- 1. EEZTire-TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 2. Dorman 974-009 Tire Pressure Monitor System Sensor
- 3. Bellacorp Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 4. TireMinder A1A Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 5. CACAGOO Wireless TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 6. ACDelco 13586335 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 7. TireMinder Smart TPMS
- 8. ZEEPIN TPMS Solar Power Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 9. Vesafe Universal Solar Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 10. YOKARO Wireless TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Underinflated tires waste fuel, compromise a vehicle’s handling, and don’t last as long as properly inflated tires. On the other hand, over-inflated tires can lead to an uncomfortable ride, poor grip, and reduced braking and cornering stability.
Since keeping tires at the perfect pressure is essential for driving safely, it’s no surprise that U.S. legislation has made tire pressure sensors obligatory on all vehicles manufactured in or imported after 2008. Even if you’re driving a pre-2008 vehicle, you can retrospectively fit a tire pressure sensor to your car and enjoy all the safety and fuel economy benefits this brings. That’s why we’ve gathered together the best tire pressure monitoring systems on the market – so you can make an informed decision and invest wisely in this highly useful tool.
You can be rest assured that you know all the essentials before choosing one to install – your car will thank you for it!
The Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Topping our list is EEZ RV Products’ tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Capable of monitoring up to 22 tires, this product works well for regular cars and as an RV tire pressure monitoring system.
The system allows users to remotely monitor the pressure and temperature of their tires with ease. This monitoring system is one of the easiest to install on the market – it’s easy to use, too, thanks to its large and clear LCD screen display. The system also comes with a rechargeable-lithium battery, which can be used for years to come, as well as an automatic backlight that allows you to keep an eye on tire pressure even in the dark. You can also set up visible or audible alerts when the pressure in your tires rises or dips past a pre-determined point, precluding the need for constant anxious checking.
- System can monitor the pressure and temperature of up to 22 tires, making it great option for RVs and trailers
- Quick and easy to install
- Comes with an easy to read, backlit LCD monitor
- Offers visual and audio alerts should your tires exceed their ideal pressure range
- Monitor runs on a long-lasting, rechargeable lithium battery
- Available with an anti-theft option
- Comes with a three year warranty
- Brand EEZ RV Products
- Model EEZ-RV-TPMS10
- Weight 0.32 ounces
Dorman’s tire pressure sensor is specifically engineered to replace the sensors on certain Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, and Suzuki vehicles.
The product includes everything you need for easy installation and is compatible with the monitoring devices of the vehicles mentioned above. Its unique two-piece design allows it to be replaced independently of the tire’s valve stem, making for a quick and straight-forward setup. Users say that the sensor is easy to install at home and highly accurate, making it a great yet inexpensive replacement for faulty sensors on your current TPMS.
- Replacement sensor, compatible with most Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, and Suzuki vehicles.
- Product includes everything you need for easy installation
- Unique two-piece design means it can be fitted without affecting the tire’s valve stem
- Highly accurate sensor
- Great value for money
- Brand Dorman
- Model 974-009
- Weight 0.32 ounces
Bellacorp’s TPMS can keep track of a staggering 34 tires. The sensors are pre-programmed for tow-vehicles and trailers, but they can also be reprogrammed to different configurations too.
The system is perfect for anything from small trailers to large 18 wheelers. The sensors’ high and low pressure alarms will let you know the moment your tire pressure needs to be adjusted, whilst temperature monitors ensure that tires don’t become too hot or too cold. The sensors are tough, too – designed to withstand corrosion and avoid air leaks. They’re even waterproof to a depth of three feet.
At the other end of the system, Bellacorp’s monitor boasts an easy to read display, which is backlit to facilitate use in dark conditions. It’s easy to install, too, and can be recharged via a micro-USB chord, while the sensors themselves operate on easily replaceable batteries.
- An ideal tire pressure monitor system for tow-vehicles and trailers
- System can monitor pressure and temperature for up to 34 tires at a time
- Audible alarms will let you know when tire pressure is too low or high
- Tough sensors can stand up to corrosion, leaks, and up to three feet of water
- System incorporates an easy-to-read, back-lit monitor
- Monitor features a rechargeable battery, while the batteries in the sensors can be easily replaced
- Brand Bellacorp
- Model EK215T4
- Weight 1.3 pounds
TireMinder’s monitoring system can keep track of the temperature and pressure of up to 22 separate tires at any given time. Each tire’s PSI and temperature reading are displayed clearly on the accompanying back-lit, LCD display.
