FAQ

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are available as indirect and direct systems.

Direct systems: There is a tire pressure sensor on each wheel with direct contact to the air of the tire. Values such as air pressure and temperature are determined in real time and transmitted to a vehicle control unit. The accuracy is less than 0.1 bar, which means that even slight deviations from the target pressure are detected at an early stage. 

Indirect systems: If the tire pressure is too high or too low, the rolling behavior of the tires also changes.

rolling behavior of the tires also changes: For example, the rotational speed increases because the rolling radius of the tire

decreases with decreasing internal pressure. This is detected by the existing speed sensors on the vehicle's four wheels and reported via the vehicle electronics. Indirect systems are generally slower to respond than direct systems and are less accurate.

In many regions of the world, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is now required by law and is installed at the factory. Regions include the European Union (EU) and the United States. Vehicles that are not affected by the legislation do not need to be retrofitted with an TPMS.

There are basically two types. These include vehicle-specific sensors that already have a vehicle protocol that cannot be overwritten. At BH SENS, this type is called RDE or ECR, each with a specific number - depending on which vehicle the sensor fits.

The counterpart is the universal sensor. This covers a wide range of vehicles, but must first be programmed using a suitable TPMS diagnostic device. This type of sensor is called UVS or ECS at BH SENS. You can find more information about our product lines in the category "Products".

No, there are no differences in terms of quality or functionality. Both the universal sensors and the pre-programmed sensors meet the same quality standards as the sensors from our OE business.

For programming, a TPMS diagnostic device is required that can program the universal sensor. BH SENS offers suitable diagnostic devices for this purpose. The programming is done by selecting the correct vehicle and positioning the sensor in front of the antenna of the diagnostic device. If the programming is forgotten or if the wrong vehicle has been selected, the sensor will not be able to communicate with the vehicle's ECU and the sensors will not be recognized. If an incorrect vehicle protocol has been programmed, it is easy to overwrite it by repeating the programming procedure with selection of the correct vehicle.

If the sensor is technically sound, it is sufficient to replace the valve. In addition to the complete valve, there are also service kits that contain only individual valve components. BH SENS always recommends to replace the complete valve. To prevent wear, the valve should be replaced every time the tire is changed (not the wheel).

Both the connection of the sensor to the valve and the attachment to the rim must be carried out in compliance with the valid tightening torques. The values can usually be found on the valve bag, the sensor housing and the mounting instructions. These can also be found in the download area of our website for all BH SENS sensors. 

Yes, due to the additional weight caused by the sensor, the valves are exposed to extreme centrifugal forces. Therefore, there are different maximum permissible speeds for different valve types. Please observe the notes on the valve bag and in the assembly instructions.