Why Forthing Owners Need a Winter Tire TPMS Plan
Forthing vehicles—including popular models like the Joyear, T5, and S50—come equipped with direct TPMS sensors from the factory. These sensors transmit real-time pressure and temperature data to the ECU. If you’re swapping to a second set of winter wheels, you have three options: reuse the original sensors, install new pre-programmed sensors, or ignore TPMS entirely (not recommended). The BH-Sens 433MHz sensor (BL-ST-028) is a direct-fit solution for many Forthing models, as it matches the OE frequencies and protocols used by Baolong Technology, which supplies many Chinese OEM systems.
Temperature vs. Tire Pressure: The Math That Matters
Cold air contracts, and so does the air inside your tires. For every 10°F drop in ambient temperature, tire pressure decreases by approximately 1 PSI. If you live in a region where winter temperatures drop 30–40°F below summer averages, your tires could be 3–4 PSI low by midwinter—even without any air loss. This triggers low-pressure warnings on your Forthing’s dash and can reduce fuel economy, tire life, and handling.
What to do:
- Set winter tire pressures 3–5 PSI higher than the door sticker recommendation when mounting them in a warm garage. As the tires cool to outdoor temps, pressure will settle into the correct range.
- Check pressures weekly during sudden cold snaps. A drop below 25% of the recommended PSI will activate the TPMS warning light.
TPMS Sensor Compatibility for Forthing Winter Wheel Sets
If you’re using a dedicated winter wheel set, you have two practical paths:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reuse existing sensors from summer wheels | No extra cost, known compatibility | Requires dismounting tires, risk of damage | Single wheel set, careful DIY |
| Install new pre-programmed sensors (e.g., BL-ST-028) | No tire dismount needed, sensors stay with winter wheels | Upfront cost | Two wheel sets, shop installation |
| Buy OEM Forthing sensors | Guaranteed fit | Higher cost, longer lead time | Warranty-conscious owners |
The BH-Sens 433MHz sensor (BL-ST-028) is pre-programmed to match OE part numbers 3601010CD01, 3601010DG01, and 3601010MK02. This means it communicates on the correct frequency and protocol for most Forthing models from 2018 onward. It’s a clamp-in design, which is the standard for Baolong-based systems.
How to Transfer or Install TPMS Sensors During Winter Tire Swap
Step 1: Identify Your Forthing’s TPMS System
Most Forthing vehicles use a 433MHz system from Baolong Technology. Check your owner’s manual or the sensor stamp on your current wheels. If you see “433MHz” and a Baolong logo, the BL-ST-028 is a direct match.
Step 2: Decide on Sensor Placement
- Reusing summer sensors: Have the tire shop carefully remove the valve stem sensors from your summer wheels and install them into the winter tires. Torque the sensor nut to the manufacturer’s spec (typically 35–45 in-lbs—check your sensor documentation).
- Installing new sensors: Mount the new sensors into the winter wheels before mounting the tires. The BL-ST-028 requires no programming—it’s ready to pair with your Forthing’s ECU after a short drive.
Step 3: Pairing and Verification
After installation, drive your Forthing for 10–15 minutes above 15 mph. The TPMS warning light should turn off. If it remains on, a handheld TPMS tool can confirm each sensor’s signal. If you’re using sensors from a different brand, you may need a relearn procedure—consult your vehicle manual.
Storage Tips for Off-Season Tires and Sensors
Improper storage degrades both tires and TPMS sensors. Follow these guidelines:
- Remove sensors from tires if storing tires unmounted. Sensors left in unmounted tires can have their valve stems bent or damaged.
- Store sensors in a dry, temperature-stable environment (40–80°F). Extreme cold can shorten battery life, though modern sensors handle -40°F well.
- Keep tires in a cool, dark place away from ozone sources (electric motors, heaters). Stack them flat or hang them, but avoid leaning them on their valve stems.
- If storing wheels with sensors mounted, reduce pressure to 15–20 PSI to relieve stress on the tire sidewalls, but do not fully deflate—sensors need some pressure to maintain seal integrity.
Recommended Part for Forthing Winter Tire TPMS
For a hassle-free winter swap, we recommend the BL-ST-028 | BH-Sens 433MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor | Fits Avatr, Changan, Deepal, Mazda, Nevo & 1 More | OE# 3601010CD01, 3601010DG01, 3601010MK02. It’s a direct-fit, pre-programmed 433MHz sensor that works with Forthing models using Baolong TPMS systems. Use one per wheel to avoid mismatched frequencies or protocol errors. Note: Forthing owners should verify their vehicle’s sensor compatibility by checking the OE number on their current sensors (e.g., 3601010CD01, 3601010DG01, 3601010MK02).
FAQ
Can I use the same TPMS sensors for summer and winter tires on my Forthing?
Yes, but only if you have the sensors moved between wheel sets each season. This adds labor cost and risks sensor damage during demounting. Many owners prefer to buy a second set of sensors for winter wheels to avoid repeated tire changes.
How do I know if my Forthing uses 433MHz TPMS sensors?
Check the valve stem area of your current tires. Most Baolong-based sensors have the frequency printed on the sensor body or on the rubber valve stem. You can also look up your specific model year in the owner’s manual—Forthing models from approximately 2017 onward use 433MHz.
Will a low-pressure warning appear immediately when temperatures drop?
Yes, typically within a few minutes of driving. The TPMS system compares real-time pressure to the stored baseline. A 30°F drop can cause a 3 PSI loss, which is enough to trigger the warning if your summer pressure was already borderline.
Can I store TPMS sensors in the freezer or outside in winter?
Avoid extreme temperatures. While sensors can survive freezing, storing them in a cold garage risks condensation inside the sensor housing, which can corrode the battery contacts. Room temperature storage is ideal.