NETSA Community

Read the NHTSA Response 11/22/11

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:37:00 +0000

NETSA's Response 10/14/10

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:27:00 +0000

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law 10/11/10

Hi Kevin: 10/14/10
Thank you for emailing us the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DOT, Final Rule establishing a new Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) requiring installation of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) capable of detecting when one or more of a vehicle’s tires is significantly under-inflated. I spent about 4 ½ hours reading the entire 222 pages of this document so I would hopefully understand what it is saying and meaning.
NETSA believes the answer to the question “Can we install a set of winter tires and steel rims without the TPMS?” is clearly “NO” unless the vehicle they are being installed on is pre TPMS. All vehicles with TPMS should have tire/rim sensors that are operational and functional with that vehicle.
Our Reasons: #1 The TPMS Malfunction Indicator is required to work at all times on vehicles equipped with this TPMS System.
“the final rule requires the TPMS to include a malfunction indicator….that would alert the driver in situations in which the TPMS is unable to detect low tire pressure. This malfunction indicator is required to detect incompatible replacement tires, as well as other system faults.” (see page 10). The “significant real world population of TPMSs suggests that TPMSs will continue to work with replacement tires in the vast majority of cases. (see page 98) “However, to date, it has not been possible to develop an appropriate performance measure that would reliably identify those anomalous tires that would prevent proper TPMS functioning.” (see page 99) Thus “After considering these comments related to TPMS functionality with replacement tires, we have decided to adopt the approach presented in the NPRM to require the TPMS-equipped vehicle to be certified with the tires originally installed on the vehicle at the time of initial vehicle sale. We emphasize that it would not be permissible for dealers to install tires on a new vehicle that would take it out of compliance with the TPMS standard, and to do so would violate the prohibition on manufacturing, selling, and importing noncomplying motor vehicles and equipment in 49 U.S.C. 30112.” (see page 97) “Because no one is certain which tires, either produced now or in the future, will cause various TPMSs to malfunction, it is not practicable to require vehicle manufacturers to certify that the TPMS will continue to function properly with all replacement tires.” (see page 100) “Furthermore, by including a requirement for a TPMS malfunction indicator, we expect that the TPMS will be able to continue to provide low tire pressure warnings even after the vehicle’s original tires are replaced. The TPMS malfunction indicator will also alert the consumer as to when the system is unavailable to detect low tire pressure and is potentially in need of repair. (see page 189) #
#2 A business or tech may not knowingly make inoperative any part of the TPMS System. If they discover they unknowingly caused the system to become inoperative, upon illumination of the TPMS light inside the vehicle etc, they must immediately notify the consumer (owner) to make the system functional. If they knowingly cause the system to be inoperative, they have violated the law i.e. install a tire(s) onto a rim(s) that doesn’t have a TPMS sensor(s) that they reasonably know is going to be installed onto a vehicle with TPMS, or mounting tires/rims onto a vehicle that has TPMS with tires/rims that are substantially of a different size etc than the vehicle came with as O.E., or disabling the MIL, or not replacing a defective sensor(s) etc..
“We also disagree with commenters who suggested that the TPMS MIL should not be required to signal when the vehicle is equipped with alternative or replacement tires that prevent continued proper functioning of the TPMS. That requirement is key to the long-term functionality of the TPMS, and unless such a warning is provided, some drivers may lose the benefits of the system entirely. It is plainly forseeable that most vehicles will outlast their original set of tires, so this requirement is necessary to ensure consumers continue to receive the TPMS’s important information related to low tire pressure.” (see page 66) “We do not believe it is appropriate to permit disablement of the MIL when aftermarket tires and rims are installed on the vehicle that are not compatible with the continued proper functioning of the TPMS.” (Requirement for owner’s manuals on September 1, 2007.) “TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternative tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction indicator after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternative tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.” (see pages 126 & 127) “We do not believe that the final rule will have a significant impact upon the service industry in terms of aftermarket sales or repair. First, the agency has already stated that we do not consider installation of an aftermarket or replacement tire or rim that is not compatible with the TPMS to be a “make inoperative” situation under 49 U.S.C. 30122, provided that the business entity does not disable the TPMS MIL (see section IV.C.4(a). In such situations, once the TPMS MIL illuminates, the consumer is put on notice that the aftermarket motor vehicle equipment in question is not compatible with the TPMS. From this point, it is within the consumer’s power to substitute other tire or rims that permit continued proper TPMS functionality,” (see page 161) “As noted previously, vehicle manufacturers, tire manufacturers, and other businesses may not know, or reasonably be able to know, exactly which of the many aftermarket or replacement tire and rims would prevent the TPMS from continuing to function properly. There are many tire and rim choices for a given vehicle, and a variety of businesses are involved in tire and rim installation and repair. In such cases, these businesses may only come to know of a problem once the TPMS MIL illuminates, Furthermore, because some TPMSs must be driven for a period of time in order to detect a malfunction, it is quite possible that the consumer would have driven away from such business before the MIL illuminates. After the time of first sale, our primary goal for the TPMS MIL is to provide information and a warning to the consumer in order to ensure long-term operability of the TPMS. In the tire-related situations described above, the TPMS MIL has arguably served its purpose; the consumer has been warned of the compatibility problem, and the consumer and installer are able to work together to resolve the problem. The intention is not to penalize the business for accidentally installing one of a very small number of incompatible tires that are difficult to identify. We note that this result might be different where it can be shown that the installer knew of the incompatibility beforehand or took some other action to disable a functioning TPMS unit.” (see page 104)

