TPMS and Custom Wheels
A nice set of wheels can rejuvenate the look of a vehicle. Increasing the diameter of the wheel, tire width and load ratings can boost the potential of a car or truck. But, what about the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors?
Winter Tires and TPMS
The time to change to and from summer to winter 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. The decision to purchase or not purchase a second set of wheels needs to be followed with questions about TPMS
TPMS Update: FORD Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Ford embraced Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) as early as the 2002 model year on the Explorer and Windstar. These systems can be direct or indirect, and all 2007 models have TPMS standard. From 2006-2009, Ford used banded sensors that are mounted in the center of the rim. In 2010, Ford reverted to the valve
Give and Take
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, corrosion is defined as “the process where a material, especially a metal, is broken down or destroyed through chemical reactions.” The corrosion we are all most familiar with is that which affects steel, iron’s most common alloy. While just the presence of oxygen in the air, along with some moisture,
Dead Sensor Battery
During the initial TPMS phase-in many warned about what sounded like an impending crisis. It was the “tire guy’s apocalypse,” which sounds dramatic, but that’s the way I remember the situation being characterized. There was worry and paranoia from all sides. Some companies undoubtedly saw it as a “market opportunity,” and helped perpetuate some of
Become an Expert
TPMS. Just another acronym in an ever growing sea of automotive acronyms. As cars evolve the acronyms just keep piling up. Sometimes it can be hard to remember what they all mean. You don’t need me to tell you what TPMS stands for. If you’re like many in the tire industry, uttering “TPMS” might be
Understanding Toyota’s direct and indirect TPMS
Toyota has installed direct TPMS united in the following Toyota and Scion models: 4 Runner 2004-12 Avalon 2007-13 Camry 2007-15 Corolla 2007-09 FJ Cruiser 2008-15 Highlander 2007-15 Land Cruiser 2005-15 Matrix 2007-13 Prius 2006-15 Rav4 2006-15 Scion tC 2007-15 Sequoia 2004-15 Sienna 2006-15 Solara 2007-09 Tacoma 2005-15 Tundra 2005-15 Venza 2009-15 Yaris 2008-15 The direct
Wireless Signal
In order to properly service a tire pressure monitoring system, you must first understand the functionality of the system’s wireless signal. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the TPMS wireless signal, which could get in the way of your diagnostics and your ability to sell TPMS service. PMS wireless signal” will
Strategy of TPMS Diagnostics
The first step in any TPMS diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer’s vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Why? Simply put, there are a number of factors that can cause a TPMS warning light to illuminate or flash – and some are hard to uncover. The light should illuminate when
TPMS Signal Science: Why You Should Go Outside
As TPMS is becoming more common on vehicles, more misinformation is starting to develop as consumers and shops try to understand the systems. One of these TPMS misconceptions is sensor signals. A sensor is a transmitter of information that sends pressure and temperature data to the vehicle. Some signals also include information that identifies the
Innovation To Come
Seven years into the great experiment that is mandated TPMS, the data on underinflated tires is pretty clear. An estimated 414 fatalities, 10,275 non-fatal injuries, and 78,392 crashes occurred annually in the U.S. due to flat tires or blowouts before tire pressure monitoring systems were installed in vehicles, according to government stats. If the tire
Shiny Wheels and TPMS
Custom wheels can deliver some profitable business, but how can you best deal with TPMS sensors and legal requirements? According to NHTSA, it is against the law to intentionally disable a tire pressure monitoring system, even when switching a customer to custom wheels. In 2011, TIA reached out to NHTSA regarding scenarios that tire dealers
