FAQ’s

TPMS stands for "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" TPMS is a warning system that warns a vehicle's operator of an unsafe change in the air pressure in one or more of the tires.

Congress passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act in 2000. The TREAD Act, among other matters, requires new passenger cars, light trucks and buses to be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and requires notification of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)in all accidents involving alleged tire defects.

The TREAD Act (and its subsequent enforcement statue 49 CFR 571.138, commonly known as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 138 (FMVSS 138), requires original car manufacturers to equip all new vehicles with:

• Monitoring of tire pressure in all four tires. Monitoring the spare is not required
• A TPMS system that operates when the vehicle ignition is on and warn when tires are underinflated by 25% or more
• A TPMS system that alerts the driver when there is a system malfunction
• A TPMS warning light that stays on until the tire is inflated to the proper pressure or the system malfunction is corrected
• A "bulb check" of the warning light on the instrument panel that occurs whenever the ignition is turned on
• Vehicle owner's manuals that contain warnings about potentially incompatible replacement tires for the vehicle

The TREAD Act/FMVSS 138 covers mostly all passenger vehicles including light duty vehicles under 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, and including certain trucks and buses. However, the regulation does not cover motorcycles and light duty vehicles with dual wheels on an axle.

More info is available on NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.    Link: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

No.  There are two basic different systems in use today, Direct TPMS and In-Direct TPMS

Direct TPMS: Readings are provided by pressure sensing transmitters mounted inside each tire and sent to a central computer (ECU) for display on the dashboard. A warning indicator light on the instrument panel and an audible warning notify the driver if a 25% drop in pressure occurs.

In-Direct TPMS: Readings are provided to the ECU via data from the vehicles ABS (Automatic Brake System).  It basically is able to calculate the pressure by measuring the diameter of the tire (A calculation derived from the revolution time of each specific tire).  A tire with higher pressure has a larger diameter than a tire with lower pressure.  The manufacturer determines the range that is safe, any deviation activates the TPMS warning system.

In the U.S., if you purchased a car or light duty vehicle under 10,000 lbs, manufactured after September 1, 2007, you have TPMS. If your model was manufactured after October 5, 2005, you may have TPMS. Also, prior to the legislation, some higher-end vehicles also came equipped with TPMS as a premium option. Among other matters, within TREAD Act of 2000, the U.S. federal government mandated the required implementation of TPMS on all new vehicles in the following phased rollout:

• 20% of new vehicles from Oct 5, 2005–Aug 31, 2006
• 70% of new vehicles from Sept 1, 2006–Aug 31, 2007
• 100% of new vehicles from Sept 1, 2007 and beyond

There are several ways to determine if your vehicle is equipped with TPMS. The easiest include checking the owner's manual and watching the dashboard indicator lights at startup. Turn the vehicle ignition switch to the "ON" or "AUX" position, or simply start the vehicle.

Look for the icon below which is always somewhere on your dash when you start your car. Normally it is not lit when tires are properly inflated.  If it remains on or comes on when driving, it is warning you that your tire pressure needs attention.  See later FAQ on what to do.

No. Under 49 U.S.C. 30122(b), "A manufacturer, distributor, dealer or motor vehicle repair business may not knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard."

All Direct TPMS systems utilize radio frequency (RF) technology to transmit pressure data and other information to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU). RF-based TPMS systems provide a reliable and safe indication of tire pressure to the driver. The likelihood of an unscrupulous individual(s) creating a situation where they would hack into a sensor and "fool" the TPMS system is extremely unlikely, as is a scenario where a driver's location could be intercepted and identified. Direct TPMS systems, using sensors in your tires, are used in millions of vehicles in the U.S. and globally, operating as intended and keeping drivers safe.

As most drivers check their tires only at service intervals and when problems occur, motorists can benefit greatly from a greater awareness of tire pressure and its effects on safety while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that 660 U.S. automobile accident fatalities annually are caused by under-inflated tires. Dry and wet surface handling suffers with under-inflated tires, including:

• Skidding and loss of control of the vehicle in a pronounced curve, such as an off-ramp from the highway, or when taking any curve at a high speed
• Hydroplaning on a wet surface, which can affect both stopping distance and skidding or loss of control
• Crashes from flat tires or blowouts

The tire placard is a term used for the tire information label. It contains information including the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, the recommended tire size and the maximum load you should have in your vehicle. The placard is normally located inside the driver's side doorframe or doorpost, or it may be adhered to the edge of the driver's door or the inside of the glove box door or trunk lid. The same information is also located in your owner's manual. See Examples of Location, and a sample Tire Placard below.

First, when your TPMS warning light comes on, please exercise caution. This means that one or more of your tires may be at least 25% below recommended inflation pressure.