Like most of the systems on our list, this one also provides visual and audio warnings when a tire exceeds or drops below its recommended pressure range. Unlike many systems, however, it will also alert you in the event of a tire blowout, allowing you to stop as soon as possible and prevent further damage.
The sensors can be quickly installed on a vehicle’s valve stems without the need for specialist equipment, so you’ll be up and running in no time.
- Complete TPMS system can keep track of pressure and temperature for up to 22 tires at once
- Easy to read monitor has a back-lit LCD screen
- System provides visual and audible alerts when a tire drops below or exceeds its ideal pressure
- Tire blow-out alarm ensures you are notified of severe tire damage the moment it happens
- Good battery life for both monitor and sensors
- Quick and straight-forward DIY installation
- Brand TireMinder
- Model TM-A1A-6
- Weight 2 pounds
If you’re looking for a tire pressure monitoring system that won’t break the bank, CACAGOO’s offering could be ideal for you. The system can keep track of the pressure and temperature of four tires at once, making it ideal for the average car. The monitor screen will give you advanced visual and audio warnings of air leaks, and other common tire issues, so you can take action before the problem worsens.
The wireless system is easy to install – one sensor is attached to each of your car’s tires, while an easy to read monitor sits inside the cab and receives information from the sensors wirelessly. Each sensor runs on readily available CR1632 batteries, and the monitor can be conveniently recharged from your car’s cigarette lighter.
The sensors’ tough casing can withstand the onslaught of dust, rain, and snow, so you can use your TPMS safely and effectively for many years to come.
- Perfect solution for standard, four wheeled cars
- System can track the temperature and pressure of up to four tires at once
- The monitor provides advanced audio and visual warning of any pressure changes in your tires
- The easy to install system can be up and running in as little as 15 minutes
- Monitor can be charged easily using your car’s cigarette lighter
- The sensors run on easily replaceable CR1632 batteries
- Sensors can withstand the onslaught of modern driving, standing up to rain, snow, and dust
- Brand CACAGOO
- Model CA12-2
- Weight 13.4 ounces
ACDelco’s sensor is compatible with a car’s existing tire pressure monitoring system. It’s designed to communicate with the monitors installed in GM vehicles, giving a reliable and accurate reading of the pressure inside each tire. Whenever the tire pressure falls more than 25-percent below the manufacturer’s recommendation, this information is relayed to the car’s on-board computer.
With durable batteries designed to last up to 10 years, these sensors can be counted on for long-term use.
- Tire pressure sensors engineered to work in conjunction with TPMS on most GM vehicles
- Provides reliable and accurate data about tire pressure
- Sensors come with durable batteries which can last for up to 10 years
- Sensors send the car’s on-board computer an automatic warning when tire pressure drops to 25% below the manufacturer’s recommendation
- Easy to install at home with basic tools and a little automotive DIY know-how
- Brand ACDelco
- Model 13586335
- Weight 1.12 ounces
The system is capable of monitoring the pressure and temperature of up to 22 tires at once, and sends a push notification if the pressure in any of them falls or rises beyond its safe parameters, whether through a blow-out, slow leak, rapid lead, or high temperature situation. Its intuitive interface allows users to check the status of individual tires easily, with new data being sent through the system every 6 seconds. TireMinder’s system also has the advantage of offering their users free replacement batteries when you register online.
TireMinder’s effective and convenient system has been voted number one in both MotorHome and Trailer Life Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards six times. It’s a modern and convenient tire monitoring solution that’s a perfect RV TPMS.
- The world’s first smartphone and tablet compatible TPMS
- Allows users to monitor the temperature and pressure of up to 22 tires using with an easy to use smartphone interface
- Push notification alerts inform the driver of any abnormal changes to tire pressure and temperature automatically
- TireMinder allows users to register online for their free battery replacement service
- Kit comes with a signal booster to ensure accurate data reaches your phone continuously
- Brand TireMinder
- Model TPMS-APP-6
- Weight 1 pounds
ZEEPIN’s TPMS is another great solution for keeping track of your tire pressure on a budget. Its four sensors are resistant against water and corrosion, as well as being fitted with anti-theft technology. Meanwhile, the monitor features a large screen for easy reading, and will emit an audio and visual alert immediately if one of your tires reaches an unsafe pressure or temperature. The screen is back-lit, too, so keeping an eye on your tire pressure in the dark is never an issue.
