The Average Cost To Replace a TPMS Sensor Is $205-$250, Depending on if You Go to Discount Tire or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance, such as a TPMS control module replacement or TPMS reset may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, check out the FIXD Sensor and free app!
Cost at Discount Tire: $205-$250
- Parts: $152-$183
- Labor: $54-$68
Replacing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor at Discount Tire typically takes from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the vehicle and if other repairs are needed. RepairPal notes that TPMS sensors don’t need to be replaced very often unless you frequently drive on bumpy roads or potholes. Even if you drive on well-maintained roads and take good care of your tires, you’ll eventually need to replace the TPMS sensors because of normal wear and tear. To learn more about when to replace these and other routine maintenance items, check out our ultimate guide here.
Cost to DIY: $152-$183
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Parts Needed: Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor
We do not recommend replacing your vehicle’s TPMS sensor yourself. It requires removing the tire from your wheel, then mounting and balancing it afterward. In addition, it requires specialized equipment that only a mechanic or tire shop will have. While you may be able to configure the new sensor yourself, it costs very little to have a Discount Tire technician do this for you while they already have the tire off.
Keep in mind: A TPMS sensor is not a “one-size-fits-all” part. If you plan to buy replacement TPMS sensors yourself, be sure to choose the right parts for your vehicle. If you have any doubts, consult your owner’s manual.
What Is a TPMS Sensor Replacement?
A TPMS sensor detects whether a tire’s pressure is too high or too low. Each wheel contains a sensor that communicates this information to the TPMS control module, which illuminates the TPMS warning light when a tire has an air pressure issue. Eventually, these sensors start to malfunction due to wear and tear. When a sensor starts to misread a tire’s air pressure, you or your mechanic should replace it.
What Does a Discount Tire TPMS Sensor Replacement Include?
If you suspect that there’s a problem with your vehicle’s TPMS sensor, bring it to Discount Tire where one of their expert technicians will run a diagnostic free of charge. If the technician finds that one or more sensor is faulty, they’ll remove the wheels from the vehicle, take the tires off the wheels, and switch out the faulty sensors for brand-new ones. Then they’ll put the wheels and tires back on the vehicle and reinflate the tires according to manufacturer specifications.
The Discount Tire technician will test the sensors by driving your vehicle a short distance to make sure the TPMS warning light shuts off. If the light doesn’t shut off, the technician will manually reset the sensors, which is basically introducing them to your vehicle’s TPMS control module. According to RepairPal, if the sensors need manual relearning, the process costs between $35 and $44 on average. Depending on additional work your vehicle needs, a Discount Tire TPMS sensor replacement can take up to four hours, but it typically only takes 30 minutes.
If you own a vehicle manufactured before 2007, it may not have a tire pressure monitoring system. If that’s the case, Discount Tire can retrofit your vehicle with this essential safety feature. Discount Tire also offers complimentary air pressure checks and recommends that you check your vehicle’s tire pressure once a month.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace TPMS Sensors?
Your tire pressure monitoring system is designed to warn you when your tires are overinflated or underinflated. Driving on tires that aren’t correctly inflated can damage your vehicle and cause a dangerous blowout. Your vehicle consumes more fuel when the tires are underinflated. If your vehicle’s TPMS sensors are malfunctioning, you could experience a flat tire without any warning and end up paying more for repairs that would otherwise be unnecessary.
How Often Should You Replace TPMS Sensors?
TPMS sensors typically last up to 10 years on newer vehicles and up to six years on older models. Sensors can wear out earlier if a vehicle frequently drives on roads that are in disrepair. Because TPMS sensors are located on the wheels, they’re often exposed to corrosive elements like road salt and moisture. Aerosol tire sealer can gum up the sensor, so if you ever need to use a sealer, make sure it’s marked “TPMS Safe.”
If you frequently drive on bumpy roads, wet roads, or snow-covered roads, you’ll want to have your sensors tested whenever you have your tires rotated. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for any manufacturer specifications.
Some experts recommend that you get the TPMS sensors replaced whenever you purchase a new set of tires. That’s because, by the time your current tires need replacing, the sensors have experienced plenty of wear and tear. Getting new sensors can help ensure that they last for the life of your new tires.
Common Symptoms You Need To Replace TPMS Sensors
- Your TPMS warning light illuminates but your tires have correct air pressure.
- You fix a flat tire but your TPMS warning light remains illuminated.
- You get a flat tire with no previous warning from the TPMS.
- Your TPMS warning light doesn’t illuminate when your tires are underinflated.
- You get new tires and want to ensure that your sensors last for the life of the tires.
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with a TPMS sensor replacement:
- Tire inspection
- TPMS diagnostic check
- Sensor seal replacement
- Sensor battery testing
- Tire rotation
- Manual sensor relearning (if the new sensors aren’t communicating with the TPMS control module)
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At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
