Conti debuts TPMS for aftermarket
During the SEMA Show, Continental A.G. unveiled its VDO REDI-Sensor multi-application TP-MS sensor that promises to simplify service.
The sensor can be used on numerous domestic vehicle models, works with all major scan tools and does not require special programming or additional scan tools, the company said, adding that the sensor relearns the same way an OE sensor does–often in less time.
Continental, which manufacturers TPMS sensors for the OE market, specifically developed the REDI-Sensor for the aftermarket, a first for the company.
Continental's OE engineering team developed the REDI-Sensor to help reduce the complexity and proliferation of parts in the aftermarket and meet the growing need for standardization in TPMS service, said Jean Christophe Deniau, senior technical specialist for Conti.
The sensor is compatible with 95 percent of domestic vehicles ranging from 2002-2010 model years. The company expects to introduce a sensor next year for Asian models and the following year for European vehicles, Mr. Deniau said.
Due to its compatibility, service shops can reduce their inventory by stocking a small supply of REDI-Sensors because it replaces a host of OE sensors, including banded, snap-in and clamp-in models from Continental, Lear, Schrader, Siemens VDO and TRW, the company said.
The pivoting valve stem allows the sensor to adjust to different wheel rim designs. The stem is made of metal for durability on high-speed vehicles.
For more information on the sensor, visit www.redi-sensor.com.
Dill gauge check complies in Calif.
In response to the new California regulations requiring auto service shops to check every customer's tire inflation, Dill Air Controls Products L.L.C. is offering its 8500 Gauge Check Station that allows tire dealers to check the accuracy of their air gauges.
The gauge station is designed to bolt to a wall or table and a certificate of accuracy is included for ISO records, the company said. It retails for $229.
Dill representatives said before the California regulation, the company sold a few hundred of the gauge check stations. After the regulation went into effect in September, the company faced a backlog of orders.
For more information, contact Dill at 800-815-3455 or visit www.dillvalves.com.
411 CarInfo launches catalog
411 CarInfo Inc., a 3-year-old Los Angeles-based company, has launched its web-based catalog, at 411carinfo.com, that connects auto parts vendors with retailers.
The site allows vendors to upload their listings of products, including wheels, tires, accessories and electronics. So far the site has 14 vendors, including BHY Tires & Wheel Distributors Inc. of Mira Loma, Calif., the only tire vendor.
Retailers can register for free on the website and arrange orders with the vendors. 411 CarInfo doesn't handle the payments but it will screen newly registered retailers and vendors, who must have a resale certificate, and suspend users who receive negative ratings for bad practices.
411 CarInfo receives a 2-percent stipend for each sale of wheels, 0.5 percent on tire sales and 3 to 6 percent on sales of accessories, the company said.
RTI offers shops nitrogen options
RTI Technologies Inc. unveiled two nitrogen inflation tools during the SEMA Show for tire dealers who are “riding the fence” about offering nitrogen.
The NitroPro NTF-230 is a high-volume, more portable, low-cost version of its 2788H model at a price point for those still deciding whether to offer nitrogen fills in their shops, according to the company.
For those shops that decide not to offer nitrogen but still want to service customers who come in with nitrogen-filled tires, RTI is offering its NitroPro NTO-200 nitrogen inflation hand-held wand pump for single tire conversion and top-off applications.
For more information, contact RTI at 800-468-2321 or visit www.rtitech.com.
OTC kit aids wheel hub service
SPX Corp.'s OTC business unit has updated its Hub Tamer kit, is offering two Ball Joint Master Service Kits and is promoting its OTC EZ-sensor programmable TPMS tool.
The OTC Hub Grappler kit is designed for servicing wheel hubs and bearings on vehicles without removing the steering components.
The kit includes the Hub Grappler puller designed to apply maximum force with minimal effort, according to the company.
