TPMS and YOU

Are you ready for the new Tire Pressure Monitor System that is now required by the government to be installed in ALL new vehicles beginning 1 October 2007?  Do you know what this is going to mean to you financially?  This has been a subject of intense debate for the last few years by tire manufacturers, auto builders and tire retailers.

In an attempt to protect us from ourselves, the government has decided they have the solution.  The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is now going to be required to be installed in all vehicles manufactured after 1 October 2007.  This is BEFORE they have figured out how to make this system really work.

Each manufacturer, domestic and import, has their own type of TPMS system they have installed.  Some will reset themselves after having work done on your vehicle, some require that you manually reset the system, and some require that you return to the dealer to have it reset.

We here at Tire Town have had a few instances where problems have been encountered.  Here are some examples of what manufacturers require for your TPMS system to operate properly:

Most vehicles must have the TPM System reset after tire rotation, flat repair or changing tires (i.e. - buying new tires)(Chrysler Town and Country)
Many vehicles can be reset using on board systems, but require additional time (GMC Yukon)
Some vehicles require that they be driven at specific speeds for a specific amount of time after resetting the TPM System (Pontiac Gran Prix - 4 ranges for 20 minutes each)
The 2005 Nissan Armada requires that the spare tire be mounted in a certain position or the system may malfunction
ALL systems are optimized for the factory size tire and wheel.  Replacing them with a different size may cause damage to the system
Some of the systems may not detect a sudden rapid loss in air pressure (like a blown tire) (Mitsubishi)
Some systems will not operate properly at or below 40 degrees fahrenheit (Honda)

There are so many different systems and requirements, this has become a nightmare. Check your vehicle owners manual to see what the specific requirements are for your vehicle.  But no matter what, don't depend on this system to keep you safe.  The best way to do that is to have the air checked in your tires regularly..click to download final rule by NHTSA.

Brad Gilmer
Manager

Check out the new CS-4 Touring Tire!


Cooper Tires newest passenger car tire on the market has one of the highest rated warranties in the industry!  Look at some of the benefits that come with this tire:

80,000 mile rating on T-rated version
60,000 mile rating on H and V rated versions
45 day road test program
Enhanced tire performance through R-Tech construction
Wide Tread Arc improves handling
Reduced Tire related noise

Find out more about the new Cooper CS-4 Touring Tire!
Visit us today and find out why this is the tire for you!

Tires for Beginners

Tire Town has developed a basic tire class that we hope will be beneficial to our customers.  Many of our patrons have children preparing to leave for college soon and there are those who just want to learn how to change a flat, or know how to determine what tire they should buy for their vehicle.
We are creating a video class that addresses all of the basic questions that may arise when trying to take care of your vehicle.  We understand that tire prices have risen, and that they will continue to rise.  In an effort to help our patrons get the most out of there investment, we hope to be able to educate many of them about their proper care.  The first session has been successfully conducted and will be scheduled again soon.  Look for an announcement of the next class date and time.