Tyre Shop Resources & Guides
Practical guides and information for UK tyre workshops, garages, and automotive professionals.
Understanding TPMS: A Guide for UK Garages
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) became mandatory on all new passenger cars sold in the EU and UK from November 2014. Since then, TPMS servicing has become a core requirement at MOT centres and tyre fitting workshops across the country.
There are two types of TPMS: Direct TPMS (dTPMS), which uses battery-powered sensors in each wheel to monitor pressure in real time, and Indirect TPMS (iTPMS), which uses the vehicle’s ABS wheel speed sensors to detect a tyre losing pressure. Most vehicles use direct TPMS.
When replacing tyres or performing seasonal wheel swaps, TPMS service kits should be replaced at the same time. A service kit typically includes a new valve stem, valve core, cap, seal, and nut. LOMEX supplies a full range of TPMS sensors and service kits for the most common vehicle fitments.
How to Choose the Right Wheel Balance Weights
Wheel balancing is one of the most frequently performed operations in any tyre bay. Choosing the right type of balance weight matters — both for quality of balance and to avoid damaging expensive alloy wheels.
Clip-on weights attach to the rim flange and are typically used on steel wheels or older alloy designs where rim flange contact is acceptable. They come in steel and lead-free zinc options.
Adhesive stick-on weights are used for alloy wheels where clip-on weights would be visible or could damage the rim finish. They bond to the inner barrel of the rim using a strong adhesive backing.
LOMEX stocks Fe steel adhesive stick-on balance weights in 5g and 10g increments, available in boxes of 100 pieces — ideal for mixed balancing requirements without multiple SKUs.
Tyre Valve Types: TR413, TR414, TR600HP & Metal Valves
Tyre valves are a high-frequency consumable in any tyre workshop. Best practice is to replace the valve every time a tyre is replaced — it is a small cost that prevents future failures.
TR413 is the most common rubber snap-in valve, used on standard passenger car and light commercial vehicle rims with a 11.3mm hole. It is suitable for speeds up to 160 km/h and pressures up to 65 PSI.
TR414 is a longer rubber snap-in valve, often preferred for deeper rim designs or where a longer stem is required for clearance.
TR600HP is a metal bolt-in high-pressure valve, designed for performance and commercial applications where higher pressures and speeds are required. Also used as a TPMS-compatible valve stem.