Do I have to install tire pressure sensors on winter wheels?

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

I own a 2009 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan and plan to install snow tires on winter wheels. The web site I plan to purchase these from suggests I purchase tire pressure sensors (4 for $144.00) and a ATEQ TPM QUICKSET RESET TOOL (@ $135.00). Are these REALLY necessary if I continue to check my tire pressure with a gauge I carry in the car? Is there any problem if I don’t have these installed and try to save the $279.00 ? The car comes with these on the wheels I will use for summer driving. Thanks for any information.

2

You don’t have to…but you will have to put up with the light that’s telling you tire pressure is low.

3

I elected NOT to have them installed on my Accord winter tires last year. You’ll have to live w the TPMS light being on all the time–a small price to pay in my opinion. That’s it–just check the tire pressure yourself–something I have been doing for 45 years until this wonderful invention. Put black tape over the light, if that will help you live w it.

4

If you don’t mind the tire pressure warning light being on all winter you don’t need the tire pressure sensors.

I’d save the money and live with the light.

5

Do the sensors constantly send a “good pressure” signal to the computer? or only send a “low pressure” signal to the computer when the pressure falls below a predetermined level? I can’t believe the sensors are constantly sending a signal 24/7, it seems like the little batteries would wear out a lot faster…

6

Thank you for the info.

7

Thank you for the info.

8

Haven’t done anything yet. Am planning on getting the snow tires soon. Thanks anyway for your concern.

9

I went with NOT ordering all the extra stuff. Thanks to all who submitted replies!

10

I can’t remember who the poster was on here, but they said that low pressure light is how they know they have their winter tires/rims on the car so they also know when to change them out.

11

I would like to know if the TPM light comes on or not after you install the winter tires and wheels. I change my OEM 16" wheels out for 18" non-factory performance wheels from May to November and for three seasons never had the TPM light coming on during those months. When I purchased the AR wheels at Sears they never said anything about buying tire pressure sensors for the perfomance wheels. Also, I know the TPM light is working because it glows momentarily at start-up.