MAY 2023 AFTERMARKET 39 ability to serve nation-wide chains, we’ve done that successfully over the decades too, but we still believe every customer should be treated the same.” He continued: “First and foremost, we’re an online business – customers who know what they want can order 24/7 and, in many cases, next day delivery is possible. We’re working hard to improve the way the website works, offering a clearer, more informed experience for visitors to our site. That being said, we understand that many people want to discuss their options with someone experienced enough to explain the features of a machine and the benefits they bring. So, we will always be contactable and approachable. “It doesn’t matter to us if you have never done tyres before or you’re an old hand in the industry, we treat everyone honestly and will offer the lowest sustainable price for suitable equipment. That said, there’s a big difference between buying something because it’s cheap and buying something that’s suitable for your business. You can look at that the other way too – do you really need all the bells and whistles some more expensive machines offer if you’re just starting out?” On their range, Leigh said: “We believe our Redback range of tyre changers, wheel balancers and vehicle lifts is second to none in terms of value for small to medium size volume but to keep costs to a minimum there’s an element of self-build required. We also offer the Atlas Equipment range for the professional tyre fitter. Delivered plug-andplay, it offers a great option for businesses enjoying growing volumes, as it offers a range of additional features for ease of use. Tyre Bay Direct also continues its supply of tools and tyre fitting consumables to thousands of tyre fitters across the UK and Europe each day.” Finally, Leigh added: “Tyre Bay Direct will be on Stand T61 at Automechanika Birmingham, 6-8 June.” For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/42KT7ao TPMS Moving over to tyre pressure management systems, Concept Garage Equipment (CGE) National Sales Manager Andy Davidson said there are six things you don’t know about TPMS: “First, low tyre pressure is not an MOT failure. You must only reject vehicles if it’s clear that the lamp indicates a system malfunction and not simply indicate that one or more of the tyre pressure is low. Secondly, you must consider changing TPMS valves at every tyre change. TPMS sensors can last 5-10 years or up to 100,000 miles, and though these can be damaged during tyre changing, it's the valves attached to these that should ideally be replaced at every tyre change to ensure a good seal and flawless operation of the valve and TPMS system. Thirdly, there are two types of TPMS Sensors. Indirect TPMS systems do not have TPMS Sensors inside the tyre or wheel rim. Instead, the ABS wheel speed sensors are used on the vehicle to calculate the tyre pressure across the four tyres. Then there are Direct TPMS Systems. These are the most commonly used in the UK, and the products sold by Concept Garage Equipment. They tend to be more accurate, and are fitted as part of the tyre valve inside the wheel rim. The vehicle computer then reads this data for each sensor. “The fourth point to remember is that TPMS low warning indicator usually alerts at a drop of 25%. The tyre pressure dropping or increasing by 25% compared to the manufacturer’s recommended setting would usually trigger the TPMS warning light and potentially a brief audible alarm also. Fifth, over-inflated tyres can also trigger a TPMS warning. The TPMS systems on cars are used to determine incorrect tyre pressure, and any deviation, usually by 25% or more from the recommended inflation will cause the warning light to be illuminated, and this includes both under-inflation and over-inflated tyres. “The final fact is that as a garage you can actually ignore TPMS, and just use normal valves. However, you will be ruling out a massive amount of revenue and customers, since all passenger vehicles from November 2014 in the United Kingdom and EU have had TPMS fitted, so unless you specialise in off-road vehicles that do not require an MOT and your customers don't mind an annoying TPMS light on the dashboard, you really should invest in TPMS. Andy added: “If you are considering adding TPMS to your garage offering, speak to Concept Garage Equipment first. We can advise on the best TPMS equipment to purchase to get you started in TPMS without breaking the bank or buying too much stock. By using our TPMS programming tools and TPMS sensors you can keep your stock levels to a minimum whilst always being able to cater to 99% of major vehicle makes and models that come through your Garage or MOT Bay door.” For more information, visit: https://concept-ge.co.uk/what-is-tpms/ Under pressure Commenting on their TPMS offering, Autogem Managing Director Prashant Chopra said: “We continue to lead the way in TPMS solutions, with a programme that has gone a long way in securing two successive NTDA aftermarket supplier award wins in the past two years. “In fact, our handheld i-sensor device is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in a milestone that underlines Autogem’s longevity in the world of TPMS. Since then, thousands of tools have been sold and hundreds of thousands of sensors supplied to the aftermarket, generating millions of pounds’ worth of revenue for Autogem’s workshop partners.” On the training front, Autogem has offered online TPMS tutorials through 2023, dubbed the ‘tune-up’ sessions. Then there is Under Pressure ’23 – which will look to identify the most talented aftermarket professionals when it comes to TPMS diagnosis. Autogem is partnering with the flagship Pirelli Performance Centre (PPC) in Burton-upon-Trent to stage the final. Following the qualifying rounds in April, the Under Pressure ’23 final will be held on 28 June. www.aftermarketonline.net Left: Hofmann Megaplan QuadraClamp turntable
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