A TPMS warns you when a tyre is losing air, before you'd ever notice it by eye. Here's what to look for when you choose one for Australian roads.
Direct or indirect
- Direct TPMS puts a sensor on each tyre and reads its pressure. You see a real number for every tyre, live.
- Indirect TPMS has no tyre sensors. It compares wheel speeds through the ABS and only flags a tyre once it's well down.
Aftermarket kits are direct. That's what gives you a number, not just a light.
Sensor count
You need one sensor for every tyre you want watched, spares included. A car is 4, a car and single-axle van is 6, a car and tandem van is 8.
The count is set by the screen, so buy for the rig you'll tow. Our find my kit questions work it out for you.
The screen
- Power. Some screens plug into the 12 V socket. Others are solar charged, so there are no cords across the dash.
- Where it goes. On the dash or the windscreen, where a glance is enough.
- What it shows. Pressure and temperature for every tyre, and alarms you can set for your load.
Internal or external sensors
External sensors screw onto the valves and you fit them yourself. Internal sensors sit inside the tyre and need a tyre shop. flatMATE kits use external sensors. More in internal vs external TPMS sensors. Need internal sensors? Get a quote.
Range and boosters
If you tow, the signal has to reach the screen from the van's back tyres. A booster relays it partway along the rig. Whether you need one depends on your rig.
Look for a kit that offers one, and read do I need a TPMS booster for my caravan.
The guarantee and support
Look for a long money-back window, a written warranty and a real person to email.
Ours: 180-day money-back guarantee. TPMS kits and the ULTIMATE Bundle. Return postage is on you. 12-month warranty. Plus your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Fitting and care
- External sensors: screw them on firmly and check the seal with a little soapy water.
- Internal sensors: have a tyre shop fit them and balance the wheel.
- Batteries: swap external sensor batteries when the screen shows one is low.
- Tyre changes: tell the tyre shop the sensors are there.
Ready to compare? See every TPMS kit and price.
Not sure what your rig needs? Email us your rig: info@flatmate-tpms.com
