Over the recent decade, the average tire shop has undergone a significant transformation in technology. It wasn’t all that long ago that the most complex and “technical” piece of equipment in the tire shop was that “new-fangled” high-speed balancer. With the advent of Low Profile/Stiff Sidewall Tires, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, and digitally controlled steering, alignment and suspensions, the need for high tech tools and equipment has steadily increased. Along with this new equipment is a huge need for connection between the tool, the technician, and the consumer.
Enter the integrated tire shop. If your new tools and equipment feature wireless capabilities like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, then there’s a chance they can be controlled and managed using advanced software applications.
So this past September we celebrated a bit of anniversary in the world of TPMS. It has now been TEN YEARS since the 100% mandate has taken effect. There have been many changes and advancements in TPMS service. There have also been new challenges. After all this time, the good outweighs the bad, however, there are some significant hurdles that remain.
Throughout the year, Bartec USA participates in numerous training clinics and sales events. We often hear the concerns and challenges automotive service professionals are confronted with. With respect to TPMS, we know that keeping their tools updated, retrieving inspection data from the tool, and the length of time it takes to complete TPMS service are at or near the top of that list.
What’s happening to eliminate these obstacles? I’m glad you asked! For Bartec’s part, we are addressing each one of these through better technology and features. For example, through wireless connectivity [Wi-Fi], we can solve issues relating to tool updating, data retrieval and service time.
Wi-Fi Updating is a perfect answer to the “is my tool updated” question. Using a wireless internet connection, and with the tool configured properly, updates can occur automatically as they are made available. In today’s TPMS service environment, having the latest update is a significant advantage. Having the latest sensor and vehicle coverage is always a crucial part of a successful service standard operating procedure. TPMS remains fast-paced and ever-changing. During a typical tech support call, the most common fix to the problem is updating the tool. Your TPMS tool having the ability to auto-update is a significant advantage for your business.
Other benefits of wireless connectivity are inspection data retrieval and remote tool set up. Getting that valuable TPMS inspection data from the tool quickly and produced in a consumer-friendly format is a huge advantage to your business. The TPMS inspection data should include sensor fit and function, DTC’s, sensor ID and pressure, and battery state if possible. With all of this data in tow, you can easily explain the condition of your customer’s vehicle and discuss what service work needs to be done!
We often hear that dealing with TPMS service takes too long, whether it be extra steps dealing with replacement sensors, or redundant steps of looking up a customer, knowing the vehicle make, model and year at the point of sale, only to have to set the tool up separately, how can we take time out of the process and make it more efficient? One time-saving method is REMOTE TOOL SETUP. This is the functionality whereby your Point of Sale software actually sets up the tool. This save’s the time of having to set up the tool by make model and year. Simply take advantage of the data that’s already in your customer database.
Wireless connectivity is just one bit of technology that is helping to eliminate TPMS service obstacles. There are many other new features coming to make TPMS service even more efficient and profitable. Stay tuned!
Learn more at www.bartecusa.com/service-center.
