As far as I know, no Canadian A4s (2009) have either direct or indirect TPMS. It's not even an option. When I ordered mine I asked the dealer and wrote to Audi Canada to see if I could special order it and they said they could not change Canadian content or requirements. That's why I went aftermarket.

 

What the dealer told you is wrong. TPMS can be special ordered for $350. The reason why its not standard or offered as a regular option is because it's functionality is affected by the rapid changes in daytime/nightime temperatures experienced in most parts of Canada.

 

As I said, it was both the dealer (Owasco) and Audi Canada that gave me that info.
I'm not sure why Canadian temeratures would affect TPMS. Many other manufacturers including my two other cars ('02 Jeep Grand Cheroke, '07 Porsche Cayman S) have direct TPMS without problems. Audi is just cheap on the A4....they offer it standard on most of their other models.

 

Not quite understand why people wants have TPMS installed, this is most annoying thing on car. The customers come to my friend's shop just want to get ride off them.

For almost every audi after certain year with ABS, you can do a in-direct TPMS by yourself, most job just re-wiring and re-coding. but aren't accurate and need calibrations often, it's cheap version of TPMS, like most A3.

For direct TPMS, you can definitely order them for dealer. but there's two type direct TPMS, integrated with valve steam or separated. first type will need be changed every tire change, this is old type sensors. these sensors/valves are almost two tires worth, and need reset your computer which will cost you another. and both type will need be changed about 4-6 years, as battery won't last that long. otherwise, your cluster or tpms will keep reporting something wrong with you tires, but actualy no problem at all.

For personal opinion, these things are only hiking the maintaince cost, not really good for safety, do a regular tire pressure check with 3 bucks gauge will be good enough. Of course, don't care about money and enjoy the luxury will be the exception.

 

I think the opposite.....I rate TPMS equal to ABS. Why do you think US made it law for all new cars. Driving is the most dangerous thing we do daily. The tires are the only contact we have with the road....I don't skimp on tires. I have summer and winter tires for all my cars....all with tpms sensors.
My 2002 Jeep GC came with direct TPMS and I found it so usefull that I now must have it on every car I own. The cost for aftermarket kits are cheap (US$150). The batteries in the sensors last 7-10 years. My Jeep is over 7 yrs and they are still working.
I just think manufacturers should at least offer this as an option and the only way to go is direct tpms.

 

That law in US is quite criticized since it's legislated. It's almost based on only 100 cases study, and more like profit group intend law. And in EU, TPMS not been considered as safty option equipment but enveriment friendly thing. There're not enough evidences to prove that it can significant improve road safety.

I agree with tires and canadian dealer should provide options for TPMS. But for TPMS self now, no. I would rather check tire pressure by myself even I have them on my other cars, I don't trust them as I saw many of them aren't reliable at all but fancy stuff. And if the battery-less direct TPMS become commercial, and in-direct TPMS become more reliable, I would like have them on my cars.

 

I just called the dealer today to get some sensors for my winter tires and they quoted about $150 per tire. Where can I get aftermarket sensors and stems? I know it's just as easy to check pressure myself, but if you don't have the sensors can you feel a difference driving if you catch a nail in one of your tires? I could be drivinv a week before I check pressure.

 

People always talk about checking their own pressures but I bet they don't even do it weekly and as you said, you can pick up a nail anytime.
I have the Orange Electronic direct TPMS. I bought it from Tire Rack, the kit (4 sensors plus digital display) costed US$150. I have a second set for my winter tires. Cheap investment for safety and peace of mind.

 

How about for the people you see driving down the completely oblivious to the fact that one of their tires is almost completely flat. The percentage of drivers that do not regularly check their tire pressure is probably in the high 90's. TPMS systems would not only force them to take notice of their tire pressure but would also act as a bit of a educational tool for the ignorant.

Personally I check my tire pressure weekly if I remember to. It would be great if I could check it daily and not have to get out of the car. As for it being accurate and reliable, I think you underestimate technology.

 

Thank you for agreeing.....