TPMS in Waterford

Direct versus indirect

Direct TPMS uses a sensor in the valve or strapped in the wheel. It reads pressure. Indirect systems use the ABS ring and guess from wheel speed. They are a different conversation. Bring the car. We will not guess from the dashboard symbol alone.

Most cars we see at Grattan Quay are direct. If you have just fitted aftermarket wheels with no sensors, the light will stay on until we clone or programme a set.

Why the light stays on

Low pressure, a slow puncture, a dead sensor battery, a valve that was nipped on fitting, or a sensor that was never programmed after a wheel change. Resetting the dash without fixing the cause is how it comes back on the ring road.

• Warning light on after a pressure drop or a repair
• Sensor battery end-of-life, often 5–10 years
• New wheels that need sensors cloned or programmed
• A puncture or kerb that killed the valve

Sensor batteries

The battery is sealed inside the sensor. You do not jump-start it. When it dies, the sensor is replaced. Age, heat and the number of pressure cycles finish them. A 2016 car that has never had sensors done is due, even if the light only started last week.

After a puncture or new wheels

If you are fitting a new set of tyres, ask us to check the sensors in the same visit. A new tyre on a dead tracker still throws the light. Aftermarket alloys often need sensors transferred or a new set cloned.

A puncture repair done with the sensor still in the wheel is fine when we do it. A sensor smashed by a cheap valve tool is a second bill. Say if work was done elsewhere.

A second set or winter wheels

Two sets of wheels means two sets of sensors, or a clone job every time you swap. We would rather programme a dedicated set for the winter wheels than have you driving to Kilkenny with the light on and no idea which tyre is soft.

Programmed at Grattan Quay

Sensors have to talk to the car. A cheap valve that is not programmed is a light that will not go out. We fit, programme and confirm the light is clear before you leave. This is passenger work at the quay. Truck TPMS is a Newrath conversation if you have it.

1. Send an enquiry with the make, model and year, and whether the light is on.
2. We confirm a time at Grattan Quay.
3. Test, replace if needed, programme. You pay in the workshop.

What to have ready

• The vehicle
• Make, model and year
• Whether the TPMS light is on