Kevin, we believe there is a misinterpretation of this Rule by TIA, and we’ve tried to explain why we feel this way. Hopefully TIA will revisit the entire Rule and let us know your thoughts, so that NETSA & TIA can both have the same understanding of this Rule.
Thanks,
Dick Cole – NETSA Executive Director

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law 10/11/10

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law 10/11/10
By Kevin Rohlwing
It’s a question that we get 1,000 times a year during training classes, especially from tire dealers in New England and anywhere else where it snows a lot, “Can we install a set of winter tires and steel rims without the TPMS?” The most simple answer is “yes,” but rather than try to explain it, I thought I would copy and paste a few lines out of the NHTSA’s Final Rule on TPMS.
Under 49 U.S.C. 30122(b), “A manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business may not knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter [49 USC §§ 30101 et seq.] unless the manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or repair business reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used (except for testing or a similar purpose during maintenance or repair) when the device or element is inoperative.” As a general matter, malfunction indicators can alert consumers when one of the above entities has made a vehicle modification that has rendered a functioning system inoperative.
In situations where the TPMS MIL is detecting aftermarket or replacement tires or rims that prevent the continued proper functioning of the TPMS, such equipment arguably has not damaged the TPMS itself, but instead has hindered its low tire pressure detection capability. (Arguably, the tires themselves meet the requirements of the relevant FMVSSs related to tires and would be suitable for safe vehicle operation, absent the TPMS problem.) Once the TPMS MIL illuminates, the consumer would be warned that the equipment has caused a TPMS malfunction, and the consumer could substitute other equipment that would permit the TPMS to resume normal functioning.
After the time of first sale, our primary goal for the TPMS MIL is to provide information and a warning to the consumer in order to ensure long-term operability of the TPMS. In the tire-related situations described above, the TPMS MIL has arguably served its purpose; the consumer has been warned of the compatibility problem, and the consumer and the installer are able to work together to resolve that problem.
We understand that vehicle inspections in Vermont and Maine currently require an operational TPMS, so vehicle owners in those states do not have a choice when it comes to winter tires and new sensors. However, the rest of New England has a choice and many of them will choose to drive around all winter with TPMS MIL blinking away. Based on this information, it appears they won’t be breaking any laws and neither will the tire dealer.
However, New England still has lawyers so it would be wise to at least have some form of documentation that the customer must sign to indicate they decided not to purchase TPMS sensors or pay for the additional labor and supplies to transfer the OE sensors to the winter assemblies. They must understand that the TPMS light will be on all winter and the tire pressure will not be monitored until the summer tires and wheels with the sensors are installed.

