TPMS Update: Sensor Replacement
More than 68 million vehicles on the road today have direct TPMS systems. With the average age of a vehicle on the road lasting more than 10 years, a vehicle with four TPMS sensors will have all of its TPMS sensor replaced during the life of the vehicle. This is the business opportunity of the decade and you should not let it pass you by.
TPMS Technology Brings New Service Opportunities to Your Shop
As a technician, shop owner or service manager, one of the most common complaints you see now from customers is the TPMS light is on. This symptom is caused by a myriad of reasons ranging from owner error to atmospheric conditions, to true system/component failures. The only problem with creating a device that is a pass/fail-type sensor is that it does just that with no regard for the reasons that cause it.
2012 National Tire Safety Week Set
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has formally announced the week of June 3-9 as the 2012 National Tire Safety Week in the U.S. The 11th annual event is part of RMA’s ongoing “Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART” program, which helps drivers learn the basics of tire care and maintenance.
New Tires Aplenty Coming From Goodyear
Goodyear dealers will see five new consumer tire products unleashed by the tiremaker this year, products unveiled earlier this week at Goodyear’s annual dealer meeting.
New Printing Technology Could Lead to Tire Masterpieces
Tire sidewalls could take on a whole new look thanks to a new invention by Bridgestone Corp. The tiremaker has developed a “new printing technology for tires” that will help reduce overall tire weight while allowing designers to be more creative in their sidewall designs. It plans to “quickly bring this tire printing technology to market.”
New Michelin Line Promises Safety, Long Life and Fuel Savings
The tiremaker said its new Michelin Defender line “speaks directly” to consumer desire for a safer, longer-lasting, more fuel-efficient tire. It will replace both the Michelin Harmony and HydroEdge lines.
How Tire Engineers Select New Ingredients for Rubber ‘Recipes’
With passenger tire sales in the U.S. reaching $21.8 billion last year, tire manufacturers constantly seek a competitive edge by delivering the latest high-tech products to technology-hungry consumers. In an age when cars can parallel park themselves and drivers can sync their smartphones to automatically broadcast music over car stereos, it makes sense. Just like the gadget makers, tire companies are trying to keep up with technology’s pace – and do so in an industry that traditionally sees longer product lifecycles with slow-to-moderate changes in technology.
New Yokohama Tire Corporation ‘Tire Tips’ Video Focuses on Cost Saving Shopping Advice
Yokohama Tire Corporation’s consumer-friendly educational video series – “Tire Tips” – is back with a new installment focusing on smart buying tips for tires in a tough economy.
Bosch Introduces ‘National Wheel Service Promise’
Bosch has just introduced the “Bosch National Wheel Service Promise” – a move that the company says guarantees a Bosch authorized Wheel Service repair provider will restore Bosch-branded wheel service equipment to operating condition within 48 hours of repair being scheduled.
Court Verdict Will Forever Shine Bright Light on Tire Repair Practices
It is Everyone, Somebody or the Other Guy – often despite tons of contrary information. Thus it is with January’s $22.8 million court verdict over a faulty tire repair. Earlier this year a San Diego jury awarded $14.5 million to the three children of a couple who were killed in a July 2006 accident caused by an improperly performed tire repair.
California Declares Steel Wheel Weights the Best Alternative to Lead
Adding to the mounting body of evidence that steel wheel weights are the best alternative to lead weights, the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Department of Toxic Substances Control has released the findings of its “wheel weight assessment,” declaring steel weights the “preferred alternative.”
TECH TIP: Outside Radio Signals Affects TPMS
KIA has received several inquires regarding TPMS light ON with or without Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes in Memory. The following listed components/conditions may cause the control unit and wheel sensor communication to be interrupted and may cause multiple DTCs.