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Since these devices add a considerable measure of safety, they became required equipment for new U.S.-market vehicles back in 2008. However, if you’ve got a car that’s older than that (the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads in 2023 is 12.5 years) or one where the original system no longer works properly or doesn’t offer information beyond a warning light, aftermarket tire pressure monitors are here to help. They can also provide more insight than some of the primitive early systems, and they really do make your daily driver safer regardless of its age. Head Up Display Obd2
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Solar / cigarette lighter / micro USB charging, 5 alarm modes, LCD display
Jansite Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Solar / cigarette lighter / micro USB charging, -4℉~176℉ temperature range, LCD display
The TireMinder Smart lives up to its name. Its six sensors (there’s an upgrade to 10 sensors available for about $55 more) monitor tire pressure every six seconds and send those readings via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet. With expanded packs of sensors, the system can monitor up to 22 tires simultaneously at pressures up to 232 psi at a distance of up to 80 feet.
This system is optimized for big RVs, trailers and other heavy-duty uses but works in any road vehicle. Thanks to the Apple- and Android-friendly app, there’s no need to install a monitor in the vehicle. A Bluetooth booster and a free battery replacement program are part of the deal.
Hieha RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Vesafe Wireless reduces installation time and in-vehicle clutter with a display that plugs directly into the 12-volt power outlet. No wires or mounting pieces are required. This basic system is intended for cars, SUVs and trucks. It is not meant for larger applications like RVs or trailers.
The Vesafe has audio and visual alarms in emergencies, but its pressure readouts aren’t quite “real-time.” They update only every five minutes, which may not be enough for drivers in extreme conditions (heat, road hazards). Also, the temperature readings are only in Celsius, requiring some mental conversion.
The Tymate’s screen can be adjusted for brightness and color, but users say it’s hard to read in bright, direct sunlight, which wash out all the contrast. On the plus side, there’s a power-saving feature, which is handy as batteries in the valve caps need to be replaced every six months.
Best for RVs and Towing
Any trucker will tell you that the more tires you have, the more potential problems managing them. That makes a comprehensive, high-quality tire pressure monitoring system like the TST 507 essential if you tow big trailers or run vehicles designed to use more than four tires. It’s designed to monitor multiple rigs simultaneously (perfect for Class A, B and C RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, cargo trailers, construction equipment, commercial transport vehicles and more) and can manage up to 110 tires, though you probably won’t ever need that many unless you’re moving rockets around at Cape Canaveral. Users say it’s easy to install and program and delivers accurate readings. The manufacturer backs the TST 507 system with a three-year warranty.
Jansite Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Windshield/center console mounting, solar and USB charging, 1-yr warranty
Jansite Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Solar / cigarette lighter / micro USB charging, -4℉~176℉ temperature range, LCD display
Factory tire pressure monitoring systems were not legally required in the U.S. until the 2008 model year. Older vehicles like these use wheel speed sensors to detect if a tire’s air pressure is dropping. This requires a calculation of the wheel’s rotations per minute (underinflated tires will rotate slightly faster at the same given vehicle speed as a properly inflated tire). This is known as an indirect TPMS.
A light on the vehicle’s dash will alert you that at least one tire is low, but you’ll have no idea which tire and by how much until you check all four tires with a pressure gauge. Direct TPMS uses wireless pressure sensors built into the valve stems that attach to the inner walls of each wheel. These systems indicate the exact pressure (updated between six and 12 seconds, depending on the transmitted frequency).
In order to determine the best tire pressure monitoring system for your vehicle, we considered the products most accessible to the widest swath of consumers in the U.S., which also includes performance, price, and value. We also considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers. Because these devices are meant to add a layer of safety in a cost-effective way, price and convenience are the primary factors in most people’s choices.
We evaluate all aftermarket tire pressure monitoring systems by the following weighted metrics:
Factory-equipment TPMS batteries generally have a life of about five to 10 years. Aftermarket TMPS battery life varies widely and can be a year or less. Some manufacturers make up for this with free battery replacement as part of the deal.
Wireless Sensor I’ve worked in automotive, aviation and marine media for more than a decade and reported on buying, selling and servicing cars for multiple industry publications, including Automotive News, Hagerty Media and WardsAuto. I also write about classic cars and love telling the stories of the people, trends and culture behind them. I’m a lifelong enthusiast who’s owned and worked on scores of vehicles—from 1960s Fiats and MGs to modern day machinery. Follow me on Instagram at @oldmotors and on Twitter at @SportZagato.