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Important Right to Repair Hearing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:58:00 +0000

From MA Right to Repair Coalition 6/18/2011

Please be advised that the Public Hearing for the Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation, H. 102 and S. 104, will be heard before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House, Room A-2. We will plan to meet at the Gen. Hooker Statue entrance at 12:30 p.m. to allow for everyone to pass through security.

We expect the hearing to last the better part of the afternoon.

It is imperative that we have a big turnout for this hearing from all Coalition members. We also encourage you to spread the message to your vendors and customers where appropriate.

Over the next 20 days until the hearing, please contact me with expected attendees from your respective organizations.

Do not hesitate to contact me with questions, and we will be in touch on further details in the coming days.

Thanks,
Art Kinsman
781-635-6912

National Tire Safety Week June 5-11, 2011.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:06:00 +0000

Get involved in the Rubber Manufacturers Association tenth annual National Tire Safety Week. June 5-11, 2011, get the tire care and safety conversation going with your customers. Although some of out tech's don't agree, we know that checking the air is s the right thing to do because we're the professionals. Right?

This week, check the spare and make sure the valve caps are on every vehicle that comes through your store. Even if they're just buying wipers, make sure every vehicle gets proper air pressure, Audit your techs and put your foot down!

If you didn't do National Tire Safety Week this year, sign up for 2012. They send you the point of sale kit free and public relations, events and promotional too.

NETSA Trade Show 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:26:00 +0000

Going to the SHOW 2011? See you there.

Great news for Right to Repair in Massachusetts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:03:00 +0000

The Committee on Consumer Protection will report our bill (H. 228, as amended, filed by Rep. Garrett Bradley) out of their committee with a favorable recommendation.

The two major amendments offered by the automobile manufacturers were rejected.

Rep. James O'Day offered a myriad of amendments to his bill, H. 282, however Senate Chairman Michael Morrissey recommended that Rep. O'Day take up any of his amendments on the House floor, and that the Bradley version be reported. Rep. O'Day asked for, and was granted a poll of committee-- a choice between our (Bradley's) and O'Day's version of the bill. The poll will close at 5 p.m. today.

Rep. O'Day's bill differs from Rep. Bradley's bill in that it essentially grants ownership of all the vehicle's technology, software, computer systems to the consumer. Bradley's bill does not ask for ownership of this technology, just the right to information necessary to repair the vehicle. Rep. Bill Bowles (D-Attleboro) made a compelling argument for Garrett Bradley's bill, and suggested that Rep. O'Day's bill, though well-intentioned, goes too far into the intellectual property and trade secrets area.

Our understanding is that we have the votes on the committee to prevail, including both Chairmen, who clearly supported our version. Chairman Morrissey also expressed his intent to put the bill out into the Senate.

Thank you all for your indispensable help over the past several days. This is shaping up to be a great day for independent repairers and consumers alike.

Art Kinsman - Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition

To All Independent Repairers and Consumers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:50:00 +0000

We need your help moving Right to Repair legislation in Massachusetts along. Right now we need to catalog more specific instances where an independent repairer had to send a customer back to the dealer to complete a repair due to being denied repair codes and information..........

What is Right to Repair Exactly?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:19:00 +0000

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition is advocating for passage of Right to Repair legislation to guarantee repairers and consumers unrestricted access to independent automotive service, repairs and parts.

