“With over 1.4 million actual operating road miles completed, EZ-Sensor is clearly the industry-tested and proven technology of choice,” says Hugh Charvat, president of Schrader International.
“Schrader continues to extend its commitment to the aftermarket community by further broadening support for vehicle platforms and by continually simplifying and streamlining the TPMS repair process,” he reports.
Launched in November 2010 and created via a strategic alliance between Schrader and Bartec, EZ-Sensor is the first truly programmable and patented TPMS sensor, designed with the goal of replacing 90 percent of the units fitted to U.S. vehicles by the end of this year, according to Charvat.
“The programmable EZ-sensor simplifies the TPMS replacement process, dramatically reduces the costs of inventory, and lowers costs for aftermarket service and repair centers,” he says.
“A key differentiator is that Schrader’s EZ-Sensor can replicate the OEM sensor technology that is initially installed into all new vehicles in the U.S., offering the same fit, form and function,” says Scot Holloway, general manager of Bartec USA. “For the majority of customers, this means that no extra investment in tools is required and that they will maintain current processes for programming the EZ- Sensors.”
Additional cited benefits include:
- Ease-of-use and Scalability: It only requires a single
programming tool that most repair facilities already use to
service TPMS vehicles, and is infinitely scalable with new
vehicle models every year with only two SKUs. There are more
than 260 million sensors in operation today, more than half
are Schrader OEM sensors, and more than half are more than
three years old. These vehicles will all need sensor
replacement over the near term.
- Accuracy and Precision: Because it can replicate
Schrader OEM sensor technology, the handheld tool used to
scan, program, and activate a sensor will accurately display
pressure, sensor ID information and other data. “This is
critically important as no manual intervention, keystrokes or
additional reference tasks by the technician are needed.
Additionally, many vehicles require higher pressure range
capabilities that exceed what multi-application sensors can
currently support.”
- Reduced Inventory: When new vehicle models and
coverage become available, technicians can simply update the
programming tool as has always been done, versus having to
purchase additional SKUs of replacement sensors.
- Decreased Installation-time: Featuring Schrader’s patented Snap-In valve, TPMS programming technology and matching service packs, it further minimizes installation time. An individual unit can be fully programmed with Sensor ID and proper protocol information in less than a minute.
