Euro Car Parts now stock TPMS servicing parts

Euro Car Parts has put together a range of products to enable independent garages to service tyre pressure monitoring systems. Euro Car Parts’ director of communications, Donna West, explains: “TPMS is going to be massive. The technology features on many models already on our roads but, thanks to European Regulation 6612209, it will be mandatory on all new models from 1 November 2011 and on all new cars from 2014.

The new Regulation says a system must flag up to drivers when the tyre pressure falls to 20 per cent below the recommended level. The sensors have a life of 80,000 – 100,000 miles (typically between 5 and 7 years) and checking the TPMS system will form part of the MOT from 1 January 2012.  According to the company, garages are already reporting corrosion of the aluminium valves (significantly on Ford, Mazda and Mercedes commercial vehicles), so plastic valve caps and nickel valve cores are preferable.

Euro Car Parts supplies TPMS trigger tools, scanning tools and programming tools, dedicated hand tools (such as a torque limited valve keys and valve nut drivers) and all the relevant components.

Donna West continued: “This is something independent garages should be doing. A TPMS programming function is now included on many diagnostic tools, but having dedicated tools will really help to speed up the process. For example, having a tool specifically for tightening valve nuts makes good sense.

“There are lots of opportunities for garages to increase revenue through TPMS servicing. Standard rubber valves cost around £3.50 whereas a TPMS valve might cost anywhere from £10 to £22 depending on the model. The sensors can be anything from £30 to £130. Not to mention the labour for servicing and programming.”

Related news:

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• NTDA survey shows depots see 10 cars a month with TPMS

• RMI backs TPMS rule change