Reliability and Battery Life of TST Internal Vs Flow Through Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors

Updated 04/10/2024 | Published 02/12/2021

Question:

What are the pros and cons of the TST internal vs flow through sensor in terms of sensor performance, battery life, and reliability?

asked by: Laurel B

Expert Reply:

According to my contact at TST, going with the internal sensor would have the following benefits:

• Battery Life. The internal sensors can be expected to last 5+ years, versus about 1 to 1-1/2 years for the
external.
• Protection: By virtue of the fact that they're mounted internally, the sensors would be less exposed to the
elements and damage from road debris. The sensors would also be protected from theft or vandalism.

About the only downside to the internal sensors is that the batteries aren't replaceable. When the battery is done, the sensor would need replacement which would not only involve the expense of the replacement sensor, but also the cost of having the tire removed from the wheel and then reinstalled once the sensor is replaced.

TST informs me that there's no difference between the internal and external sensors from a reliability standpoint. As far as performance goes, the internal sensors would provide a more accurate temperature reading compared to the external mounted sensors.

In my opinion the benefits of the internal sensors would outweigh the downside, so that's what I'd personally go with if I was faced with having to make that decision.

One last thing, my TST representative mentioned to be sure to use the repeater with the internal sensors.

expert reply by: Mike L

4/7/2024

My external TST flow through sensors battery lasted 5 years+. I replaced 2 last year (5 years), and 3 are still going (and shows 3.0v). I just had one of the 10 sensors I own entirely fail at 6 years.