There is a lot of talk and confusion about how tire additives and tire sealants work regarding TPMS equipped Vehicles. If you make the choice to use an additive/sealant in a TPMS equipped vehicle, you need to do your homework to ensure that they are compatible. Failure to do so can lead to frustration and costly repair bills.
Vehicles equipped with INTERNAL sensors, such as those found on automobiles, are not, I repeat, not going to be compatible with a sealant/additive. This also includes balancing agents like beads or powder. So, what about the “Tire Sensor Safe” products marketed today? Simple: read the fine print.
In the case of one popular product, it reads in the fine print “Seek a permanent/professional repair within 60 miles”. In another, it says “Sealant may briefly cause a false reading if contact is made with sensor, a tire professional can clean and recalibrate sensor if needed” That, ladies and gentlemen, is called a disclaimer and it is there for a reason. “Professional repair” and “Clean and recalibrate” should be “red flags” and get your attention.
So, you may ask, what can I use a sealant/additive with? Do not despair, there are plenty of applications in which a good adhesive-free sealant is not only beneficial but can pay big dividends. Let’s break some down for you.
Not all sensors are created equal. In the industrial world many tires are fitted with closed or sealed sensors. Those types of sensors are friendly to sealants/additives simply because they are protected from substances in the tire. Those vehicles have been benefiting from sealants for years. Additionally, many sensors are external and operate outside the tire/wheel assembly. Those types of sensors are generally compatible with sealants/additives. Truck System Technologies or “TST” and Tire Minder are just two of the many aftermarket TPMS options that employ external sensors and have years of success in trucking, trailer and RV markets. These systems working in tandem with latex/adhesive free FlatOut™ tire additives can and have produced huge reliability and safety returns.
So simply stated, tire sealants/additives can be used in TPMS equipped vehicles with certain types of sensors. Sealed and external sensors generally have no problems functioning with additives/sealers.
Vehicles equipped with internal sensors, like those found on all automobiles today, are problematic. If you choose to install one of the “Tire Sensor Safe” products you will likely be dealing with the consequences. Just remember to always read the fine print.
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