Tesla BLE Sensors: Everything You Need to Know

Anyone looking to buy new rims or tires for their Tesla has surely already come across this topic: The Tesla tire pressure sensors with BLE. Tesla has been installing these sensors in its vehicles since 2021. But what exactly are they? How does a Tesla tire pressure sensor work, and what are its special features?

In this article, we want to delve a little deeper into the subject and take a close look at the devices that measure tire pressure in your Tesla.

Are you interested in BLE sensors for your Tesla? Click here for Teslabs' offer.

Tesla BLE sensors: What are they?

Tesla uses BLE sensors to measure and monitor tire pressure and temperature. Since November 1, 2014, such a monitoring system, although not necessarily using BLE, has been mandatory in new cars. BLE stands for "Bluetooth Low Energy," meaning it doesn't describe the entire sensor functionality, but rather the technology used to transmit the measured values ​​to the onboard computer. Originally developed for near-field positioning of portable devices, this transmission method can be used in many areas.

As the name suggests, BLE is a variant of the world-famous Bluetooth protocol that requires particularly little energy. This allows the sensors to last 7–10 years, meaning they rarely fail before the tires themselves. Therefore, BLE sensors may not last quite as long as... battery of the Tesla itself, but in any case long enough that you will only very rarely have to deal with the topic.

BLE became known in the automotive context when the Tesla Model 3 tire pressure sensors were switched from conventional wireless sensors to the new type during the 2021 facelift. However, Tesla doesn't just use BLE to measure tire pressure in the Model 3; it utilizes the technology in all its models – consequently, the sensors are compatible with all Tesla vehicles except the pre-facelift Model 3.

Clarifying terms: Tesla RDKS vs. TPMS vs. BLE

In connection with BLE, other abbreviations like TPMS or Tesla TPMS often appear, which can initially cause confusion. However, both are different names for the same system: TPMS stands for "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" and thus serves only as a general term for all possible systems for monitoring tire pressure. Besides BLE, there are, for example, TPMS systems that operate wirelessly or passive systems that detect a pressure drop using the ABS sensors – in this case, however, not in which specific tire.

TPMS is simply the English term for RDKS, which stands for "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" and means exactly the same thing. As always, there are many complicated-sounding names, but on closer inspection, they don't actually mean that much.

Incidentally, since a functioning TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) has been mandatory since 2014, it is also required for almost all Tesla vehicles to pass the mandatory vehicle inspection (TÜV). Therefore, retrofitting BLE (Blind Spot Monitor) sensors is essential even with aftermarket rims or tires – quite apart from the fact that it is a very useful system anyway – and should be taken into consideration.

Since when has Tesla used BLE.

With the Model 3 facelift in 2021, Tesla switched from a conventional 433 MHz radio system to BLE technology. Since then, BLE sensors have been used in all Tesla models, meaning they are found in all Model Y vehicles as well as in the Model S/X/3 from 2021 onwards. However, Teslabs' Alcar BLE sensors are also compatible with earlier Model S and X vehicles.

What is the difference compared to the old system?

The key difference from the old system lies in the transmission technology used. Unlike the old system, which used radio waves, BLE eliminates the need for an additional receiver that reads the signals from the 433 MHz system and forwards them to the onboard computer – because a Bluetooth receiver is always installed in Tesla vehicles anyway. This saves a component and its associated wiring, thus reducing the number of potential sources of error.

Advantages of BLE sensors

Besides their low energy consumption, BLE sensors offer several other advantages that explain why Tesla relies on the system. Tire pressure monitoring with BLE sensors is an active system, meaning it has the advantage over passive systems of enabling very precise measurements in each individual tire. Furthermore, the BLE sensors are installed directly on the tire valve, making installation and maintenance very simple and therefore inexpensive. However, the biggest advantage lies in the Bluetooth protocol used.

Since every Tesla vehicle already has a built-in Bluetooth receiver – necessary for communication with smartphones – it can also be used for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). An additional receiver and wiring, as would be required with other technologies, are therefore unnecessary and can be saved.

The advantages of BLE sensors at a glance:

• low energy consumption
• precise measurement of tire pressure
• easy installation and maintenance
• Using the existing Bluetooth receiver

Are you interested in BLE sensors for your Tesla? Click here for Teslabs' offer.

