Schrader Celebrates Canada’s “Be Tire Smart Week”

Schrader International, global manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions, celebrates Canada’s “Be Tire Smart Week,” May 13-17, 2013, across Canada.

In advance of the summer driving season, Schrader is announcing a new consumer awareness and education video, “A Half-Pint of Prevention.” The video educates consumers about the importance of proper tire inflation, as well as the safety, fuel economy and environmental benefits of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). The short story also highlights best practices for service and repair professionals for assisting TPMS customers throughout the year.

“Most motorists know that proper tire pressure is critical to their driving safety. However, they may not be fully aware of how TPMS helps to keep them safe,” said Trevor Potter, VP of aftermarket sales at Schrader. “As drivers hit the road this summer, we encourage them to take a few minutes each month to inspect their tires and tire pressure, and understand how the TPMS system warns them of any serious under-inflation situation. We want to make sure all drivers have the information they need to stay safe.”

For vehicles in Canada equipped with TPMS, Schrader encourages consumers to be aware of what the TPMS warning symbol looks like and to understand how to properly respond to the symbol, which illuminates on the dashboard when any one or more tires is underinflated by 25 percent or more. Other tips for drivers include:

• Measure tire pressure monthly using a good quality tire gauge. A visual inspection is not sufficient to detect under or over-inflation problems. In fact, tires can lose up to half of their air pressure before they appear to be underinflated.

• Know the proper way to check a tire:
• Check
  pressure monthly or before a long road trip.
• Know the vehicle manufacturers recommendation for the correct (placard) amount of inflation, which is found on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. Do not follow the information listed on the tire sidewall.

• For the most accurate reading, tires should be checked when cool – meaning they are not hot from driving even one mile.
• Remember to replace the valve cap after inflating each tire to the recommended pressure.

With more cars hitting the road this summer, service and repair technicians are preparing for more tire-related maintenance. Key TPMS initiatives for technicians at service and repair facilities to consider during this busy season include:

• Educate: Educate technicians and managers about all key aspects of TPMS, including typical sensor life expectancies, the benefits of TPMS to the customer, different sensor styles and options, and the need to replace critical wear components each time the tire is removed from the rim with TPMS service packs.

• Equip: Ensure the shop has a TPMS diagnostic and programming tool, torque tools and sufficient inventory. These preparations ensure timely testing and repair, as well as eliminating costly time delays waiting for parts.
• Communicate: Ensure that all shop personnel are aware of procedures and expectations for servicing TPMS. Communicate with consumers about any TPMS maintenance or repair on the vehicle prior to starting service (‘Test Before You Touch’ with a TPMS diagnostic tool).

For more than 20 years, Schrader has been the global leader in TPMS solutions and consumer education. To learn more about the importance of TPMS, visit Schrader’s three-in-one website, TPMSMadeSimple.com (for drivers), TPMSMadeEasy.com (for the Aftermarket), and TPMSMadeRight.com (for vehicle manufacturers) address audience-specific TPMS needs.