Driving today, I noticed the TPMS icon illuminated. Pulled over into a gas station, checked all 4 tires, and one was down 5 PSI. Drove to the tire store (where I've had a handful of tires repaired over the years), and guess what--there was a screw in the tire. So 2 comments. First, when the TPMS icon lights up, don't post a question asking if you should trust that system--yes, trust it! Second, if you do get a flat/leak, be sure to get it repaired at a tire store that removes the tire from the wheel, and does a patch/plug from the inside--and not a garage that just shoves a plug in from the outside (which runs the risk of failure).
Additionally, most fix a flat compounds can damage the wireless tire pressure sensor in the valve stem that make TPMS work. Even the ones that claim to be safe can cause damage over time. Since those sensors are not cheap, it's best to avoid those products.
I had a nail in a tire a couple of years ago. I pulled it out and fixed it with a $5 fix-it-yourself plug from the outside. 20K miles and counting and it has never had a problem. I expect it will last the life of the tire. 3PriusMike
I too just had the TPMS alert, last week (I check the tire pressure every week) when I checked the air pressure one of the rear tires was 37 psi, normally I have 40 psi. I noted this and this week as I was getting readly to travel the alert icon (TPMS) was visible. I checked the suspected tire and only had 25 psi. Brought the car to the tire repair service center and they removed a nail.
Generally the plugs work okay, but a real patch is more reliable. I wouldn't lose sleep over it, but given the choice, I will always go with an inside patch. Tom
I don't think that anyone said that every single time a plug from the outside is used it invites disaster, but it is well documented that the preferred way, (if possible) is to patch it from the inside. Good for you that it worked, but to imply that it is just as safe and just as good to do it that way is at best, disingenuous, at worst, just plain dumb.
The sensor takes 15 minutes to detect a change. For slow leaks like a nail in the tire it’s good. For a big leak it is worthless.
I've been using the cheap way, I guess most garage like to do it that way. Thanks for the info and if I need to patch a tire again, I will sure do it from inside. Thanks!
