TPMS question(s)

[GaryMX5]

I have 2 new(er) 2025 mazdas. They came with valve stem TPMS sensors. I had 4 previous Mazdas (14, 16, 18, & 21) that used hub/brake sensors (no sensor in wheel/tire). I have two sets of snows (tires w/ wheels) that were used on the older cars that I want to use on the new cars. I've been debating whether I want to add sensors to these wheels. If done at Discount tire this would be around 500.00 total. I recently installed one set of tires (without sensors) on the Mazda3 to see what would happen. Naturally, I get a notice on my screen that says something like "TPMS not working get serviced asap". I can clear that message but the little yellow tpms tire symbol replaces it. I can live with that. I'm an old goat and used to never having to deal with excessive warnings etc. My question is, If I were to consider adding sensors to the snows would the cars have to go thru a re-learning process everytime I switched tire sets in the spring and late fall? I assume I could get a re-learning tool but would have to find one that is compatible with both the stock sensors and whatever the aftermarket sensors would be. If I was able to find sets of OEM stock sensors at reasonable cost, would the re-learning process be eliminated? If this gets more expensive I may decide to live with the indicator light being on if there's no serious downside to doing so.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I don't think you need any tool to learn them. Just drive a few miles with them installed in the tires on your car.

Sad that Mazda went back to direct TPMS

 

[Nessism1]

https://www.tpmsdirect.com/product_p/tds-set-6526.htm

Are these the type your cars use? Assuming yes, for the money, I'd buy a set. Check aftermarket also. Maybe not as good as OEM, but they are just going to be on a few months.

 

[Pew]

I've been considering the same so I found on reddit:

When changing tires yourself If you or someone else changes tires, you or someone else can also undertake the steps for the TPMS to complete the ID signal code registration.

• After tires have been changed, switch the ignition ON, then back to ACC or OFF.
• Wait for about 15 minutes.
• After about 15 minutes, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire pressure sensor ID signal code will be registered automatically.

 

[Nukeman7]

Go to your local WalMart Auto and Tire Service Center and ask if they can simply clone the TPMS identification numbers to their Bartec replacement TPMS sensors should you opt to install them on your winter tire rims. If so, no relearning will be needed as the TPMS computer will assume the tires/wheels have not been changed. FYI, WalMart only charges $30 per wheel to install a TPMS sensor (parts & labor included).

 

[GaryMX5]

I don't think you need any tool to learn them. Just drive a few miles with them installed in the tires on your car.

Sad that Mazda went back to direct TPMS

I agree. I assume it was the only way to show individual tire pressures on a graphic display (to keep up with everyone else). The hub system worked fine for me. I'm not afraid or too lazy to use a tire gauge when needed.

 

[GaryMX5]

Go to your local WalMart Auto and Tire Service Center and ask if they can simply clone the TPMS identification numbers to their Bartec replacement TPMS sensors should you opt to install them on your winter tire rims. If so, no relearning will be needed as the TPMS computer will assume the tires/wheels have not been changed. FYI, WalMart only charges $30 per wheel to install a TPMS sensor (parts & labor included).

Thankyou, that appears to address the issue and also seems to be ALOT cheaper.

 

[GaryMX5]

https://www.tpmsdirect.com/product_p/tds-set-6526.htm

Are these the type your cars use? Assuming yes, for the money, I'd buy a set. Check aftermarket also. Maybe not as good as OEM, but they are just going to be on a few months.

Those appear to be very similar (shape, etc.) to the ones I saw on a mazdas parts page. 70.00 for 4 seems to fall in that "almost too good to be true" catagory but may be worth a try. Those combined with the re-learn procedures mentioned (not requiring any tools) and if my cars are compatible with that process would make the whole conversion process super cheap and not too inconvenient.

 

[z71bill]

Do you really need 8 snow tires?

The TPMS stems are cheap - it is the labor to install and rebalance that drives the cost.

It had been 9.5 years since I replaced TPMS - so last time I got tires at Discount Tire I had them replaced even though they were still reading "good".

It cost me $18 each for the sensors - $72 + $6 tax = $78 total for 4.

Since they were doing all the work of replacing the tires anyway - and they install new gaskets on the TPMS when the put on new tires - they just charged me for the cost of the sensors.

If my TPMS stems are over 6 years old - or over 40K miles if I needed tires I would replace them at the same time as the new tires just to avoid the BIG EXPENSE of replacing them without new tires. $>>250.