ntributed to the trade organization’s information base.
“They’ve been big supporters of ours,” he says. “In addition, all of the major TPMS tool manufacturers provide information to our organization about new product introductions, which keeps our training current.”
He says that TIA’s ultimate goal is for tire technicians to know how to service all TPMS sensors, but the training helps the organization benchmark tire dealers’ levels of expertise and adjust class information accordingly.
He adds that tire dealers demonstrate care for their customers by investing a lot of money in proper tools and manuals, but they are hesitant to ask the right questions of sales reps.
“Knowing the basics about how to properly use the tools gives a tire dealer the ability to properly service the vast majority of vehicles and get the most out of his or her investments,” he says. “TIA won’t tell a dealer which manufacturer’s tools to purchase, but we will demonstrate and train them how to use the tools and meet customer needs.”
MacKinnon compares the expanding and constantly evolving TPMS industry with the wheel weights industry. In the beginning, there may have been two types of wheel weights used to balance a tire. As the industry matured, more products and balancing processes were introduced. Now, with the conversion to non-lead products, the wheel weight industry is again complicated. But in that, dealers can find opportunities.
The tire service industry adapted to each change. Today, tire technicians are keenly aware of subtle wheel weight differences and recognize minute variations simply by observation.
TPMS will eventually be the same, says MacKinnon. “The tire dealer service departments that recognize the wide variety of sensors, systems and their diverse requirements will be successful.”
Class dismissed.
Sean MacKinnon can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]. TIA’s TPMS RelearnChart can be ordered at www.tireindustry.org.
