During the widespread usage of external tire pressure monitoring sensors, numerous customers still concern external sensor will put more burden on the valve stem, which may trigger issues such as structural damage and air leakage. These concerns, while understandable, are largely based on subjective interpretations of the sensor’s installation and forces during the driving process. In the following, we further pore into the implicit fact in essence.
I.Customers’ concern
1. Bilateral Effects of Lever Arm and Centrifugal Forces
External tire pressure sensors typically weigh between 10 and 20 grams. When mounted at the end of the valve stem, they may create a leverage structure—fixed proximally and loaded distally. When vehicle moves on, high-speed rotation will generate the centrifugal force that pull outward on sensor. Additionally, rugged road make sensor bear radial impacts. With two kinds of forces, valve stem may repeatedly undertake bending stress, which is more likely to make stem material fatigue and even fracture under the long-term use.
2. Structure forces change and air-tightness influence
External sensors require direct connection with the valve core to access pressure data, thereby transferring the primary airtight function from the valve core to sensor sealing ring. In meanwhile, two parts connection will keep continuous force on the valve thread. Repetitive installation and removal during routine tire inflation will further aggravate thread and sealing components. Over time, this compromises both the mechanical integrity and sealing performance of the valve stem, elevating the risk of air leakage.
3. Chain Loading Due to Dynamic Imbalance
Wheels are accurately factory-balanced, while tire external sensor will ruin the original balance. At high speed, this imbalance induces vibrations which put more oscillatory loads on the valve stem-to-rim junction. These vibrations accelerate fatigue in metallic components and aging of rubber elements, and customers create a wrong perception of increased valve stem load caused by sensor.
4. Attribute to sensor instead of Valve Stem Aging
In cases where the valve stem already exhibits signs of deterioration—such as rubber aging, cracks, or thread damage—the additional mechanical load imposed by an external sensor may accelerate these manifestation. When leakage or breakage occurs, the sensor is often perceived as the root cause due to its installation, ignoring the underlying factor of valve stem condition.
II. Concern Clarification: The Truth About External Sensors and Valve Load
While customers’ concerns are somewhat reasonable, the load exerted on tire valves by standard external TPMS sensors has been controlled within a safe range during both design and application. The table below clearly outlines customers’ core concerns, the actual situation, and corresponding communication scripts to help quickly establish correct understanding.
| Customers’ Core Concerns | Actual Situation |
| Valves will inevitably break due to sensor load | Compliant valves can withstand ≥10 times the sensor load; most failure risks stem from valve aging or improper installation |
| Valves cannot withstand the centrifugal force generated by sensors | Standard products are strictly weight-controlled at ≤15g, and the centrifugal force falls within the valve’s design redundancy range |
| Sealing becomes unreliable after sensor installation | Dual-layer sealing rings and anti-loosening structures are adopted, resulting in an air leakage rate of ＜0.1% |
| Wheel imbalance is certain after sensor installation | Imbalance issues can be corrected by applying balance weights; some sensors come with built-in balancing designs |
III. Practical Recommendations to Reduce Valve Load
To completely avoid potential valve load risks caused by external sensors, strict controls must be implemented across four stages: pre-installation, installation, post-installation, and product selection. Specific recommendations are as follows:
Pre-installation: Eliminate Valve Hazards
Before installing the sensor, carefully inspect the valve for aging, cracks, or thread damage, and replace it promptly if any issues are found. Meanwhile, clean the valve threads and apply a small amount of threadlocker to enhance connection stability.
Installation: Follow Standard Operating Procedures
Tighten the sensor strictly in accordance with torque specifications (usually 8–10 N·m) to avoid thread damage caused by over-tightening. Immediately after installation, spray soapy water on the sensor-valve connection to confirm no bubbles appear, ensuring reliable sealing.
Post-installation: Conduct Regular Maintenance
Be sure to perform wheel balancing calibration after installation to eliminate vibration risks. Check sensor tightness before high-speed driving. It is recommended to inspect the valve root every 3 months to detect and address potential issues in a timely manner.
Product Selection Optimization: Reduce Inherent Load Risks
Prioritize lightweight external sensors (≤12g) equipped with anti-loosening nuts and built-in balance weights. If customers have strong concerns, internal sensor is not bad choice, which can eliminate the lever load exerted on valves by external sensors.
Conclusion
In summary, customers’ concern about “external sensors increasing valve load” essentially stems from worries about stress-related risks. Through standardized product selection, professional installation, and regular maintenance, we can not only leverage the convenience advantages of external sensors but also control valve load within a safe range, achieving a balance between practicality and safety.
Post time: Dec-09-2025