TPMS problems solvable

I find all of the letters lately in Tire Business about tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and their problems humorous. I would like to respond to a few of the problems and misinformation your readers may be experiencing.

First, as one of your readers suggested in a letter, dealers may be bending and damaging valve caps, making it nearly impossible to remove the cap from the valve stem. This is very true, but metal valve caps should never be used on valves containing tire pressure monitors.

These valve stems are made from aluminum, not metal, and are very soft and come with gray caps. And while the rubber valve stems used on European cars come with metal caps, the difference is that these metal or gray caps come fitted with rubber O-rings. This is done to prevent air seepage through the valve core, which occurs in all tires—but more so in those filled with air.

You’ll also notice that the green plastic valve caps that are used to indicate a tire has been filled with nitrogen also have an O-ring.

The next problem that often occurs is an over-tightened valve core. I suggest using a valve stem torque tool such as the one Schrader sells. Just remember: Never use a metal cap on TPMS valves.

Craig J. Knarish

Owner/operator

Pit Crew Tire Service Inc.

Palm Harbor, Fla.

News coverage appreciated

We at the New England Tire and Service Association wish to thank you for your continued coverage of the legislative issues in New England.

Your article and editorial in the July 18 issue on the proposed tire disposal legislation in Vermont were clear and accurate as to the need to “stay vigilant to guard against such unnecessary legislation.”

You also stated the need for independent tire dealers to belong “and support their state and national tire dealer associations.” We appreciate your understanding and support of all associations, which are working hard for their members to thwart such government action.

Dick Cole

Executive director

New England Tire and Service Association

Yarmouth, Maine

Yip’s right on air pressure

I agree with Jeff Yip’s column in the Aug. 1 issue about the importance of proper air pressure when servicing a customer’s car, although I think that referring to a 2 psi variance in air pressure as “not remotely consistent” might be a stretch.

I am also not sure why you would expect anything more from “the big box” outlet. My advice is never have your car serviced at a store that also sells underwear.

Brad Swenson

Manager

Lyntire Inc.

Reno, Nev.

A weighty issue

I’m writing in regard to the recent article “Get the lead out,” which reported on the Environmental Protection Agency considering a ban on lead wheel weights.

Our shop gives out our used lead wheel weights to local racers who in turn melt them down into bricks and use them to make minimum weight rules. They place the weight where needed to “fine tune” the chassis for better handling.

We also have given some of the weights to monument works for use in mounting headstones.

Mike Pittman

Owner

Mike Pittman Repair

Jefferson, Iowa