RxMatt

I know there's been a few winter threads started already.

I'm looking at getting a set of winter tires soon (most likely the Michelin X-Ice). I was debating about getting them put on the stock 17 inch rims, or going with 16 inch tires mounted on steelies (w/o the TPMS).

For those of you with steelies (or even upgraded rims) without the TPMS installed, is it that much of an annoyance? Is there just a warning light on the entire time you are driving? I assume there is no way to disable this?

I'd have my winters on from early Nov-early April.

Any input is appreciated!

09TSXTech

I drove for a few months on my 19" w/o TPMS, gets a bit annoying after a while as the TPMS System Error continues to pop up every time I start the car. There's a dealer in Ontario that sells them near Nov-Dec at great discount, I got mine from the US as they are selling it for $100 each here in BC.

With the TPMS light on, you cannot turn off the vehicle VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) system which can be a bit of a pain if you are stuck in snow and the VSA automatically cuts power to the drive wheel.

itr_1211

Which dealer in ontario is selling them? i've called everywhere and they're $65 per sensor

RxMatt

Would there be any risk of damaging the TPMS over time by changing back and forth between summer tires and winter tires every season??

09TSXTech

Don't forget the washer and nut which adds another $6 in BC.

Another forum member ivica5683 purchased sensors in Canada (Ontario) from Fairway Acura back in December 2009. The price is about $180 Canadian taxes in. That included the sensor, washer and nut. That's C$45 each including taxes.

He first inquired about the sensors in October 2009 and the parts manager suggested him to wait until late November early December as he had ordered about 800 of these for all the winter tire customers.

09TSXTech

No problem with the TPMS sensor if the tire shop does things properly. However, repeat mounting and dismounting of tires is expensive (installation and balance twice a year). You also run the risk of tire and or wheel damage changing back and forth.

I have summer tires on my 19" and stock all seasons on the 17". We don't have much snow here in the left coast (except for very bad winter of 2008-9, 2009-10 we have to truck in snow for the Winter Games), however, when the current 17" Michelin goes, I will mount snow tires on my stock 17".

Rev Run

Don't forget the RDX TPMS sensors work on our car and you can get them for like $30 a piece. I've found some full sets for $75 in the past.