The kit also contains a 3/4-inch custom drive screw, six adapters for coverage up to the 2009 vehicle model year, tie rod/ball joint tool and two Ford axle installers. It also features a manual, exclusive to OTC, with an application guide on what tools should be used for various applications.
The Ball Joint Master Service Kits (P/N 6529 and P/N 6539) offer the capability to service ball joints and other general pressing operations on car and light truck vehicle systems up to the 2008 model year.
Each kit includes more than 50 adapters of various sizes and a comprehensive applications guide which provides references on how to use each adapter in the kit, as well as adapter application charts and diagrams.
The EZ-sensor is designed to replace 90 percent of the sensors stocked by tire dealers, the firm said.
The sensor can be programmed using an OTC TPR tool and eliminates the need to perform relearn procedures when replacing sensors, the company said.
For more information, call SPX/OTC at (800) 533-6127 or visit www.otctools.com.
Gunk repackages degreaser fluids
Radiator Specialty Co. (RSC), the maker of Gunk cleaning and degreasing fluids, unveiled a product packaging design and consumer marketing campaign during the AAPEX show.
“We want to remind people that we're more than just engine degreasing,” said Mike Guggenheimer, vice president of business development.
The company streamlined its packaging to be more consistent across the product line. The cans will feature a color-coded gauge to help consumers identify the levels of Gunk cleaning products.
The packaging also includes a mobile text code consumers can use to receive instant advice while shopping.
RSC said that within seconds, consumers will receive a recommendation from Gunk specifying the appropriate product for their needs.
The company also launched a new website featuring multiple how-to videos and a “Gunk Garage” tool to help users know which product to use for a specific job.
The website also features a blog by “Dr. Gunk,” who offers tips on solving customers' cleaning and degreasing challenges.
RSC will promote its Gunk products in a new ad campaign that will include print, broadcast, websites, Twitter and Facebook.
A vehicle with Gunk logos will be used as mobile marketing at community events and vocational-tech schools.
For more information on Gunk products, visit www.gunk.com.
Chicago Brand has new wrench
Chicago Brand Industrial Inc. debuted its open-end ratchet wrench that features a 30-inch swing angle and an interactive design that creates the prying action of a fulcrum.
The tool is made of stainless steel to resist chipping and has a small head to access tight work spots.
The wrenches are available in a three-piece SAE or metric combination set, an eight-piece SAE single-end set and a 10-piece metric single-end set.
For more information, call Chicago Brand at 510-656-5155 or visit www.chicagobrand.com.
Bosch introduces hybrid volt meter
Robert Bosch L.L.C. previewed its handheld wireless FSA 050 volt tester for electric and hybrid vehicles and launched its BAT 131 battery tester.
The CAT IV 600V-rated device can be used alone, linked to a shop's PC or as an accessory to the Bosch FSA 720/740 vehicle system analyzers, Bosch said. Readings can be viewed on a dual-digital readout and analog-arc display or downloaded to a PC.
The BAT 131 battery tester is designed to test all types of 6- and 12-volt batteries using an optimized test algorithm that also allows the testing of uninstalled new batteries.
An integrated printer provides customized printouts with shop coupons.
For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.
TAC-Scan offers tread scanner
Tire Profiles Inc. of Chicago demonstrated its TAC-Scan Drive-Over Model DO1 laser tread-depth scanner during the SEMA Show.
The unit allows shops to take tread depth measurements for low-profile vehicles.
The vehicle is driven onto the scanner modules where the system can scan in five seconds with a tread measurement accuracy of +/- 1/32 inch.
The system can scan tires up to 24 inches wide on all four- and six-wheel, two-axle vehicles.
The company said it plans to introduce its Non-Stop Drive-Over Model DO-NS1 tread-profile measurement system in the fourth quarter of 2011.
This system will be able to take tread measurements of a vehicle as large as an 18-wheeler traveling at up to 5 miles per hour.
For more information, call Tire Profiles at 312-337-4100 or visit www.tireprofile.com.