1. Find a safe place to pull out of traffic so you can stop to check your tires. NOTE: If you are driving at higher speeds (highway), immediately take firm hold of the steering wheel with both hands because, in the event that you are experiencing a blowout (rapid deflation), you'll need to be prepared to handle your vehicle. Then, slowly decelerate and move out of traffic.
2. Once you have checked to ensure you are not having a blowout, use a tire gauge to check the pressure of each tire against your manufacturer's recommended pressure level. (A tire gauge should be a standard component within your set of emergency items in your vehicle.) The recommended pressure level can be found on the tire placard, a label located just inside the driver's side door.
3. If you are not comfortable checking the tire pressure on your own, proceed with caution to have your tire pressure checked by a professional tire technician.*
4. Fill your tires to the proper placard tire pressure, either with the help of your nearest tire service center or by using a tire air supply at a nearby filling station.
5. If necessary, have any damaged tires, as well as the TPMS system, serviced at your nearest tire service center.
6. The TPMS light should turn off within several minutes after reinflating the tires to their recommended pressure.

*Checking tire pressure before you've driven on them, when the tire is "cold," is always the best way to get the most accurate reading.

Second, does this happen mostly during cold weather? Any time that the TPMS warning light comes ON, there is a possible low tire pressure condition. Tire pressure can drop due to cold conditions, and this drop in pressure may cause the TPMS light to come ON. As the tire warms up under normal driving conditions, the light may turn OFF. If the cold weather conditions cause the TPMS light to stay ON, check the tire pressure (when tires are cold) and inflate the tire to the proper pressure indicated on the door placard.

Third, If the TPMS warning light comes ON and flashes ON for one second and OFF for three seconds, this indicates a malfunction with the vehicle's TPMS system.  Then visit a tire store to inspect the TPMS system.

Finally, If the TPMS warning light comes ON and stays ON, take caution. This means that one or more of your tires may have a low-pressure condition. You should carefully slow the vehicle and park in a safe and secure place. You should then inspect all of your tires and check the air pressure. The correct air pressure for your vehicle can be found on the placard, usually located on the inside door panel

There are a lot of things that can affect tire pressure including ambient temperature changes and tire damage such as punctures. Tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F drop in ambient temperature. Additionally, tires can lose as much as 1.5 psi per month as air escapes the tire and rim naturally.

In cold climates, it is not uncommon for TPMS lights to come on when you first get in your car, but go off after some some time driving as the tires warm up from road friction. Heat increases tire pressure, cold reduces it.

Yes, it is true.  The two most common savings are from:

1. Properly inflated tires last longer, and tires are expensive these days.
2. Properly inflated tires also save money at the pump due to better fuel efficiency. According to FuelEconomy.gov, a joint Web site of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3% for every 1 psi drop in all four tires. Additionally, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. The DOE and EPA highlight that fuel economy has four main benefits to you:

• Saving money
• Reducing fuel consumption and oil dependence costs
• Reducing climate change
• Increasing energy sustainability

According to the DOE, 3.56 million gallons of gas are wasted each day because of incorrectly inflated tires. The DOE asserts that motorists can improve gas mileage by approximately 3.3% by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. For most consumers, that represents approximately 10 additional miles or more on each tank of gasoline.

The third reason, should really be the first in our list.  Don't loose sight of the reason TPMS was mandated as a safety product.  It can save your life... period.  If you are in a accident caused by under inflated tires, and survive, medical expenses are also very expensive.  We don't mean to sound harsh, but saving lives is why NHTSA mandated TPMS.

FAQ1 text

The short answer is NO.  The definition of a "OE Replacement Part" is that it is identical in Form, Fit and Function to the OE part it is replacing.  Not all TPMS products meet this most basic standard.

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry, is typically, very good at making OE Replacement parts. Most of them are physical replicas like starters or wiper blades.  With TPMS Sensors, while the guts of a sensor is a common off the shelf electronic component (IC : Integrated Circut), the complexity is that all sensors don't communicate with the ECU in an identical manner.  So a TPMS factory must reverse engineer the protocol for a specific sensor, test it on a vehicle, and then sell it.

The opportunity for a Aftermarket TPMS brand, is easy to understand.  First it is a federally mandated safety product on every car sold in the USA.  Huge numbers.  Second, there are over 500 OE Sensor Part Numbers.  No tire store can afford to invest in 4 to 8 of each ($48,000- $96,000).  So the race began, and the success of a brand was tied to one primary factor, How many sensors do I have to stock to cover most of the vehicles in the market.  We have gone from 120 down to 60 Sensor Solutions, to 16 Sensor Solutions and today down to 2 Sensor Solutions. Each one, using a different technology to reach the lowest number.