The legislation would prohibit the current practice of automobile manufacturers restricting access to repair information utilized by independent repairers. The legislation would ensure complete access to diagnostic repair information to independent repairers and to the benefit of automobile consumers. Without complete repair information independent repairers will increasingly be forced to send consumers to new car repair facilities. Consumers should have a choice as to who does their car repairs. The Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation would ensure your right of choice is protected.

Read the January eNEWSLETTERIt's Your Right to Repair

A rift over repairs - The Boston Globe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:16:00 +0000

A rift over repairs - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

You Are What You Publish

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:01:00 +0000

How to Help Your Boss Succeed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:18:00 +0000

A key to your success is to help your boss succeed. This sounds like brown nosing, but it really just recognizes the symbiotic relationship you (hopefully) share with your boss........

Car Care Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:11:00 +0000

The famous Car Care Guide by the independent Car Care Council is now available in a FREE E-BOOK.

AAPEX & SEMA shows

noreply@blogger.com (Stan Morin) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:09:00 +0000

My day started with a 730am seminar "reving up your internet sales" This was put on by EBAY MOTORS and The Aftermarket Club. Great info on internet sales, EBAY seams to do a lot for a small retailer to use their site to sell. Might be something to use soon. The next was "The Nordstrom way to Customer Excellence". It appears that some of the stories I have heard that they have done are true. They are low base salary with a lot of performance rewards. Back to AAPEX for a briefing of the Shop of Tomorrow. This based on every tool and equipment running wireless and working with one server to move info and services into the customers profile or invoice. The alignment machine talks to the scan tool and the correct services then gets billed. Not so far fetched I guess. Had a evening reception with 2 tire companies, can not ever get enough free shrimp. Drinks are good too. I even got to stop at the pedestian overpass near the Beliago to watch their water show and then watch the pirates at TI. It is amazing to look down the strip at night with all lights blinking. Sensortory overload. Drinking helps!
Thanks
Stan Morin

AAPEX & SEMA shows

noreply@blogger.com (Stan Morin) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Well, I had told Dick Cole that I would blog from SEMA each day until I found out that the connection was $5.95 for 2 hours or $14.95 a day. Laptop stayed in it's case. Arrived Monday 11/2. If anyone knows how the strip works, there are 4 blocks to the strip but each block might be 3-4 miles long. You just cannot see that far. Walking from Treasure Island to Ceasers took close to 40 mins. The TIA reception was packed with all types of Tire dealers. Meet some new contacts. Tuesday morning started seminars at AAPEX and Sema. AAPEX this as in years pass was about new technolgey and mechincal repair stuff. SEMA spent a great effort on business seminars. Rushing back and forth was a challange. AAPEX had a good hour on upcoming oils for next group of cars. How about a 40K oil change coming soon. AAPEX & SEMA were smaller this year with a shortage of Major players missing. Booths were smaller. If you have never been to either show, start going in 2010. Just for the learning of new stuff is great.
Tomorrow I'll talk more about the seminars.
Thanks
Stan Morin

Get new Road Runner here

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:29:00 +0000

We are extremely happy to announce the winners of the NETSA Scholarships. Due to the success of the 2008 NETSA Scholarship Golf Tournament, we were again able to match each of the eight $1000 sponsored scholarships with another $1000, to make them a total eight $2000 Scholarships......

Hole-in-one at the Scholarsip Golf Tournament!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:18:00 +0000

Congratulations Dick!

Dick Aronson, Century Tire Portland, Maine, on the third hole at the Blackstone Golf Club where he shot his first hole-in-one at the NETSA golf outing September 17, 2009

Right to Repair Supporters Make Their Case on Beacon Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:34:00 +0000

BOSTON MA Sept 19, 2009 - It was a "standing-room-only" crowd as a broad coalition of consumer and business groups took voiced their "Right to Repair" directly to Bay State lawmakers. Making their case before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition called for passage of House Bill 228 and Senate Bill 124 - both bills guarantee repairers and consumers unrestricted access to automotive service information and tools. The legislation prohibits the current practice of automobile manufacturers restricting access to repair information utilized by independent repairers.....more

