Lemons & Lemonade: TPMS May Be Blessing in Disguise for Savvy Dealers
How many times have we as installers and sellers of aftermarket products been faced with federal regulations and technologies that end up making our lives more difficult? For years now, TPMS has been a thorn in most of our sides, mainly because of myopic NHTSA regulations designed to help automakers and not the general public,
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
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
The Final Word: NHTSA Clears the Air on TPMS Regs and Plus-Sizing Conundrum
Knowledge and information. Both are more critical in today’s automotive industry than at any other time in history. Unfortunately, most of us lack the time to read every detail regarding the very products that give us our livelihood. It doesn’t help when government agencies, trade groups – even word-of-mouth – confuse and confound what should
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
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
The Short List: A Few Expert Recommendations Can Help Dealers Get Ready For TPMS
Every business that has a service bay and changes tires has at least one mantra these days – preparing for the final TPMS compliance date – Sept. 1, 2007. That’s the date when the NHTSA edict goes into full effect, mandating tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) on all new cars. However, as most observers and
Above and Beyond: Knowing the Latest TPMS Technology Will Set Your Business Apart
Picking up from where we left off in August, this month, we’re going to flip to the other side of the TPMS coin and see what’s going on in the aftermarket. The aftermarket was born from the creative minds of people who were able to adapt. TPMS is no different. Instead of being afraid of
Plus Sizing Perils: TPMS Adds More Complexity to Aftermarket Tire/Wheel Installation
Over the next couple of months, I’ll be tackling the issue of how tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) affect the aftermarket and discussing strategies that can help tire dealers protect themselves and their customers. First off, what does NHTSA say about TPMS and aftermarket tire and wheel installation? Here is the excerpt from the latest
Selling Safety: Security, Fuel Economy Benefits May Help Consumers Understand TPMS
There’s an old television commercial that starts: “How do you spell relief?” Thinking about tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) instead of stomachs, a tire dealer might ask himself or herself: “How do I spell opportunity?” Try S-A-F-E-T-Y! That’s some of the philosophy being used as a selling tool for TPMS by Mountain View Tire and
Public Service: Educating Consumers About TPMS is the Biggest Challenge
Com·mu·ni·ca·tion 1. The exchange of information between individuals, for example, by means of speaking, writing, or using a common system of signs or behavior Bart Cavin is general manager of Ken’s Service Center’s three stores in two suburbs southwest of Baltimore – Columbia and Hanover. Combined, they provide tires and service in 26 bays at