RMI backs TPMS rule change

The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has reacted to the European Commission’s plans to tighten the mandatory detection requirements for Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). While the RMI backs the change and sees it as an important move towards improving road safety, it also wants to ensure that its members will be ready and equipped to work with the new technology.

Stuart James, RMI’s Director of Independent Garages commented “We are in support of legislation that will improve the safety of the everyday road user. However it is also important for us to make sure all our independent garage members have access to vehicle manufacturer information which will enable them to turn off the warning lights after the tyre has been fixed.

“We are working hard in Europe to make sure our members can continue to carry out the same types of repair they have always been involved in regardless of new technologies.”

From 2012 all new cars introduced within the EU will have to be equipped with TPMS and from 2014, all new cars will have to be supplied with the technology as standard.

Previous research into tyre pressures has proved that tyre incidents are more likely to occur in tyres with low pressure. Tyres with 20 per cent deflation wear out quicker than those in their best possible condition. Underinflated tyres also need more energy to be rotated, which increases fuel consumption and CO2 output.

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