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Tire Inflation Monitoring Update: February 2007: Tread Act Final Rule May Be Revised (Yet- Again!)
Tread Act Final Rule only requires TPMS be installed and operational on new vehicles. It does NOT require the TPMS system to be functional if the original tires or wheels are replaced. Consequently, if a vehicle has its original tires and/or wheels replaced, there is no requirement to keep or maintain the TPMS system.
On indirect TPMS systems, the TPMS will continue to function even if the stock wheels or tires are replaced because it just compares relative wheel speeds. The only question here is the accuracy of the system if the OEM tires/wheels are replaced with larger wheels and lower profile tires that have stiffer sidewalls. The system may not be able to detect a low tire as easily as before.
On direct TPMS systems with sensors mounted inside the wheel at the base of the valve stem, there is no reason why the sensors could not be removed from the OEM wheels and installed in the aftermarket wheels (provided the valve stem fits the hole in the rim). But this may create a liability issue for the tire dealer who does the swap. Probably need a lawyer to figure this issue out. The tire dealers association has filed a petition asking NHTSA to revise the rule so replacement tires and wheels will be included. |
Picking the Right Tires Picking the right tires for your vehicle is not as easy as you might think. We recommend that when you need to purchase tires that you consider using this guideline to assist your choice. In some cases your choice may be limited due to the type of vehicle you drive.
Season or Purpose: A winter tire is more than just a tire with a softer tread compound. Tread to road contact is the most important aspct for great traction. Look for a tire that has lots of edges to grip with, these are called sipes. As the tire comes in contact with the road the sipes edges increase the pressure contact or bite to the road. If you are looking for a tire without studs that will be good on ICE this type of tire is your best bet. The cost of this type of tire can be measured in a couple of different ways. Cost per tire based on life expectancy, and cost per tire based on accident prevention. A great winter tire will usually only last for a couple seasons, longer if the combined dry pavement to ice and snow is reduced. The wear enemy for this type of tire is dry pavement, warm driving condtions, and under inflation. A summer tire is not an all season tire ! If you want the best of both worlds there is the all season tire which quite frankly does neither very well. Speed ratings are important, if your vehicle was or is equipped with a speed rated tire, do not substitute a lesser rating for reduced cost. We recommend that you always select a compatible tire for the performance demands on the vehicle.
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