I appreciate everyone's perspective on this issue. It seems we have a shared frustration.
The main problem we have with TPMS sensors is availability. We have been working for several months to build our inventory on all of the different pieces that allow for proper installation. The sensor manufacturers have not been able to meet the our demand. While we have received some parts we still have considerable backorders. When making the temporary decision to only offer TPMS sensors to customers who purchased wheels we were considering our customers. If we had offered them to a all who called we would not have been able to supply them to most customers who wanted to buy wheels or wheels and tires from us if their vehicle requires direct TPMS. We feel this is especially important for customers who are looking for the convenience of a wheel and tire package. If we were not able to supply them the end user would have had to locate new sensors elsewhere or paid to have the factory sensors removed from their OE wheels and installed in the new package. They also would not be able to take advantage of our free mount and balance and miss out on the convenience of bolting on their wheel and tire package without visiting a mechanic.
We have invested heavily in gathering the application information necessary to offer proper TPMS sensors. There is not an accurate TPMS manual available for aftermarket wheels. We test fit every wheel for every direct TPMS equipped vehicle it is designed for and determine the proper sensors and stems. We have a full time position devoted entirely to TPMS equipment and applications. As I said above we have committed to the significant inventory cost in stocking the hundreds of different sensors and stems required to fit the growing range of vehicles that require TPMS once they are readily available from the manufacturers. I don't know of another company that has made this type of investment to be able to properly offer TPMS systems for the wheels sold. Many make no effort to find this information.
This is a temporary situation. The TPMS sensor providers are increasing their production and we expect to have adequate inventory to offer TPMS products for wheels that we offer even if they were purchased elsewhere.
As with other accessories we won't be able to offer them for wheels we do not offer. Each aftermarket manufacture uses unique designs requiring specific shapes to items such as valve stems, centering rings, and TPMS sensors. If we have not had the opportunity to test fit the application we can not be sure it will work. Improperly fitted centering rings can cause a wheel to loosen, even if the wheel was properly torqued when installed, and come off the vehicle while driving. Ill fitting stems can cause the assembly to loose air and cause a catastrophic tire failure. While the person who bought the product may not hold us responsible a third party involved in an accident caused by a failure may attempt to.
We understand that because of the temporary limited availability of TPMS equipment we are going to disappoint some who need to purchase them. It is an unfortunate situation that we can not change quickly. We feel our obligation to customers who are looking to us to provide the convenience of a package mounted and balanced with the TPMS installed is the current priority.
Tim Joines | Director Of Internet Business
__________________________________________________ ________
The Tire Rack
7101 Vorden Parkway
South Bend, IN 46628
O: 800 428 8355 ext. 303
O: 574 287 2345 ext. 303
F: 413 480 5822
tjoines@tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com