Promata Mata2E TPMS review: Simple tyre pressure monitoring

We recently got our hands on Promata Automotive’s Mata2E external tyre pressure monitor, which proved easy to install, accurate and reliable on and off the road and while towing.

Tyre pressure monitors prevent damaging tyres, as I have discovered several times over the years. So, when the team at Promata Automotive suggested we try a set of their new monitors, I was eager to see how they perform. We opted for the Mata2E external sensors because they are easy to install yourself. Promata also offers internal sensors (Mata2) that are more protected but require removing the tyres for fitting. The kit included a carbon fibre-style monitor, four sensors labelled for their respective wheels, a handy spanner to hold the sensors when changing batteries, 3M Velcro and double-sided tape, plus an instruction manual.

For those unfamiliar, tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are devices that display real-time tyre pressure and temperature data. While some newer vehicles and many older European models have them as standard, my LandCruiser 200 Series does not.

If your car didn’t come with a factory-installed system, aftermarket TPMS kits are a popular and affordable upgrade. The kits are self-contained and consist of sensors on the wheels and a standalone display in the cabin.

Like most systems, the Promata Mata2E’s monitor has a (replaceable) battery that’s charged from a small built-in solar panel or through a USB-C port. Promata claims a long battery life of two years thanks to improved technology including a highly efficient LED display and an automatic sleep mode when the vehicle isn’t moving.

The Promata Mata2E sensor screws onto the tyre’s valve stem, with a dedicated sensor for each wheel (front left [FL] shown here).

How the Promata Mata2E TPMS works

The Mata2E sensors screw onto the tyre’s valve stems, replacing the cap. A small pin inside the sensor depresses the valve core enough to measure air pressure, while also detecting tyre temperature. A miniature transmitter continuously sends data to the vehicle’s display.

One thing I liked about the Promata system was the promise the sensors and monitor would work straight out of the box, because I’ve found that’s not always the case with other brands.

Fitting was straightforward, and the instruction manual is clear. After charging the monitor in the sun for a couple of hours, the battery level was full, so I screwed the sensors into their marked positions at each wheel. The pressure and temperature appeared on the monitor screen for the relevant tyre almost immediately.

Since we frequently air down the tyres when heading on uneven terrain and use higher tyre pressures when towing, I checked the alarm’s range to suit these conditions and found it quite straightforward. Because the alarms operate in pairs at each axle, rather than on individual tyres, it was quick to set up.

Alarms detect both fast and slow pressure loss and temperature rises, so if you get a puncture, you can stop driving before the tyre deflates completely and is damaged. The sensors are IP67 rated, making them suitable for water crossings and dusty conditions. The Promata TPMS will work on up to 10 tyres, allowing it to monitor a twin-axle van and two spares.

The Promata Automotive Mata2E external TPMS with four sensors kit

On-road performance

We’ve driven for the past two weeks with the Promata Mata2E tyre pressure monitors installed, and they’ve been accurate in tracking pressures. I’ve noticed that the tyre pressure stays within the range, increasing by about four PSI as we drive.

I feel the screen isn’t as bright as some systems I’ve used, and I’m told this is to save power and extend battery and LED life. The manual recommends not leaving the monitor in direct sunlight and placing it closer to the A-pillar to improve performance. Like all LED screens, it’s impossible to see anything with polaroid sunnies.

Promata Automotive delivered on its promise of simple installation and accurate performance, making the Mata2E a handy addition for keeping an eye on tyre pressures.

The Mata2E external TPMS with four sensors is available for $199 from the Promata website.

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