The TPMS module inside the car requests information to the sensors via a low frequency signal through hard wired antennas/initiators located inside each wheel well every few seconds. The wheel sensors (attached to the valve stems) respond by collecting and wirelessly sending to the module coded data inclusive of sensor ID, air temperature, air pressure and acceleration data. The TPMS module compares the received data with the factory numbers stored in the module and triggers tire pressure warnings in the instrument cluster accordingly if it detects a discrepancy. In theory you don't need to reset anything when replacing tires, as long as the inflation pressure is within the factory recommended range. Even if you change position of the tire sensors - move the wheel sensor from front left wheel to rear right for example - or use new sensors, the TPMS module should "learn" their new ID / position after a few minutes of rolling, without throwing fault codes. The exception is the spare wheel, if it's monitored (compact spares aren't.)