Seriously...TPMS?

[3930dave]

A perfect example of government officials doing a static problem analysis, i.e., they don't contemplate people will change behavior in response to new laws and regulations.

1. People are not maintaining the proper air pressure in their tires and causing x deaths per y miles driven. (insert a very low number for x and a very high number for y)
2. Mandate an expensive solution layered with regulations.
3. Problem solved....until there are problems with the solution or people have to spend additional money to maintain it.
4. Return to Step 2.

I'm not against this technology per se. When I have the chance to pull my travel trailer coast-to-coast, I'll likely have aftermarket tpms sensors on the trailer.

The car industry has finally taken note that dramatically fewer young people are buying cars. There are a few factors in this trend. If TPMS sensors become mandatory Safety check items, then they just serve as another financial barrier to used car ownership, for people of limited means.

While I'm glad the technology is available, I would prefer that it not be mandatory, esp. in the Used market.

I brought this point up in a PM discussion - it does bear consideration:

Given the legal climate in the USA, how long before the Manufacturers are litigated to the point where they either force the engine into Limp Home Mode, or shut the Engine off altogether, based on low TPMS readings ?

If you find this situation irritating now, wait till you have to drive home at 10mph, because a sensor failed !

Rgds, D.

 

[kenmac]

I would have (and probably a lot of others) would go along with optional TPMS. sign on the dotted line to relieve us of the liability . I would have gladly signed

 

[wmonroe]

I would have (and probably a lot of others) would go along with optional TPMS. sign on the dotted line to relieve us of the liability . I would have gladly signed

Exactly, I like the technology and can appreciate it for long trips or on trailers (like was mentioned) but it should be an option box on the build sheet not something mandatory, if I want it then check the box and I'll pay for it. I'm just not a fan of government mandated laws like this in general, I prefer to be able to choose for myself.

 

[timswi]

Exactly, I like the technology and can appreciate it for long trips or on trailers (like was mentioned) but it should be an option box on the build sheet not something mandatory, if I want it then check the box and I'll pay for it. I'm just not a fan of government mandated laws like this in general, I prefer to be able to choose for myself.

Same with back-up cameras..I have an OEM one and I love it..However, I paid for it (voluntarily) and that's the way it should be.

 

[aczlan]

Same with back-up cameras..I have an OEM one and I love it..However, I paid for it (voluntarily) and that's the way it should be.

IMO, they are needed on some cars. I drove a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe the other day and its 30' (yes, thirty feet) from where things on the ground enter the blind spot in the rear view mirror to the back bumper...

Aaron Z

 

[Chilly807]

As for TPMS, our 2013 Ram has it.. when we switched to steel rims with no sensors for the winter months it showed a warning light for a day, then went into "winter mode". All it shows now is a message (envelope actually) on the info center that tells you the TPMS needs service if you open it. No problem really, I was expecting much worse.

Sean

 

[GManBart]

We had people who did not check their tire pressures....ever!

We had a series of vehicle rollovers that were attributed to low tire pressures because people were too busy or didn't know how.

So the only way to protect those who know better from those who don't care or know better was to require TPMS. Now if we would stop calling 'accidents' accidents and laying blame or responsibility where it belongs the world might be different. But we have a 'no fault/no blame' society more or less these days.

Well said! I can't count the times I've seen people driving with tires so flat it's hard to imagine they didn't notice. Then again, I've been passed by an idiot doing over 95mph with a 45mph donut tire mounted....no clue at all, none!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I was behind a car yesterday with a tire wobbling so bad I thought it was going to fall off.

 

[LindenBruce]

Not on a 2011+...They changed the drain-refill procedure to a scan tool sadly...Pretty soon we won't be able to do anything without a dealer visit for a re-set...Guess they think we're all panty-waisted-beta-males...I'll buy the tools just to prove the bed wetters who come up with this crap wrong...As far as TPMS we can thank Ford for that one, even though I disagree with the overall premise that caused this. If you are not capable of checking tire pressure, you have no business driving---ANYWHERE.

Would that be for ALL makes and models after 2011? Or just GM or which ever vehicle the OP is talking about? B.

 

[crazyal]

If you own a Toyota it'll cost you $25 if you have a laptop. Just do a search on ebay for Techstream and you'll find plenty of cables that will plug into your obd port and a USB port. They will give you Toyota's software for free. With it you can change some of the settings (like seat belt alarms, if pushing the unlock button does all the doors at once or the drivers door first then the rest on a second push, etc), check and reset any fault, and change the TPMS sensor id numbers.