how many bother with the tire pressure warning system?

Keep in mind- we have that system on USA cars because of a regulatory law, not because of popular request. Not sure how it is for you there.

I sure don't mind an extra notification, but my snow tires (on a second set of wheels) are not TPMS equipped at all. We just ignore the blinking light all winter. Regular gauge checks are enough for us.

 

On my Prius with a fast puncture leak, near home, TPMS warned me in time to get off the next freeway exit before the tire could shred itself on a very busy narrow section where a roadside stop would have been hazardous. The tire was still destroyed, but I made it to a safe protected parking spot.

On my Subaru with a slow puncture leak, while traveling far from home, TPMS warned me in time to call around and find a tire shop for repair just before almost everything closed for the weekend. Absent TPMS, I'd have woken up the next morning to a completely flat tire, interrupting the day's plans.

The Prius has also given some false warnings. The Subaru has not.

 

Long time ago, one of my minivan's tires exploded on freeway when I was driving it on a long trip. If there were TMPS sensors on the minivan, I would have avoided it.

It is a personal opinion, but I will always keep my TMPS sensors functional on all my vehicles, just like the safety belts, or car seat if there is a small child in the car.

 

if it were a $200. option on a new car, i would forego it

 

Whatever it takes to make sure I've no warning lights on the dashboard!

 

I like the TPMS systems. Their downside is that the battery in them usually fails in 6-8 years which requires replacing and then re-programming the car to see them. We have an RV and, also, have TPMS sensors that attach to the inflator stem and provide both pressure and temperature
We replaced tires in my daughters 2012 Sienna and one of the TPMS sensors was dead and was only around $60 to replace..not bad at all.
Newer cars have an updated, easier to replace, sensor but I've never done that (yet). My car scanner (XTool D7) is supposed to be able to program TPMS sensors so it'll be fun to try it out.

 

There is a completely sensorless system as well. It assumes that you have identically-sized tires on the wheels, and looks for changes in relative wheel speed while the steering wheel is straight. One different from the other three probably needs attention.

A few automakers are using it now.

 

Mine went out at 240k. I just left it at that. Too much headache to get TPMS plus programming.

 

What exactly makes you think it is a "bother" ??
Even if you do check it often with a gauge, you can run over a nail backing out of your driveway
and the TPMS will warn you before the tire is completely SHOT........or before it blows and causes an accident.
Do you consider the gas gauge a "bother" too ??

 

Well, I keep the TPMS active/ correctly setup.
But, the OP is correct that regular (say once a month) checking of pressure with a gauge is a good thing.

Post 3 tells good stories of TPMS benefits.
If not mandated, I am unsure if I would pay for the option.

 

I've been in situations where the tire went flat while driving. Maybe it's just me, but newer cars seem to make it harder to feel a flat tire than older ones. Maybe it's the heavier weight of them or the power steering or both. But at any rate, the TPMS is a nice indicator for those times.

On the other hand, I use a different set of rims for my winter tires. So all winter long I have a flashing TPMS light. The TPMS batteries are also failing.

 

I can't believe the NZTA WoF manual allows you to just disable the TPMS warning light rather than fix the problem

 

I have had similar experience with a Prius C, no false reports from either previous Prius or current C model. I will keep them working...