Every OE sensor basically does one thing.  It acquires data in the tire, transmits that data via a RF signal in a structured way (what we call a "Protocol") to the ECU of the vehicle.  Here is a short summary of the different technologies used in the basic TPMS categories of sensors.

One To One: In 2009, there were around 320 OE sensors.  The first true aftermarket factory, offered a 120 Sensor solution.  Like the OE it had one protocol baked in, but it had a adjustable valve.  Many car makes would offer Steel and Alloy Wheels, each required a different sensor because the valve angle was fixed on each.  So a adjustable valve cut the sensor count in half.

One To Many: RF engineers soon discovered, that many different OE Sensors, used the same protocol.  This meant that by simply modifying data in application guides, you could create a 60 Sensor Solution using the same sensors as One to One.

Multi Protocol (Sometimes called Universal): Basically these are sensors that have not one protocol baked in to each sensor but several.  For decent coverage, this would be a 16 sensor solution.  There are two distinct differences:

1. Tool-Less: With this type, all the protocols broadcast at the same time.  My engineers call it a "Black Art" because you have to pick multiple protocols that would "Play Nice" with each other.  If they didn't , the ECU would get confused and at some point they would fail and the TPMS light would come on.  This is, without question, the most un-reliable technology in our industry.  The advantage was that, depending on the car, you may not need a tool to perform the ReLearn.
2. Tool Selectable: With this type, all the protocols are dormant, and a tool is used to select and activate the proper protocol. This is very reliable, essentially just like the OE, it broadcasts a single protocol.  There are a few brands, with modified extra memory in the sensor that offer around a 8 sensor solution.  Be warned... I know of brands, that offer this sensor as a "Programmable", If the tool does not transfer the protocol, it is NOT a programmable, it is a tool selectable.  Also it takes a year from final protocol to baking it into a sensor and getting it to your shop. And it requires a superseded part number when added to an existing sensor.  It is a pain to manage your inventory and installing the wrong sensor is an expensive mistake.

Programmable Sensors:  In 2009, I wrote a marketing analysis report for a large sensor factory, and in it I stated "Who ever creates a programmable sensor, will rule the industry".  I had nailed the ultimate technology, but who knew that today over 20 brands offer a programmable solution, and none of them rule the world, but we are all fierce competitors.  The technology is simple, store the protocols in a tool, and transfer the right one to a sensor for the vehicle in service.  You would think these would be a 2 sensor solution, but you would be wrong.  One programmable factory is a 5 sensor solution, because of built in valve options and the use of two different housings and a extra one with a different IC for auto locate vehicles.  On economics alone, this is the best technology.  The issue is, how well each factory is at reverse engineering protocols which has a big impact on reliability.  Do your homework, all programmables are not the same.

Hybrid Programmable: Enter AirTech.  In Sept 2015 I found a factory with a great track record making Tool Selectable Multi Protocol Sensors.  I asked to add programmability to their existing line.  18 months later... were in business.  You have the benefit of baked in protocols which a tool can select far faster than it could if it had to transfer a protocol.  When a new protocol is engineered, it goes into the tool on the next update (every 2 months) and it is yours for free to use when you need it.  It is also common, for a factory to "tweak" the code in a protocol to make it more reliable, with our system, the tool recognizes a "old" protocol baked into the sensor and transfers the "new" protocol to the sensor and activates it. This is a true 2 sensor solution.

Multi Frequency Programmable: Today there are two brands, with a single sensor and the tool switches the frequency of the sensor.  Good Idea, but there is little economic difference between what is touted as a single sensor solution, but in fact both are a two sensor solution because you have to stock 2 sensors because of valve differences. So. like our Hybrid Programmable, both are two sensor solutions.

Best of luck in your search for the ultimate TPMS solution for your store.  Call us if you have any questions.

We offer three basic Starter Kits to all customers and distributors, which substantially reduce your tool cost. AirTech also offers additional programs based on an accounts preferences and sensor volume.  All our distributors also have the freedom to create their own tool programs. Call your rep for full details.

TPMS can be challenging at times.  70% of the time, this is caused by the relearn procedure steps or trying the wrong relearn for the vehicle.  We recommend:

1.  On our site, go to top menu, select Support / Trouble Shooting.
2. If you still have issues, please call our Tech Support team. 714-375-TPMS (8767)

There are many sources for ReLearn Procedures, but honestly because there are so many sources, this can sometimes be a challenge.  There are two factors to consider, 1) Time: Our recommendations take this into account. 2) The vehicles manual is the golden source, it is specific to the car you are working on. Most other sources try to identify a generalized procedure that applies to many vehicles with similar ECU and Sensor combinations, but the absolute accuracy to any specific vehicle in the group is sometimes less than accurate.

