On Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 12:08 PM, Carl Denk <cdenk@windstream.net> wrote:
> And as I understand it, if you rotate tires, you need to tell the
> computer that the tires are in different positions. Something similar to
> an OBDII scanner is needed at I thought I saw at $200, or stop at a tire
> or auto dealer. I don't know what happens if you change out the
> temporary spare for a full size spare, like I have in my vehicles. I
> rotate 5 tires.
>
> The sensors on the valve stems are sensitive to damage from hitting
> curbs,  changing tires improperly and corrosion. Recommended to use
> nitrogen to fill tires. This has been shown of "Motor week", and "Two
> guys garage".
>
> I thought in USA, these sensors were mandatory safety equipment for
> 2012+. More bureaucracy to replace common maintenance. :( :(
>

I thought they were already mandatory. I have an 2008 Nissan with
them, and I've actually had a good experience. I'm unlucky enough to
have picked up two nails in different tires in which the sensor caught
the slow leak as soon as the tire went below 30psi. When you rotate
your tires, the vehicle does not complain. Running on the spare, which
has no sensor, makes the dashboard complain but the computer will
recognize the real tire within minutes when replaced.

A member of my family has a 2008 Volvo with the flat sensors as well.
The sensor replaces the valve stem. One day, while the car was parked,
the valve stem fractured at the base and shot off somewhere not to be
found, pretty much instantly flattening the tire. It was parked in a
private drive way so I doubt it was damaged by anyone, although it
could have been previously damaged. Pretty ironic non the less.

I do think we should be able to opt in or out of the system here in
the US. I like to run two sets of wheels (winter/summer), and I was
told the computer does not have enough slots to register eight
sensors/tires (I'm not sure of the limitations). So I either have to
look at the flat light blink for half the year, or buy four more
sensors and then pay to have the computer re-register the sensor ids
every time I switch. Or try to swap the sensors each time, but that
risks damaging the sensor (the tire guys say it happens all the time)
and constantly re-bead the tires.
--=20
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