What is the TREAD Act?
The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability And Documentation Act (TREAD Act) is a comprehensive law that was passed by the U.S. legislature in 2000 after certain SUVs experienced roll-overs as a result of low tire pressures.  The new legislation mandates that all vehicles under 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts the driver when pressure in any tire falls more than 25% below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.

When does the Tread Act go into effect?
20% of new vehicle sales in 2006 model year must be equipped with TPMS increasing to 70% of new vehicle sales in 2007 model year.  And 100% new vehicle sales in model years 2008 and beyond

What happens if I don’t change the cap, core, nut & grommet?
The valve is aluminum and the core is brass with a nickel coating.  If there is any scratching of the core during removal from the sensor the brass will react with the aluminum and bond not allowing for removal of that core.  The same problem occurs with the cap.  The grommet is specially designed for a tight seal and any time it is pulled off, the seal is put in jeopardy.

If the aluminum valve cap will not come off/ core will not come out:  what do I do?
If the aluminum will not come off by hand most likely it has bonded to the stem and almost impossible to remove from the stem.  Suggestion: Make the customer aware of this and let them try themselves.  In the end they will need a new sensor.

On German vehicles how do you determine the replacement stem you need?
There are two solutions to this question:  First, there is a color code on the bottom of the stem where it slides in the sensor.  Second, you can measure the stem.  It will be either 43mm, 48mm, 49mm, 51mm.

Is there any possibility that we will ever go back to the old system?
NO!!! By September 1, 2007 EVERY car and light truck weighing 10,000 lbs or less for domestic use will be equipped with TPMS.  We have to get used to it learn about it and work with it.