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BUS & COACH TYRES
that the benefits speak for themselves.
Question: Where can customers purchase the ContiPressureCheck system?
Ian Jackson: Customers can purchase the system through a direct account relationship with Continental, through an approved ContiPressureCheck dealer or with guidance from our Conti360° network partners.
Question: Would you recommend customers run trials of ContiPressureCheck?
Ian Jackson: Yes, because one size doesn’t fit all. There are lots of different ways to use ContiPressureCheck. We find some customers for example prefer to start with ContiPressureCheck Light and then move on to see the benefits of the live data options with the full system. We work closely with customers throughout the period of the trial to ensure the system is adapted to suit the specific requirements of their business without being unnecessarily complicated.
Question: Is the ContiPressureCheck system expensive to install?
Ian Jackson: The cost is around two-to-three hours’ labour. As many fleets have their own engineers (service facility), Continental can provide the initial installation training and then offer back up support if and when needed.
Alternatively, Continental have fitting agents who are both mobile and strategically situated around the UK and Ireland.
Question: What maintenance does ContiPressureCheck require once installed?
Ian Jackson: Absolutely no maintenance is required. If a wheel changes position, the system simply needs to be reconfigured via the hand held device.
Question: Can any tyre fitter install a ContiPressureCheck system?
Ian Jackson: Yes, with proper training and a thorough understanding of commercial vehicle electronics.
Question: How long will a ContiPressureCheck system last?
Ian Jackson: The sensors last approximately 6 years or 600,000 km, whichever comes first. Replacement sensors can easily be purchased from Continental Tyres or from an approved ContiPressureCheck stockist.
Question: What happens to the ContiPressureCheck sensor when a tyre is changed?
Ian Jackson: The sensor comes in a rubber housing which is mounted inside the tyre. When the tyre needs replacing, the sensor is simply removed and fitted into a new housing and placed into the new tyre to continue its service life. If a
new sensor is required and fitted, the system will evaluate all the sensors and by default, recognise and accept the new addition. If two or more new sensors need replacing at the same time, there is a need to reconfigure the system using the hand held device.
Question: Do you think it would be beneficial for TPMS to become mandatory on commercial vehicles?
Ian Jackson: Without a doubt it would make the roads a far safer place. TPMS is essential to identify any potential inflation or temperature problems before they occur. Many commercial vehicle fires in the UK are as a direct result of mechanical faults such as binding brakes, so live temperature readings to alert the driver to the problem would make a huge difference.
Similarly, with rear wheels 6-metres back from the driver, there is little chance of being able to gauge whether there is an inflation issue or a puncture in the tyre. With adequate warning, drivers can safely pull in for repairs at a service station or safe site rather than trying to fix a problem on the side of the road, which is in itself dangerous.
Question: What technological advances can we expect from ContiPressureCheck in the future?
Ian Jackson: Telematics integration on a bigger scale is a priority for us and we’re working with a number of telematics companies through our customers. The integration of tyre wear information is something we are looking at for the next phase.
CommercialTyre
Management
and Fleet Business
TyrePal Launches TPMS CANbus system
TyrePal has launched its latest product, the CANbus tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), with the technology specifically designed for use in buses, commercial vehicles and customised vehicles like fire engines and ambulances.
The latest product includes a module that can be connected to the vehicle's CANbus system allowing tyre pressure sensors to interact with the other parts of the vehicle, such as on-board display, control systems and integrated telematics.
The TyrePal CANbus TPMS alerts the driver if a tyre pressure is falling, is outside pre-set limits, or is overheating, and the tyre data is available on the vehicle network to provide diagnostic messages or
additional control. The system consists of TyrePal sensors that can be fitted inside or outside the tyres and a receiving module that connects to the CANbus, using standard J1939 protocol. A handheld reader initially programmes the sensors to interact with the module and sets the pressure and temperature thresholds.
“The technology alerts drivers to punctures or unsafe tyre pressure, two of the main causes of tyre blowouts. On top of this, the CANbus module lets the TPMS interact with other equipment on the vehicle’s can-bus, such as auto- inflation or stability control systems," explains Peter Tillotson, Business Development Manager at TyrePal.
Continental Pressure Check Monitoring Display
Commercial Tyre Business 27