Rubber Inc. was recently featured in Modern Tire Dealer's 2026 Facts Issue to discuss recent advancements in TPMS. As a company that has served the tire industry since 1939, we have followed the evolution of TPMS from its introduction to the systems used in today's vehicles, and we were proud to be part of the conversation.
Matt Witz, Director of Sales Operations at Rubber Inc., has more than 25 years of experience in automotive retail, leadership, and outside sales. He shares insights on recent developments in TPMS sensors and tools while addressing several of the questions currently shaping industry discussions.
What advancements in TPMS sensors/scan tools have been made in the last year that tire dealers need to know about?
Many leading TPMS tool providers have introduced Bluetooth-enabled sensors designed for today's modern vehicle platforms, including EVs. As vehicles continue to evolve electronically, sensors and scan tools are advancing right alongside them.
For example, Hamaton has developed a sensor that can be programmed with your cell phone using NFC technology, and Bartec has figured out a way to remove a step from the standard programming process and go straight to the relearn with their exclusive Rite Sync feature.
31 Inc. just unveiled a valve adapter for their Smart Sensor One, which allows it to be mounted on custom wheel applications, and earlier this year they released the Elite Tool Sensor Battery Indicator which helps a shop recommend sensor replacement with a visual to show to the customer.
Another major development is the rapid rise of commercial TPMS, with more providers bringing heavy-duty sensors and tools to market. Solutions from Autel, Hamaton, and Schrader are becoming not just beneficial, but increasingly essential for improving fleet safety, reducing downtime, and preparing for potential future compliance mandates.
What kind of support can TPMS sensors/scan tools provide for EVs or vehicles with advanced electronics?
EVs have unique TPMS requirements, but most modern scan tools are already equipped to support them. Bartec's RiteSensor Blue, for example, works with popular EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y and pairs seamlessly with Bartec TPMS tools, the Dill OEM Tesla BLE sensor adds another solution with auto-learn and auto-locate functionality while driving, and the 31 Inc Bluetooth TPMS Sensor comes ready to use right out of the box.
Autel and Alligator also offer universal sensors with Bluetooth compatibility, allowing shops to service newer vehicles without needing a massive inventory of OE parts. Many advanced tools, such as the Autel MaxiSYS MS906 Pro-TS offer enhanced diagnostic capabilities and can perform complex functions like reading/clearing codes and live data streams, which is crucial for modern vehicles that are essentially computers on wheels.
Autel TPMS tools like the MaxiTPMS TS508WF offer a "Copy by OBD" programming method, which directly writes the old sensor ID into the new MX-Sensor from the vehicle's ECU, eliminating the need for a lengthy relearn procedure.
Similarly, Alligator's Sens.it RS+ dual-frequency sensors can be easily programmed or cloned to mimic OE functionality, significantly reducing the variety of sensors a shop needs to stock and making the process faster and more efficient. These universal sensors are compatible with all leading programming tools.
As EV adoption grows, having reliable sensors, compatible tools, and an up-to-date distributor helps ensure your shop will be ready for any EV that rolls in.
How are our tools helping independent tire dealers reduce time spent on complex relearns?
By understanding our customers TPMS pain points, we help them reduce relearn time with the right combination of tools and sensors. We recently recommended the Bartec Tech600Pro to a customer which enabled them to continue using their existing sensor inventory. After seeing immediate efficiency gains with the tool alone, they quickly chose to restock with RiteSensors to take performance even further.
The ability to copy sensor ID’s and paste on new sensors has become standard with many TPMS offerings today, that has shown to be very helpful for difficult relearns. Our expertise in the TPMS landscape ensures our customers stay efficient, future-ready, and have the right TPMS solutions for the vehicles coming into their bays.
Are you ready to join the conversation?