Car dealers and service workshops need to be aware of the business opportunity in tyre pressure monitoring systems, mandatory on all new cars sold in Europe from November 1.

Prashant Chopra, managing director of Autogem Invicta, told delegates at the recent Brityrex UK 2014 tyre trade show that there could be an unexpected source of income from TPMS systems damaged by drivers who are not aware of the sensors’ location when re-inflating tyres.

Chopra pointed out that there are two different types of TPMS currently installed in vehicles. Most common is a 'direct' system involves sensors that are wired to tyre valves inside the tyre which relays information directly to the vehicle's management system through the dashboard to inform the driver of a tyre pressure problem.

Less popular is an ‘indirect’ system which uses a software system to operate.

He also pointed out that from January 1 2015 TPMS systems will become part of the MoT test so every vehicle with TPMS registered since January 2012 must have the system checked.

He said: "Given the impending legislation, there is no doubt that TPMS is here to stay, meaning it is time for all retailers to start thinking about how they can gain extra trading profit from the product.

“Primarily they should be considering investing in one of a number of special training programmes that are now available to prepare for the time when the majority of cars on the road are fitted with a TPMS system which will need servicing, checking and regulating."