What to Look for When Buying a TPMS: Key Factors to Consider

Maintaining the right tyre pressure isn’t just about performance - it’s about safety, fuel efficiency and protecting your investment. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a TPMS so you won’t overlook anything that might surprise you down the line.

User-Friendliness

A good TPMS should make your life easier - not more complicated. Can the system be used straight out of the box without having to adjust any settings? Are there clear video tutorials on how to set everything up? For cars with trailers, does it come with automatic trailer detection?

The more intuitive and seamless the system is to use, the more likely you’ll stay on top of tyre health - helping you avoid breakdowns or accidents down the road.

Battery Life

When choosing a TPMS, battery life is one of the most critical factors to consider - especially for systems with internal sensors that are mounted inside the tyre. Unlike external sensors, internal ones typically require tyre removal for sensor replacement, making long-lasting batteries a major convenience and cost-saver.

External sensors usually offer replaceable coin batteries, but even here, longer battery life means fewer maintenance hassles. A well-designed TPMS will optimize power consumption without sacrificing accuracy - ensuring reliable readings day after day.

Systems that achieve this level of performance must be engineered from the ground up - not pieced together from off-the-shelf parts. By designing every component ourselves, we can fine-tune every detail to maximize battery life. Individually, they may not be much but added together - they make a huge difference.

Durability & Operating Temperature

Your TPMS needs to handle more than just smooth highways - it should perform reliably in all weather conditions, road types and temperature extremes. This is even more important for the demanding Australian climate and environment.

Quality TPMS sensors should be waterproof and dust-resistant (look for an IP67 rating) as well as shock resistant to handle bumps along the road.

Operating temperature is another key consideration. Cheap sensors may fail or give inaccurate readings when exposed to extreme heat or cold. A high-performance TPMS should operate reliably in a wide temperature range, typically from -20°C to 85°C, ensuring year-round accuracy whether you’re in the Outback or the Snowy Mountains.

A durable system isn’t just about longevity - it’s about safety you can count on when it matters most.

Reliability & Standards: Trust What’s Tried, Tested, and Certified

Start by checking whether the TPMS complies with relevant regulations and certifications, such as CE, FCC, RoHS  and RCM compliance for electromagnetic safety and radio frequency use. RCM especially is important for Australia since it's not legal for a product without this compliances to be sold here.

These standards ensure the system has been tested for accuracy, performance and electromagnetic safety - so it won’t interfere with your vehicle’s electronics or give false readings. A well-tested, standards-compliant TPMS gives you peace of mind knowing your tyre safety is always in check.

Smart Functionality That Make a Real Difference

Not all TPMS kits are created equal. Beyond basic pressure and temperature monitoring, the right system should offer smart features that simplify functionality and suit your driving needs. This is especially the case for vehicles with trailers, dual axles or frequent tyre rotations. Below are some valuable features to look for:

Automatic Trailer Detection (No Manual Switching):

If you tow a trailer, caravan or boat, look for a TPMS that automatically detects when the trailer is connected or disconnected. Systems that require a manual button press can be frustrating or easy to forget - automated detection saves time and reduces user error.

Adjustable Pressure Thresholds:

Some TPMS take fixed thresholds (usually around ± 25% of your current tyre pressure) and don’t allow you to adjust. A well-designed system should allow you to adjust the tyre pressure thresholds per axle since some applications like off-road driving require different pressure levels.

Tyre Swap / Rotation Function:

A built-in tyre swap or rotation mode makes it easy to reassign sensors to the correct tyre position. Without this, you may get confused alerts or have to go through the time consuming process of manually re-pairing sensors.

Real-Time Alerts with Visual and Audible Warnings:

A quality TPMS should notify you instantly and clearly if tyre pressure drops suddenly, if a tyre overheats or if there's a slow leak over time. FreshData™ technology ensures the real time tyre data is displayed on your display, so you are always up to speed with tyre pressures when you are driving.

Support and After Sales Service:

When it comes to car enhancements, after-sales support is one of the most important - yet often overlooked - factors to consider. Even the best products may require guidance or troubleshooting down the road. Choosing a company that offers unlimited after-sales customer support ensures you’re never left on your own. With the right partner, you’ll have expert help at your fingertips whenever you need it. This will give you peace of mind long after the bought has been bought.

Conclusion

Choosing the right TPMS is about more than just picking a product off the shelf - it’s about finding a system that offers long-term reliability, ease of use and the right features for your driving needs. From battery life and sensor durability to smart functions like automatic trailer detection, every detail matters when it comes to safety and performance on the road.

At Promata, we understand the unique demands of Australian drivers and conditions. We want you to make informed choices with confidence, knowing your tyres are in good hands. That’s why all our TPMS kits are designed from the ground up rather than being rebadged imports.