[Answered] Can I Drive My Car Without TPMS Sensors?
You may already know that Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is one of the most important automotive safety features in modern vehicles. It tracks the condition of the pressure of your tier and alerts you whenever they’re low on air or need replacement.
That’s why the US Congress made the use of TPMS in light vehicles mandatory in 2007. So, if you ask whether you can drive your car without a TPMS sensor; The answer would be – “Yes” it is possible to drive without TPMS, but “No”, you can’t drive your car without TPMS as it’s against the law.
However, in certain conditions, you can drive your car without TPMS. Let’s learn when you can drive your car without TPMS and what you need to concern about while driving without this sensor in this article below.
Is It Illegal to Drive a Car Without TPMS?
Yes, it isn’t recommended to drive a car without TPMS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 USC 30122(b)) which made TPMS mandatory for all cars and light trucks.
Again, the U.S. Congress passed the TREAD Act in 2000, mandating tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in all passenger cars and light trucks sold as of Sept. 1, 2007, after understanding the danger of driving on underinflated tires.
This means you can’t drive a car without TPMS without the reference of an owner’s request.
However, due to being a sensitive sensor, TPMS can be damaged easily and in that case, you can drive your car to a nearby mechanic shop without TPMS and fix it as soon as possible.
So, When Can You Drive Your Car Without TPMS?
Though TPMS is a lifesaving feature in modern vehicles, it can be irritating sometimes if it keeps showing the warning light. Driving a car without TPMS can resolve this issue. But as you can’t break the regulation of the U.S., you need to check the pressure of your tier and ensure the required air level to get relief from the issue.
But as we already mentioned above that in case of TPMS malfunction, it can happen that you may not find any mechanic shop or repair shop nearby. In that situation, you can drive the car without TPMS and repair the TPMS as soon as you can.
But you need to follow some instructions while driving your car without TPMS. Let’s check the instructions below.
You can watch the video below to learn what will happen if you drive your car without TPMS.
Instructions to Follow for Driving Cars without TPMS
If you are intended to drive your car without TPMS, then you need to follow the instructions below –
- Check tires using a gauge and ensure your tires are hard but not rock solid or too soft and squishy. If it is too hard, then release some air out of it by pressing the pin in the center of the tire valve with the tire gauge, and if it is soft then add air in short bursts.
- Drive carefully and safely. Try not to get into any accident or hit any potholes during driving.
- Do not exceed the recommended speed limits for any given road.
Bonus Tip: Way to Prevent Irritating TPMS Warning Light
If you’re irritated with the TPMS and want to avoid the inconvenience of the Warning light malfunction of the TPMS sensor, then you can use the TPMS bypass emulator as an alternative. It will prevent the TPMS light from turning due to a TPMS malfunction. Don’t worry, it is legal to replace your TPMS with the TPMS bypass emulator.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
Do I Really Need TPMS Sensors?
Yes, it is mandatory to use TPMS sensors as the U.S. government issued the rule that every car and light truck must use TPMS as a safety device. This law is to prevent accidents caused by low tire pressure.
Can I Turn Off My TPMS?
Yes, you can turn off your TPMS but it isn’t recommended especially if you are driving inside the USA. Because driving while the TPMS is turned off is against the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 USC 30122(b)).
Why Should I Use TPMS and Why Shouldn’t?
You should use TPMS because it will help you know the exact tire pressure and alert you if the tires of your vehicle need replacement. However, the sensor is expensive and can easily be damaged. Also, the sensor can be a reason for draining your car’s battery. But as TPMS is mandatory to use in the USA, you have to use it. But if you’re out of the country, you can drive your car without TPMS.
Is It Illegal to Replace a TPMS Sensor with A Regular Valve Stem?
No, it is legal to replace a TPMS sensor with a regular valve stem. Here is the act by the NHTSA – “a motor vehicle repair business would not be violating 49 USC 30122(b) by removing an inoperative or damaged TPMS sensor and replacing it with a standard snap-in rubber valve stem.”
Conclusion
We hope you have got the answer to your question on whether you can drive your car without TPMS sensors or not after reading this article. The answer is no, you can’t drive your car without TPMS as it is against the law of the U.S.A. If you still have any questions regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to ask in our comment section below. Thanks for reading.
