The tire pressure monitor system

However the same cannot be said for independent tire dealers who will see operational cost increases from obtaining the automotive technology training and time involved in accommodating tire replacement on vehicles that have the tire pressure monitor system or tire warning lights.

Tire dealers will have to make an initial investment of about $1500 per location in equipment such as electronic scanning resetting tools and then another $200-$400 yearly for software upgrades and new equipment. Most importantly tire dealers and technicians will have to spend more shop time for tire replacement or rotation.

The tire pressure monitor system components are vulnerable to breakage if handled incorrectly or too hastily. For example a particularly breakage prone area is the air pressure sensor mounted on the inside base of the valve stem.

The sensor is connected to a tiny radio transmitter powered by a long life lithium ion battery, which transmits information to dashboard readouts that signal tire under inflation.

The system is designed to warn the driver, by buzzer or flashing light, when a tire has deflated to 25% less than recommended inflation pressure.

training tire dealers to service vehicles with tire pressure monitors

The process of mounting any tire on a wheel with a valve stem mounted sensor is slow and cautious or breakage of the sensor is a likely scenario. It should be the tire dealers responsibility to repair any damage caused by their technicians.

Tire inflation system facts

Following a congressional mandate requiring them on all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, by the 2008 model year. Most pickups, light duty vans, and SUVs fit into that weight category and most manufacturers installed tire pressure monitors systems well ahead of the September 7, 2007 deadline for compliance.

Major vehicle manufacturers and tire dealers reported no negative affects to equipping vehicles with tire pressure sensors.

The national Highway traffic safety administration proposed the system after a 2001 Hwy study. The study tested 11,000 vehicles and found that 29% of the light trucks and cars had at least one tire under inflated by 25% or more.

What happens if your tires are under inflated?

On GM's 2007 Silverado and Sierra pickups, the tire pressure warning light is in the driver information Center, located just beneath the speedometer.

This system also provides the actual pounds per square inch reading for each tire. If a tire were to go below the safe pressure, a warning message would appear in the driver information center.

The tire pressure monitor system has many benefits identified by the manufacturers of these vehicles. The key benefits include improved handling as well as fuel efficiency and the ability of the vehicle to carry loads up to its recommended limits. Properly inflated tires wear better, provide greater traction and are better able to resist road hazards.

Tire dealers agree that the tire pressure sensing system will help customers enjoy the performance that manufacturers design into their tires, which is severely compromised by under inflation. If tire pressure monitors systems lead to better pressure maintenance, tire performance will benefit.

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What is the drivers responsibility?

The convenience of being able to instantly read tire pressure on the dashboard instead of individually checking tire pressure with the old-fashioned tire pressure gauge is a huge benefit.

By maintaining proper tire pressure, drivers also will enjoy extended tire life. Though the tire pressure monitor system cannot force drivers to comply. The bright tire presure warning light will push them toward at least checking tire inflation levels.

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