ATEQ’s new torque tool offers precise measurement and control when tightening any torque-specific fixings. Its compact size allows smaller fasteners to be tightened by hand when a torque wrench is too large or too highly rated to be suitable.
A Taiwan based news source has reported claims by a domestic vehicle components supplier that China intends to make the fitment of tyre pressure monitoring systems mandatory on new cars. Kim Tsai, chairman of Mobiletron Electronics, aims for his firm to seize at least ten per cent of the market boosted by this policy – a market expected to create business opportunities in excess of NT$20 billion (£422 million).
Snap-on Equipment has announced its new N2 Generator nitrogen inflation system, available under the Hofmann and John Bean brands. The mobile unit for motorcycle, car, caravan, 4X4 and LCV tyres generates nitrogen at a rate of 4,380 litres per hour. Snap-on says nitrogen inflation will help extend tyre life, lower fuel consumption and reduce tyre wear, therefore improving grip, handling and safety due to much slower tyre pressure loss, as nitrogen particles are larger than oxygen.
January's Tyres & Accessories contains features on the growing – excuse the pun – agricultural market and the world of two-wheel tyres. Subscribers can read the whole magazine in e-paper format by clicking more.
On 30 January 2011 HawksHead TPMS launched a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) designed “for the serious RVer.” According to the company, the system can monitor tyre pressures and temperatures for motor homes and trucks along with their towed vehicle if needed, the system is also ideal for travel trailers, fifth wheels, enclosed and flatbed trailers. RV are Recreational Vehicle much like large versions of the camper vans commonly found at European camp sites.
Vehicle accessory company Ring Automotive has released a new range of tyre pressure gauges intended to help motorists reduce fuel costs and tyre wear. A total of four gauges are available in the Ring Tyre Gauge line-up and each of these complements the Ring compressor range launched in 2009.
In November 2011 tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) will become mandatory, something that according to Auto Express is causing a “backlash” within the automotive community.
In the US Volvo is recalling more than 3,600 vehicles in its S80 range built between 2007 and 2010 due to a TPMS related issue. The US National Highway Transport Safety Administration reports that certain vehicles in the S80 range were sold to customers with incorrect maximum tyre inflation pressure on their tyre and loading information label and in their user manual. Furthermore, the vehicles’ tyre pressure monitoring system software is set to trigger at the incorrect level. As a consequence, the NHTSA states these vehicles do not meet the required safety standards. Volvo dealers will replace the label, owner’s manual label and TPMS software free of charge.
Consumer Reports magazine is not a big fan of new California regulations that will force all auto service centers to check and adjust tyre air pressure for any customer vehicle they service, reports Tire Review. While acknowledging the fuel-savings and greenhouse gas reducing benefits of properly inflated tyres, the magazine suggested the new law could lead to unintended confusion and results.
Starting 1 September, all California automotive service providers will be required to check the tyre pressure of each vehicle receiving maintenance or repair service at their facility, reports Tire Review. The Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) recently learned the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed an effective date of 1 September, 2010 for the adoption of Section 95550 in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.
Earthmover Tyres is to introduce its Tire Monitor System (TMS) to the UK at this year’s Hillhead show (22 – 24 June). Designed and supplied by AM Bromley, a company formed in 1997 by engineers who worked on the early concepts of tyre pressure monitoring systems, this wireless tyre pressure gauge and monitoring system has been developed for large off-road vehicles. TMS provides tyre pressure and temperature data to allow tyres to be maintained for optimal performance, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. The show will be held at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, in Derbyshire. According to the organisers, it is recognized as “the world’s largest.”
Wheel alignment company Supertracker has announced a new Steering Angle Sensor Reset tool to its product portfolio in order to further enhance the precise operation and technical requirements. Vehicle electronics continue to develop apace, and steering angle sensors are now a common feature on new car models. Supertracker states the tool allows any stability control electronics to operate correctly when the sensor is reset to match the correct wheel alignment settings.
The latest wheel from Italy’s Finichi is the Milano, a 16-spoke design available in silver or black. The spokes on the Milano extend to the outer edge of the rim in order to enhance the wheel’s perceived size, and both the Hypersilver and Gloss Black finishes can be ordered with the Tyresure Tyre Pressure Monitoring System for improved safety and driver feedback.
For many years the health and safety implications of truck and bus tyre handling and inflation has been a significant topic of discussion in the tyre industry. Nearly half of all tyre-related incidents reported are the cause of manual handling injuries, with tool-related injuries making up to a quarter of incidents alone. Rema Tip Top are claiming to have made this practice a whole lot easier with a new inflation device designed for the safe installation and removal of valves cores during the inflation of truck and bus tyres.
Nissan will recall close to 150,000 cars in the US due to a fault in the vehicle’s tyre pressure monitoring system. A nut in the TPMS fitted to several Nissan models, including the Murano, Cube and the beautifully named Rogue (who, with 73,845 TPMS units to be recalled, is indeed the most roguish offender) is vulnerable to corrosion and cracking in areas where road salt is heavily used. This defect could lead to the nut falling out, causing the entire TMPS display unit to illuminate.
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