Are tpms sensors accurate?

[Aag12]

Does anyone know how accurate the tpms sensors are? I'm noticing that the tpms is 3-4 psi lower than a new tire pressure sensor I recently bought...


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[Singletracker]

FWIW, my sensors seem to run a couple of pounds lower than the digital gauge I normally use.

 

[dleepnw]

almost the same as my digital gauge, maybe .5 psi lower based on my obervations.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

You filled all 4 to the same psi and verified with same tire gauge? Do that first.

 

[Aag12]

You filled all 4 to the same psi and verified with same tire gauge? Do that first.

Used the digital gauge to get all to 49.0 psi. (expected it to get colder soon)

Jump in car and drive and they're all showing 46

 

[waitingonanr1s]

Yes, the tpms reads a couple psi lower than actual. Not sure if it's common on most cars (never really paid attention) - but Discount Tire went out of their way to ask to what pressure I wanted them inflated to at the first rotation. They mentioned if I want it to show 48 on the screen, then they inflate to 50.

Left with a perfect 48 on all of them.

 

[Budman]

Mine match 4 different gauges I checked them against.

 

[kozak79]

I topped off my tires using the built-in compressor to 48, and after driving for a short period all 4 wheels showed 48psi. Seems accurate.

Also, after getting new tires, the tire shop filled all new tires to 48 and all 4 sensors again showed 48psi.

 

[NDIrish]

Mine were wildly different when airing up with the compressor... Set compressor at 48 and had 46, 47, 50, and 51

I got home used a separate gauge and had them all 48, cold mornings they drop to like 44, but driving home in afternoon heat they all hit 51. I understand temps and pressures, but these see way more range change than I would expect (maybe only because I have never had live feed on my dash before)

 

[SDH]

I was going to start a similar thread yesterday! When I used my air compressor, the tires were all showing 2 psi higher in the car than they did on the compressor in the bed.

Also, after a trip to the SC (where they set the tire pressures) the car showed them all at 50 PSI right out of the gate. I suspect my TPMS shows them higher.

At least it seems consistent for all 4 wheels ... just wondering if other folks found variation?

 

[Greg Chick]

I topped off my tires using the built-in compressor to 48, and after driving for a short period all 4 wheels showed 48psi. Seems accurate.

Also, after getting new tires, the tire shop filled all new tires to 48 and all 4 sensors again showed 48psi.

Odd, mine are 2 PSI off.

 

[Jakelake]

Mine consistently show 45 PSI on the display when tires are cold. Checked actual pressure with 3 different pressure gauges and all 3 show 48 PSI. I trust the tire gauges.

 

[R1Thor]

I find it interesting that a bunch of you are stating TPMS system reading lower. I have 2 digital gauges at home that (seem to) agree with one another and compared to my TPMS, TPMS is reading HIGHER.

I did my last rotation and TPMS was reporting ~48 psi. My gauges were showing 44. So, I inflated to 48.5, as one does to account for the few molecules that escape when you pull the fill off ...OK maybe just me... Anyway, now my TPMS shows the tires on the right side at 51 PSI, and the tires on the left side are at 50 PSI. ?‍

 

[madgrey]

TPMS can read high or low, the general idea being that the system should detect changes (not necessarily absolutes) and warn the driver.

If you want to know absolute pressure, use a good digital pressure gauge.

 

[Gman]

Mine show 3 psi lower on screen than digital pressure gauge shows- I disregard screen knowing the digital gauge indicates I am running correct tire pressure. It would be nice if the screen was accurate. Too many variables probably, huh- temp., elevation, etc..

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