Expert Q&A: Your Top 10 Most Asked Questions About Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

For Australian drivers, ensuring tyre health is the key to safety and saving money. We know you have questions about switching from manual checks to a TPMS, so the experts at Flatmate-TPMS have compiled the top 10 most critical questions we receive, along with clear, definitive answers.

1. Why do I need an aftermarket TPMS if my new car already has one?

Your factory TPMS is built for regulatory compliance, not for Australian touring. It critically fails to monitor your caravan or trailer, and often misses vital heat alerts, leaving the most vulnerable part of your rig unprotected. Flatmate systems fill this gap with multi-axle coverage and temperature monitoring.

2. How do I choose between Internal and External Sensors?

External Sensors (Cap Sensors) are the most popular choice for caravanners and 4WDers because they allow for easy DIY installation and quick inflation/deflation (airing up/down) on the road. Internal Sensors offer more security but require costly professional installation, as the entire sensor must be replaced when the battery dies.

3. Are aftermarket TPMS systems accurate and reliable?

Yes, high-quality systems are extremely reliable. Flatmate-TPMS systems use digital sensors that provide laboratory-level real-time PSI readings, which are far more accurate than standard manual gauges or indirect factory systems. We back this reliability with our 180-Day Power Guarantee.

4. How often do I need to replace the sensor batteries?

Battery life depends on the sensor type. External Sensors typically use easily replaceable coin batteries lasting 1 to 2 years. Internal Sensors generally have sealed batteries lasting 5–7 years, but the entire sensor must be replaced, requiring professional tyre work.

5. How does temperature monitoring help me?

Temperature monitoring is a life-saving feature your factory system usually lacks. Excessive heat is the #1 precursor to a catastrophic blowout. A sudden heat spike can also alert you to a rapid mechanical failure, such as a failing wheel bearing or brake on your caravan, allowing you to pull over before major damage occurs.

6. Can I use a TPMS system on both my 4WD and my caravan/trailer?

Absolutely. This is the primary reason to choose a Flatmate-TPMS system. Our models (like the Aura and Guardian) are specifically designed to monitor multiple axles, simultaneously covering your tow vehicle and up to a large multi-axle caravan or trailer, all from one dashboard display.

7. Why did my TPMS suddenly start alarming even though the pressure looks fine?

The alarm is often due to a rapid change in temperature or a pressure drop that is visually undetectable (e.g., 40 PSI looks identical to 20 PSI). Never ignore the alarm! It means the tyre has crossed the safe threshold, and you need to pull over immediately to prevent severe damage.

8. What PSI range do I need for heavy towing/caravanning?

Caravan tyres typically require much higher inflation pressures (often 50 PSI and above) than passenger vehicles. You must verify that your TPMS system can accurately read pressures in your required range, which may exceed 80 PSI for heavy loads.

9. Will installing external sensors cause my tyres to leak air?

No. High-quality external sensors, like those from Flatmate-TPMS, are designed with rubber seals and thread securely onto the metal Schrader valve stem. When properly installed and secured with the anti-theft nut, they are weatherproof and do not cause air loss.

10. How do I fix signal interference (signal dropouts) when towing a long caravan?

Signal interference is common over the long distance of a caravan tow. The solution is a signal booster (repeater). For longer rigs (over 7–8 metres), Flatmate-TPMS strongly recommends installing a repeater halfway down the caravan chassis to ensure reliable, continuous signal transmission to the dashboard monitor.

*Audio Version Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P-yG2FVkj4