The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) is continuing to assist members in bringing new and improved equipment and tools to the marketplace, and is launching its second Market Research Study to cover Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and specific questions on the growing trend of the OEMs to equip vehicles with telematics solutions.
This survey is designed to collect data to provide the industry with information that is valuable for the repair of vehicles on the road today. The first survey covered Flash Reprogramming, or J2534, according to ETI, which will survey automotive repair facilities in an effort to find out more about their familiarity with TPMS and telematics.
ETI will use this research to help all segments of the automotive industry provide aftermarket shops with better tool and equipment solutions.
TPMS has been mandatory for all new vehicles sold in the United States since 2008. There are a number of different TPMS solutions provided by domestic and foreign OEMs. These different systems are sometimes difficult to identify.
Regardless of the system type, they have several in common issues the automotive technician must be aware of -- to include proper sensor positioning and procedures when changing tires, TPMS scan type tools for diagnostics and reprogramming and TPMS sensor replacement procedures.
Telematics has been called “the biggest threat” as well as “the greatest opportunity” for the future of the automotive aftermarket repair industry. Telematics vehicle monitoring technologies have been growing in popularity for years.
The technology allows the OE to continually market their services to the customer with regular maintenance reminders and alerts e-mailed to the car owner. The OE has the opportunity to leverage their entire dealership network to assist the customer wherever they may be travelling.
Those interested in participating in this survey are encouraged to visit www.a-i-m.com/tools.
