ALLENTOWN, PA — Relying on its expertise as a leading global OEM supplier of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions has developed a new aftermarket program for TPMS replacement and service parts. The Siemens VDO program will help technicians to service the more than 3 million vehicles currently equipped with Siemens VDO Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.
Tire pressure monitoring systems are designed to monitor the air pressure in a tire and send a warning to the vehicle’s on-board monitoring system if the pressure drops below a preset limit. The TPMS components in a vehicle’s tire consist of a sensor assembly, which includes five service parts — a valve core, valve nut, valve cap, seal and seal washer. Although the tire sensor assembly only needs to be replaced if it fails or is damaged, the service parts will need to be replaced every time a tire is serviced, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Howard Laster, director of marketing and business development for Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions, the new offering will provide its aftermarket customers with additional revenue opportunities.
“We have developed one of the best programs available and can offer our aftermarket customers an exceptional opportunity for added revenue in this new category of tire service, not only from new parts sales but also from new service jobs. In building our TPMS program, we’ve leveraged our position as an OEM supplier,” said Laster. “The replacement parts in our program are identical to the original equipment. Our products deliver an OE look, fit and function to boost customer confidence and acceptance. In the long term, we plan to provide an extensive program of training and support for all of our customers, from our distribution partners down to the end consumer.”
TPMS-equipped vehicles on the rise
In 2000, Congress and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which requires all new light vehicles to have a low tire pressure warning system as a standard safety feature by September 1, 2007. Many new vehicles will come with this feature before then. As more and more vehicles are equipped with TPMS with each subsequent model year, the need for replacement and service parts will increase dramatically.
TPMS education and training critical
The aftermarket will need to be made aware of TPMS systems, how to recognize a tire equipped with TPMS, the need for replacement parts, and the proper procedures for maintenance, repair and service. Using a standard valve stem or failure to properly replace a TPMS sensor assembly or component part will create problems for both the technician and the car owner.
“Proper education and information will be essential at all levels of distribution, including distributors, wholesalers, tire dealers, repair shops, body shops, service technicians, and the end consumer,” said Laster. “We want to make sure that our service customers have the parts and knowledge they need to get the job done right when they have to service a TPMS-equipped tire.”
Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions is a business unit of Siemens VDO. For more information about the company, visit: www.siemensvdo.com/usa .
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