward once you get the hang of it.
• Conduct the Scan: Run a full scan to check the pressure and condition of each tire. Review the readings to ensure everything is within the recommended range.

I set a reminder for the first Sunday of every month to check my tire pressure. This regular check helped me catch a slow leak in one of my tires before it became a major issue. I simply plugged in the tool, selected the 'scan' option, and reviewed the pressure readings for each tire. It's quick, easy, and gives me peace of mind.

Understand the Error Codes

Understanding the error codes is essential for effective use of your TPMS scan tool.

• Refer to the Manual: When you encounter an error code, refer back to the manual for an explanation. This will help you understand what the tool is telling you.
• Look Up Codes Online: If the manual doesn&#;t provide enough detail, look up the codes online. Many automotive forums and websites offer detailed explanations. The internet is your friend here.
• Take Action: Based on the error code, decide whether it&#;s something you can fix yourself or if you need professional help. Sometimes it's a simple fix, like replacing a sensor battery, while other times it might be more complex.

I once received an error code indicating a low battery in one of my tire sensors. After confirming the code's meaning online, I bought a replacement sensor battery and followed a YouTube tutorial to change it myself. This saved me a trip to the mechanic and the associated costs. Knowing how to interpret these codes can save you both time and money.

Keep Your Tool Updated

Finally, keeping your TPMS scan tool updated is crucial for its optimal performance.

• Check for Updates: Regularly check the manufacturer&#;s website for firmware updates. These updates can fix bugs and add new features.
• Download and Install: Follow the instructions to download the update. This usually involves connecting the tool to your computer via USB. It&#;s a simple process that doesn&#;t take much time.
• Verify the Update: After updating, verify that the tool is functioning correctly by performing a quick scan on your vehicle. This ensures everything is working as it should.

My TPMS scan tool had an update that improved its accuracy and added support for new sensor models. I downloaded the update from the manufacturer's website, connected the tool to my laptop, and followed the update instructions.

The process was straightforward and ensured my tool was up-to-date with the latest features. Keeping your tool updated means you always have the best performance and most current features.

Conclusion

Using a TPMS scan tool doesn&#;t have to be intimidating. With the right tool and a little know-how, you can easily keep tabs on your tire pressure and ensure your vehicle is safe on the road. Remember to choose the right tool, read the manual, perform regular checks, understand error codes, and keep your tool updated. These tips have made my life a lot easier, and I hope they do the same for you.

Take control of your vehicle's safety today&#;invest in a reliable TPMS scan tool and start making regular checks part of your routine. Safe driving!

FAQs:

What is the first step in using a TPMS scan tool?

Begin by ensuring the scan tool is compatible with your vehicle's TPMS system.

How often should I use a TPMS scan tool?

Regularly check tire pressure and sensor status, ideally once a month or before long trips.

Can a TPMS scan tool detect all tire issues?

While it monitors pressure and sensor status, it can't detect physical tire damage or wear. Regular inspections are also necessary.

The Problem with Low Tire Pressure

Your tires must always be properly inflated. Why is that important? Because both under inflation and over inflation can be hazardous; especially under inflation.When tires are properly inflated, their performance improves. Additionally, the vehicle becomes a lot easier to handle and its load capacity increases. Thats all because a well inflated tire reduces tread movement and rolling resistance while increasing water dispersion.  In other words, it reduces the risk of an accident. Under inflation is particularly bad because it leads to sluggish tire response, excessive heat buildup, tire overload and reduced fuel economy. All these things can either cause an accident or leave you stranded when the tire (inevitably) blows out.

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This was confirmed way back in after an Indiana State University study found that 1.5% of all motor accidents are caused by under inflated tires. Sufficient technology didnt exist at that time to make TPMS, at least not until the early s.
The 90s took TPMS mainstream after it was installed in the Porsche 959 and then later on all Chevy Corvettes. Pretty much every mainstream car model had the technology soon after that. And then in , the U.S. Congress passed the Tire Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of . 

One of the Acts requirements was that every passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. beginning September 1, should have TPMS. With it came some of the best TPMS tools that car owners and drivers can rely on.

For more information, please visit foxwell.

How Does TPMS Work in Your Car?

