TPMS Update: Chrysler Tire Pressure Monitor Systems Chrysler uses a Schrader Electronics or VDO systems on just about every late-model vehicle. Chrysler never used a band sensor in any of its platforms. On some 2004 and 2005 models, Chrysler may have used two different TPMS systems on a vehicle platform depending on if the vehicle was equipped with AWD or if the system was optional or standard. More

With Changing Technology, OE Focus, Do Old Winter Tire 'Standards' Need Updating? What exactly is a "winter tire?" The answer is much more complicated than you might think, and begs even more questions. Like: When is a "winter tire" not a "winter tire?" Or: What makes an "all-season tire" an "all-season tire?" These questions lead directly to the concept of providing consumers with a proper and correct tire that will allow them to safely navigate harsh winter road conditions. More

Tech Tip: TPMS Troubleshooting on 2007 Subaru Models The 2007 Subaru models use a direct detecting-type tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that consists of four transmitters and a receiver. If you rotate the tires or install a new sensor, you need the right scan tool or TPMS tool that plugs into the OBD II connection. If the indicator comes on due to low tire pressure, the indicator will turn off when the under-inflated tire is inflated to normal pressure... More

'Performance' Tires Are Everywhere: Do They Still Stand Out? Tiremakers develop what they term "high performance" and "ultra-high performance" tires. I've even heard the term "hyper-performance." That last one aside, the definition of what a high performance or ultra-high performance tire is, and what it isn't, is serious business. It is also something that can trip up uneducated consumers. More

Tech Update: Troubleshooting Customer TPMS Problems TPMS is here, and technicians are learning to deal with it. And, they're dealing with learning how to troubleshoot TPMS for our customers, who at this point know virtually nothing about it. More

Tire Tech Tip: Sorting through Nitrogen Inflation Options Nitrogen in tires is no longer just for car enthusiasts and commercial vehicle fleets. Used for years in space shuttle and commercial aircraft tires, race car, military vehicle and off-road truck tires, nitrogen has become a popular replacement for standard air at many tire dealers. More

Rolling Resistance: What Really Makes a Tire Fuel-Efficient? A vehicle's handling, stopping power, ride comfort, and rain and snow performance are balanced through a complex mix of design and materials in a tire. Reducing rolling resistance, however, can cause some of those tire characteristics to change. More

Tech Tip: Troubleshooting Customer TPMS Problems The history of how we got to this point with TPMS is not important. It's here, and tire dealers and repair shops have learned to deal with it. The next question deals with how we learn to troubleshoot TPMS for our customers, who at this point know virtually nothing about it. More

Tech Update: The Keys to Success with TPMS There are many factors to consider with a low tire pressure situation, not the least of which is safety. Underinflated tires roll at higher temperatures, handle poorly and require longer vehicle stopping distances. Underinflated tires also reduce gas mileage. More

Tire Tech Feature: A Refresher Course on Slip Angles and Cornering Force Thanks to today's technology, there are many tread blocks cut at different angles and a lot of tread void to help get rid of water, snow, mud, etc. In other words, the chances of slipping off the road are less today than they were 20 years ago. More