Michelin asks tyre chains how they’ll deal with TPMS

Michelin reports that it has written to ATS Euromaster, Kwik Fit and National Tyres to ask how the three largest tyre retailers in the UK will deal with the introduction of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). According to the company, the move was prompted by concerns raised by Michelin’s Fleet Panel. Panel members, who represent some of the biggest leasing companies in the UK, shared their views on the introduction of TPMS at a recent meeting and several said they do not believe they have been given enough information about the equipment which will be fitted to all new models of car from November this year.

So far much of the discussion related to the introduction of TPMS across the board – and of course its related servicing – has referred to individual motorists. Michelin’s decision to raise questions relating to how the largest retailers will handle this issue when it comes to fleets is a welcome addition. According to Michelin, feedback from the forum includes apparent shock that valves could cost between £75 and £100 each to be replaced, and service and repair charges could be as much as £15 every time a tyre is removed. One member labelled it a ‘flat tax on tyres’. 

Michelin’s head of fleet sales, Dave Crinson, wrote the letter and asked tyre distributors to explain how they will manage TPMS: “It became clear at our recent Michelin Fleet Panel meeting that all of our members would like more information about the system so they can fully understand the implications for their individual businesses, and the industry as a whole. Many issues were raised including how much service and repair will cost per tyre, how much replacement valves will cost and how much training will be given to staff on TPMS. We have spoken to TPMS manufacturers and got some idea but really it is speculation until we hear from the distributors themselves.”

Michelin will report back to its Fleet Panel with comments from the three tyre distributors at its next meeting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of this week.