Tire Pressure monitoring in the 350
#2
Yes, the RX350 has an active tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), which means that it has sensors inside the tires that report on actual tire pressure.
In contrast, the RX330 has a passive TPMS, which uses the anti-lock brake computer to detect when one wheel is rotating at a different speed from the others.
With an active system, each tire needs to be inflated above a certain level to keep the dashboard light off. The passive system is relative, so all 4 tires need to have the same pressure - doesn't matter what it is, as long as all 4 are the same.
In contrast, the RX330 has a passive TPMS, which uses the anti-lock brake computer to detect when one wheel is rotating at a different speed from the others.
With an active system, each tire needs to be inflated above a certain level to keep the dashboard light off. The passive system is relative, so all 4 tires need to have the same pressure - doesn't matter what it is, as long as all 4 are the same.
#3
Moderator
And to be clear, it's not part of a package; all RXs have the tire pressure system.
However, I had some bad valve stems on my used '04 RX330 when I bought it, and one tire was visibly very low on air, yet no warning light. Upon inquiry, the service manager said it just was not low enough to set off the warning, although it was at about 15 and the others were at 30, so I don't place a lot of confidence in the relative tire pressure system to warn me of anything short of a full flat.
My SC has sensors in each wheel like the 350, and the warning will light up if the pressure falls below about 28. I much prefer this system, and wonder if the large margin of error for the "relative" measuring system prompted the change.
I guess it beats no system at all, but it does not provide much usuful information, and you do not want to be driving around on 15 or 20 psi, which the relative system will allow you to do (in my experience).
However, I had some bad valve stems on my used '04 RX330 when I bought it, and one tire was visibly very low on air, yet no warning light. Upon inquiry, the service manager said it just was not low enough to set off the warning, although it was at about 15 and the others were at 30, so I don't place a lot of confidence in the relative tire pressure system to warn me of anything short of a full flat.
My SC has sensors in each wheel like the 350, and the warning will light up if the pressure falls below about 28. I much prefer this system, and wonder if the large margin of error for the "relative" measuring system prompted the change.
I guess it beats no system at all, but it does not provide much usuful information, and you do not want to be driving around on 15 or 20 psi, which the relative system will allow you to do (in my experience).
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