Snow tire with TPMS

Hi all,
I am preparing to go to VT for skiing. Maybe once a month.
Buying snow tires was first choice, but I don't need snow tires usually except drive far (VT is 300mi from my place). I am concerning its tread life on normal dry road. Also I must go to a shop to exchange.
On the other option, other than tire chain, is buying with wheel. It's expensive, but better option. I am still in the process of determine Pros/Cons of these comparison...

If I buy tires with wheel, I can get with/without TPMS (saving $170) at a online shop. But there is fine print says:
Note: NHTSA's interpretation of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits service providers from installing aftermarket tires and wheels on your vehicle without working TPMS sensors. Your vehicle will display a TPMS warning if sensors are not installed. This may be a warning light or chime and may affect other vehicle systems.

Does anyone knows about "Chime" on Tacoma? If I use the new snow tire with new wheel without TPMS, do I get chime all the time?

Thanks for all tips and comments. If you have any suggestions about buying tire only (vs with wheel), I'd be happy to hear that as well.

 

I don't think I've ever read about a chime, but you'll for sure get dash lights/warning. Up to you if the $170 is worth it or not for what sounds like temporary wheels. One thing to consider is that a lbig chain tire shop may not want to install a wheel without TPMS sensors on a vehicle that requires it, so that might be a hassle down the road.

edit: I've actually had a set of wheels (temporarily) on my 2020 that didn't have functioning TPMS and there was NOT a chime. Also, swapping just tires when needed sounds like a bug waste of time spent going to the tire shop.

 

I run a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 on a separate set of rims every winter. No TPMS installed. There is no chime, just the light on the dash which I ignore for three-four months of the year. I think it's the best solution.

I've considered taking the TPMS out altogether and keeping them in a pressurized cannister, but I realized I actually like having TPMS on my regular set of wheels/tires.

This won't be an issue because when you take the new tires and rims to the tire shop, they won't be installing the tires ON the vehicle. They'll mount and balance normally and then you can swap the wheels yourself every winter. I got mine mounted and balanced at Costco ez pz.

 

"tire shop may not want to install a wheel without TPMS" True. So if I buy a tire with wheel (Rim), I can just swap by myself. But concerning about Chime. Warning light may be annoying but I can live with it in short trip. Thank you for your intel!!

 

More importantly, where in VT do you go skiing? I usually make it out to Killington/Stratton/Mt.Snow.

 

Thank you Anton338! Glad to know what you did.

 

Yup, that's why i said "on a vehicle" I guess I could have been more concise.

 

Anton338, Usually sugar bush/Killington area. This year, plan to go far as well.

 

No chime. I run Blizzaks on FJC steelies without TPMS all winter long.
TPMS light flashes on mine after 30minutes of steady driving, but resets if I park in my driveway close to where the summer wheels live.

 

If it's anything like my 4Runner it's the least intrusive warning I've ever had. The 4Runner just has the small light on the dash, flashes a few seconds, and then it's just on. No dings, chimes, text you need to clear, etc. My summer tires have no sensors (which was no issue from the tire shop) and I barely even notice the light.

Fortunately my Tacoma has no TPMS at all to deal with.

 

Thank you Vicali. "30 min flash of steady driving." So flashing happends only at first 30min. My car won't be near summer tire, the solid warning light until I change... Correct me pls if I misunderstood! Thanks!!

 

In my unscientific 5 years of TPMS this is what mine does.
Day to day driving it never comes on, it only flashes when I'm driving out of town.. then it stays on until I get home. Then it's gone again

 

I actually just put my studded tires on last night.

I dealt with the flashing light a little while last year when I first bought the extra set of wheels and tires, but it I hate having lights on so it drove me crazy. I eventually bought the autel sensor tool that came with 12 sensors and cloned them to match my summer wheels.

If you think the light will bother you I’d recommend buying the sensors and tool yourself and just ask the shop to install those sensors. That way you can program them yourself.

 

Other members have done the following:

1. Purchase a set of tires and rims off Craigslist for a decent price.
2. Buy a set of 4 Autel TPMS sensors and a programming tool. (Most tire shops won't have the Autel programming tool)
3. Buy whatever set of tires you want, let the shop install the new sensors.
4. Clone your existing sensor IDs and program the new sensors with those IDs.
   • Very easy process with the Autel programming tool.
5. Initiate TPMS reset via the button inside the cab and drive for about 5 minutes.
6. Rotate between the various wheel sets as needed and you'll only need to repeat step 5 after each rotation
   • Discount Tire includes rotation as part of their tire maintenance line-item on tire sales, so something to keep in mind.

 

Glad to ask question! I've learned your experiences in a flash! Thank you all for your tips and sharing experiences!!

 

There are many discussions of this on the forum. Use your favorite internet search engine.

The behavior of my TPMS when I have my second set of wheels is flakey. Sometimes it doesn’t complain at all. Sometimes it displays an orange warning light. Sometimes it displays a warning on the head unit. None of it is annoying enough to get a second set of sensors.

I do not think you need dedicated winter tires for a monthly trip. A majority of people in Minnesota drive all winter on all-seasons. That said, I confess that I own a set off mud terrains for a less than monthly trip off road.

 

If warning light is annoying just cover with small piece of electrical tape. Black electrical tape won't work for annoying wife though. You need 2" duct tape for that.

 

Maybe bringing your wife to a shop and they can perform programming??? Or a rose will cover the warning sign : ) Thanks for the tip with tape!

 

I hope my driving skill meets your expectation! Actually, I've been driving on snow on many occasions (with all season), but all in sedans (some AWDs). After getting Tacoma in Aug., I felt a different driving technique should be applied. The turning radius feel strange even on a dry surface etc. This winter will be my first snow test! With my 6yrs old son, the last thing I want is to avoid any accident or being stuck somewhere with a blizzard.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions and sharing!!

 

Unloaded 2wd pickups are likely the most helpless automobiles in low traction situations. 4wd makes makes them almost unstoppable. Good tires make them even better. 4wd doesn’t help you stop.