CIAA releases policy statement on TPMS

The Canadian Independent Automotive Association (CIAA) says independent shops should never let a vehicle go without tire pressure monitors installed.

The association has released a policy statement that independent shops can use when handling customer concerns regarding TPMS.

“It’s your call as a business owner, but we feel that safety is paramount and the liability of shops is at stake,” says CIAA executive director Art Wilderman. “It’s most advantageous, from a safety and liability standpoint, to not allow any vehicle to leave without the TPMS system functioning, if it was functioning properly when it came in.”

He points out that there are no laws in Canada requiring TPMS in vehicles, and none of the provinces have written regulations on TPMS, but every province has legislation that forbids people from disabling safety systems.

“There are a lot of techs that don’t see TPMS as a real safety issue,” he says, “but it has been ruled mandatory in the U.S.”

The association began studying the controversy over TPMS last year and held several discussions with stakeholders. Yesterday, the association’s board of directors released a policy statement that its members can post in their waiting areas.

It explains why customers should welcome the use of TPMS on their vehicles.

“Most shops will take the time to explain the reality of safety, tire life, and fuel economy when explaining TPMS. It’s important to have this discussion with the customer before the job even starts, said Wilderman. “If a tech brings in a vehicle and sees a TPMS light on the dash, it should be addressed immediately. Most of the shops that I’ve talked to that are really behind this policy will simply refuse to install the tires if the TPMS system isn’t functioning.”

In an email to members, Wilderman pointed out that while there are some shops that are “compromising the TPMS” on vehicles, primarily when installing winter tires and wheels, the CIAA has found that most of the more reputable tire centers and independents are not compromising these systems.

TPMS systems became mainstream after a number of crashes in the U.S. involving Firestone ATX about 10 years ago. The fatal crashes were found to be the result of faulty tires, heat, and wear, along with vehicle design. As a result, TPMS was mandated to be installed on all vehicles built in the U.S. or imported into the U.S. beginning in 2006 and 2007.

Wilderman said Canadians are impacted by virtue of the fact that most vehicles built here and imported here have these safety systems installed at time of manufacture.