Schrader Celebrates 2013 National Tire Safety Week

TPMS Leader Offers Consumer Education Video and Best Practices for Service and Repair Industry

DENVER, Colo. (May 29, 2013) – Schrader, the leading global manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions, is pleased to support the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s (RMA) National Tire Safety Week, June 2-8, 2013.  RMA’s National Tire Safety Week is a nationwide event intended to raise consumer awareness about tire safety.

As part of its ongoing campaign to help educate and inform drivers about the importance of tire safety, Schrader has launched a new consumer awareness and education video, “ A Half-Pint of Prevention.”  The video educates consumers about the importance of proper tire inflation, as well as the safety, fuel economy and environmental benefits of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). The short story also highlights best practices for service and repair professionals for assisting TPMS customers throughout the year.

“Tire safety is an essential component of safe driving. We recommend that motorists inspect their tires and tire pressure each month, and also that they understand how the TPMS system warns them of any serious under-inflation situations,” said Trevor Potter, VP of North American Aftermarket Sales at Schrader. “We also recognize the vital role that the service and repair industry takes in helping to educate consumers about best practices in tire safety.”

Each year, millions of new vehicles equipped with TPMS enter the U.S. market, with more than 100 million estimated TPMS-enabled vehicles in-service in 2013. As TPMS-equipped vehicles continue to come “on road,” automotive Aftermarket retailers and service and repair professionals are working to optimize TPMS service into their daily operational practices, as well as integrate ways to further connect with customers on the topic. With recent Aftermarket-specific clarification from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and increased consumer awareness as a result of sites like TPMSmadeSimple.com, service and repair facilities and the Aftermarket are refining “best practices” for TPMS, including:

Educate: Educate technicians and managers about all key aspects of TPMS, including typical sensor life expectancies, the benefits of TPMS to the customer,different sensor styles and options, and the need to replace critical wear components each and every time the tire is removed from the rim with TPMS service packs.

Equip:Ensure the shop has a TPMS diagnostic and programming tool, torque tools and sufficient inventory. These preparations ensure timely TPMS testing and repair, and eliminate costly time delays waiting for parts.

Communicate: Ensure that all shop personnel are aware of standard procedures and expectations for servicing TPMS. Communicate with consumers about any TPMS maintenance or repair on the vehicle prior to starting service (‘Test Before You Touch’ with a TPMS diagnostic tool). For vehicles equipped with TPMS, Schrader encourages consumers to be aware of what the TPMS warning symbol looks like and to understand how to properly respond to the symbol, which illuminates on the dashboard when any one or more tires is under-inflated by 25 percent or more.

For drivers, additional tire safety tips include:

  • Measure tire pressure monthly using a good quality tire gauge. A visual inspection is not sufficient to detect under or over-inflation problems. In fact, tires can lose up to half of their air pressure before they appear to be under-inflated.
  • Know the proper way to check a tire:

Check pressure monthly or before a long road trip.

Know the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct (placard) amount of inflation, which is found on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. Do not follow the information listed on the tire sidewall.

For the most accurate reading, tires should be checked when cool – meaning they are not hot from driving even one mile.

Remember to replace the valve cap after inflating each tire to the recommended pressure.

For more than 20 years, Schrader has been the global leader in TPMS solutions and consumer education. To learn more about the importance of TPMS, visit Schrader’s three-in-one website, TPMSMadeSimple.com (for drivers), TPMSMadeEasy.com (for the Aftermarket), and TPMSMadeRight.com (for vehicle manufacturers) address audience-specific TPMS needs.

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