OEM wheels and flat tyre sensor?

[tom2005]

Hi,

I currently have a set of OEM Mini alloys on my car (they also have run flats). If I was to get a puncture I would be alerted and then could re inflate them for a bit. I have the oppurtunity to swap 3 of my wheels for some which have no scratchs or dinks (as mine do!) The other wheels are exactly the same but they also include brand new tyres! How does the sensor work? Can I put these other wheels on with no problems?

Thanks
Tom

[FergusM]

Yes you can use them, just have to reset the system once they are on.

The Run Flat indicator works off the ABS sensors and detects the change in tyre circumference through that system. There is nothing on the tyres themselves (unlike Renaault etc where they have something built into the valve).

[Paul]

The sensor is part of the ABS system, it actually has nothing to do with the wheels or tyres you chose (well, that's not quite true, but let me explain).

The ABS sensors detect the rotation speed of each wheel, if they go out of synch for an extended period (more than just losing a bit of traction or something would do) then the system assumes it's due to a mis-match in tyre pressure and will warn you of a possible flat.

OEM, aftermarket, runflat or regular tyres, as long as your wheels are spinning, it will work.

[Paul]

Damn, too slow.

[tom2005]

Thanks for the replys Fergus and Paul. So basically I wil be fine to swap them straight over - BUT will need to take it to the dealer to have the system reset?

[FergusM]

Nope.. read the manual and it will tell you how to do it. It does not need to go near a dealer.