Hi guys. Couldn't find an answer for this anywhere so hopefully someone here can help. I just purchased a wireless TPMS system for my 2006 Quattro. I plugged the small screen into the cigarette lighter under the armrest. My question is: will this drain my car battery as it's always on? It will be a pain to remember to pull it out every night (that's what she said).
Thanks.

 

My guess is yes it will drain the battery from the cigarette lighter, since the cigarette lighter runs off the battery, and does not require the ignition to be on.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have a cell phone cradle with 2 usb connections in the other cigarette lighter which is also on all the time but this doesn't seem to make any difference on the battery. I know they use the battery for power but I'm hoping someone will tell me that it is a very small drain so shouldn't be an issue. Otherwise what's the point in these things?

 

I have a cell phone cradle that has a small blue light that is always on. After being gone for a week on vacation the car started fine. I guess it depends on the amount of juice the TPMS monitor is pulling. I am sure there is some mathematical formula that will answer your question I just don't know what it is. Shade tree mechanic way would be to leave it plugged in overnight and see if the car starts in the morning.