Tire Pressure Monitor & dealerships

[kimboy]

My Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor light came on due to the cooler autumn weather we've been experiencing in the North East. I speculated it was my spare tire, considering I'm running my dunlops at 35psi all around, and requested a service tech to adjust it to 35 psi. In hindsight, I should have requsted what it was reading prior to him adjusting it.

The last experience I had with this light was when I went to Mount Sno (-17 degrees Farenheit). That wasn't a good feeling.

If you're bringing your vehicle to the dealer for service, ask them to write down what the spare tire PSI reads. This may save you some grief later on when the TPMS light comes on, and your not due for service in a few months.

p.s. I hate staring at yellow/orange/red lights on the dash that shouldn't be on. i.e. check engine light, service engine soon light and the Low tire pressure light.

 

[Larry]

How much does the dealer charge you to check the spare?

 

[sharp4runr]

Couldn't you do this on your own?

I'd give it a -1 on a 0 to 5 difficulty rating...

 

[kimboy]

The dealer should be able to do it for free. Also ask them to make sure the rim can be freed up easily... It's cold out in the North East, and many people don't have the urge to twist their backs for this function. Also, I find that since the outer side of the rim faces up, you will have to lower the spare to have access to the valve. That's not saying you can't do it yourself.

But, just like oilchanges, I prefer letting someone else do the work.

Also, where's your air supply? Do you have your portable air pump out? Are you at a gas station? Not everyone has these at their disposal...

Spare the time, have the dealer take the wheel off or at least have them losten the bolts holding the rim in place (tightening them not too tightly). That way, when you really have to use the spare tire, you won't be worrying about trying to get the spare out, but rather changing tires.