TPMS service kits should be replaced often
TPMS sensors are comprised of the sensor itself along with many other small parts. These small parts include cap, stem, nut, grommet. They are so tiny that it’s easy for us to ignore these parts. However, the TPMS service kits parts are essential and have a great effect on preventing air in tire from leakage. In addition, these components do not last forever and need to be maintained and replaced properly. Thus, both driver and technician must know the knowledge about TPMS service kits and pay attention to these tiny auto parts.
The more the driver and technician understand the needs of replace TPMS service kits, the better TPMS serves driving safety. It all comes back to educating the driver on their options and how TPMS service kits can benefit them both in the short term (safety, early flat detection, better handling) and in the long-term (money savings, increased tire life, fewer emissions).
When asked when should we replace TPMS service kits, industry representatives provide a recommendation: Every time you perform tire service on a TPMS equipped wheel, the TPMS sensor service kit parts, such as the nut, washer, seal, valve core, and cap must be replaced, because these parts are designed for one-time use only.
Why should we replace the service kits often?
Over the past several years, these tiny parts would be reused during tire or TPMS sensor service. This led to many problems, one of the biggest problems is easily corroded of the metal parts. Why should we replace the service kits often? We would know the main reasons from below 2 points:
1.Susceptible to corrosion
There are 2 types of stems using different materials: aluminum clamp-in valve stems and rubber snap-in valve stems. Nowadays, many vehicle manufacturers have started moving away from aluminum clamp-in valve stems and switching to rubber snap-in valve stems instead. The main reason for this switch is that aluminum clamp-in stems are more susceptible to corrosion than their rubber counterparts; especially in certain climates and locations where the valve stem is frequently exposed to salt, sand, humidity or road grime. Actually, except for stem, all of service kits including Cap, Nut, Grommet is susceptible to corrosion. Therefore,
We highly recommend that with every tire change, all relevant components of the TPMS valve should be replaced to ensure there are no issues with the tire changing process.
2. Slow air leaks
What’s more, Corroded valve stems are a problem because they lead to larger issues: valve stems would be corroded to a tiny hole in tires and gradually leaks air from broken parts. during the repair process when they corrode themselves to the wheel rim. In addition to corrosion issues, when the rubber grommet of a clamp-in stem is originally installed, it fuses itself to the inner wall of the valve hole and hardens in that shape to lock in air. When the tire is deflated for service, the hardened grommet can shift and not re-fuse properly, again causing slow air leaks. This is another reason that the general best practice is to replace aluminum service kits every time the tire is removed from the rim.
Although the rubber snap-in stem performs better to corrosion, it isn’t entirely damage-proof and can be crack as it is exposed to UV rays. The best way to protect your vehicle from slow air leaks, and to protect your shop from costly comebacks, is to make it a habit to always change out the service kits every single time the tire is removed from the rim. Regardless of if you are using an aluminum stem or a rubber stem, there is usually enough wear and tear to justify a new service kit. In general, service kits are also relatively inexpensive, and the cost should automatically be included and considered a vital step in a TPMS repair service.
Remember to change the TPMS service kit when replacing a tire
As a customer, take the responsibility into your own hands when replacing your tires. Be sure to ask the service bay changing your tires if TPMS service kit is being changed as well. If not, let them know of the importance of changing the TPMS service kit and that it is their professional responsibility to do so. Besides, the last thing a tire dealer or service bay wants are angry customers coming back with tire and TPMS issues due to negligence on the service bay's behalf.
As a tire dealer or automotive service bay, you should test the TPMS sensors before you touch. Be sure to diagnose them with a TPMS trigger tool. Talk to the customer through the process and explain why the TPMS service kit needs to be replaced in the instance of a tire replacement. TPMS sensors should always be diagnosed and examined regardless of what is being done to the vehicle. This practice should be incorporated into all standard procedures.
Final words
Any time a customer comes in for service on a flat tire even if his or her services kits are not broken at first place, technicians should consider replacing the service kits. This can help with right preemptive steps and has the potential to keep any part from causing a issue next time and bring down the number of accidents.