Improve uptime with tire pre-checks and monitoring

Though most fleets have formidable pre-check practices, there are solutions for tire monitoring that can help streamline those inspection processes on trucks and trailers, whether parked or on the road, related Jake Martin, marketing support specialist at Pressure Systems International, a Clarience Technologies company, which provides automatic tire inflation systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, and TireView Live telematics solutions. 

“There is a wide range of options for fleets to help with pre-check and monitoring, including automatic tire inflation systems and tire pressure monitoring systems,” Martin explained. “Additionally, telematics systems can allow fleets to track and monitor the tires on their assets and show pressure and temperature anomalies in the yard and as a truck goes down the road.” 

Pre-trip tire condition is especially important in trailer applications because the trailers often sit idle for extended periods of time, and a minor tire leak can cause the unit to be inoperable, explained Matt Wilson, general manager of the controls business unit at Hendrickson. “While this condition should be noticed with a thorough pre-trip inspection, there are also automatic tire inflation systems like Hendrickson’s TireMaax Pro that can ensure the equipment is ready for operation.”  

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Chris Garcia, head of U.S. Automotive for Anyline, pointed out that tire inspections are critical for safety. “But currently, more than half of fleets conduct tire inspections manually,” he said. “Incorporating data-driven tire technology platforms can streamline and improve the accuracy of tire monitoring and management.” 

For example, Anyline offers a tire-scanning solution for measuring tread depth. The AI-driven technology can be used on any mobile device.

Doran Manufacturing offers the Doran Connect 360 tire monitoring system, which the company said provides real-time tire pressure and temperature data using valve stem-mounted sensors. The information is relayed through the Doran Connect ECU monitor and gateway to alert drivers about critical high-temperature and low-pressure events. With cellular connectivity, the data is also available to fleet management personnel. 

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“Maintaining appropriate air pressure will allow a tire the best chance of delivering the expected performance for a fleet,” said Shaun Uys, VP and USA market manager for commercial vehicle tires at Continental Tire. “Continental’s digital solutions for monitoring tire PSI and temperature include tire-mounted or valve cap sensors. Tires that are monitored by Continental’s ContiConnect system have shown to increase mileage by 15% and reduce tire-related breakdowns by 85%.”