Member Article

TPMS EU Legislation – Are you up to the job?

As of 1st November 2014, all new passenger vehicles are required to have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) installed by the manufacturer. This law applies to passenger vehicles only – with no more than seven seats – and is not currently retrospective.

TPMS is already part of the annual vehicle test applying to all newly-registered cars since January 2012. However this change in legislation means that from January 2015, a car with a faulty TPMS will fail the vehicle test where previously, a faulty TPMS would have only been an advisory and listed on the testing certificate.

Along with this implication, TPMS will also offer environmental benefits and increased safety for motorists, helping to optimise fuel consumption and reduce tyre wear.

Ian Gott, director of vehicle maintenance and repair equipment supplier Gott Technical Services, not only believes that the automotive service industry should take steps now to avoid being caught out, but embrace it as a new revenue stream.

Ian said: “I think it’s important that the industry on a whole is made more aware of these changes that have come into force, and while it may not be something currently perceived as a priority to address – the opportunity is ripe.

“As we see vehicles failing annual tests in the New Year, the demand for tyre pressure recalibration, tyre repairs and general tyre maintenance will be increased. Dealerships and independent garages should therefore take advantage of this sooner rather than later.

“In order to do so, they will need to ensure that technicians have access to the correct equipment to service tyres effectively. There are various TPMS tools on the market and we would recommend the following from Sealey:

Autel TPMS Diagnostic & Service Tool

“The Autel TS401 with unparalleled sensor coverage activates all magnetic, frequency and tyre deflation triggered sensors on all vehicles with an accurate diagnosing result. It reads data including sensor ID, tyre pressure, temperature, battery condition, OE part number, relearn information, and checks Remote Keyless Entry (Key FOB) for transmissions. As well as being incredibly easy to use, it provides visual and audible responses to confirm sensors are working properly.

TPMS Service Pack Tool Kit

“This is a complete selection of tools for replacing the service pack on snap-in and clamp-in TPMS sensors which is recommended each time a tyre is changed. It is essential for making sure the screws, valve core and nut are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications and features a grommet tool which is used for the removal/installation from the TPMS stem without damaging the grommet.

TPMS Valve Tool

“Lastly, a simple and low-cost investment is this specialist tool designed to remove 11mm and 12mm TPMS sensor nuts and reseat the bevelled and non-bevelled sealing grommets.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gott Technical Services .