I didn't have one, but I do now! It's very handy for when our TPMS 'system' lies to you!
When I started the car in the parking garage this afternoon, I got a tire pressure warning - "Right Rear Tire Low on Air". Didn't have any warning prior when I parked there, so I'm thinking how the heck did it figure out I have a low tire when the car isn't moving?? Parked in a place with better light and got our the tire inflator compressor. If you haven't already switched your 12 volt outlet to be hot at all times, you'll be kicking yourself shortly. The gauge on the compressor showed the right rear had 40+ PSI and I keep my tires at 45, so I thought again, low by less than 5 psi and I get a warning?
I had quite a ways to go on the freeway, so I inflated the tire to about 50 (hard to tell exactly with the gauge on the compressor) thinking if it really is losing air, maybe that'll get me home and I was on my way. Inflating a tire with the outlet only hot when the car is running is a hoot! Started the car and nothing happened. Got out and made sure the switch on the compressor was on and sat in the seat and started the car again and the compressor started working. Got out to check the pressure and it shut off of course, got back in, started the car again for a little more air. I'll be switching that fuse over to 'always hot' first thing in the morning!
Drove about 15 miles on the freeway and the warning came on again - Right rear tire low. Pulled off the freeway and put in a little more air and drove home on back roads at a lower speed - Don't wanna ruin a $300 tire
Got home and checked the tire with a good gauge - 54 psi. I don't think the tire was ever low and if I'd had a gauge with me, I could have ignored the warning and just driven home with the warning light on the dash . . . . and saved at least half an hour of wasted time and effort. This European 'no sensor' TPMS system isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'll set all four at exactly 45 psi again in the morning and hope the warning light goes out
Don