Weather for the Golf Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:09:00 +0000

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition

noreply@blogger.com (Coach) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Your Voice for Fairness in Automotive Repairs
Start your Engines
Massachusetts Right to Repair Hearing is Tuesday, September 15
The public hearing for RIGHT TO REPAIR is finally upon us. House Bill 228 and Senate Bill 124, will be before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (see committee listing below) on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 222 of the State House. Directions to the State House State House Floorplan
We strongly urge you to take the time to come to the hearing and wave the flag for RIGHT TO REPAIR. A few hours of your valuable time next Tuesday could pay dividends for years to come for your businesses, your customers, and for your friends and families as consumers.
This hearing is the first critical step in passing a landmark law that would ensure the unrestricted flow of automotive information to independent repair shops and protect the consumer's right to choose their own repair shops. This is our opportunity to make a stand for small business owners and consumers and send a message to the rest of the nation that Right to Repair is about fairness and choice.
For those attending, we urge you to leave plenty of time to get through Statehouse security by arriving no later than 9:15 a.m. That will assure you of getting into the hearing room to make your voice and presence heard.
Dress as you would normally dress for work. And please do not to hesitate to call me anytime with further questions.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF RIGHT TO REPAIR. WE DO APPRECIATE IT.Art Kinsman781-635-6912mailto:awkinsman@yahoo..com
Joint Committee Membership
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
SENATORS
REPRESENTATIVES
Michael Morrissey (Quincy) - Chair
Theodore Speliotis of Danvers - Chair
Gail Candaras (Wilbraham) - Vice-Chair
Marie St. Fleur of Boston- Vice-Chair
Steven Baddour (Methuen)
William Greene of Billerica
Benjamin Downing (Pittsfield)
Thomas Stanley of Waltham
Anthony Petrucelli (E. Boston)
Steven D'Amico of Seekonk
Scott Brown (Wrentham)
Angelo Puppolo of Springfield
James O'Day of West Boylston
Bill Bowles of Attleboro
Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough
Donald Humason of Westfield
Lewis Evangelidis of Holden
Take Action
To learn more about Right to Repair effort in Massachusetts and beyond visit massrightorepair.com. There you may also identify and communicate with your state legislators and join our mailing list to stay abrest of ongoing developments.

COMMENTARY: Right-to-repair bill shifts control from dealer to owner by Glenn Wilder

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:15:00 +0000

QUINCY - The federal “cash for clunkers” program succeeded in bringing customers back to new car lots after a long absence, but most people are still driving the car they had. Increasingly they are driving to their local mechanics to make sure those cars last even longer.....read more

Right to Repair on Channel 5

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

BOSTON -- New rules could be down the road that aimed to save consumers money on their vehicles.Some state lawmakers say car dealers are taking car owners for a ride with overly costly repair bills. If the dealership is going to charge you more than an independent technician, you should be able to go to the more affordable spot.....read more

Golf Tournament - September 17th

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:03:00 +0000

Filling fast, so sign up here

Beware of this scam....Stay Bless

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Dear Sir/Madam. This is Tyrone Eberle Jimerson and am located in Colorado and i want to order 2set of Goodyear RT Wrangler car tires in size 265 70 r 16..Go ahead and qoute me the total price of the 2set tires plus tax and as am donating this to the Royal Orphanages Home In Ghana West-Africa and I will like you to contact Fedex for the shipping cost and email me back with grand total amount so that i can send you my Payment information to you so that you can Process with my Orders and Send them on time....Bellow Is
The Shipping Address.

Gamal Saad
145 Madina High Ave..
East Legon...Accra...00233

West..Africa.and Also tell me what form of payment do you accept.Let me know immediately if you can get them for me ....I sincerely solicit your quick response in this regard .Thanks and Stay Bless. Regards Tyrone