Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

[DIYspanner]

I've had to check the pressures on a 2016 Corsa this morning and its the first time I come across one of these systems.

The dash indicator was showing the o/s front was down and with that blown up, the n/s rear flagged up as low so I did all corners which in fact were all low.

I presume the wireless sensor on the wheel needs a new battery when getting news tyres on?

I went to check the spare and the car ain't got one - new cars are supplied without them now apparently!

 

[Mottie]

Yep, a can of totally useless repair foam is the best you can get on most cars these days unless you spend extra as a spare wheel is now considered an 'accessory' by most manufacturers. Gone are the days when you got a full size alloy wheel as a spare!

On some cars you have to reset the TPS after inflating tyres.

 

[DIYspanner]

So you don't get a spare and tyre centers would tube or repair a puncture if within 3/4" of the shoulder.

I appreciate car tyres are designed tubeless hence shouldn't have a tube fitted and too much flexing on or near the wall for patching to be practical (or safe), but a spare is a basic safety measure - albeit a lot of folk can't change a spare!

 

[Burnerman]

VAG vehicles use the rolling radius of their wheels these days - the ABS system can determine any loss in pressure, but it doesn't always disclose which wheel has a problem.
With these systems, things need to be reset using a dashboard switch every time the pressures are set.
Never mind not having a spare - mine doesn't have a jack or a wheel brace either
John

 

[alan333]

VAG vehicles use the rolling radius of their wheels these days - the ABS system can determine any loss in pressure

My Mazda uses the ABS sensors too. A potential problem is that AFAIK it only detects a difference in the drag of an individual wheel, ie if all four tyres were a bit low it wouldn't know. Perhaps it's smarter than that tho, I'm happy to be corrected

 

[Burnerman]

I couldn't truthfully comment Alan, but I picked up a nail in Normandy a year ago. and the car sounded its alarm even though it was only 3 psi down.
It was then up to me to find out which wheel was affected, and buy a 'manometre' at a local Leclercs to find out
I carry a set of plugs, reamer and rubber solution now, just in case.....but if I had a spare wheel I'd be up and gone in 5 mins.
I reckon you're right though - slight equal depressurising would go undetected.
John