Winter Tires and TPMS sensors 2013 Pathfinder & Murano

[DurhamNissan]

Hi All,

Had a quick question and not sure is there is a short/quick answer.
I am looking to get new set of rims and winter tires for a 2013 Pathfinder and 2013 Murano. Do the winter tires and rims require the own set of Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors?

I fully understand that the light on my dash board will be on all winter or until I change the tires back. I was wondering if having the light/sensor on would negatively impact fuel economy but more importantly traction control or Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system?

So far I have received every response under the sun from they are not required for both vehicles to they are required for the Pathfinder but not the Murano to they are required for both vehicles.

Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I just want some clarification to determine if they are required or not.

Thanks in advance
DurhamNissan

[Towncivilian]

As far as I know, TPMS requires sensors on each individual wheel. So any set of wheels you will be using must have the sensors otherwise the light will be on. I don't know if you need to "pair" the sensors to the vehicle's computer somehow.

Welcome to NICO.

[DurhamNissan]

Thanks for your prompt reply Towncivilian.

Yes there is a sensor on each wheel and they need to be programmed to work with the vehicle. There is a piece of equipment that does the pairing of sensors to the vehicle. I total understand this process.

What I want to know if what is the risk if I do not get TPMS senors for the winter tires? Are they really needed during the winter months? If they are needed why are they needed what can go wrong?

Thanks in advance.

Durham Nissan

[Towncivilian]

According to the owner's manual page 2-13 (and further elucidated on page 5-3 and forward), using a spare tire or wheel without a TPMS sensor only causes the TPMS light to flash for one minute, then remain solid afterwards. I don't believe the VSC system ties in to the TPMS system at all.

[DurhamNissan]

Thank you Towncivilian

I did read the owner manual but it was not clear. Now I went back and read it again and it looks like the TPMS senors have no performance impact on the VDC.

Have a wonderful day

DurhamNissan

[Macsleuth]

Just turned in my Murano (got a 2014 Pathfinder), had a spare set of rims/tires for the winter.
When I got them, I had to buy a sensor for each wheel. When they get changed over both in the spring and fall, dealer had to reset the TPMS on the car to see the sensors in the rims.
Hope that helps.