Standard Motor Products Releases 412 New Parts For Intermotor Import Line
Standard Motor Products (SMP) has announced the addition of 412 new part numbers to its Intermotor line of genuine import parts. The Intermotor line expansion features more than 175 new switches, including multi-function, combination, heated seat, parking brake, trunk ajar, cruise control, fog lamp, power seat memory, power window and more, covering more than 80 million additional VIO.
Reading Tire Wear Patterns
Modern tire construction has generally trended toward low aspect ratio tire casings with more flexible sidewalls and rigid treads. Although this type of construction has made tires less sensitive to negative camber angles used in many current steering geometry designs, many types of tire wear patterns continue to indicate problems in a vehicle’s steering geometry.
First Frost TPMS Troubles
Seasonal temperature change can dramatically alter tire pressure, which can cause the tire pressure warning lamp to illuminate. Tire temperature is dependent on “cold” tire pressure, driving distance and speed, ambient temperature and road surface temperature. As the temperature of the tire changes, air in the tire expands and contracts, changing the tire’s air pressure. The cold tire pressure for all models will vary and will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Honda Tech Tip: Keep Your Distance When Learning Sensor IDs
When doing sensor ID learning, make sure you keep at least 10 feet of clearance between the tire pressure sensors you’re trying to learn and other tire pressure sensors nearby. Those sensors can be on any TPMS-equipped vehicles, loose TPMS-type wheels, or just other loose tire pressure sensors (including any in your pocket).
Standard Motor Products Expands Cloneable TPMS Line
Standard Motor Products (SMP) has added six new cloneable sensors to its growing TPMS sensor line. These new cloneable sensors match the original for fit, form and function; and due to their advanced engineering, they can easily be cloned with the existing sensor ID, eliminating the need for a factory relearn, according to SMP.
Consider TPMS When Changing To Winter Tires
The time to change to and from snow tires is both a regional and personal decision. Whenever it takes place, a changeover brings with it a need for consumers to make some decisions. To purchase or not purchase a second set of wheels needs to be followed with questions about TPMS sensors.
Bartec Announces SEMA/AAPEX iPad Drawing And Show Events
Bartec, an industry leader in TPMS tools and solutions, announces that in addition to all the new and exciting things being displayed in its booths at this year’s AAPEX [1273] and SEMA [40062] shows, it’s giving away Apple iPads!
TIA Releases 2013 TPMS Chart
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is accepting pre-orders for the newest version of the TPMS Relearn Chart which includes domestic and import vehicles through model year 2013. The Chart serves as a valuable, comprehensive and quick reference guide that technicians can easily navigate to service most vehicles equipped with TPMS.
Top TPMS Tools for Under $250
When even tire irons are being designed to be TPMS sensor friendly, advice on TPMS tools may be welcomed. Andrew Markel, editor of Underhood Service and Brake & Front End, offers his take on what to look for when purchasing new tools.
Dorman TPMS Sensors Now Programmable, Cloneable Using Snap-on Tools
Dorman Products announced that effective immediately, the ID cloning feature on all Dorman DiRECT-FIT TPMS Sensors is fully compatible with the TPMS3 diagnostic tool from Snap-on. This new arrangement makes it even easier for technicians to take advantage of the Dorman DiRECT-FIT TPMS solution while servicing their customers’ TPMS sensor replacement needs, according to Dorman.
New VDO REDI-Sensor TPMS Training Video Features Valve Stem Replacement Tips
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket has released another new video in its professional TPMS training series. The video, entitled “Valve Stem Replacement,” shows technicians the proper procedure for maintaining and replacing damaged VDO clamp-in TPMS sensor valve stems.
TPMS Tire Service: Why, Where And When
To understand any TPMS relearn procedure, you have to understand this: sensors only transmit, they do not receive. No vehicle asks a sensor for information on how it is doing. I know you’re thinking a sensor does receive signals when the vehicle is in relearn mode and the technician holds a TPMS tool to the sidewall of a tire. The tool excites the transmitting antenna with either a magnet or a radio signal at a preset frequency. This is more like a “poke” or “nudge” that triggers the device.