Inadequate tyre pressure, whether too high or too low, can cause a lot of problems, like reduced traction, uneven wear, increased fuel usage, and faster tyre wear. Low tyre pressure might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually cause serious problems. First and foremost, it’s a safety risk. Low tyre pressure also affects your bottom line. Underinflated tyres create more friction on the road, which means your vehicles have to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher fuel costs for your business.
A solution to this problem is the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). So, how does this system work to prevent damage caused by low or unstable tyre pressure? Let’s find out
What is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System?
A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is installed in vehicles to monitor tyre pressure. It employs sensors to measure the air pressure inside each tyre continuously. When the pressure is too low or too high, a warning light appears on the dashboard. This real-time data helps keep the vehicle stable and safe, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
These systems keep track of the air pressure in each tyre using sensors mounted inside the tyres or on the wheels. If a tyre starts losing air, the TPMS alerts you or your drivers, so the issue can be addressed promptly.
With TPMS, fleet managers can monitor tyre pressure without manually checking each vehicle, saving time and improving efficiency.
Types of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Software
Most modern vehicles come with TPMS to help monitor tyre pressure which are:
- Direct TPMS
This system has a sensor mounted on the wheel to measure air pressure in each tyre. These sensors send real-time pressure readings to the vehicle’s system. If a tyre’s pressure is too low or too high, a warning light appears on the dashboard.
This method is particularly useful for large vehicles like trucks or buses that carry heavy loads. If a tyre on a big truck is underinflated, it could overheat and blow out, posing a serious danger. With direct TPMS, the driver receives an early warning and can address the issue before it escalates. It’s also convenient for fleet managers, as the system automatically monitors tyre pressures and alerts them to any issues, saving time and ensuring vehicle safety.
- Indirect TPMS
Indirect TPMS detects underinflated tyres by monitoring wheel speeds. When a tyre is low on air, its diameter decreases slightly, causing it to spin faster than other wheels. The vehicle’s computer detects these differences in wheel speed and alerts you if a tyre needs air.
Although indirect TPMS is less accurate than direct TPMS, it’s cheaper and doesn’t require special sensors. This makes it a good option for rental car companies or businesses with large fleets, as it provides an affordable way to monitor tyre health without much hassle.
Benefits of Using Tyre Pressure Monitoring Software
TPMS equipped with a GPS vehicle tracking system optimize fuel consumption, and ensure vehicle safety by maintaining the correct tyre pressure. It balances tyre wear and supports optimal vehicle handling.
1. Enhanced Safety: TPMS continuously monitors tyre pressure and alerts drivers to any anomalies. Correct tyre pressure ensures better vehicle handling, reduced risk of blowouts, and overall increased safety for drivers and cargo.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tires can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, thus requiring more fuel. By maintaining correct pressure through TPMS, fleets can cut down on fuel expenses.
3. Extended Tire Life: Constant monitoring helps detect and address pressure issues before they lead to uneven tire wear. This extends the lifespan of tires, reducing replacement costs.
4. Reduced Downtime: Early detection of tire issues prevents breakdowns on the road, ensuring the fleet remains operational and reducing the costly downtime associated with unexpected maintenance.
5. Eco-Friendly Operations: Better fuel efficiency and longer-lasting tires reduce the environmental footprint of an operation. Lower fuel consumption means fewer emissions, contributing to a greener business.
Importance of a Tyre Health Monitoring System
Tyre health management is important, especially for businesses with fleets. Many companies now use tyre pressure monitoring systems.
Each vehicle in your fleet has sensors installed inside the tyres. Let’s understand how the logistics tracking system works with TPMS.
1. Installation: Sensors are installed in each tyre by qualified technicians. These sensors can be attached either inside or outside the tyre, depending on the system.
2. Monitoring: Once installed, the sensors constantly monitor tyre pressure and temperature. If pressure drops or increases beyond the recommended limits, the sensor sends an alert.
3. Alerts: If tyre pressure is too low or too high, the TPMS triggers a warning, usually displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard or a central monitoring device. This could be a flashing light or a buzzer to warn the driver of potential problems.
4. Data Transmission: The TPMS not only alerts drivers but also sends data back to the fleet management system. This real-time data transfer allows fleet managers to take appropriate action.
5. Analysis and Maintenance:Using data from the TPMS, fleet managers can schedule repairs or maintenance for affected vehicles. This preventive approach helps avoid accidents and ensures optimal fuel efficiency and tyre longevity.
6. Fleet Health Monitoring: Over time, TPMS provides detailed insights into the overall health of the fleet. By analyzing patterns and recurring issues, fleet managers can identify problems and take steps to address them
When choosing a Tyre Pressure Monitoring Software or GPS trackers, consider the accuracy and reliability of the sensors, the user-friendliness of the monitoring software, and whether the system integrates smoothly with your existing fleet management software.
Before You Go!
Maintaining proper tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs for the entire fleet. With TPMS by TrackoBit, fleet managers can ensure all vehicles run optimally, drivers stay safe, and additional costs due to tyre issues are avoided.
By incorporating the best Tyre Pressure Monitoring System such as TrackoBit into fleet operations, organizations can not only improve safety and efficiency but also come to realize significant cost savings and enhance their operational reliability.