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2020 - Do TPMS sensors get reused when getting new tires? [Yes] - SOLVED!

12K views 12 replies 12 participants last post by  TTN  
#1 ·
As my 20' approaches 40,000 miles next summer, I will need to replace the original tires. I'm planning on going through Costco. I'm trying to understand what happens with TPMS sensors on this vehicle. Can they be transferred from the old tires to the new tires? I've read that they have a shelf life due to internal batteries, the vehicle will be about 3.5 years old by the time I get new tires. Can/should TPMS sensors be reused or get new ones?
 
#2 ·
Life span is usually about 10 years, maybe more maybe less, depending on how much it is driven. The TPMS were 12 years old/230,000 miles in my Impreza when I traded it in. Fully functional.

There is no need to change them if they are working fine.

Unless one gets damaged by the tire tech, they shouldn't even bring it up.
 
#3 ·
Like @Black21Limited said, the sensors have a lot of life left.
I'd add the TPMS sensors go with the wheels, not the tires, so as long as you keep the same rims, you don't need to replace the TPMS sensors.
HOWEVER, many shops recommend or require that a TPMS rebuild kit be installed, which is basically the valve stem which goes through the wheel and includes the connection to the sensor.

If it were me, I'd go with the rebuild kit (less than $10/wheel) and upgrade to a metal valve stem, but that's me.
 
#4 ·
Yes, TPMS sensors are typically reused.

Some sensors can report battery voltage. Any shop worth using will have a tool to connect to the sensors and should be able to tell you if the sensor reports battery voltage and hence, how much life might be left in the sensor. It can't hurt to ask.

I had a sensor fail. Discount Tire charged $65 for part + labor.
 
#5 ·
TPMS sensors vary in their serviceability. For instance, many Toyota vehicles use TPMS components made by Pacific Industries or TRW. These units use fixed to the sensor body metal valve stems that cannot be detached. So all that can be changed is the seal and valve core. If the valve stem corrodes, you have to toss the entire unit.

Fortunately, Subaru selected Schrader (Sensata) as a supplier. These TPMS sensor bodies have fully replaceable valve stems available either in rubber or metal. For about $5 each, these stems can be unscrewed and replaced with each tire change. So as long as the body is not damaged, they can be reused for 2-3 tire changes (up to around 10 years in most cases) until the battery dies.
 
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#10 ·
Pressure sensors seem to last ~10 years although I had one go bad on my '09 Forester during the first year. (Replaced under warranty.)

I just got tires for my '16 Grand Caravan at Costco and they "require", at least in the Detroit area, a $2.99 "rebuild kit" which I think is a new valve stem and cap for each wheel.

We have '16, '17, and '18 vehicles right now and none of them has had a TPS sensor fail. You're good for a really long time with a 2020 Foz.

Happy Holidays!
 
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#13 ·
Data point: 10 1/2-year-old, 100k (lots of city driving) miles 2015 forester, parked outside its entire life, and factory TPMS sensors were all fine.
I just got new tires at costco. At 10.5 years, I was approaching maximum expected tpms battery life, and given I do not expect to own vehicle more than four to five more years, I had costco swap in new sensors. It was $44.99 per sensor. No charge for installation and programming (normally $16/wheel) with sensors bought at costco along with new tires. Costco has no issues with their TPMS working with subaru and mine are working fine. I also saved $12 fee they charge for stem rebuild kit they mandate if you are not replacing full sensors.

I considered buying shraders online but everyone wanted >$16 per wheel to install and program. And since people reports costco ones lasting >5 years, for me it was better to go with costco's than either Schrader or oem
 
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