This device is also the first tire sensor on our list to be partially solar powered. Its monitor comes equipped with tempered glass solar panels, which charge the device’s in-built lithium batteries. On cloudier days, though, the monitor can be charged using a USB cable. The highly efficient solar-powered monitor battery also saves you the trouble of taking the monitor in and out of your house to recharge – it can charge on the go
- Budget-friendly solution for keeping track of tire pressure and temperature
- Four sensors will stand up to corrosion and water
- Monitor features a large, easy to understand display
- Emits audio and visual alerts if tire pressure falls without its normal range
- Monitor comes equipped with tempered glass solar panels for eco-friendly and convenient charging
- Brand ZEEPIN
- Weight 7.2 ounces
The second solar powered TPMS sensor to make it onto our list is Vesafe’s wireless pressure monitoring system. Its four sensors send reliable, real-time tire pressure and temperature data to the dashboard monitor, and offer a visual and audio alarm when these readings fall outside of their safe range. Although the monitor can be solar-powered, you can also charge it up using your car’s cigarette lighter when the occasion calls for it.
Waterproof, theft-proof, and easy to install, this TPMS is ideal for first time users. It even comes with a set of tools specifically designed to facilitate installation and battery replacement. Although the system isn’t suitable for motorhomes, caravans, or trailers, it is compatible with all types of four wheeled cars.
Finally, Vesafe sell this system complete with an 18 month warranty, demonstrating the faith they have in the durability of their product.
- System can track the real-time temperature and pressure of up to four tires
- Dashboard monitor is solar powered, but can also be charged form your car’s cigarette lighter
- Audio and visual warnings alert the driver when tire pressure or temperature falls outside of its safe range
- Each sensor is water-proof, theft-proof, and easy to install
- Vesafe offer an 18 month warranty on their TPMS, for your peace of mind
- Brand Vesafe
- Model M2
- Weight 11.2 ounces
For something with a sleeker design than most systems on the market, you might consider YOKARO’s wireless TPMS system. Its monitor feature a subtle, rounded design, which sits comfortably in the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle. Although the design is subtle, the audio cues it emits when one of your tires is at an unsafe pressure isn’t, clearly letting you know that it’s time to pull over and address the issue at hand.
The system is accurate to within 1.5 PSI, making it ideal for use with any domestic four-wheeled vehicle. The waterproof and anti-theft design of the sensors themselves also ensures that the system stands up against every-day wear and tear, allowing it to keep you safe for years to come. Each YOKARO TPMS comes with a full 12 month warranty, too, so you can rest assured the manufacturer places considerable faith in their product.
- Suitable for use with all four-wheeled vehicles
- Four accurate sensors route real-time tire pressure and temperature data to a monitor display
- Monitor features a stylish, circular design which sits subtly in your car’s cigarette lighter
- Provides a clear warning when one or more of your tires have an unsafe pressure or temperature
- Sensors are water resistant and theft-proof
- System comes with a full 12 month guarantee
- Brand YOKARO
- Weight 6.4 ounces
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Buying Guide
Hopefully this list gives you a better idea of what options are out there when it comes to installing a TPMS. To help you decide which could be right for you, we’ve also taken the time to answer some common questions about these helpful devices.
What to Look for When Buying a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Everyone will have different needs, and the type of TPMS you choose will generally depend on your vehicle.
As far as tire pressure monitoring is concerned, your vehicle will fall into one of three categories:
- It was manufactured with a pre-existing TPMS
In this case, it is best to purchase replacement sensors when they become faulty (such as number 2 or 6 on our list), rather than splashing out for an entire new system.
- It is a four-wheeled vehicle
In this case, you don’t need to pay more for a system that can cope with more than four tires. You can save yourself some money by purchasing a system designed to work with standard, four-wheeled vehicles.
