I just got back from getting my flat tire fixed. It was not a nail; it was a failed Tire Pressure Sense (TPS) valve stem. That is the sensor that is required on each wheel (spare included) that sends the tire pressure to the main computer in the car.
Apparently the O-rings in the stems (a 5 cent part) fail and start to leak. The stems are made of cheap aluminum, so when the service tech takes them out to replace the O-ring, the stem breaks and must be replaced.
$145.36
That is what it cost me to fix a flat tire this morning.
$115.26 for the valve stem, and the rest for the normal labor, taxes, tips, fees, graft and corruption.
$145.36 to fix a flat tire. And the flat was caused by the very system (Federally mandated) that is supposed to save me from flat tires.
This is the second time this has happened. Last year I had the same situation. That one cost me $156.88, which was $110.00 for the valve stem and the rest for labor etc. I guess the cost of the valve stems has gone up.
So, here is a listing of all the instances where my Tire Pressure Sense (TPS) system has warned me since I bought this car (2006)
- A screw in the tire – cost ~$25.00
- False alarm (spare was flat) – cost ~$0.00
- A screw in tire and broken TPS sensor – cost $156.88
- A broken TPS stem – cost $145.36
Two out of the four incidents were caused at least in part by the TPS, for an additional expense of owning this car at $255.36. I’m not sure that it is worth it considering that our other car has no such system, and we are doing fine with it.
Well that’s it. No more tire rants because I suspect that you are tiring of my tires. We must visit the house today to make some decisions about doors etc. and I promise I will post a real house entry next time.
I promise.
P.S. The TPS system was mandated by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentations (TREAD Act) in 2000. You can read the entire abysmal thing here:
They estimated back then that the cost of the sensors would be $7.50 per wheel. They now really cost $115.26 each. Here is a direct quote from the Act.
“NHTSA estimates that the cost of a direct TPMS that will meet the four-tire, 25 percent compliance option will be $70.35 per vehicle, if the manufacturer chooses to install an individual tire pressure display. This includes $7.50 for each tire pressure sensor ($30 per vehicle), $19 for the control module, $3.85 for an individual tire pressure display, $6 for four valves, and $11.50 for the combination of an instrument panel telltale, assembly, and miscellaneous wiring. The agency assumes that about one percent of vehicles currently comply. Thus, the agency estimates that the incremental cost will be $69.65 per vehicle ($70.35 * 99 percent) if manufacturers install an individual tire pressure display.”
If you don’t believe me, read it for yourself, and weep.