5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs TPMS Sensor Tool？

Opting for Internal Sensors over External Sensors in Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for industrial and Off-The-Road (OTR) vehicles provides numerous advantages, particularly in the demanding conditions these vehicles face.

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Here is why Internal Sensors are advantageous:

1. High Precision in Harsh Conditions

Internal Sensors are installed within the tire, offering direct contact with the air inside. This placement ensures precise tire pressure and temperature measurements. When the tire temperature significantly rises due to factors such as vehicle load and speed, it must be meticulously monitored to avoid exceeding the manufacturer's specifications. Internal Sensors are crucial for accurate temperature readings, especially under these severe conditions.

2. Enhanced Protection and Longevity

Internal Sensors are safeguarded against external elements like debris, rocks, and extreme weather (e.g., direct sunlight and frost), commonly faced in OTR environments. This protection ensures the sensors' resilience and lifespan, reducing the likelihood of damage and providing dependable tire pressure and temperature data.

3. Shock and Vibration Resistance

OTR and industrial vehicles often navigate rugged terrains, encountering constant shocks and vibrations. Internal Sensors are engineered to withstand these harsh conditions. Being mounted inside the tire offers extra protection, minimizing the risk of sensor dislodgement or malfunction caused by external forces.

4. Lower Risk of Damage or Theft

Internal Sensors are securely installed within the tire, making them less vulnerable to damage or theft. In sectors like mining and earth moving, external sensors are prone to damage from rocks and debris. OTR vehicles often operate in remote locations, increasing the risk of external sensors being tampered with or stolen. Internal Sensors, being hidden, reduce the chances of unauthorized removal.

5. Versatility with Various Tire Types and Configurations

Industrial and OTR vehicles use diverse tire types and configurations depending on their specific applications. Internal Sensors offer improved compatibility with various tire types, including large or specialty tires commonly used in OTR vehicles. They can be installed across different tire sizes and setups, providing accurate monitoring irrespective of the tire configuration.

6. Reduced External Interference

External Sensors are prone to interference from dirt, mud, and moisture, which can compromise their accuracy. Internal Sensors, being shielded, provide more consistent readings. This accuracy ensures that operators receive reliable tire pressure and temperature data, facilitating effective maintenance and preventing tire-related incidents.

7. Seamless Integration with Unique Wheel Designs

OTR vehicles often feature specialized wheel designs. External Sensors might not be compatible with specific wheel types and could interfere with necessary wheel clearance. Internal Sensors, concealed within the tire, eliminate these compatibility issues, ensuring a neat and secure installation.

8. Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Once properly installed, Internal Sensors generally require no maintenance throughout the tire's lifespan. External Sensors, mounted on valve stems, may need periodic adjustments or replacements of seals to maintain effectiveness. Internal Sensors eliminate these additional tasks, offering convenience for businesses.

9. Ease of Tire Inflation

Many external sensors, particularly valve stem sensors, must be removed during tire inflation. To prevent theft, these sensors often feature locking mechanisms, requiring specific tools for removal and reassembly. Internal Sensors do not obstruct the inflation process, simplifying tire maintenance.

It's important to note that Internal Sensors might need professional installation due to the complexity of OTR vehicle tires. However, this installation is usually straightforward and quick.

In conclusion, the numerous benefits of Internal Sensors typically outweigh the additional installation costs. They deliver more accurate pressure and temperature measurements, are more cost-effective, and offer enhanced protection and durability. Internal Sensors also eliminate the risk of theft or tampering and are compatible with a variety of wheel configurations. Their low maintenance requirements further add to business efficiency and profitability.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have been around since the 1980s, initially appearing in high-end European cars. Their widespread adoption was spurred by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, following numerous tire failures involving Firestone tires on Ford Explorer vehicles.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated TPMS in the U.S. in 2005, requiring all vehicles from the 2008 model year onward, and under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), to have TPMS. This system alerts drivers when one or more tires are significantly under-inflated by illuminating a warning light.

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The TREAD Act's implementation highlighted the importance of tire pressure in vehicle safety, notably in vehicles with a high center of gravity. This led to critical reporting and accountability requirements for manufacturers.

Types of TPMS Sensors

Today, TPMS come in two types: direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS). Direct systems use wireless pressure transducers inside the tire to measure pressure. Indirect systems infer pressure from wheel speed sensors, part of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Algorithms monitor these systems to report pressure deviations to the driver.

However, iTPMS has limitations, such as an inability to identify specific low-pressure tires or detect uniformly low pressure in all tires. TPMS regulations require alerts when tire pressure deviates by 25% from the recommended pressure. Technicians need to be cautious of tire sizes when servicing iTPMS sensors.

“On iTPMS systems, one needs to be aware of the variance in tire diameters,” says Matt Fanslow, a technician and shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Redwing, Minnesota. “We look closely at the tire circumference before diving in on diagnosing these systems.”

TPMS sensors use a battery and usually communicate via the same wireless receiver used for keyless entry, transmitting data to the vehicle's onboard systems. Sensors typically update every 30 minutes when idle and more frequently when the vehicle is in motion, often above 30 mph.

Replacement of TPMS sensors, when necessary, can be done using OEM or universal aftermarket units. Each has its advantages, depending on compatibility and reliability.

“We use Autel MX1 sensors unless they [are not compatible], and then we go OE,” says Fanslow. “I would guess that the Autel sensors work about 95 percent of the time.”

Conversely, Kirk Holland, owner of Gladney Automotive Solutions, prefers OEM sensors due to occasional incompatibility issues with universal sensors.

Given the variety of sensors available, it’s increasingly common to find older vehicles with both OEM and aftermarket sensors, posing challenges for technicians.

“Twelve years into TPMS [being government mandated] the chance for a vehicle having multiple sensor types installed is increasing,” says Scot Holloway, CEO of Bartec USA. “Vehicles with a combination of OE and aftermarket sensors present a unique challenge. Do they have the right service kits or replacement parts? Early GM TPMS sensors only activate with a magnet, not a TPMS tool. Technicians need to know this to avoid false diagnoses.”

Regardless of type, TPMS sensors must endure harsh environments and aim to last up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Proper handling during service, including installation of valve stem caps and correct torque application, is crucial.

“Lots of corrosion issues lead to premature sensor failures,” Fanslow says. “This often results from improper tools, over-torquing, or not replacing seals and valve stem caps.”

It’s also essential to consider tire and vehicle speed ratings. As per Schrader International's service bulletin, vehicles equipped with tires rated above 115 mph must use aluminum clamp-in valve stems. Technicians should always adhere to the manufacturer's recommended procedures and utilize specialized tools for accurate torque settings.

Service tools and kits are available to ensure professional TPMS maintenance, including:

• Schrader TPMS Nut Torque Tool with Sockets, No. SB-20138
• Schrader Valve Core Torque Tool, No. 20141
• Steelman TPMS Valve Core Torque Tool, No. 96229
• Steelman TPMS Basic Service Tool Kit, No. 96254
• Lisle Valve Core Torque Tool, No. 18810

For more information, visit TPMS Sensor Tool.