TPMS may not always be top of mind during a tire replacement or sensor install, but it should be. A single missed step can lead to comebacks, meaning added expenses for your shop and the risk of losing customer trust. Want to prevent comebacks and build trust with your customers? Start TPMS service at the counter.
When you’re chatting with customers before service, you have a unique chance to show you care about their safety. TPMS is a safety feature, so it’s up to you to ask questions and start conversations about TPMS care, even if they didn’t come in for it.
Some customers may not know what TPMS does or how it benefits them—you can change that. If you don’t educate them, you miss an opportunity to highlight its value. TPMS affects fuel economy and tire wear, but more importantly, correct tire pressure improves braking performance and handling. Both are crucial to safe driving, so you should communicate that clearly.
A functioning TPMS instantly alerts drivers when tire pressure drops. Tell customers not to ignore those warning lights. Having this conversation at the counter, before TPMS service begins, helps them understand the importance of maintaining a system that protects their safety.
Service TPMS: Check Sensors Before Tire Replacement
If you’re replacing all four tires, especially on older vehicles with TPMS, inspect each sensor before starting work. A weak battery may not trigger a warning light, but it could still fail soon after the customer leaves your shop. That leads to comebacks you’ll likely cover at your own expense. Testing sensors before service prevents those situations and protects customer trust.
Consider Interference Issues With TPMS
If a customer comes back with a blinking TPMS light, even when you saw no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), the problem might not be with the system itself. Outside interference can disrupt TPMS signals.
Aftermarket electronics, like ham radio equipment or phone chargers, as well as nearby high-tension power lines, can interfere with TPMS. Before starting service, tell customers you want to look around the vehicle for possible sources of interference. This proactive step shows your commitment to thorough TPMS service and customer safety.
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