TPS (Tire Pressure System) - new discovery....

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Unknown to me, it appears my new '09 Montana van has a TPS (Tire Pressure Sensor) system. This is a special valve stem that sends wireless signals to the vehicle's main computer. When a tire is under inflated by more then 25%, a warning light appears on the dash. Thus, signaling that its tire pressure needs to be checked. And, its wireless system gives steady "current" settings as well. For example: If someone wants to check vehicle tire pressure while sitting in the driver's seat.

For nice video, surf: http://videos.howstuffworks.com/medialink/563-tire-pressure-warnings-video.htm

When getting new winter rims / rubber on your '08+ vehicle, remember to include these TPS valve stems on the new Winter Rims as well. My GM dealer sells them for $40 each. Even if installing on steel winter rims, the TPS is highly recommended (especially from your insurance company). If NO TPS system, a Warning Light will appears on the vehicle's dash. It will remain until previous summer tires (with special TPS valve stems) are re-installed.

Hope this "info share" helps others....

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Yep, that was every vehicle after 2008 needs to have some sort of tire pressure monitoring system on it. Expect to pay more for tire changes, rotations, etc... Some systems are very crude and use the abs wheel speed sensors to detect a low pressure tire and some are very elaborate and will even tell you which tire is low. It is the latter group of elaborate system that will cost you more for tire changes, rotations, etc... A good idea, but shouldn't have been mandated by the government. It's just another system to fail IMHO.