Taking Care of Your TPMS Kit - What You Need to Know
There’s a newish saying - take care of your TPMS kit and it will take care of you.
And it couldn’t be more true.
Your TPMS is one of the quiet champions of your vehicle setup - working in the background, monitoring all your tyres and alerting you before small issues turn into costly or dangerous problems. Like any piece of precision equipment, it performs at its best when it’s given the right attention.
A well-maintained display monitor and sensors won’t just deliver more accurate readings - they’ll stay reliable when you need them most and last significantly longer. This is especially important in Australia, where conditions can be some of the harshest on the planet. Scorching heat, long distances, corrugated roads and outback dust all put extra stress.
Caring for Your TPMS Display Monitor
Most TPMS display units use an LCD screen which is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Promata’s displays are engineered to handle the heat better than most. They can withstand temperatures up to 85°C - the highest rating on the market. But Australian summers are in a league of their own. On a hot day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb past 100°C, especially with direct sunlight hitting the dashboard.
That’s why placement matters. The ideal location for a solar-powered TPMS monitor is on the dashboard near an air vent and close to the A-pillar. Not only does this give you a clear line of sight while driving, but this part of the dashboard also tends to remain cooler. In the image below, the shaded green areas highlight the best mounting positions - they strike the perfect balance between visibility, accessibility and heat protection.
As a general rule, if you’re in the car, your display will be safe - air conditioning and airflow help keep temperatures within a comfortable range for the LCD. The risk comes when the car is parked under the sun for hours in Australian summers. If you know the vehicle will be left unattended and unshaded on a scorching day, simply popping the monitor into the glove box will make a huge difference. This small step helps shield the display from heat stress and ensures it will continue performing reliably for years to come. Repeated exposure to high heat will cause the display to fade. This is because high temperatures disrupt the delicate operation of the liquid crystals and other components within the LCD display.
By treating your TPMS display with a bit of care, you protect both its accuracy and its lifespan - keeping you informed and safe on every trip.
Caring for Your TPMS Sensors
When it comes to sensor maintenance, there’s not a lot you need to do - and that’s the beauty of a well-designed TPMS.
Internal sensors are truly a set-and-forget solution. Once installed inside the tyre, they’re protected from weather, dust, mud and accidental bumps. They sit securely on the wheel rim and quietly do their job for years, only needing attention when the battery runs out (usually during a tyre change).
External sensors offer the convenience of quick installation and easy battery replacement. Because they live outside the tyre, they’re exposed to the elements, so giving them a little attention from time to time helps keep them performing at their best.
A few simple habits can go a long way such as wiping them clean when they’re covered with dirt or mud and avoiding using harsh chemicals when washing your wheels (mild soapy water is enough).
With these small bits of care, both internal and external sensors will stay accurate, responsive and long-lasting.
Conclusion
Taking care of your TPMS kit doesn’t require much effort - but the payoff is huge. A well-maintained display monitor and set of sensors give you real-time tyre protection and peace of mind on every drive.
Whether you’re running internal or external sensors, driving in city traffic or tackling long stretches of outback roads, a little attention goes a long way. By keeping your display out of extreme heat and following the simple habits outlined above, you’ll ensure your TPMS continues to perform exactly as it should for years to come.
