Alliance among Schrader and Bartec produces TPMS EZ-Sensor

Schrader has officially launched its EZ-Sensor for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), the automotive industry’s first patented OE-replacement TPMS sensor that can be programmed to function across diverse car makes and models, according to the company.

Created via a strategic alliance between Schrader and Bartec, the device “will help aftermarket retailers eliminate lost sales, simplify the TPMS repair process and optimize inventory levels,” says Carl Wacker, Schrader’s vice president of global sales and marketing. “EZ-Sensor uses patented Schrader technology, which delivers a programmable sensor that requires only a single programming tool – a tool that most service and repair facilities already use today.”

Currently, there are more than 150 SKUs of tire sensors fitted to North American vehicles equipped with TPMS, he reports. “This can mean money tied up in inventory for sensors that are rarely used or long waits in the service bay waiting for the right sensor to be delivered.”

Wacker says one EZ-Sensor SKU covers more than 60 percent of TPMS-enabled vehicles in the U.S., supporting numerous vehicle platforms from Ford, Chrysler, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Honda and others. Schrader will eventually introduce an additional SKU during its roll-out process, with a goal of having the two EZ-Sensors cover an estimated 90 percent of the market by the end of 2011’s third quarter.

“EZ-Sensor serves as a much-needed solution to the ease-of- use and efficiency issues that have made TPMS servicing a challenge for the aftermarket sector,” Wacker explains. “Schrader is committed to helping the aftermarket take full advantage of this tremendous service opportunity by making the service/repair process easier – and ultimately, more profitable.”

Compatible with all required TPMS installation, re-learn and verification functions, installation requires only the EZ- Sensor and a single programming/scan tool. It can be programmed via several widely used tools the technician may already own, including: Schrader 21230, NAPA 92-1525, Bartec Tech400 and SPX OTC Genesys TPR.

“For many technicians, this means no extra investment in additional tools. EZ-Sensor also features Schrader’s patented Snap-In TPMS valve and programming technology, which helps minimize installation time,” he adds.

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“We believe EZ-Sensor will help advance the adoption of TPMS because it removes many of the common barriers retailers face in servicing TPMS,” says Wacker.

EZ-Sensor can:

Capture make, model, year protocols
Re-learn sensor IDs
Program OE-equivalent sensors
Determine which TPMS sensor(s) have failed before servicing the vehicle
Enable TPMS re-learn procedures on import vehicles
Conduct final verification step to ensure complete process accuracy

“With more than 50 million vehicles equipped with TPMS already on America’s roadways, it’s critical the aftermarket service segment is able to successfully integrate TPMS service,” says Sean McKinnon, director of automotive training development for the Tire Industry Association TIA).

Schrader’s TPMS team recently completed a 6,200-mile, cross-country “EZ Drive to SEMA” tour in an EZ-Sensor-fitted and wrapped Toyota Prius. The journey began in Detroit, with “pit-stops” at several aftermarket retailer and trade association locations en-route to the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.

Along the way, company representatives talked with customers and consumers about the EZ-Sensor and the TPMS safety feature. The vehicle is on display at Schrader’s SEMA booth, where it is being used for programming and installation demonstrations.

For more information, visit www.ez-sensor.com, TPMSMadeSimple.com, TPMSMadeEasy.com and TPMSMadeRight.com.