TPMS: Quick answers to the most common questions
The most important questions about tyre pressure sensors (TPMS) with short, verified answers. Each answer refers to the detailed page.
Last updated: 30.09.2026 · Electronicx GmbH, Cleebronn
Basics
What is a TPMS?
TPMS stands for tyre pressure monitoring system, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is the English term. The system warns the driver when the pressure in a tyre drops significantly. Detailed: TPMS guide.
Is a TPMS mandatory?
Yes, for all passenger cars of class M1 that were newly registered in the EU from 1 November 2014. Older vehicles do not need to be retrofitted. More: TPMS obligation.
How do I recognise whether my car has a direct or indirect system?
A direct system has a sensor in each wheel that transmits pressure and usually temperature. An indirect system has no sensors in the wheel and detects pressure loss via the ABS wheel speed. If the vehicle displays the pressure of each tyre in bar, it is almost always a direct system. The operating manual provides certainty. More: direct or indirect.
What frequency do tyre pressure sensors use?
In Europe, tyre pressure sensors operate at 433 MHz. Vehicles for other markets (e.g. North America) sometimes use a different frequency; such sensors are not interchangeable. The tyre pressure sensors at Electronicx operate at 433 MHz.
Finding the right sensor
Which tyre pressure sensor fits my car?
Make, model and year of manufacture are decisive, or more precisely the HSN/TSN or the OE comparison number on the old sensor. In the TPMS assistant on electronicx.de you can search by vehicle or by HSN/TSN; using the OE number you can compare the result with the details on the product page. The vehicle-specific sensors state make, model and year of manufacture in the article name.
Where do I find HSN and TSN?
In the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I: field 2.1 is the HSN (4 digits), field 2.2 is the TSN – for the search, the first three characters count. In the old Fahrzeugschein (before October 2005) they are in the fields „zu 2“ and „zu 3“.
Rubber valve or metal valve?
That depends on the rim. If a metal valve was fitted at the factory, it should be one again. Rubber valves are pulled into the valve hole, metal valves are screwed in. Spare parts: TPMS valves.
Original sensor or aftermarket?
What matters is that the sensor is designed for the vehicle: same frequency, suitable radio protocol and suitable valve shape. Then the vehicle recognises it like an original sensor. The OE comparison number helps with the comparison.
Fitting and programming
Do new TPMS sensors need to be programmed?
Usually yes, but the procedure depends on the manufacturer: some vehicles detect new sensors during a drive, others via the vehicle menu, and others only with a TPMS diagnostic tool. Instructions by manufacturer: Programming a TPMS sensor, for Ford: Ford TPMS reset.
Do winter wheels need their own sensors?
With a direct system, yes: every wheel needs a sensor, otherwise the vehicle reports a fault. With an indirect system, no. More: TPMS sensors for winter wheels.
What to do if the TPMS warning light is on after a tyre change?
First check the tyre pressure and save it again in the vehicle menu. If the light flashes on start-up and then stays on, many vehicles are not receiving a sensor. Step by step: TPMS warning light after a tyre change.
How long does the battery of a tyre pressure sensor last?
Typically 5–10 years, depending on mileage and sensor. On most sensors the battery is built in permanently; when it is empty, the whole sensor is replaced. More: Changing the TPMS battery.
What does replacing a tyre pressure sensor cost?
On top of the sensor price come tyre fitting and, if applicable, programming at the workshop. The current sensor prices are on the product pages. Cost overview: Tyre pressure sensor costs.
Buying at Electronicx
Who is Electronicx?
Electronicx GmbH is an online retailer for automotive electronics from Cleebronn (Baden-Württemberg), founded in 2006. Its main focus is tyre pressure sensors, batteries and seat heaters. On its Google business profile, Electronicx has 4.9 out of 5 stars from 294 reviews (as of September 2026). More: About us.
How quickly is delivery made?
Orders placed on weekdays by 2 pm are dispatched the same day with DHL. Within Germany, delivery usually takes 1–2 working days, and shipping is free. Details: Shipping information.
Where can I get help with choosing?
From customer service: phone +49 7135 7194106 (Mon–Fri 7:00–15:30) or [email protected].