Expert TPMS Servicing in Colchester
For a Safer Drive & MOT Compliance
Ensure Safety | Pass Your MOT | Improve Fuel Efficiency | Expert Service
What is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)?
A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is an electronic safety feature built into your vehicle that keeps a constant watch on the air pressure inside your tyres.
Think of it as an automated, continuous tyre check. Tiny sensors, usually located inside each tyre, measure the pressure and temperature. If the pressure drops to an unsafe level, the system instantly sends an alert, which illuminates a warning light on your dashboard. This simple alert is your first line of defence against a range of tyre-related dangers.
TPMS and Your MOT Test: A Critical Check
For any vehicle first used on or after 1st January 2012, a correctly functioning TPMS is a legal requirement to pass its MOT test. Before 2014/2015, TPMS was a helpful feature; now, it’s a mandatory inspection item.
If your TPMS warning light is illuminated on the dashboard when you bring your car in for its MOT, it will be marked as a ‘major’ defect, resulting in an immediate MOT failure.
This is an easily avoidable reason for a test failure with a routine TPMS service from our Colchester garage.
The Unseen Dangers of Incorrect Tyre Pressure
Reduced Grip & Handling
Under-inflated tyres can’t maintain their optimal shape, causing less of the tyre’s surface to be in contact with the road. This drastically reduces grip, especially in wet conditions, and makes your vehicle’s handling feel sluggish and unpredictable.
Increased Braking Distance
With poor grip, your ability to stop quickly is compromised. Correctly inflated tyres are essential for ensuring your braking system can perform as the manufacturer intended.
Risk of Blowouts
Low tyre pressure causes the tyre’s sidewalls to flex excessively, generating a massive amount of heat. This heat can lead to a catastrophic failure of the tyre structure, resulting in a dangerous blowout, particularly at motorway speeds.
Our Comprehensive TPMS Services
From diagnostics to resets, we provide complete TPMS care to keep you safe and MOT-compliant.
TPMS Health Check & Diagnostics
We use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately read fault codes, check sensor signals, and pinpoint the root cause of any TPMS warning.
TPMS Sensor Inspection & Testing
Our technicians visually inspect sensors and valve stems for physical damage or corrosion, and electronically test their operation.
TPMS Sensor Replacement
We replace faulty sensors, whether they have depleted batteries (lasting 5-10 years), physical damage, or malfunctions, and program the new sensor to your vehicle.
TPMS Valve Stem Service/Replacement
We service and replace corroded or damaged TPMS valve stems, which are a common cause of air leaks and sensor failure.
TPMS System Relearn & Reset Procedures
After a sensor replacement or tyre rotation, a system reset is crucial. We perform the correct relearn procedure to ensure your vehicle’s ECU communicates properly with the new components.
Is Your TPMS Warning Light On?
Signs you need our Colchester TPMS experts.
Persistent Warning Light
What to Do if the Light Comes On
First, manually check the pressure in all tyres (including the spare, if monitored) when they are cold. Inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended pressures, found on the sticker in the driver's side door jamb. If the light remains on after driving for a short period, professional diagnosis is required.
Common TPMS Issues We Fix
- Sensor Battery Failure (5-10 year lifespan).
- Damaged or Corroded Sensors or Valves.
- Communication Errors between Sensors and ECU.
- System Malfunctions requiring resets or relearns.
| Symptom/Problem | Likely Cause(s) | How Stanway Tyres Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| TPMS Warning Light Stays On | Faulty sensor, dead sensor battery, system communication error, ECU issue. | Comprehensive diagnostics, sensor testing, sensor/battery replacement, system reset/relearn. |
| Intermittent TPMS Light | Temperature fluctuations affecting pressure, early sensor failure, wiring issue. | Pressure check and adjustment, sensor diagnostics, wiring inspection. |
| Specific Tyre Not Showing Reading | Faulty sensor for that wheel, dead battery in that sensor, communication loss. | Targeted sensor testing and replacement for the affected wheel, system recalibration. |
| TPMS Light On After Tyre Change | System may require a relearn procedure. | Performing the correct TPMS relearn/reset procedure for the specific vehicle. |
| MOT Test Approaching | Concern about existing TPMS functionality or previous warnings. | Full TPMS health check and any necessary repairs to ensure MOT compliance. |
More Than Just a Light: The Critical Role of a Healthy TPMS
A well-maintained TPMS offers significant benefits for your safety, finances, and peace of mind.
Enhanced Safety
Ensures optimal tyre performance for the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users in and around Colchester.
Financial Savings
A functional TPMS leads to better fuel economy, longer tyre life, and helps prevent costly damage from blowouts.
MOT Compliance
Avoid the stress, inconvenience, and potential cost of an MOT retest due to a preventable TPMS fault.
Environmental Responsibility
Optimised fuel efficiency means your vehicle produces fewer CO2 emissions, contributing to a greener environment.
Why Choose Stanway Tyres for TPMS Servicing?
Your trusted specialists for TPMS diagnostics, repair, and replacement in Colchester.
Local Expertise & Trust
As your trusted Colchester tyre specialists with over a decade of exceptional service, we understand local driving needs.
Experienced Technicians
Our devoted team is skilled in all aspects of TPMS diagnostics, repair, and replacement.
Comprehensive Service
We handle everything: sensor checks, replacements, valve servicing, and complete system resets.
Quality Parts
We use only high-quality, reliable TPMS sensors and components for all repairs and replacements.
Transparent Pricing
We offer clear explanations and competitive quotes for all TPMS work, so there are no surprises.
24/7 Mobile Service
Stranded with a TPMS fault? Our 24/7 mobile fitting service comes to you for emergency diagnostics and resets. Visit us at 137 London Road, Colchester, CO3 8NZ.
TPMS Servicing FAQs for Colchester Drivers
How often should my TPMS be checked?
It’s good practice to have the TPMS checked during regular tyre services or any time tyres are removed or replaced. It should also be checked if any warning light appears, if there’s a suspicion of an issue, or proactively before an MOT.
How long do TPMS sensor batteries last?
TPMS sensor batteries typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, though this can vary based on mileage and driving conditions.
Can Stanway Tyres replace just one faulty TPMS sensor?
Yes. Our technicians will diagnose the system to identify the specific faulty component. We only replace the parts that are necessary, whether it’s a single sensor, valve, or battery (if serviceable separately).
What's the cost of TPMS sensor replacement at Stanway Tyres in Colchester?
The cost of TPMS sensor replacement can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, and the type of sensor required. Individual sensor parts can range from approximately £20 to over £75, plus fitting and programming labour.
What happens during a TPMS check at Stanway Tyres?
TPMS check typically involves connecting diagnostic equipment to your vehicle to read any fault codes, testing the signal strength and battery status of each sensor, inspecting valve stems for damage or corrosion, and checking overall system operation.
My TPMS light is on, but my tyre pressures are fine. What's wrong?
If your tyre pressures are confirmed to be correct and the TPMS light remains on, it likely indicates a fault within the TPMS itself. This could be a sensor battery failure, a damaged sensor, a problem with the valve stem, or a communication issue between a sensor and the vehicle’s computer. Our diagnostic service can identify the cause.
What Our Colchester Customers Say
Real Stories, Real Drivers: Why They Chose Us.
Book Your Colchester TPMS Check Today
Don’t risk an MOT failure or compromise your safety on Colchester’s roads. Contact Stanway Tyres today for expert TPMS servicing and peace of mind.
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