Tyre Pressure Monitor

[icebun]

Can anyone comment on the usefulness of the above?

Any advice on how this works would also be handy.

[JohnVulcan]

It works by detecting the difference in the dynamics of the wheel as it deflates. It uses the same sensors already in place for the ABS & ESP features.

As such, it is sensitive to tyre wear, hence the need for the reset button, that has been moved into the glovebox. The £35 charged is presumably for the button?

John

[elidag]

Definately works as it picked up that I had a screw in one of my back tyres well before it went flat. Gave me time to get to a garage to pump it up and then onto the tyre shop with out having to put the spare on. For £35 I think it is one of the most cost effective options you can fit

[ross980]

Has anyone tried to get this option fitted retrospectively? I wished I'd have gone for it...

I assumed (wrongly...) that it worked like the Renault system (transmitters in the valves) and I know people that have had endless problems with them.

[percymon]

Whether it detects a puncture is very debatable as itrequires a fair bit of difference in signal from one wheel to another. Having dropped the pressure in both my front Tyres during the snow it took 10 miles of driving for the tpms to alarm. When I checked actual pressures there was 3 psi difference. I suppose it worked but if you picked up a nail on the motorway it could be a few miles before you knew. For £35 though it's a bit of a no brainer as any alarm is better than none.

[Keithuk]

Yes I've commented on this option before. The VW web site where you choose your options shows a graphical display for the Flat Tyre Indicator. This is a misconception, there is no graphical display on the Highline its just an orange led showing a deflated tyre. This wheel sensor type which monitors the actual pressures in the tyres is only available on the Touareg.

As explained it works on the rotational speed of the wheels which is monitored by the ABS sensors. If one wheel is rotating faster then that wheel has a lower pressure. If you change the wheels around or change the pressures there is a Set button in the glovebox to recalibrate the wheels.

As which a lot of things on VW's they are computer controlled its just a matter of telling the computer what you want to monitor. As mensioned the £35 price tag is really for the Set button. So yes its an option that I went for.

[ross980]

Yes I've commented on this option before. The VW web site where you choose your options shows a graphical display for the Flat Tyre Indicator. This is a misconception, there is no graphical display on the Highline its just an orange led showing a deflated tyre. This wheel sensor type which monitors the actual pressures in the tyres is only available on the Touareg.

As explained it works on the rotational speed of the wheels which is monitored by the ABS sensors. If one wheel is rotating faster then that wheel has a lower pressure. If you change the wheels around or change the pressures there is a Set button in the glovebox to recalibrate the wheels.

As which a lot of things on VW's they are computer controlled its just a matter of telling the computer what you want to monitor. As mensioned the £35 price tag is really for the Set button. So yes its an option that I went for.

Regarding adding (or should it be activating?) it retrospectively I'd guess the dealer will either say it's not possible, or will charge a fortune for adding the button. I might enquire when my first service is due...