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The Flatmate-TPMS Tyre Monitoring System (TPMS) FAQ

 

Your Essential Guide to Sensor Function, Safety, and Immediate Action

We answer your critical questions regarding TPMS warning lights, sensors, and the solutions you need, backed by decades of customer feedback, TESTED experience, and Australian installations. Stop guessing. Get the facts.

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Are TPMS Systems Worth It? The Brutal Truth About Safety and Your Fortune.

 

Absolutely. A high-quality TPMS is a non-negotiable insurance policy for every towing Aussie. TPMS systems are IMPORTANT because they GUARANTEE three core benefits:

• Cost Benefit: Protect Your Fortune. Tyre pressure directly impacts your bank account. REALISE this: Fuel efficiency is reduced by one per cent for every 20 kPa (2.9 PSI) of under-inflation1. You are literally burning cash on every trip.

   

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  Safety Benefit: Prevent Fatal Blowouts. TPMS alerts you instantly, which is critical given almost 50% of all caravan tyre failures are caused by underinflation2. Correct pressure not only IMPROVES vehicle handling and decreases braking distances but is your only real defence against a high-speed blowout.

   

• Longevity Benefit: Extend Tyre Life. Correct pressures reduce uneven tyre wear, which EXTENDS the life of your tyres. The benefit is lower maintenance costs and fewer replacements.

 

What exactly is a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)?

 

A TPMS is an electronic safety system designed to monitor air pressure inside pneumatic tyres in real-time. It uses sensors and onboard computers to actively monitor pressure for under-inflation, over-inflation, and abnormal tyre operating conditions. TPMS sensors operate as a RELIABLE third eye, transmitting continuous data to the driver.

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How do I identify a TPMS warning light and what does it mean?

 

The ALARMING warning light—the internationally RECOGNISABLE symbol that looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation mark—illuminates on your dashboard when the system detects incorrect tyre pressures, sensor faults, or abnormal operating conditions. This light may flash, stay illuminated, or be intermittent.

 

What do I do when the TPMS warning light is illuminated?

 

STOP GUESSING. TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION: When safe to do so, safely PARK and then EXIT your vehicle. Check all tyres for abnormal signs of underinflation or potential slow punctures. Look for foreign objects. Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure or visit your local tyre dealer for professional inspection.

 

How do I turn off or reset the TPMS warning light?

 

TPMS lights are turned off when correct tyre pressures are detected, faulty sensors are replaced, or abnormal tyre conditions are remedied. Depending on your vehicle's specifications, you may need to initiate onboard TPMS resets via the dashboard settings.

 

How do I check my vehicle's tyre pressure?

 

The SIMPLEST way is at almost all service stations which have AIR & WATER bays with digital pressure gauges. Many aftermarket gauges are also available from automotive parts stores. ALWAYS inflate to the correct pressure outlined on the sticker on the driver side door pillar or in the owner's manual.

 

SECTION 3: The High-Tech Edge (Flatmate Product Focus)

 

 

What is the difference between external and internal sensors?

 

You must choose the system that provides the most UNPARALLELED PROTECTION for your use case:

Sensor TypeAdvantagesDisadvantages

External Sensors (Flatmate TPMS)Ideal for DIY installation and convenience. Batteries are replaceable (life: approx. 2 years).Can be more prone to damage from external impacts like rocks or curbs.

Internal Sensors (Flatmate TPMS)Shielded from external elements and provide more accurate readings. Ideal for heavy use as they are hidden.They require professional installation. The batteries are NOT replaceable; the sensor must be replaced when the battery depletes (life: approx. 5 years).

 

I have a car and a caravan. How does the Flatmate TPMS display all the tyres?

 

Our systems are ENGINEERED for the Australian Towing Challenge. Our displays feature automatic trailer hook/drop recognition. The screen typically cycles through three display pages to cover your entire RIG: Car (4 tyres max), Trailer (4 tyres max), and Spare tyre (2 tyres max).

 

What happens to my Flatmate TPMS sensors when I rotate my tyres?

 

• External Sensors: Simply unscrew the sensors from the current tyres and re-screw them onto the correct position (location) on the tyre.

• Internal Sensors: You must use the display’s Tyre Swap function or the pairing function to update the sensor locations.

 

FINAL ACTION REQUIRED

 

If you require a custom kit or EXPERT ADVICE on your specific towing setup (e.g., truck, dual axle caravan, unique vehicle combination), IMMEDIATELY email us with the details: vehicle + trailer setup, number of tyres, preferred sensor locations, and approximate length of your vehicle.