Federal law has required tire-pressure monitoring systems on all light vehicles since 2008, so almost every car and truck on the road in New Braunfels has TPMS. The system uses a battery-powered sensor inside each wheel that reports tire pressure (and sometimes temperature) wirelessly to your vehicle's computer. When a tire drops more than about 25% below recommended pressure, the dashboard light comes on. Frank's Automotive handles TPMS sensor service, replacement, and reset — especially important after seasonal pressure swings or tire rotations.
What's involved
A TPMS service includes:
- Diagnostic scan of the TPMS module to read each sensor's ID, battery level, and signal strength
- Sensor inspection — visually check the metal valve stems and the rubber grommets where applicable; corrosion is a common cause of slow leaks at the stem
- Battery test — TPMS sensor batteries last 5–10 years (most fail in the 7–9 year range). When the battery dies the sensor is replaced as a unit; the battery isn't serviceable
- Sensor replacement — pull the tire off the rim, swap the sensor, reinstall the tire, rebalance, and remount
- Relearn / reset — most vehicles need a "relearn" procedure after sensor service or tire rotation so the system knows which sensor is at which corner. Some vehicles auto-relearn after a few miles; others need a scan tool
- Tire-pressure adjustment to the door-jamb spec — overinflation kills ride quality, underinflation kills fuel economy and tire life
When you bring the vehicle in, we check all four sensors plus the spare (if it's a full-size with its own sensor).
When to bring it in
Common TPMS issues:
- TPMS warning light is on — most often a low tire (check pressures first), sometimes a failed sensor
- TPMS light is flashing then goes solid — that's the system telling you it can't communicate with one or more sensors (failed sensor, dead battery)
- Light returns after pressure correction — a sensor is failing or the relearn didn't complete
- You just had new tires installed elsewhere and the light won't go off — the shop didn't do the relearn
- You just had tires rotated and individual tire positions are misreported — relearn needed
- Slow leak at the valve stem — corroded valve stem, often visible as green or white powder around the stem
Driving on underinflated tires causes heat buildup, faster wear, and worse fuel economy. The TPMS exists for a reason.
Why Frank's for TPMS service
Our service techs are ASE Certified and we have the dedicated TPMS scan tools to read sensors, program new ones to your vehicle's IDs, and run the relearn procedures. We carry OEM-equivalent TPMS sensors for most makes and models. The work is covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
We'll reset the sensors at install — no light still on when you leave the lot. Request an appointment or call (830) 627-3939.