Are Aftermarket TPMS Better than Vehicle Manufacturer's Sensors?
When the TPMS sensors on your Toyota, Mazda, Ford, etc. run out of battery, you have the choice of getting sensors from the brand you bought from or aftermarket alternatives.
It’s a common misconception that TPMS sensors from the vehicle manufacturer is always the better option. While integration and compatibility with your car’s system won’t be an issue, the best aftermarket alternatives actually provide better value for money. For big companies like Toyota, Ford or Hyundai, they have so many parts and processes to worry about that for them, the TPMS is an afterthought. It’s something they add to tick off the box. Whereas TPMS is our core specialty. We manufacture TPMS units specifically to handle harsh Australian conditions and since we’re direct from factory, we can offer better value for money as well.
When getting an aftermarket TPMS, you also have the option to choose from external or internal sensors while vehicle manufacturer TPMS sensors are almost always internal. External sensors can be installed DIY and are cheaper than their internal counterparts.
Must Have Features When Choosing a TPMS
When getting an aftermarket TPMS, there are several crucial features that can make a significant impact on everyday functionality, convenience and long-term reliability. While many systems may appear similar on the surface, the quality of the features included can dramatically affect how useful the TPMS is in real-world driving conditions.
Automatic Drop and Hook Trailer Compatibility
For fleets, transport operators and anyone regularly towing different trailers, automatic drop and hook capability is a critical feature. This allows the TPMS to seamlessly recognise when a trailer is attached or changed without requiring manual reconfiguration each time. It significantly reduces setup time and eliminates human error and forgetfulness.
IP67 Rated Sensors
Tyre pressure sensors are constantly exposed to harsh conditions including water, mud and dust. An IP67 rating ensures the sensors are fully protected against dust and can withstand immersion in 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This level of durability is essential for both on-road and off-road applications - particularly in Australian conditions where heavy rain, remote roads and sand environments are common.
10 Metre Transmission Distance
Reliable signal transmission is essential for accurate real-time monitoring. A 10-metre transmission range between the display monitor and furthest sensors ensures stable communication. This is especially important in longer vehicles or towing setups such as caravans, boats and trailers. This range helps maintain consistent data flow without dropouts, ensuring the driver always has up-to-date tyre pressure and temperature readings.
Adjustable Tyre Pressure Alarm Thresholds for Each Axle
Different axles on a vehicle often carry different loads and therefore require different optimal tyre pressures. A high-quality aftermarket TPMS should allow users to set custom alarm thresholds for each axle individually rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all setting. This flexibility is especially important for 4WDs, caravans and towing setups where front, rear and trailer axles experience varying weight distributions.
Wireless Sensor Pairing for Internal Sensors
When using internal TPMS sensors, wireless pairing is a key feature that simplifies installation and maintenance. Instead of having to uninstall the sensor when something needs servicing, wireless pairing allows each sensor to be quickly assigned to its correct wheel position. This is particularly valuable during tyre rotation or related events.
Long Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in the practicality of any TPMS. High-quality aftermarket TPMS sensors should be specifically designed to optimize for long battery life. This means they need to sleep when not in use and wake up the moment you start driving again.