That depends on the type of TPMS thats equipped in your car. There are two kinds of TPMS:

• Direct TPMS: uses a sensor thats mounted in the wheel to monitor the pressure in each tire. If it (the pressure) drops below 25% of the manufacturers recommended level, the TPMS triggers the dashboard warning light. 

• Indirect TPMS: works with the cars Antilock Braking System (ABS) wheel speed sensors. Usually, if a tires pressure is low, it will roll at a different speed than the rest of the tires. The TPMS senses this and triggers the dashboard warning light.

Whenever it detects low tire pressure, TPMS sends a signal to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which then alerts you via warning lights.  If youve observed it keenly then you probably know that the TPMS light has different ways of illuminating. Heres what each of the lights means:

• TPMS light stays on when youre driving: this means that the pressure in at least one tire has fallen below the required minimum. You have to inflate it or change it in case its a puncture.

• TPMS light keeps turning on and off: if the TPMS warning light comes on intermittently, it means that your tire pressure is changing with temperature changes. Usually, if a tires pressure is close to the minimum threshold, it can decrease to below the minimum when temperatures drop (typically at night), thus triggering the TPMS light. When temperatures rise (mostly during the day), the tire pressure increases to a level above the minimum, thus turning the TPMS off again.

• TPMS light flashes and stays on: when you start the car, the light flashes for a minute or two and then stays on. This indicates a problem with the TPMS itself. Thats where the best TPMS tool comes in.

It will tell you if the tire pressure monitoring system is faulty or if you simply need to replace the TPMS sensor. And yes, TPMS tools also measure tire pressure. Thats killing two birds with one stone.

Tips to Get the Best TPMS Tool for Your Car

Like any other device, different TPMS tools have different sets of features. And there are tons of brands out there; so many that you may feel overwhelmed. Dont be!
Instead, simply focus on the following pointers and youll get your hands on the best TPMS tool for your car.

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• Vehicle coverage

  : first and foremost, is it compatible with your car? You dont want to invest in a tool that wont work on your vehicle. Most premium products like the Autel TS508 or JDIAG 2-in-1 TPMS Relearn tool are compatible with all domestic and foreign cars. Go for such. You can also check the manufacturers website to know for sure if your vehicle is covered.

• Functionality

  : the best TPMS tool should offer a lot more than simply measuring tire pressure. Look for a device that can also activate, program and relearn TPMS sensors.

  
  

  Sensor activation is required when youre diagnosing the TPMS. Programming and relearning are necessary when you replace TPMS sensors.

  
  

  Beyond that, some tools allow you to pull and erase trouble codes. If youre willing to spend a few more bucks youll find that they are a lot better than the basic ones. They allow you to turn off the TPMS light and other warning lights

• Usability

  : tools like the Autel TS501, Autel TS601 and Ateq VT31 have an intuitive interface like the one you would find on a smartphone. You navigate through menus on a screen to find functions.

  
  

  Others like the VXDAS TPMS tool and VXScan EI do not have a screen. They feature two or three buttons for checking pressure, activating TPMS and relearning. They are simple and more straightforward.

  
  

  In this case your choice should depend on what youre more comfortable with. Keep in mind that tools with a display screen will cost you more.

• Tech support

  : does the device come with free software updates? Do they have a number that you can call when your TPMS tool isnt working? These are some of the things to keep in mind. Autel usually offer software updates as well as a toll-free number for tech support. You cant go wrong with them.

• Price

  : obviously you cant spend what you dont have. Youll be happy to know that theres a device for every price range. The best TPMS tool right now is (arguably) the Autel MaxiTPMS TS 508. It will set you back close to $400.

  
  

  If youre looking for entry-level options, you can consider a unit like the VXSCAN El which costs just under $10. But it wont give you the same service as a high-end or mid-range TPMS tool.

Conclusion

Just to recap everything: TPMS is one of the most important systems in a vehicle. Its your best friend that constantly checks your tire pressure while your eyes are on the road. That constant checking can be the different between a successful trip and an (avoidable) accident.
Needless to say, you must always ensure that your cars TPMS is working properly. That means having the best TPMS tool with you for diagnosing the system when the need arises.

5 Tips for Using a TPMS Scan Tool

5 Must-Have Features in a TPMS Sensor Tool - Uttu-Textiles