All 4 Tyres have different pressures?

[usmanq]

So, I recently bought a 2018 CT in May and have starred noticing the tyre pressure light comes on more often than when I bought it - my wild guess is it probably started after it hit a pothole. 

For instance, I got the tyre pressure filled 33 in all 4 on 6th July and on 13th July the sensor light came on. I don't even drive too much because I work from home so I don't understand why it happens. 

Booked a tyre check with Halfords and they said all four tyres have different pressures like 26, 35, etc. which is something I noticed last time as well. But they couldn't find any faults with either of them and said to pop in next time the light comes in but I am just curious if someone had a similar issue? 

Appreciate any advice! 

[Malc1]

Tyre pressures have a habit of changing from time to time …… sealant leaks, valve leaks , a zap on a wheel whatever …… just keep an eye on them and top up as necessary ….. 

hopefully nowt to be alarmed over 🤔

Malc 

[usmanq]

1 minute ago, Malc1 said:

Tyre pressures have a habit of changing from time to time …… sealant leaks, valve leaks , a zap on a wheel whatever …… just keep an eye on them and top up as necessary ….. 

hopefully nowt to be alarmed over 🤔

Malc 

Thank you, Malc! Do you think it's weird that Halfords wasn't able to find any faults? Probably go get it checked somewhere else as well? 

[NemesisUK]

Pressure changes with temperature as well, so if the sun shines on one side of the car pressures will be slightly different to the shaded side.

[usmanq]

1 minute ago, NemesisUK said:

Pressure changes with temperature as well, so if the sun shines on one side of the car pressures will be slightly different to the shaded side.

Hmn, that makes sense. Do you think it's normal have this much variance though? And this often like in a week? 

[Malc1]

I’m not a great fan of Halfords tbh 

a specific dedicated local tyre fitting place might be more aware and professional …… but go get Halfords initial offer of rechecking them all as suggested …… as a starter ……. just don’t jump at their initial offer to sell you some tyre service or other ……. but get them pumped up to the correct pressures if they’re “ out” …… for safety’s sake at least 

Malc 

[Kaptkremmin]

When you said you filled all tyres to 33psi you didn't say where and how, get yourself a good tyre pressure gauge, I prefer the manual one's not the digital one's, don't trust the garage forecourt to be accurate or to have been calibrated lately, fill them cold, or cool and keep an eye on them and see how you go on.

[Poundy]

If there is no evidence of a puncture, the most likely candidate will be the valve core or the valve stem. To check the core remove the valve cap and and add a dollop of spit via your finger and see if it bubbles to check the stem, mix some soapy water in a spray bottle and spray where the valve protrudes the wheel. Tyre fitters should replace at least the valve core when fitting new or repaired tyres, but it's often overlooked now. I do my own as it is a simple screw out and in with the aid of valve core removal tool and a new valve core. Also worth checking that the core hasn't just worked slightly loose by checking with the core tool.

[Guest]

Halfords told me my Avensis Battery last January was fine after it let me down one winter morning with their fancy testing tool (after I had jump started and driven it a bit).  The next morning, it wouldn't start!  Their procedures / training is probably good for 80% of cases where there is real damage or case for replacing a part. 

I'm having TPMS issues too... blamed the tyres which were all old and mismatched (some had chunks missing) but recently had a new set of four put on.  Light still comes on, only on longer journeys or with more heat. No air escaping. 

• If your light flashes, then pressures have fallen and the system is working (maybe a tyre issue) 
• If the TPMS light is on steady, then the TPMS system itself has an issue and a sensor most likely needs replacing ~ £150 at the stealership

 

[Malc1]

32 minutes ago, CT200NI said:

Halfords told me my Avensis battery last January was fine after it let me down one winter morning with their fancy testing tool (after I had jump started and driven it a bit).  The next morning, it wouldn't start!  Their procedures / training is probably good for 80% of cases where there is real damage or case for replacing a part. 

I'm having TPMS issues too... blamed the tyres which were all old and mismatched (some had chunks missing) but recently had a new set of four put on.  Light still comes on, only on longer journeys or with more heat. No air escaping. 

• If your light flashes, then pressures have fallen and the system is working (maybe a tyre issue) 
• If the TPMS light is on steady, then the TPMS system itself has an issue and a sensor most likely needs replacing ~ £150 at the stealership

 

There is another post somewhere about self-changing the internal TPMS battery…….  might be challenging for many BUT might save several £00’s  🤔

Malc 

[Guest]

29 minutes ago, Malc1 said:

There is another post somewhere about self-changing the internal TPMS battery…….  might be challenging for many BUT might save several £00’s  🤔

Malc 

My biggest issue is getting the tyre off the rim and back on safely, does that not require specialist tyre shop kit? (genuinely curious as I thought it did) 

If I could get the actual little unit out I'd have no issue opening it up, changing a Battery and re-soldering stuff 🙂 Maybe even making a guide on it if one doesn't exist 

[Malc1]

19 minutes ago, CT200NI said:

My biggest issue is getting the tyre off the rim and back on safely, does that not require specialist tyre shop kit? (genuinely curious as I thought it did) 

If I could get the actual little unit out I'd have no issue opening it up, changing a battery and re-soldering stuff 🙂 Maybe even making a guide on it if one doesn't exist 

Suggest you track down the TPMS posts about this Battery changing ….    it’s far from straightforward but do-able with much skill ……. what I remember of the fairly recent post ! 
 