- It is an RV or towing vehicle
If your vehicle has more than four tires, or you tow a trailer frequently, it’s worth investing in a system which can monitor every wheel. Since these vehicles tend to be longer than a four-wheeled car alone, you might consider choosing a system with a signal booster to ensure all sensors can communicate with the monitor.
Benefits of Tire Pressure Monitoring System
With all the benefits of TPMS, it’s no surprise that it became a legal requirement for all new vehicles in 2008. Below are some of the key benefits to bear in mind:
- TPMS cars ensure that tyres remain at the right pressure at all times. This:
- Improves fuel economy
- Reduces the risk of collisions
- Improves braking
- Improves handling
- Tires which are carefully monitored tend to last longer
- Keeping tires in good condition can save you a lot of money
- Properly inflated tires save fuel, reducing the environmental impact of driving
Indirect TPMS
Two kinds of tire pressure monitoring system sensor exist; direct, and indirect.
Indirect sensors calculate pressure readings based on how fast a car’s wheels are revolving, which is itself monitored by the ABS braking system. These sensors tend to be less expensive, but can be inaccurate compared to their direct counterparts.
Direct TPMS
As their name suggests, direct TPMS sensors take pressure readings straight from the tire itself, where they are housed. Unlike indirect sensors, they can also provide temperature data.
Direct sensors tend to provide more accurate readings, though they are typically the costlier option. All of the systems on our list use direct TPMS.
EEZtire vs. TireMinder
Choosing a brand can be challenging, and this is no different when it comes to TPMS systems. Two of the main competitors are EEZTire and TireMinder, both of which feature on the list above.
Although we’ve ranked the EEZtire system at number one, for quality and durability, TireMinder is arguably a more innovative brand. For instance, the company is known for bringing to market the world’s first smartphone compatible TPMS.
If you do choose either of these brands, you can expect quality products and service from a well-known company in their field. Which one is right for you will depend on needs and personal preference.
Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System FAQ:
Any TPMS consists of two main elements: the sensors, and the monitor. The sensors gather data (directly or indirectly) about the pressure and temperature inside the vehicle’s tires, and transmit this wirelessly to the monitor, which is usually housed on the vehicle’s dashboard. The monitor then displays the data, and will typically display or sound a warning when the pressure or temperature falls outside of the safe range. This range must be selected prior to use. For larger vehicles, a TPMS may include a signal booster, to ensure the sensors can communicate with the monitor.
Many systems can be installed at home with a little time and know-how, and manufacturers will always provide detailed instructions, which will vary from system to system. You will generally follow these steps:
Remove the valve stem caps from your tires and stow them somewhere safe.
Check and adjust your tire pressure.
Calibrate the monitoring system. This will involve inputting the tire’s ideal pressure, which can be found in your vehicle’s handbook or online.
Install the sensor. Cap-based sensors can simply be screwed onto the valve stem in place of the caps you just removed.
Activate the system, and check it’s receiving a signal from each tire.
The batteries used in TPMS sensors can last for anywhere between five and 12 years, or around 100,000 miles. You can tell a battery or sensor needs to be replaced when your monitor no longer receives a signal from it. Some sensors allow you to change the battery, and will provide tools and instructions, but others will need to be replaced altogether. If in doubt, contact your TPMS manufacturer about this.
When installing a TPMS, you will need one sensor for each tire – including trailer tires – however many that may be.
Range extenders allow the sensors of your TPMS to communicate with the monitor over longer distances. You are unlikely to need one in a four-wheeled vehicle, but RVs and towing vehicles may need this boost. The extender typically sits between the furthest-away sensors and the monitors, picking up the signal emitted by the sensors and relaying it onwards.
Our Top Pick
For us, EEZTire’s wireless tire pressure monitoring system is the best on the market. Versatile enough to use with your average sedan and RV with trailer alike, this user-friendly and highly effective system will keep your tires in tip-top condition no matter how long your journey.
Capable of tracking the pressure and temperature of up to 22 tires at once, the system clearly lets you know whenever a problem arises, so you can fix it before things become more serious. The large, backlit LCD display makes it easy to read, while audio and visual alarms quickly alert you to any issues. The fact that this system is easy to install at home, and comes with a generous three year guarantee seals the deal for us – this is the best TPMS on the market right now.
Sources:
- How to Check Air Pressure in Tires – wikiHow
- How Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Work – howstuffworks