The Latest Thing?: TPMS Training’s Slow Growth Runs Parallel to Industry
To auto and tire technicians, training is like a candy bar to a chocoholic – they can’t get enough. However, in the constantly changing TPMS world, training activities seem to mirror the industry itself. There remains no consistency, except for one source – the Mitchell1 Guide, a.k.a., the technician’s bible. “There’s nothing new in training,”
A New Era: TPMS Compliance Calls For New Products
The tire industry is now well into a new era. It may not rival the radial age, but the epoch already is memorable and some say forgettable. It’s the TPMS era. While most participants know that the groundwork was laid several years ago, the reality is that the TREAD Act’s final deadline for the “start”
TPMS 101: Tire Rack Offers Answers to Top Five TPMS Questions
From professional and college football down to youth-league soccer, everyone has a “Top Something-or-other” list. Why should the tire industry be different? Over the last year or so, Tire Rack has been conducting an informal and unscientific survey of its customers regarding the reoccurrence of issues dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. Thanks to its
Long-Term Headaches: TPMS Problems Will Continue, Dealers Need to Tackle Them Straight On
The problems still exist and, just like the Grand Canyon, they look like they’re going to be around for a some time. Of course, we’re referring to a cornucopia of issues dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. Whether it’s nickel-plated valve cores, brass valve cores, rubber grommets, aluminum retaining nuts, special nickel-plated valve cores and
Struck Down: Rejection of TPMS Challenge Has Both Predictable, Unpredictable Implications
It was a challenge that had to be made, but at least for now, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling in mid-June regarding NHTSA’s rule on tire pressure monitoring systems will stand as originally written. The court ruled the petitioning parties – four tire companies, TIA and consumer watchdog Public Citizen – failed to establish
Moving Target: Dealers Need Sure Footing to Take Accurate Aim in New Tire World
There’s a growing phenomenon imposing its will on the tire industry these days. It’s called “global warming,” but it has nothing to do with the weather. It has everything to do with “warming up” to imports and overseas suppliers. North American tire dealers – retail and commercial – have certainly seen their brand options increase
Glass Half Full: With the Right Outlook – and Training – TPMS Can Boost the Bottom Line
In the real estate industry, experts say there are three primary issues: “location, location, location.” In the tire industry, the mantra for most installations, repairs, etc., is similar: “training, training, training!” The industry, in general, is following the mission to a ‘T’ in dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. “Training, traditionally, has been important in
Spectacular Showrooms
These days, when it comes to showrooms and customer lounges, there’s a lot of potty talk going on. But, it’s not what you might think. Tire dealers are literally cleaning up their act, and it has nothing to do with verbal communication. It has everything to do with attracting and keeping customers. “I’m very serious
Myth Busting?: OEM Engineer Dispels (and Adds Fuel to) TPMS Myths
Myths are fine if you’re teaching mythology. However, they are a pain in the bay for the automotive aftermarket, especially when dealing with new components like tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). With every new technology, there are inherent learning, maintenance and problem-solving issues. Also, there are accompanying apprehensions and fears. Some concerns are valid; others
Raw (Materials) Deal: Strapped By Rising Costs, Tiremakers Look at Fresh Alternatives
The volatility of the world’s political climate, the unpredictable weather in North America and El NiÑo in the Pacific Ocean are having very expected outcomes in terms of the cost of raw materials for the tire industry. Oh yes, and then there’s China. The economy of the world’s most-populous country continues to grow faster than
Over There: New-Car Dealer Shares Trials, Tribulations of Dealing With TPMS
Tire dealers aren’t the only ones concerned about TPMS these days. Auto dealers, also, are handling an increasing number of TPMS-equipped vehicles in their service bays. While there’s stronger competition for vehicle service than meets the tire-dealer eye, TPMS is forcing both auto and tire dealers to cope with a new entrÉe on their service
Rolling Strong: Commercial Tire Market Will See OE Slowdown, Replacement Rebound
As the old saying goes, “Things will get worse before they get better.” That’s the operative statement for the North American commercial tire industry in 2007. In a proverbial nutshell, the OE forecast for 2007 looks down, while the replacement market will rebound from 2006. The main impetus behind that forecast rests in Washington, D.C.