Frequency Band: 315 MHz vs 433 MHz
Frequency is the radio carrier the sensor uses to broadcast pressure and temperature data to the vehicle’s receiver. It is not a preference, and it is not something you can tune around. A 315 MHz sensor on a 433 MHz vehicle is a dead part.
Region drives the choice. North America standardized largely on 315 MHz. Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America standardized largely on 433 MHz — usually 433.92 MHz as the exact center. Changan builds the UNI-K for 433 MHz markets, which is why 433 MHz is the only correct band for this platform.
| Spec | 315 MHz | 433 MHz |
|---|---|---|
| Primary markets | North America | Europe, Asia, Middle East, LatAm |
| Approx. wavelength | ~0.95 m | ~0.69 m |
| Antenna in sensor | Longer | Shorter, smaller board |
| Cross-compatible? | No | No |
| Fits Changan UNI-K | No | Yes |
One warning: a handful of vehicles use dual-band or programmable sensors that can be flashed to either band. Fixed-band sensors like the BH-Sens 433 MHz unit are locked at the factory. If a listing claims “315/433 MHz fits everything,” ask which band is actually loaded.
Battery Life: What “5–10 Years” Actually Means
TPMS sensors use a sealed lithium cell that is potted into the housing. It is not replaceable — when the battery dies, the sensor is scrap and gets replaced as a unit.
Real-world life depends on three things:
- Transmit duty cycle. Sensors sleep when stationary and transmit while rolling. A daily-driven car burns battery faster than a weekend car.
- Heat. Under-tyre temperatures in summer traffic are the biggest killer of lithium cells. Hot climates trend toward the short end of the range.
- Age at install. The clock starts at manufacture, not at your install date. Old shelf stock means fewer years of service. Ask your supplier for date codes before buying a set.
You will usually get a low-battery or missing-signal warning on the dash before total failure. When that appears, plan on four sensors if the originals were installed together.
IP Rating: Why IP67 Is the Minimum
The IP rating has two digits. The first is solids (6 = dust tight). The second is water (7 = immersion to 1 m for 30 minutes). IP67 is the working baseline for a tyre sensor; IP68 or IP6K9K adds margin against steam cleaning and deeper immersion.
What actually kills sensors in the field is rarely the electronics — it is the valve stem seal. Tyre interiors see condensation from compressed air, bead lubricant and moisture pulled in during temperature swings. Add wheel-well exposure to salt, mud, brake dust and pressure washers, and the stem grommet becomes the weak point.
Practical rules for clamp-in sensors:
- Replace the rubber grommet and nut every time a sensor is swapped. Reusing them is the fastest way to a slow leak.
- Torque the stem nut to the value in your vehicle or service manual — clamp-in nuts are low-torque fasteners and over-tightening crushes the seal or cracks the stem.
- Use a metal valve cap with a seal, not a plastic one, and never use thread sealant on the stem.
Protocol Compatibility: The Spec Nobody Prints on the Box
Frequency is the carrier wave. Protocol is the language spoken on top of it: modulation, data rate, encoding, frame structure and ID format. Two sensors can both be “433 MHz” and still be completely incompatible because they speak different protocols.
That is why pre-programmed sensors matter. A pre-programmed sensor ships with a specific vehicle protocol already loaded, so the only remaining step is getting the vehicle to accept its ID. Relearn methods vary:
- OBD relearn — a scan tool writes sensor IDs directly to the module.
- Auto relearn — the vehicle learns IDs during a defined drive cycle.
- Activation relearn — a trigger tool wakes each sensor in sequence, then the vehicle learns them.
Some Changan-based platforms need the activation step before the module will listen. Confirm the relearn method for your specific model and year before you mount tyres — chasing a relearn problem on a mounted wheel is expensive.
Fitment: BL-ST-089 (BH-Sens 433 MHz)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | BH-Sens (Baolong Technology) |
| Frequency | 433 MHz |
| Type | Clamp-in, pre-programmed |
| OE references | 3601010CD01, 3601010DG01, 3601010MK02, 3601010MK02ED01 |
| Compatible brands | Avatr, Changan, Deepal, Mazda, Nevo |
| Typical use | Direct replacement on 433 MHz Changan-family platforms |
OE numbers are a starting cross-reference, not a guarantee. Trim level, production year and wheel package can change the sensor fitted at the factory, so verify against your VIN or the number engraved on the sensor you are removing.
Installation Notes That Save Comebacks
- Note which wheel each sensor goes into — LF, RF, LR, RR. Many relearn procedures expect position order.
- Mount the sensor to the stem before torquing the stem into the wheel.
- Inflate to placard pressure, then perform the relearn.
- Verify live pressure readings on a scan tool for all four corners before the car leaves.
- Recheck stem torque and look for bubble leaks after 24 hours.
Recommended Part
For 433 MHz Changan-family vehicles including the UNI-K and related platforms, the BH-Sens 433 MHz clamp-in sensor is a direct-fit, pre-programmed option covering OE references 3601010CD01, 3601010DG01 and 3601010MK02. Check it here: BL-ST-089 | BH-Sens 433MHz TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor | Fits Avatr, Changan, Deepal, Mazda, Nevo & 1 More | OE# 3601010CD01, 3601010DG01, 3601010MK02
FAQ
Will a 315 MHz sensor work on my UNI-K if I program it?
No. Programming cannot change the physical band a sensor transmits on. A 315 MHz sensor on a 433 MHz vehicle will never be seen by the receiver, regardless of tool or procedure.
Can I just replace the battery in a TPMS sensor?
No. The cell is sealed and potted into the housing to survive pressure, vibration and moisture. Replacement means a new sensor, which is why battery life is a purchase decision rather than a maintenance item.
Do pre-programmed sensors still need relearning?
Yes. “Pre-programmed” means the correct protocol is loaded at the factory — it does not mean the vehicle automatically knows the new sensor’s ID. You still need OBD, auto or activation relearn, and some models require a trigger tool.
Does a higher IP rating guarantee the sensor will not leak?
No. The rating covers the sensor body. Air leaks almost always come from the stem seal or grommet, which is why new sealing hardware and correct torque matter as much as the IP number.