MATE Answers

Frequently asked questions about TPMS MATE tire sensors and pressure indicators.
In this section the information on the operation of the tire pressure sensors and on the MATE TPMS devices.

The TPMS indicator light strats blinking while driving

If the TPMS warning light starts blinking while driving, it is necessary to keep a good grip on the steering wheel in case the car is to be controlled due to a tire explosion and as soon as possible park safely the car to check the damage.
In case of damage it is necessary to repair / replace the tire or call the road assistance. Driving with one or more partially or totally deflated tires is not permitted. Find out more

The TPMS indicator light turns on and off

This indicates an approach of tire pressure to the minimum safety value (20% below the standard value). This usually occurs when the pressure fluctuates due to changes in the ambient temperature. It is advisable to periodically check the tire pressure, including the spare wheel one, to make sure that they all have an optimal pressure level, especially before long journeys.Find out more

The TPMS indicator blinks when the car is turned on and stays on

If the TPMS indicator blinks for about 30-90 seconds when the engine is switched on and stays on when the car is running, it signals a malfunction of the TPMS system. Take the car to a MATE workshop to solve the problem. If the TPMS is faulty, as a further precaution, check the tire pressure before driving.Scopri di più

What is the TPMS system and how does it work?

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (tire pressure monitoring system). This system is integrated at the base of the valves and constantly controls the pressure communicating with the car ECU. In the event that an air leak occurs, the warning light starts blinking on the dashboard warning the driver of the danger.Find out more

Pressure monitoring modes

There are two ways to monitor tire pressure:

Direct: via the TPMS sensors mounted at the base of the valve, which measures the pressure and temperature in real time.
Indirect: the pressure is estimated on the rolling speed of the tires using the ESP / ABS system sensors.

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The advantages / disadvantages of direct pressure monitoring (TPMS)

Data capture is extremely accurate and in real time, plus it offers some additional features such as the recognition of tire position, the measurement of their temperature and the measurement of a possible loss of pressure when the vehicle is stationary.
It's an expensive system and not easy to set up.Find out more

The advantages / disadvantages of indirect pressure monitoring

Less precision in pressure measurement, delay in reporting a possible problem, lower maintenance costs and easier setting.Find out more

What can cause a TPMS to malfunction?

TPMS may not work properly for the following reasons:

Sensor low battery: the sensors are equipped with an internal lithium battery with an estimated duration of 4-7 years or 160,000km.
Poorly installed valve: TPMS sensors must be installed with nickel-plated valves and not brass or copper valves. The latter can create a galvanic corrosion causing a malfunctioning.
Incorrect replacement of tires: tires equipped with TPMS must always be replaced following the correct procedures according to the type of sensor used. The replacement should be done by a professionist. Abrupt or inappropriate handling during their replacement can break or damage the sensors.
Application of an incorrect tightening torque: All moving parts of the TPMS must be tightened to the correct tightening torque, neither too low nor too high. Otherwise, the TPMS will not work properly. The correct tightening torque is 4Nm.
Electronic fault: The TPMS system consists of electronic devices and circuits that may fail.

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The tires are inflated correctly but the TPMS warning light keep blinking, what should you do?

This indicates the presence of a problem with the vehicle's on-board computer or with one or more TPMS sensors and can only be solved only at a specialized center.Find out more

Does the TPMS system warn you if the tires are over-inflated?

No, the TPMS system is designed to signal only a low tire pressure.Find out more

Can tires equipped with TPMS sensors be mended independently with repair kits?

This procedure is not recommended because, using a repair kit, such as the puncture spray, it can cause chemical reactions that damage the sensor.Find out more

Is it possible to assemble tires equipped with TPMS sensors on my own?

The new technical requirements make an independent assembly more difficult and requires specific diagnostic tools, therefore it is advisable to contact a MATE expert.Scopri di più

How can maintenance be performed on TPMS sensors?

Valves mounted on the sensors are subject to natural wear and must be checked regularly (we recommend when you replace the tires). A specialized MATE workshop will be able to perform it.Find out more

How to know if a car is equipped with the TPMS system?

If the car has been registered after 1 November 2014, it will certainly be equipped with a pressure detection system (direct or indirect). If instead it has been registered previously it is very probable that it is not providedFind out more

How can I know if MATE is suitable for my car?

To find the right sensor , all you have to do is go to the "car / sensor search" sectionScopri di più

I have a worn / broken valve stem. Can I replace only the stem or should the entire sensor be replaced?

In the event that only the stem is damaged or particularly worn, it can be quickly replaced thanks to the "PRESS TO RELEASE" release system.Find out more

When TPMS is requested by law?

From 1 November 2014, the European Union, through the regulation (EU) 2012/523, made the TPMS mandatory on newly registered motor vehicles and campers.Find out more

Where can I buy replacement sensors?

MATE does not market directly to consumers. Visit the MATE Shop section for information on retailers in your area.Scopri di più

My car does not have TPMS, do I have to integrate them?

In vehicles subject to the obligation of TPMS, a direct or indirect TPMS has already been integrated during manufacturing, otherwise the vehicle could not have obtained any type approval within one of the EU Member States.
Retrospective integration is not mandatory.Find out more

What if I have / would like to replace a tire (breakdown, wear, change of winter / summer tires)?

When servicing tires, always check the TPMS sensors on the vehicle.
Vehicles subject to mandatory TPMS must be equipped with sensors on all tires.
If a new tire is fitted to the vehicle, a sensor compatible with the TPMS must also be integrated. Scopri di più

What is the average life of a TPMS?

The battery is not always sufficient to cover the entire life of the vehicle, is low consumption (3V) and provides a service life of a few years or at least 160,000 km.
Find out more

Can the TPMS battery be replaced / recharged?

Once the battery is exhausted, it is not replaceable, so the whole sensor must be replaced.Find out more

What are the TPMS requirements?

From November 2014, all registered vehicles must be equipped with a direct or indirect TPMS, and vehicles that do not comply with this obligation would not get any homologation or registration in the EU Member States. According to UE laws, the TPMS must have the following characteristics:
In the event of a single tire pressure loss of 20% less than the working pressure, the TPMS must issue an alert within 10 minutes.
In the event of an immediate or gradual loss of pressure of all four tires of 20% less than the working pressure, the TPMS must issue a warning within 10 minutes.
It must detect a loss of tire pressure at a speed between 40 km / h and the maximum power of the vehicle.
It must have a data transfer at a frequency of 433 MHz.Find out more

What are the advantages of TPMS?

The main advantage of having properly inflated tires is to travel in safety.If the pressure is not correct, the tire does not work properly.The vehicle may have unpredictable or delayed handling.
In addition, if the tires are properly inflated, you avoid wasting fuel: the more the tire is deflated, the more it deforms, dissipating energy into heat and unnecessarily consuming fuel (even up to 10% more). On the other hand, if the pressure is too high: the fuel consumption is reduced, but the comfort is affected. And in both cases, the tread wear unevenly, shortening the life of the tire.Find out more