armadillo

Good one. I've never had a car that has remote TPSM. So I have always checked with a gauge. What I was referring to was the image posted, which shows the 4 tire pressures. My question was whether that screen can be invoked by the driver to see the pressures of all 4 tires (as in the image) at any time. Or does this screen only ever shows up when the tire pressure of at least one tire is way too low?

kitlz

armadillo, the picture I posted is a screen I brought up by using the toggle switch on the steering wheel. Normally only the tire pressure displays. So yes, you can see it at any time. The TPMS or low pressure light is separate.

One thing I meant to add, the display can take up to two minutes to read the tire pressure initially. Even more reason to leave the power on after doing a TPMS reset for a few minutes per the instructions.

armadillo

So then I don't understand what the fuss is. Obviously, it would be easy enough to check tire pressure (make it habit during each refuel) and you won't be surprised. In case of unexpected deflating, the warning comes up. My tire pressure gauge won't get much use in the future I presume.

kitlz

Because only the 450h has the tire pressure display in the cabin, the 350 does not. Yes, TPMS should only be used for any sudden drop in pressure. It is not a substitute for checking the tires on a routine basis, at least once a month. I still use a tire gauge and visually inspect the tires when I wash my RXh in addition to the display. Fortunately the Pirellis I put on almost two years ago maintain their pressure much better than the Dunlops they replaced.

armadillo

Oh, I didn't know it was a 450h feature only. Glad I am awaiting delivery of the 450h then

vlad_a

I completely agree that TPMS is a joke. If I had an option not to pay $300-$500 (est) premium it tacks on to the cost of the vehicle, I certainly would not. In fact, my RX spends the winter season w/o TMPS as it is rolling on winter tires. Now, that's a real safety item.
We all forget why TMPS was mandated in the first place. It has to do with Ford Explorers rolling over and killing people when running recommended 24PSI tire pressure on Firestone tires. The government fixed the problem. Drives no longer need to be aware of simple maintenance items their vehicle requires. Luckily for us, oil change reminders only trigger a simple warning on the dash based on the mileage since the last reset.