A tire pressure sensor is your personal tire whisperer. It monitors the tire pressure, dodges flats, and ensures a smooth ride.
But when this little sensor goes bad, you won’t know your tire’s in trouble, setting yourself up for a pricey tire repair and risky blowouts.
Wondering how much it’ll cost to swap out a tire pressure sensor?
We’ll give you a total tire pressure sensor replacement cost breakdown, including factors that can increase the price. We’ll also clue you in on the red flags so you can catch a bad sensor before it leaves you deflated.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Tire Pressure Sensor?
- 6 Signs You Need a Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement
- How Long Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Last?
- How Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Work?
- Can I Replace the Tire Pressure Sensor Myself?
How Much Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost?
Here’s a rundown on how much it’ll cost you:
A. Range
The average price of a tire pressure sensor replacement is $140 to $400 per tire.
This includes:
- Parts: $40 to $200
- Labor: $100 to $170
NOTE: If one of your TPMS sensors fails, you can replace it individually. However, if the failure is due to a dead battery, the other sensors might not be far behind. That’s because they’re usually installed together and have experienced the same wear and tear. In such cases, it’s best to change all the sensors together.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The average cost to replace a tire pressure monitoring sensor varies based on your local labor rates, your car’s make and model, and where you choose to get it done. For example, dealerships and specialty shops usually charge more than regular garages.
Other factors that affect the average cost of replacing the tire pressure sensor are:
- Type of sensor: Direct TPMS sensors cost more because they have dedicated hardware and require a sensor in each tire. Meanwhile, indirect TPMS sensors are typically less expensive since they rely on the car’s wheel sensors and don’t need extra hardware.
- Accessibility: In certain high-end sports cars or off-road vehicles, the sensor is often placed deeper in the wheel to better protect it. This makes it more time-consuming and costly to replace. Similarly, rims made from special materials, like carbon fiber, can make it harder to install the sensor as they’re more fragile and have unique designs. This can be labor-intensive and drive up your costs.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs aftermarket sensors: An OEM sensor is pricier as it’s designed specifically for your vehicle and offers guaranteed compatibility. Aftermarket sensors are less expensive but might have quality issues.
- Additional repairs: If the valve stem, which houses the TPMS sensors, is damaged due to weather conditions or age, it may need to be replaced.
Likewise, the mechanic might recommend changing your tires if they’re worn out. Getting a new tire could add an extra $150 to $200 per tire to your overall cost. Some repair shops might also charge you extra to recalibrate the sensors after swapping them out.
Is It Worth Replacing the Tire Pressure Sensor?
Absolutely, yes!
Without a working tire pressure sensor, you could be just one pothole away from a highway blowout or losing traction in the rain. That’s why you should fix it ASAP before it lands you in trouble.
Additionally, states like Rhode Island and West Virginia require a functioning TPMS sensor by law to pass vehicle inspections. Skip the TPMS sensor replacement, and you could end up paying hefty fines.
6 Signs You Need a Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement
If you spot any of these symptoms, it’s time to swap out your tire pressure sensor:
- Flashing TPMS light
- TPMS warning light stays on even after checking the tires
- Inconsistent tire pressure readings
- Steering wheel jerks
- Tire wear
- A flapping sound from the wheels
How Long Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Last?
Most TPMS sensors are powered by built-in lithium-ion batteries that last 5 to 10 years. However, once the battery dies, it can’t be replaced, so you’ll have to swap out the entire sensor.
But your sensor can go bad sooner due to these factors:
- Exposure to road salt, mud, water, and debris can wear down or damage the sensors over time.
- Driving on rough terrain or off-road can put extra strain on the tires and sensors, potentially damaging them or shortening their lifespan.
- Frequent driving makes the sensors work harder, wearing out the batteries quickly.
How Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Work?
A tire pressure sensor monitors each tire’s air pressure and alerts your car when it’s low, helping you avoid accidents, save on fuel, and boost overall tire performance.
Here’s how different types of TPMS sensors work:
- Direct TPMS sensor: These sensors are located inside the tire, either on the valve stem or mounted on the wheel. They continuously monitor tire pressure and send real-time data via radio signals to your vehicle’s dashboard. If the pressure drops below a safe level, usually between 28 and 36 PSI (pounds per square inch), the system will activate a warning light.
- Indirect TPMS sensor: These sensors use wheel speed sensors to detect tire rotation speed differences. They alert the driver when one tire loses at least 25% of its inflation pressure compared to the rest of the tires.
Can I Replace the Tire Pressure Sensor Myself?
You shouldn’t replace the sensors on your own without the right tools and experience.
Here’s why:
After installing the sensor, you may have to program or calibrate it to communicate with your vehicle’s computer system. This may require specific tools, like an OBD-II scanner or software for calibrating tire pressure sensors.
Additionally, improper installation can lead to sensor failure or tire damage, potentially leading to costly repairs or even safety risks, like blowouts.
Get Your Tire Pressure Sensor Fixed with AutoNation Mobile Service
A faulty sensor can leave you clueless about underinflated tires, leading to poor fuel efficiency and increased tire wear. But if the replacement goes wrong, you might have even bigger problems like sensor malfunctions, damaged tires, and unsafe driving.
That’s why it’s smart to leave the job to professionals like AutoNation Mobile Service to keep you safe on the road.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service available seven days a week. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile auto repair warranty on all repairs.
Contact us to get your tire pressure sensor fixed or any other tire service, all from the comfort of your driveway.