Page 13 - CTB n6 - 2014-02

NEWS
measurement system mounted inside each tyre and monitored on a screen inside the truck’s cab. The measuring device has integrated sensors, a data processor and communication system all housed in a rubber container that is glued to the inner surface of the tyre tread. This immediately detects any changes in air pressure or temperature and sends this data to the in-cab display enabling the driver to take immediate action to deal with the problem.
Continental believes that the benefits of fitting a TPMS couldn’t be clearer. Studies have shown that over 90 percent of tyre failures are preceded by slow leaks, causing gradual loss of air pressure which often goes undetected. Underinflated tyres can
significantly affect rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption and therefore carbon emissions, as well as causing increased tyre wear and reduced service life, all of which can adversely impact on operating costs and potentially on safety.
Cemex and Continental are also utilising the ContiPressureCheck system to study the length of time over which normal pressure degradation takes place in tyres. Continental firmly believe this information could be extremely beneficial to fleets as it would enable pressure maintenance schedules to be optimised and could lead to potential savings in service costs.
The ContiPressureCheck system is quick and easy to install by any competent truck technician.
CEMEX carried out their own installation of the trial units saying that once they had determined where inside the tyre the sensor should be fitted the mounting process proved simple, along with the electrical installation.
The company reports good feedback from its drivers who like the fact that tyres are being continuously monitored with clear warnings if there are any issues. And it is so confident of the benefits that it is already planning a phased introduction across its entire fleet with priority going to those areas of its operations identified as having high call-outs, downtime and puncture issues.
KMax Total Cost of Ownership Programme is the Way Forward for InTransit
Family owned transport company InTransit has successfully adopted Goodyear’s total cost of ownership programme. The programme, which
InTransit started working in partnership with Goodyear two years ago and since then has seen year on year improvements in its tyre
performance.
“Before we signed with Goodyear we were on budget tyres and suffering from reliability issues,” says Barrie Smith, Managing Director at InTransit. “The real eye opener for us was when we fitted a test set of Goodyear tyres, and after only a short period of time into the trial we could really see the benefits of fitting premium tyres. Most noticeably we suffered less tyre breakdown related issues, a better wear rate and an increase in overall tyre performance.”
In October 2013 InTransit fitted Goodyear’s KMax tyres to its fleet vehicles. KMax is Goodyear’s dedicated mileage
line for on-road applications offering higher mileage and better all-year round performance than previous Goodyear tyres. Compared to Goodyear’s RHS II and RHD II+
tyres, the KMax can delivers up to 35% more mileage, with all year round performance thanks to the improved traction and full winter tyre conformity of the drive tyres. Smith continues: “Since fitting the new KMax range
we have looked closely at the performance of the tyres, especially the service life. The KMax has provided improved mileage performance, without compromising on other important criteria such as fuel efficiency and traction.”
The programme is not just about new tyres;
InTransit also
takes
advantage of
Goodyear’s
retreading
capabilities.
Goodyear’s
premium
retreaded tyre,
TreadMax is
fitted onto
trailers across
InTransit’s
fleet.
“As a fleet operator we require products that can minimise the cost we spend per mile per vehicle” adds Smith. “Retreaded tyres such as the TreadMax can play a major role here. The tyres use the same materials, tread designs and technology as the new tyres they replicate. This means for around 80% of the cost we get the latest technological advances that deliver lower rolling resistance, reduced fuel consmption and high mileage, which all support the efficiency of our fleet.”
Goodyear’s total cost of ownership programme doesn’t stop with products. InTransit also utilises Goodyear’s truck tyre service and breakdown support arm, TruckForce. The network provides the fleet with a bespoke tyre husbandry programme that is targeted at getting the best possible performance out of
the tyres fitted to the fleet. To do this accurately and efficiently, InTransit take advantage of TruckForce’s innovative FleetOnlineSolutions (FOS) and FOSMobile systems, which take care of all aspects of contract administration.
“Since taking up the FOS system we
is made up of Goodyear’s latest product and service offerings, is aimed at providing fleets with the tools they need to lower their operating costs.
have seen a reduction in administration and invoicing errors,” says Smith. “The full reporting suite provided allows optimal technical and financial tyre management information to be available at our fingertips. This complete and instant information allows us to work in partnership with TruckForce to identify and prevent any issues with our tyres before they occur. Through our efficient tyre husbandry programme tyres are maintained at the correct pressure, tread depth and in the best possible condition, therefore we are only paying for what we need and are not purchasing additional tyres unnecessarily.”
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