Mounting of BLE sensors

The Tesla BLE sensors are an active TPMS and are installed directly at the tire valve. This makes installation relatively easy, as the tire doesn't even need to be completely removed from the rim – it only needs to be pushed aside slightly to access the valve stem. Attaching the sensor itself is really quite straightforward. Anyone with some experience, know-how, and perhaps even the necessary equipment can install their new BLE sensors themselves. Otherwise, a trip to the workshop is necessary, which would probably be required anyway when changing or mounting tires.

By the way: The BLE sensors Tesla sensors are self-learning, meaning they don't need to be programmed before installation. Simply driving a few meters after installation is sufficient – ​​within minutes the sensors are automatically integrated into the system.

Buy BLE sensors at Teslabs

Have you bought new rims for your Tesla and need BLE sensors? Or would you like to replace your old sensors? You'll find what you need at Teslabs – and even receive plenty of attractive benefits with your purchase.

By purchasing a BLE sensor or the complete set of four sensors, you qualify for free shipping. This applies to orders over €50. Furthermore, payment at Teslabs is processed securely using methods such as credit card, PayPal, or Klarna. And as a small bonus, we donate one euro per order to environmental startups working to make our world a more sustainable place.

But that's not all: In case you are dissatisfied with your order or encounter any other problem, you can count on our competent support from Tesla enthusiasts.We'll help you quickly and without any red tape! Furthermore, you can rely on our 30-day money-back guarantee. If needed, simply return the unused BLE sensor to us and we'll refund the full purchase price – it's that easy.

Conclusion

With the integration of Bluetooth Low Energy into its TPMS, Tesla has once again demonstrated its innovative spirit. The new technology offers numerous advantages and was relatively easy to integrate. Only a handful of customers who had already purchased new tires with the old wireless TPMS for their Model 3 around the time of the switchover were left out and had to retrofit new sensors.

It should be noted that BLE sensors as active TPMS aren't exactly cheap – but they generally last a long time. And of course, they don't have to be the original Tesla sensors. The Alcar sensors from Teslabs work just like the OE sensors from the American automaker, but are significantly cheaper. So whether you need new BLE sensors for your aftermarket rims or your old ones have finally given up the ghost: order today – from Teslabs, your shop for high-quality Tesla accessories.

Are you interested in BLE sensors for your Tesla? Click here for Teslabs' offer.

FAQ: Tesla BLE Sensors

How much do Tesla BLE sensors cost?

At Teslabs, you can get a BLE sensor compatible with your Tesla starting at €69.99. A set of four sensors is available at the reduced price of €264.99. In the Tesla shop, a single sensor costs €85.

What are BLE sensors?

BLE sensors are tire pressure monitoring sensors that communicate with the on-board computer using the "Bluetooth Low Energy" protocol. They are now standard equipment in every Tesla model.

Do BLE sensors need to be activated before installation?

Teslabs' Alcar BLE sensors are automatically paired with the vehicle within minutes. No programming or activation is required before installation.

What sensors are installed in the Tesla?

A Tesla is equipped with numerous sensors, from tire pressure sensors and parking sensors to ABS and airbag sensors and temperature sensors.

Which tire pressure sensors are compatible with the Tesla Model 3?

Since the 2020/21 facelift, the Model 3 has been equipped with BLE sensors. Previously, the electric vehicle pioneer used a conventional 433 MHz radio system in the Model 3.

How long do the batteries in tire pressure sensors last?

The batteries last for several years. ADAC Expect a lifespan of at least 5 to a maximum of 10 years; often the limit of 150,000 kilometers mileage is also found.

Is it possible to replace the battery in tire pressure sensors?

No. The BLE sensors are tightly encased to protect the internal electronics. Therefore, battery replacement is not possible, but is rarely necessary anyway.

Can a tire pressure sensor break?

Like any sensor, a tire pressure sensor can occasionally display incorrect values, but this usually corrects itself. Only in very rare cases does a tire pressure sensor actually break down.

Is it possible to omit tire pressure sensors?

Technically, it's possible to omit the tire pressure sensors. However, you'll then receive constant warnings from the system. You'll also fail your next vehicle inspection (TÜV).

Were we able to answer all your questions? If a tire change is coming up and you need new ones... Buy BLE sensors for your Tesla If you wish, you can easily do so in the Teslabs online shop.We promise you a delivery time of one to two working days, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and reliable German-speaking service.

What experiences have you had with tire pressure sensors? Feel free to comment below.