 nVision Tire Pressure Monitoring System . Click image to enlarge |
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nVision Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Starting with model year 2007, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) became mandatory in every new passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg) or less, sold in the United States. Here in Canada TPMS isn’t mandatory yet, but vehicle manufacturers are building them into their vehicles anyway, as standard or in some cases optional equipment.
There are two types of TPMS: indirect and direct. The indirect system uses information from the ABS sensors to compare turning circumference of each tire to the other three. This is the style that was used when TPMS was first introduced. I had a 1999 GM vehicle which used this system and it constantly gave false readings and wouldn’t activate until 30 per cent below the normal pressures. For these reasons, the indirect system has been replaced with the more accurate direct system.
The direct system uses sensors fitted inside the tire where it reads the air pressure directly, and it will activate at 25 per cent below normal pressures. These sensors feed information to either a general warning light or on more sophisticated systems will indicate which tire needs attention.
If your vehicle is older than 2007 and you would like the benefit and safety associated with TPMS, you can add a portable system such as nVision.
 nVision Tire Pressure Monitoring System . Click image to enlarge |
nVision, by Hopkins Manufacturing, markets a portable, wireless, system that can be used on any vehicle. It can monitor up to 24 tires simultaneously, will give warnings at 12.5 per cent (poor fuel economy warning) and at 25 per cent (dangerous low pressure warning) below normal. This is a great system to add if you’re towing a trailer. Monitoring tire pressures on a large trailer can prevent a very dangerous tire blow out.
Supplied in the box is the monitor with antenna, power cord and four sensors (additional sensors can be purchased separately). The sensors replace the tire valve caps and send a Radio Frequency signal to the monitor. You can set up to four different combinations of vehicles, motorhomes and trailers. This allows motorhome owners to track their coach and towed vehicle while in transit. Same for truck owners: track your truck and trailer tires simultaneously.
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at 8:10 am
Having read little regarding OEM TPMS outside the unreliability and expense, I don’t get it. It seems to me anyone interested in spending $300 and dealing with this cumbersome technology probably checks their tires regularly. Those oblivious to the problem of tire pressure will not buy it. TPMS is about theoretical, miniscule gas consumption improvements, not safety, anyway.
at 10:59 am
I have a great TPMS. It’s a small circular VDO pressure gauge that I use regularly. No fuss, no muss, and I didn’t have to rely on the government to mandate it.
at 11:39 am
TPMS should be mandatory here in Canada like the US. For me it’s a must. All of my cars have direct TPMS except my ordered 2009 Audi A4. I just bought a direct TPMS system from the US for US$160 for the Audi. It’s by Orange Electronics. Shame on Audi for witholding this safety feature from Canadians.
at 12:35 pm
Negatives to TPMS:
TPMS sensors can cost $75-100. Once mandated, you’ll have to purchase a set for winter rims (which many Canadians have). That’s an additional $300-400 expense to be added to the price of winter rims.
Then there’s the fact that you can’t “goop” TPMS-equipped tires to fix them–has to be a spare. It’s an issue for some.
at 3:31 pm
Very Negative to TPMS.
Given the cost of an extra set of TPMS for winter tires (which are mandatory here) and the fact that if you alternate between 2 set (summer-winter) you need to have your dealer reprogram the kit every time you swap the tires, TPMS are a big waste of money and another gimmick your dealer can push on you for some nice clean easy profit. Any idiot can check his tire regularly cost free.
It can be an option for people who wish to pay for it but it should never be mandatory.
at 4:47 am
I have Toyota TPMS sensors, on a 2006 vehicle. Nothing but trouble. I changed to Nokian “All Weather” (ice rated) tires last Fall. I had to change out my factory rubber. Tire dealer charges extra for “sleeve fitment” (add that to your cost of new tires every time), then they wrecked one sensor. They claimed it was corroded, and the tool they use to remove it broke the valve inside the stem (I saw it, and it looked like someone had twisted it too hard). I spent 300 dollars on ONE wheel to fix this issue. The tire store guy told me that it is a defect in the units from factory, because they corrode. The dealer (who is also a customer at my business, and a friend) told me that the unit had been pried too hard – that it is a common issue, and showed me the damage.
These units are going to cost consumers $1000s of dollars, and you know what? Unless they stop you from driving – which they won’t – they don’t work. I can’t tell you how many people I know who drive around with the unit’s warning light on. Why? Usually they are also connected to the spare. If you use your spare, your light goes on, because the main computer needs to have a signal from all 5 wheels. If you leave your spare at home, or if it’s in the shop, OR if it’s a few pounds pressure off, it sets the sensor off.
These units are expensive garbage. If manufacturers can’t guarantee their reliability, I’m using a “fix” I found on the web, to permanently disable my system.
ps: I check my tire pressure, oil, other fluids, etc., etc., on a regular basis.
at 10:25 am
Mandatory? For whom and why?
Who has the right to tell any one person in Canada to use such a system? Why are people agreeing to remove the rights of individuals to decide for themselves, like they best can. This is pure government mismanagement. Anytime the government gets into protecting, regulating or working in the “public good” they do just the opposites because they can’t and no one can tell exactly what the each and every person wants. All they can do is remove the rights from those responsible individuals, who maintain proper tire pressure, to enact a law on them they don’t need. Wake up people; stop denying your rights by agreeing with the government to live your life for you. Get selfish, or responsible for your own life, don’t advocate control over others.
at 2:19 am
So, why wouldn’t I just put NITROGEN in my tires instead?!!
at 1:14 pm
I read your blog for a long time and must tell that your posts always prove to be of a high value and quality for readers.
at 6:50 pm
I purchased an aftermarket system from Canadian tire for my Class A RV rear tires since these are the heaviest loaded and it is possible to pick up nails between daily stops and have a slow leaker turn into a blowout. It turned out that the valve stem mounted transmitters were not powerful enough and in high winds or rough pavement certain tires would stop transmitting. Resetting was necessary in some cases and in other cases they might reset after a stopover. I eventually removed them as they were below expectations but would use such a system again if it was more reliable.
at 1:16 pm
Thanks, this helped me a lot! Actually, I am researching on buying Quality Wheels and Tires online from past 5-6 days but I wasn