Viewpoint: Service Opportunities Point To Bright Future
I recently reviewed an article from a writer that called replacement TPMS sensors a “$150 mechanical monstrosity.” I’m as cheap as the next guy, but a $150 problem for a consumer is a $150 opportunity for a shop. Furthermore, if you have checked replacement sensor prices, it’s not $150 for most popular applications. It really got my blood boiling. Even if a sensor costs $150, it could prevent a slow leak from turning into a new tire and even save a life!
Schrader EZ-Choice TPMS Roadshow Continues In August
Schrader’s “Make The EZ-choice” Roadshow still has more than a dozen stops to make during its final month, according to the company. Hundreds of technicians, shop owners, buyers and service networks have been trained on advanced elements of TPMS – including a hands-on view of standard operating procedures, technical best practices in TPMS service, consumer awareness and interaction elements, and how to leverage TPMS as a key profitability driver in shops, Schrader added.
Myers Tire Supply Catalog Available In Print And On The Web
As an industry leader with products for servicing tire pressure monitoring systems, Myers Tire Supply is expanding the line to include the DVT pre-programmed sensors. The DVT sensors with dual valve technology allow the use of either a rubber snap-in or metal clamp-in valve on all sensors within the line. Dealers can cover 80 percent of all vehicles on the market with only six sensors. Sensors are ready to use right out of the box and do not require programming.
Diagnosing TPMS Problems
The first step in any diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer’s vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Any number of things can cause the TPMS warning light to come on or flash. The light should illuminate when a tire is low, and should eventually go out after the low tire has been inflated to its recommended pressure. If the light remains on after checking/inflating the tires, or if it flashes and remains illuminated, it may signal a TPMS problem that will require further diagnosis.
Why TPMS Sensors Fail
The number one reason TPMS sensors fail is physical damage. Sensors operate in a harsh environment of extreme temperatures and vibration. These forces can damage transmission coils, pressure and temperature sensors. Another reason sensors fail is due to damage during removal and installation. One false move with a bead breaker or tire iron can break the sensor at the stem. Even forgetting to use a torque wrench or calibrated screwdriver can damage the mounting stem.
Clamp-On And Snap-In TPMS Sensor Installation Procedures
Most TPMS sensors are held in using just a screw or a nut, but if not assembled or torqued properly, the results can be catastrophic.
Carelessness can result in a broken sensor or even a customer stranded with a flat tire.
TPMS Sensor Corrosion: 5 Tips To Help Avoid A Snapped Stem
Since TPMS became standard equipment in 2008, many sensors are starting to show their age. While some of these sensors may have a lot of battery life left, the sensors’ stems are starting to fall victim to corrosion. Here are five tips that can help you avoid snapping stems and have the shop eat a sensor.
Dorman Products June New Product Announcement Features More Than 280 Parts
Dorman Products has released its June New Product Announcement featuring 290 new parts, 45 of which are exclusive formerly “Dealer Only” parts. One of these new products is a PCV diaphragm for popular Volkswagen vehicles from 2012-06, which enables technicians to replace just the failed original diaphragm, not the entire valve cover.
‘World’s Greatest’ TV Show To Feature Dill Air Controls On May 20
Dill Air Controls products are scheduled to be part of an upcoming episode of “World’s Greatest,” a 30-minute TV show produced by How2Media. Dill said it will be featured as the “world’s greatest” suppler of TPMS sensors.
Alligator Expands Tech Service
TPMS supplier Alligator North America reports that it has expanded its tech support hours. In addition to its usual Monday-Friday service between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Alligator has added coverage from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
New VDO REDI-Sensor Video Warns Techs About Extra-Step Programming For Some TPMS Sensors
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket, one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of OE Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and OE-engineered TPMS replacement parts, has released a new video in its TPMS training series. Titled “TPMS Vehicle Relearn vs. TPMS Sensor Programming,” the new video highlights the differences between a traditional TPMS vehicle relearn procedure and the new sensor programming procedure required by some “universal” and “programmable” TPMS sensors.
The ATEQ VT55 OBDII TPMS Decoder/Activator Reprograms Asian And European Vehicles
In addition to all U.S.-manufactured vehicles, the ATEQ VT55 OBDII reprograms Asian or European vehicles (including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, etc.), which do not feature a TPMS “learn mode.” It’s just that easy and fast to accurately activate and decode TPMS sensors, and display data or any sensor faults.