No, spare tires are generally not required to have tire pressure sensors (TPMS).
TPMS and Spare Tires: What You Need to Know
Most spare tires, especially the smaller, temporary "donut" spares, do not come equipped with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors. This is because:
- Not Legally Required: Laws typically don't mandate TPMS sensors in spare tires.
- Cost Savings: Including a TPMS sensor adds to the cost of the spare tire and the vehicle.
- Space Limitations: Compact spare tires often have size and design constraints that make integrating a TPMS sensor difficult.
What Happens When You Use a Spare Tire Without a TPMS Sensor?
When you install a spare tire without a TPMS sensor, your vehicle's TPMS warning light will usually illuminate on the dashboard. This is because the system is unable to detect a signal from the missing sensor. This doesn't necessarily indicate a problem with the spare tire itself (unless the spare tire actually does have low pressure and is supposed to be monitored), but rather that the system recognizes that one of the original tires has been replaced with one that it cannot monitor.
Resetting the TPMS Light
The TPMS light will usually remain on until the original tire (with the functional TPMS sensor) is reinstalled or the system is manually reset by a professional. The light should go off by itself after you reinstall the original tire or replace the spare tire. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions on how to reset the TPMS system, as the process can vary between manufacturers and models. You may still need to manually reset the light even if the original tire is put back on.
Full-Size Spares and TPMS
Some vehicles come with full-size spare tires that do include a TPMS sensor. If your spare tire has a sensor, it will be integrated into the TPMS system and will be monitored like the other tires.
In summary, most spare tires do not have tire pressure sensors, causing the TPMS light to illuminate when used. Full-size spares are more likely to have TPMS.
