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.
SPX and Bartec Announce Joint Product Development, Distribution Partnership
Partnership will focus on providing new high-performance TPMS diagnostic tools to the tire and wheel service technician, and to the broader automotive service market.
10 Ways to Prevent & Resolve Tire /Wheel & Rim Slip Problems
Wheel slippage has long been a point of concern in the tire industry, usually with high-output engines and high-torque applications, primarily on farm equipment and commercial trucks.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: The TPMS System That Knows The Road.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are ones that do not have air pressure sensors inside the tires. Rather, they detect a low tire by comparing relative wheel speeds via the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensors. When a tire loses air, its diameter decreases slightly.
Tech Feature: Nissan Brake and Suspension Repairs; Solving Noise Complaints
At first, you may not think brake and suspension systems are closely related. But when it comes to noise and vibration complaints, you don’t want to be looking at one without considering the other.
Tech Tip: TPMS Installation Procedures
Anytime a TPM sensor is reused on a wheel, it is necessary to install a new sensor-to-wheel seal, metal washer and valve stem nut, to ensure proper sealing around the sensor valve stem. Wipe the area clean around the sensor/valve stem mounting hole in the wheel. Make sure the surface of the wheel is not damaged.
Tech Tip: Servicing Valve Stems and Cores
While looking at the valve stem, make sure the core is free of dirt and debris, which could cause interference with the valve function. Once you’ve assured yourself that the core is working properly, the only other caution is not to overtighten the valve core when you re-install it. This is particularly true with metal valve stems.
Tech Feature: Preventive Maintenance Should Include Checking the TPMS
Among several things, winter always drops unpleasant reminders of the many issues that can affect automobile and tire performance for the rest of the year. Tire pressure monitoring systems are just one of the more recent components whose operation can be adversely affected by winter’s wrath. As is common, these issues last well into spring and sometimes are 12-month-long concerns for drivers – and opportunities for tire dealers.
BFGoodrich Adds Sizes to All-Terrain T/A Line
Known for delivering the ideal combination of style and performance, BFGoodrich’s All-Terrain T/A tire line will be available in six additional LRE rated sizes, providing drivers with additional load carrying capacity, according to the company.
D Marsh Company Unveils New Nitrogen Website
Nitrogen inflation system manufacturer D Marsh Company launched a new website to “provide information about affordable alternatives for nitrogen tire inflation.”
Delphi Offers New Specialized Training for Technicians
Gone are the days when a technician could “look and listen” to a vehicle to diagnose and repair a vehicle problem with not much more than a wrench, a little elbow grease and a shop towel. It’s no wonder that today’s vehicles, with their maze of electronic/electrical intricacies, require sophisticated diagnostics equipment manned by highly trained technicians to properly pinpoint any needed services or parts.
New Jersey Man Uses Butter Knife to Steal Tires
Police said a Rahway, NJ, man was arrested Thursday (April 23, 2009) in nearby Linden after he tried to use a butter knife to steal the tires and wheels off an Audi. The man was stopped by police after a report of a suspicious person, and his butter knife was discovered.