I could never attend it I know but could save many £00’s 

Malc 

[Guest]

Just watched a Car Care Nut video. Some interesting discoveries about the Toyota TPMS system...

1. The system triggers a low pressure warning when it's 6psi below the acceptable pressure. 

2. Using the 'SET' button (holding it in for three flashes to reset) doesn't reset the sensors, it tells the system "this current pressure is the correct pressure", so if you press this with the incorrect pressures in each tyre be they too high or too low, the system is going to come on at around 6psi below that incorrect pressure. 

 

So I'm going to try this with mine first...  Go out and manually set all pressures to what the handbook says.  THEN hold the set button. And if it comes on again, check all four tyres and see what the tyre pressure machine says to see if this is a physical stem issue (letting out actual air) or if the air pressure is correct, then that means the sensor is having an issue be it low Battery or other physical damage or loose connection making it work half of the time.

 

OP, I'd say try the same. Who knows who last reset it, what the pressures were like at that point etc. Tyre shops probably also over inflate on a generic value and some of them probably reset them without knowing the above? 

 

EDIT: Allegedly the 2018 cars and above have a newer, better version of the system. OP, your car probably has that. It auto pairs with a new sensor without programming, just get a genuine one fitted and it will code itself according to the Car Care Nut. 

[usmanq]

Thank you eveyrone for your amazing feedback! 

So I took the advice and went to a local tyre specialist who found two issues:

1. The tyre had a puncture

2. There's some leakage in the valve which he cleaned so it's better for now but will probably need replacement eventually. He quoted £80 for his. 

Halfords didn't find any of that, they couldn't even tell which tyre it is. 

Apparently my car is lexus warranty till 2028 (long as it gets serviced there). So, I'll check with them if they will replace it for free or I'll have to shell out more. 🥲

Keep you guys posted!

[Guest]

15 hours ago, usmanq said:

Apparently my car is lexus warranty till 2028 (long as it gets serviced there). So, I'll check with them if they will replace it for free or I'll have to shell out more. 🥲

 

Please let me know, as I might as well get mine serviced at Lexus if it's cheaper than paying for a TPMS repair! 

[LenT]

18 hours ago, usmanq said:

Halfords didn't find any of that, they couldn't even tell which tyre it is. 

Of course you may just have been unlucky with that particular local technician (I use the term loosely).  Personally, I have always only regarded Halfords as a possible source of branded items that I will fit myself.

I think there are two basic LOC rules regarding Halfords:

1.  Never let them touch your car.

2. Never ever let them touch your car.

[usmanq]

1 hour ago, LenT said:

Of course you may just have been unlucky with that particular local technician (I use the term loosely).  Personally, I have always only regarded Halfords as a possible source of branded items that I will fit myself.

I think there are two basic LOC rules regarding Halfords:

1.  Never let them touch your car.

2. Never ever let them touch your car.

Haha fair advise! 

@CT200NI So it's not covered by warranty and will cost £185.40. 🥲

Definitely going to get some local quotes but it's leaking so slowly that I am going to probably replace it later. 

I'll update here how much I get it fixed for but if anyone has any tips then SOS. 😅

[Malc1]

On 7/19/2024 at 5:30 PM, Malc1 said:

Suggest you track down the TPMS posts about this battery changing ….    it’s far from straightforward but do-able with much skill ……. what I remember of the fairly recent post ! 

then the cost is peanuts maybe ..............

Malc

[Poundy]

When getting Lexus service to enable the free Relax warranty they will only cover Items from that service date until the next service date. Anything considered pre existing by them will not be covered.

[usmanq]

Well, that sucks then. 

[usmanq]

1 minute ago, Poundy said:

When getting Lexus service to enable the free Relax warranty they will only cover Items from that service date until the next service date. Anything considered pre existing by them will not be covered.

Well, that sucks then. 

[Malc1]

Calipers can often be overhauled but clearly NOT by a Main Dealer that simply doesn’t employ staff with that skill set ! 
Malc 

[Malc1]

1 minute ago, Malc1 said:

Calipers can often be overhauled but clearly NOT by a Main Dealer that simply doesn’t employ staff with that skill set ! 
Malc 

Sorry guys. I have calipers on this tiny mind of mine …… please ignore my post it’s irreverent, even irrelevant 😄

Malc 

[Guest]

16 minutes ago, Poundy said:

When getting Lexus service to enable the free Relax warranty they will only cover Items from that service date until the next service date. Anything considered pre existing by them will not be covered.

My issue is intermittent and the light is only on like 20% of the time when pushing the tyres / when they heat up. I wonder if they can see the history. I know Mercedes system is like this annoyingly. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, usmanq said:

 So it's not covered by warranty and will cost £185.40. 🥲

The Toyota dealer I bought mine from still has 5 months of their 'used car warranty', although obviously not Approved Used since Lexus despite the relations.  I have photos / videos from when I first viewed the car in January to prove that the light was on then, so going to present it as a pre-existing issue and get them to fix it. They're taking it in on Monday for a look but have already suggested that 'we might not be able to fix it because Lexus'... unfortunately, it's a them problem and if they ignore the evidence going straight to the solicitor and taking them to small claims court. Not messing around like in the past with dealers.