Is TPMS a Headache or an Opportunity?
A decade after the TREAD Act and almost four years into mandatory TPMS on all passenger vehicles in the U.S., one can fairly ask: Is TPMS still a headache for the industry, or has it become a profit opportunity for shops? There are varying opinions, and ultimately the reader will have to decide.
Tech Feature: GM Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevy (Chevrolet), GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use a Schrader- or VDO-manufactured system that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions, like the Pontiac Vibe.
Tech Feature: The Past, Present and Future of TPMS
Ebenezer Scrooge would probably fear the Ghost of Christmas Past and welcome the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, if the Scrooge and Marley firm of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was a player in the tire pressure monitoring system industry instead of London’s financial lending community.
Independent Repair Shop Summit 2010 Draws 195 Technicians
The 9th annual Independent Repair Shop Summit (IRSS) took place on October 2-3 in Minden, NV. Hosted by Ramac Industries, the IRSS is the 2nd largest technician and shop management training event on the West Coast.
TPMS Update: Chrysler Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
Chrysler uses a Schrader Electronics or VDO systems on just about every late-model vehicle. Chrysler never used a band sensor in any of its platforms. On some 2004 and 2005 models, Chrysler may have used two different TPMS systems on a vehicle platform depending on if the vehicle was equipped with AWD or if the system was optional or standard.
News Update: Adrian Smith Appointed GM of Brembo North America
Brembo North America (BNA) recently appointed Adrian Smith as general manager of its North American operations with responsibility for its three offices in Costa Mesa, Detroit and Charlotte, NC. Previously, Smith served as technical director of Brembo SpA based in Curno, Italy, where he was responsible for a staff of 240 engineers and core engineering
Siemens Donates Nearly $3 Million to Hurricane Relief Efforts
Siemens CEO and President George Nolen presented a check for $2.8 million to Marty Evans, president and CEO of the American Red Cross to aid hurricane victims in the south. Siemens employees from its 15 major operating companies in the United States, including Siemens VDO, donated $1.4 million and the company matched those donations dollar-for-dollar.
Aftermarket Update: Visteon Grows Portfolio of OE-Quality Replacement Parts
Conoco, is owned by Paul Rush, a finalist for the 2004 CARQUEST Excellence Award and a TECH-NET Professional Auto Service member. Rowledge will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the ASE board meeting where he will be presented with a trophy and a gold ring. He also will be honored as the co-Grand
Aftermarket Update: April
MEMA Releases Educational Counterfeiting Supplement Distributors, retailers and automotive technicians looking for more information about automotive parts counterfeiting need to look no further. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) recently released an informational supplement focusing on the issue counterfeiting in the auto parts industry. MEMA’s Counterfeiting publication was designed to serve as a resource