Deciding to go with original equipment manufacturers is an important decision to make when it comes to your TPMS strategy. While reverse-engineered parts from non-OE can be cheaper in the short term, original TPMS equipment provides added reassurances like higher quality, the latest technology and ensuring compatibility with a wider range of vehicle models.

OE Testing

The striking difference between OE and those that aren’t OE is when a manufacturer claims something is “OE quality” or “OE equivalent”. They are claiming they have gone through the same rigorous standards as what is put on the vehicle at the production plant.

This is because original equipment manufacturers demand the highest standards for their customers as they have reputations to uphold, which means the high standards must be proven through testing. This goes a lot deeper than just the final product, however – it must meet requirements all the way from raw materials to design to production quality and quality assurance.

Testing of original equipment can include pressure tests, temperature tests and spin tests thereby providing the all-important proof for manufacturers to show their TPMS sensors will sustain hostile conditions inside of a tyre. Without this testing, the quality of the parts cannot be guaranteed.

It’s also important to test TPMS parts at high speeds to ensure they don’t twist or turn when attached to the wheel. With a OE quality parts guarantee, it pledges that the sensor will remain attached to the stem while withstanding heat and pressure from the environment. In addition, the guarantee also promises the electrical components and battery will operate in the environment.

As no two vehicles are the same, OE products testing can go further even testing on a per vehicle basis. There are naturally variances that can affect the testing like temperature, altitude, traffic patterns and speed that can cause the sensor to respond differently. With OE quality parts, they’ll be able to perform no matter the variance and guarantee it.

TPMS Tools

Using original equipment sensors are important, but they should also be used with original equipment TPMS tools as well. If not, you always run the risk that part can’t be programmed or relearnt properly. Due to the low frequency transmission, radio frequencies, there is a fine balance with the tools that cheaper versions struggle to match.

In a plant setting and sometimes other settings, too much low frequency can cause interaction with the wrong sensors; and with too sensitive ultra-high frequency (UHF) detections can result in crosstalk and therefore the wrong sensors being programmed. OE tools have the best understanding of protocols, providing much more accurate and reliable results.

While cheaper TPMS sensors and tools can result in short-term gains, they can cause serious headaches for both your business and your customer, resulting in having to return to the service centre and spending more money. It’s best to opt for original equipment quality parts and tools for maximum safety and customer satisfaction.