A fleet manager consulting computer screens
How truck TPMS ensures safety, efficiency and reduces costs for your fleet?
Ensuring proper tyre pressure inflation is crucial for both safety and operational efficiency in fleet management. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) offers a reliable solution to address common issues like under-inflation, which can lead to breakdowns and roadside incidents. This article explores what TPMS is, the regulatory context, and what advanced solution goes beyond traditional systems to maximise benefits & optimise their resources for fleet operators.
SUMMARY:
Under-inflated tyres: a safety concern
Driving with under-inflated tyres is one of the leading causes of accidents and vehicle breakdowns. Insufficient tyre pressure compromises braking performance, handling, and stability, putting drivers and other road users at risk.
A TPMS provides a reliable solution, detecting under-inflation issues when they reach a critical threshold.
What is TPMS?
A TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) is a device designed to continuously monitor the inflation pressure of a vehicle’s tyres. It alerts drivers when pressure falls below a safe level, enabling corrective action to be taken to avoid the risk of an accident…
TPMS sensors can be placed in different parts of the tyre assembly, such as the valve, the tyre itself or the rim. Regardless of the method, the primary goal of a TPMS is to detect and report under-inflated tyres, ensuring vehicles operate safely and efficiently.
Truck TPMS is now compulsory for new trucks in Europe
Since July 2024, European regulations require that all new vehicles, including trucks, must be equipped with a TPMS to alert truck drivers to under-inflated tyres. This directive primarily applies to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring compliance before vehicles are sold.
The regulation reflects the increasing focus on road safety and sustainability, with truck TPMS providing a practical tool to prevent accidents and improve fuel efficiency across fleets.
What about older trucks?
For trucks not equipped with a TPMS, installation is not mandatory but remains a viable option. Service providers like MICHELIN Connected Fleet (specialised in solutions for fleet operators) offer aftermarket solutions that can be installed on older vehicles, enabling fleet managers to benefit from the safety and efficiency advantages of truck TPMS.
The limits of a classic truck TPMS
While traditional TPMS solutions provide critical safety alerts to drivers, they come with limitations:
- Critical-only alerts: A classic TPMS typically notifies drivers only when tyre’s inflation pressure reaches a critical level. While this prevents accidents or breakdowns, it often means the tyre has already covered many kilometres under optimal conditions (i.e. under-inflated).
- Costly consequences: Under-inflation leads to premature wear, which implies more frequent tyre replacements. It also increases rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Both lead to costs that could have been avoided if the warning had been given earlier.
Although effective for immediate safety, classic TPMS do not support proactive fleet management or long-term cost optimisation.
The Michelin solution: a proactive approach
MICHELIN Connected Fleet offers a next-generation truck TPMS-based solution that addresses the shortcomings of traditional systems, delivering significant advantages for fleet operators:
- Real-time alerts to fleet managers:
Unlike a classic truck TPMS, Michelin’s system transmits data every two minutes, providing fleet managers with real-time insights via a cloud-based platform.
- Predictive maintenance:
Michelin’s advanced algorithm not only detects pressure deviations but also predicts potential issues, such as air leaks, before they become critical. This helps fleet managers plan maintenance effectively, avoiding unexpected breakdowns and minimising downtime.
MICHELIN Connected fleet - fleet operators
For example, if a fleet manager knows that a vehicle is due for tyre maintenance within the next 15 days, they can decide to carry out the service earlier if this helps to optimise the organisation of the fleet. This level of foresight ensures that vehicles are maintained without disrupting operations, leading to smoother scheduling and less stress for traffic coordinators and workshop teams.
- Customisable thresholds:
Fleet managers can set their own alert levels to align with their tyre management policies, ensuring a tailored approach to maintenance.
- Cost and operational efficiency:
By addressing tyre inflation pressure issues early, Michelin’s solution helps optimise fuel consumption and extend tyre lifespan, minimising the need for roadside repairs. These savings contribute to a more sustainable and profitable fleet operation.
- Comprehensive support:
MICHELIN Connected Fleet doesn’t just offer technology. It provides a consultative approach, guiding clients to optimise their tyre management strategies. This includes tools for re-pairing sensors after tyre rotations or replacements, ensuring the system remains fully operational.
See MICHELIN truck TPMS in action
In this video, we give you an insight into the functions of our truck TPMS system.
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