Kwik-Fit pilots new tyre pressure monitoring system

Kwik-Fit Fleet is set to further expand its product portfolio to businesses with the launch of a service to ensure vehicle Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are operating at maximum efficiency.

TPMS technology gives drivers an in-car dashboard warning when a loss of pressure occurs in any tyre.

If tyres are not running at the pressure recommended by vehicle manufacturers then road safety, tyre wear and tyre life is compromised and fuel economy and vehicle emission suffer.

It is therefore incumbent on drivers to ensure that TPMS systems are correctly maintained so as to ensure peace of mind, maximise road safety and reduce vehicle operating costs.

A pilot service involving 50 Kwik-Fit centres across the UK is currently being established.

It is anticipated that the service will be rolled out nationwide later this year and will also serve the retail sector as well as the fleet market.

Equipment has been sourced by Kwik-Fit that can read TPMS identification numbers and manually change the TPMS sensor number in the engine control unit.

This will enable centres to replace sensors, rotate and reposition wheels as well as managing the switch from winter to summer tyres and vice versa.

It is estimated that there are in the region of two million vehicles in the UK fitted with a form of TPMS.

Typically cars fitted with run-flat tyres and prestige cars are equipped with the technology, although the Renault Laguna was the first high volume upper medium sector model to have TPMS as standard.

Now, in a two-year phase-in schedule starting from November 1, 2012 all new car models must be fitted with TPMS as standard and, from November 1, 2014, all cars manufactured must be equipped

Peter Lambert, fleet director for Kwik-Fit, said: “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are an important vehicle safety aid. The fact they will become a standard feature on all new cars over the next two years means that it is essential that we are able to offer a service to customers that checks the systems are working correctly and rectify those that are not.”