In the commercial vehicle sector, there is often uncertainty about one key question:
Can any TPMS sensor be combined with any truck, trailer, receiver, or diagnostic system?
The short answer is:
No — not all TPMS sensors are automatically compatible.
However, they can be compatible if three essential requirements are met: mechanical fit, electronics, and radio protocol.
These three factors ultimately determine whether tire pressure sensors from different manufacturers can be used interchangeably or not.
1. Mechanical Compatibility Does the Sensor Fit the Wheel?
Before a sensor can transmit any data at all, it must be mounted correctly.
In the commercial vehicle sector, wheels vary significantly — steel or aluminum, different drop-center geometries, and varying valve positions.
Mechanical compatibility means:
The sensor can be mounted on any wheel type
Independent of rim design, valve position, or wheel size
Typically achieved using textile sensor straps
Only if the sensor can be mounted mechanically does radio communication or electronics become relevant at all.
2. Electronic Compatibility -
Does the Sensor Measure with Sufficient Accuracy?
The sensor must be technically capable of transmitting high-quality information to the vehicle.
High-accuracy pressure measurement
High-accuracy temperature measurement
Reliable data transmission
Local diagnostics for workshop service tools
Electronic compatibility exists only if:
The sensor can be read by diagnostic tools from different manufacturers
The sensor transmits complete and reliable data to the receivers
The power supply (battery) meets the operational requirements
- The sensor operates reliably across the entire temperature range (-40 °C to +125 °C)
4. Radio Protocol Compatibility: The Decisive Factor
This is where it is determined whether sensors are truly interchangeable.
A TPMS sensor always transmits:
Sensor ID
Pressure
Temperature
Status information (e.g. driving state)
BUT:
Not every manufacturer uses the same radio protocol.
Only TireCheck has standardized its radio protocol and communicates it openly with vehicle and sensor manufacturers.
To enable true interchangeability, the TireCheck protocol was introduced:
Standardized radio protocol since 2012
All sensor colors and models are interchangeable
Most TPMS receivers support the TireCheck protocol
The protocol is flexible and can be extended for new applications
This means:
A sensor produced today can replace a sensor that is five years old, as both use the same radio protocol. Likewise, a TireCheck sensor can be removed from a trailer and installed on most other vehicles, since the radio protocol is supported and understood.
The TireCheck radio protocol has largely established itself as the de facto standard for European trailers.
When Are TPMS Sensors Compatible in Practice?
Only when all three requirements are met simultaneously can true compatibility be assumed:
| Requirements | Meaning | If Not Compatible |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | The sensor fits any wheel | The sensor cannot be mounted on the wheel |
| Elektronic | The sensor reliably transmits all required data | The TPMS system does not function correctly |
Radio protocol | The radio protocol is understood by all receivers | The vehicle does not recognize the sensor |
Only when mechanical design, electronics, and radio protocol all match are sensors truly interchangeable – regardless of color, model, or year of manufacture.
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IMPORTANT FAQs
Are TPMS Sensors Standardized in Commercial Vehicles (Truck, Trailer etc.)?
Mechanical and electronic aspects are largely similar, but true standardization only emerges with a shared radio protocol such as the TireCheck protocol.
Most trailers are equipped with TireCheck sensors, ensuring a very high level of standardization and compatibility in this segment.
Why Are Not All Truck TPMS Sensors Compatible?
Even though many truck TPMS sensors transmit on 433 MHz and measure similar parameters (pressure, temperature, status), manufacturers often use different radio protocols and data structures.
As a result, sensors can only be used across manufacturers if protocol, frequency, and geometry are compatible. Otherwise, the system will either fail to recognize the sensor or generate error messages.
What Should Vehicle Manufacturers Consider When Selecting a TPMS for New Commercial Vehicles?
The system should support:
Flexible sensor mounting across different wheel types
Reliable and accurate pressure and temperature measurement
A standardized, openly documented radio protocol to ensure long-term compatibility
Interoperability with receivers, ECUs, and diagnostic tools
Scalability for future vehicle platforms and applications
Choosing a TPMS with a standardized protocol helps avoid system lock-in, reduces integration effort, and ensures compatibility across trailers, fleets, and service environments.
