ALTAVISTA, Va. (April 15, 2010) — Schrader International Inc. is sponsoring a new online industry resource and clearinghouse for tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) information.
The tire valve and TPMS marketer said its new TPMSMadeEasy.com Web site addresses the specific TPMS needs of aftermarket retailers, original equipment manufacturers and drivers and was developed after extensive research among a broad range of industry experts and motorists. The site approaches TPMS from three “distinct perspectives and with an objective lens,” Altavista-based Schrader claims.
“Two years into full TPMS compliance, there are still many questions about TPMS among industry and drivers,” said Carl Wacker, the company's vice president of global sales and marketing. “We are sponsoring this industry initiative as more TPMS-equipped vehicles come onto the roadways every year in the U.S. and as TPMS adoption spreads globally.”
Schrader's three-in-one interactive site includes a variety of content, including:
- Providing interactive training resources, case studies, point-of-sale materials and other information to help aftermarket retailers and repair technicians successfully integrate TPMS service; and
- Offering objective technology insight, industry reports and other technical data to assist OEMs with purchasing decisions.
The site also has sections on how TPMS works; how it helps vehicle operation; a driver's forum; helpful links to other sites; what to do if a TPMS light comes on; frequently asked questions; videos; industry reports; and troubleshooting guides.
In addition to these resources, Schrader enlisted a range of safety and industry experts to discuss the implementation and impact of TPMS. Among those is Jackie Glassman, who served as chief counsel at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) when the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act—which mandated TPMS for all vehicles in the U.S.—was passed several years ago.
Industry association executives, environmental journalists and other experts also appear on the site, highlighting the safety, economic and environmental benefits of TPMS.
“It was important to us to engage diverse voices to provide the industry with the information, tools and resources it needs to make sound business decisions and to communicate about TPMS with customers,” Mr. Wacker said.
Sean McKinnon, director of automotive training development for the Tire Industry Association (TIA), also is featured on the site. Reiterating the importance of customer communication, he said the goal in effectively educating the public about TPMS “is to make it real. When the consumer sees the TPMS telltale illuminate on their vehicle, they need to know to, No. 1, stop, check their air pressure and immediately get to a tire dealer so that condition can be addressed.”
The consumer segment of the Web site provides detailed information about TPMS and the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure. Drivers also can learn the specific steps to take if their vehicle's TPMS light illuminates, and calculate how much money proper tire pressure can save them at the gas pump every year. Schrader said aftermarket and OEM companies also can use the site as a resource for customer information or to direct customers to the site.
Schrader claims to be a global leader in TPMS for automotive OEMs. In the replacement market, the Schrader AirAware and EZ-Sensor brands encompass a full line of TPMS systems, components and tools that, according to the company, meet OE quality and performance specifications, including sensors, service packs, tools and retrofit kits.