How did you deal with the TPMS issue when switching from stock steel rims to alloy

As I research my upcoming upgrade from stock steel rims to alloy, I'm shocked by the $70 per wheel quoted by tire guys I called to buy 20 degree sensors for alloys as the 40 degree sensors in my steel wheels aren't compatible (or ARE they?)

Creating this poll so we could compile experiences in one place.

Please only post your real life experience and not info that you heard or read would work.

Thanks

 

I deleted the system.

Another choice is to build a PVC canister, put sensors in the canister and pressurize and leave under the seat. No more worries.

If a person is spending in excess or $1k for tires and rims, there is a pretty good chance that they are going to watch their tire pressure closely.

The TPMS system is not a safety feature, its a fuel economy feature.

 

Thanks, I figured both of those options would show up early in the "other" category.

Both tire places said that legally, they could not install tires without sensors.

I'll probably not delete the system or try to fool it with a canister even though my feelings are that tpms are just one more way the government is saying, "you're obviously too stupid and/or lazy to take care of yourself, so just let me do that for you at your expense."

 

After researching all of the options and going to four different tire shops, I ended up buying OEM TPMSs from the local Toyota dealer. Surprisingly they had the best deal and I was assured they could program the new TPMSs.

One shop could not guarantee they could program aftermarket TPMSs - they indicated they had issues with certain Toyota vehicles.

Good luck.

 

This is why I remove the wheels from the truck and take them to the tire store. They can't give you an excuse not to instal tires with standard valve stems then.

 

You can use the existing sensors from your steel wheels. They installers have to them around 180 degrees. They don't lie flat, but they work. My local Firestone store did that when I went from steel wheels to a set of TRD OR wheels. They told me that they were not responsible if one if them got broken if I had a flat.

 

At least this way, if you do have a flat and one breaks, you're only replacing one and not all 4 at once.

 

So, did you have the dealership mount tires and do the programming or have a tire shop mount them up and then have the dealership do the programming?

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Follow up question:

Anybody have a tire shop break a 40 degree sensor when they mounted a tire on an alloy wheel that was designed to use a 20 degree sensor?

 

My sensors from the steelers worked on my Level 8 MK6,s , Discount Tire

 

Anyone else?