Here are our recommendations:

Use Our AT200 Tool, an ATEQ VT-56 (or most high end professional TPMS Tools) and you will find the procedures in the tool.  Select the "Service Tips" function, then select your vehicle, and look for "Manual" icon.  Follow the steps shown on the screen.

If still having issues, locate the vehicles manual.  This is the golden procedure that has no cloud of doubt to eliminate a inaccurate procedure.  It is often in the vehicle, but if not, a web search for Make/Model/Year can locate a PDF version to refer to.  ie: Google "2010 Chevy Camaro" and you will find several to choose from.

Mitchell1® guide for TPMS(click on link under image): This is as accurate as the owners manual. As of July 2017, I could not find a more current version than 2010. I will research it and modify this post.  That said, it is a great resource and worth hunting down the 2010 version for good reference up to 2010.

The TIA® TPMS Relearn Chart (click on link under image): This is updated yearly, and gives good TPMS info on all vehicles and abbreviated relearn procedures.  We recommend all tire stores have this on hand, it is a great resource.

https://www.tireindustry.org/tpms-relearn-chart-0There are many sources for ReLearn Procedures, but honestly because there are so many sources, this can sometimes be a challenge.  There are two factors to consider, 1) Time: Our recomendations take this into account. 2) The vehicles manual is the golden source, it is specific to the car you are working on. Most other sources try to identify a generalized procedure that applies to many vehicles with similar ECU and Sensor combinations, but the absolute accuracy to any specific vehicle in the group is sometimes less than accurate.

Here are our recommendations:

Use Our AT200 Tool, an ATEQ VT-56 (or most high end professional TPMS Tools) and you will find the procedures in the tool.  Select the "Service Tips" function, then select your vehicle, and lookfor "Manual" icon.  Follow the steps shown on the screen.

If still having issues, locate the vehicles manual.  This is the golden procedure that has no cloud of doubt to eliminate a inaccurate procedure.  It is often in the vehicle, but if not, a web search for Make/Model/Year can locate a PDF version to refer to.  ie: Google "2010 Chevy Camaro" and you will find several to choose from.

Mitchell1® guide for TPMS(click on link under image): This is as accurate as the owners manual. As of July 2017, I could not find a more current version than 2010. I will research it and modify this post.  That said, it is a great resource and worth hunting down the 2010 version for good reference up to 2010.

The TIA® TPMS Relearn Chart (click on link under image): This is updated yearly, and gives good TPMS info on all vehicles and abbreviated relearn procedures.  We recommend all tire stores have this on hand, it is a great resource.

NO.....

Some tire manufacturers and all TPMS sensor manufacturers do not support the use of tire sealants. The use of any liquid or tire sealant injected into tires equipped with tire pressure sensors is not recommended and may cause the tire pressure sensors to malfunction.  Typically a clogged TPMS sensor can not be repaired, and requires replacement.

Yes, we recommend that every tire store needs a OBDii relearn module.  Here's why:

1. Profit: Lost sales, turning a customer away just because you don't have a OBDii module looses that TPMS sale and possibly future tire sales as your potential customer may like the shop that fixed their problem and go back to them when they need tires.
2. In 2017 we have seen several US cars now adopt OBDii ReLearns.  This trend will grow.
3. Our starter kits give you a OBDii module at virtually NO cost, why not take advantage of us.  Then you will never loose a sale over a lack of what we believe is a required piece of equipment for any professional tire store.

We offer three basic Starter Kits to all customers and distributors, which substantially reduce your tool cost. AirTech also offers additional programs based on an accounts preferences and sensor volume.  All our distributors also have the freedom to create their own tool programs. Call your rep for full details.

First, understand that you never want to loose a $200 sale because of a valve that only costs a few dollars.  That is not a good business practice.

You as a tire store owner, and AirTech as a supplier, face the same question every day.  You understand the huge economic impact in inventory investment savings that valveless sensors offer.  Take a small portion of those savings and overstock valves.  Our stocking philosophy on valve inventory is more aggressive than most tire stores, we simply stock equal numbers of Rubber and Silver Metal as we have sensors and we stock 20% Black and Polished Metal.  This prevents any lost sale impact.

If you want to try a more modest plan, first you want to, based on past sales, determine what the percentage of your historical use is between Rubber and Silver Metal.  Using the info below, There are three basic recommendations. Green is a 30%/70% Rubber to Metal usage, Yellow is a 50%/50% Rubber to Metal, and Blue is a 70%/30% Rubber to Metal.  Identify how many sensors you stock, using that left column amount, follow it over to find how many Rubber and Silver Metal valves you should have in stock.  Add to that, no less than 2-4 sets of Black Metal and Polished Metal or more depending on how many customers come in or leave with custom wheels.  Then monitor your actual usage and adjust the recommended formula to suit your shops needs.

Your sales rep can assist you with recommendations specific to your needs.

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