TPMS battery question

[GTP]

Our 2020 Explorer has had 3 TMPS sensors drop out, each in turn, and in quick succession the last couple months. Granted the batteries are around 6 years old. The remaining good TPMS is on the wheel with a new tire and new non-OEM TPMS sensor.

We will change out the remaining 3 tires next year as they are near end of life. At that time it will be appropriate for new TPMS sensors.

Is there any good reason to just exchange their batteries? Surely would cost less.
Or if we put in new sensors, is it worthwhile to also change out the old batteries and then keep those sensors as spares?

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[Joe Gonsalves]

The markup on TPMS at tire shops is crazy. Just do the batteries and call it a day.

 

[SnowFox]

The markup on TPMS at tire shops is crazy. Just do the batteries and call it a day.

Small rant incoming:

Ahhhh TPMS sensors..another one of those fun government mandated safety requirements paid for by the many consumers to help the lazy.

"It will help prevent blowouts and improve gas milage and safety"

 

[Jccams]

Went into discount tire to have a TPMS replaced on a 2011 Escape. Started thinking the other three are probably going soon. I said how much to replace all 4. Guy says $320, I said no way, I can buy the sensors 4 for 40 bucks. Guy says what from Amazon, I said yep. Goes into his spiel about them being poor quality, blah, blah, blah. He then says what price would make you happy. I said I was planning on no more than $150 bucks for all 4, he says done. Still paid too much, but less than half of what he originally told me. If I could dismount and mount my own tires I would have saved a bunch.

 

[MJSmith0213]

5 to 6 years is typical. Unless design has changed, the sensors are not serviceable, cannot just change the battery. Have to replace the whole assembly.

 

[Paul McWhiskey]

Just had them replaced on the wife’s 2011 Taurus. My bet is that they wont last nearly 15 years like the original ones.

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