Maintaining optimal tire pressure is another task for vehicle owners and a crucial practice to ensure road safety and comfort. Both of these factors are directly related to the long-term condition of the tires. If they’re in poor condition then, it’s only a matter of time before disaster strikes.
For example, forty per cent of all unexpected tire burst incidents are caused by underinflated tires. Overinflated tires aren’t good for the vehicle either. They lead to reduced traction which further affects the driver’s ability to apply brakes, accelerate and even contribute to reduced handling. Here comes the need for a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Let’s know about what it is, how it works and the benefits it comes with.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Definition
As the name suggests, TPMS ensures the optimal air pressure in tyres at all costs. How? It uses an amalgamation of hardware sensors and software units.
A minimum of three to four sensors are installed in the tyres of the vehicle. These sensors send the tyre pressure data to the GPS tracker, which converts the data into packets and sends it to the software. The software then compares the data with the set optimum range of the vehicle. If it detects that the air pressure in the tyres is 20 to 30% higher or lower than the optimum range, the fleet managers will get notified instantly.
Now that you have understood the basics of tyre pressure monitoring systems, let’s know about some of their advantages
Advantages of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Some of the top benefits of using TPMS are mentioned below;
Reduced downtime
Whenever the air pressure in the tyres is lower or higher than the optimal range, fleet managers receive instant alerts. This gives them a chance to respond to the situation promptly. To keep their vehicles safe, managers can even opt for enabling notifications for drivers. This further helps in reducing vehicle downtime as drivers can go to the nearest service station and get the tyres filled with the recommended air pressure.
Minimising road accidents
We have already learned how both over and underinflated tyres give rise to road accidents. In this case, TPMS can come to the rescue. If the optimum air pressure is maintained at all times, truck drivers will not get involved in road accidents.
Lower fuel consumption
Did you know that underinflated tyres lead to excessive fuel consumption? Let’s understand how. When the air pressure in tyres is below the optimal range, the rolling friction between the tyres and the road increases. TPMS lets fleet managers avoid this. Thus, they no longer have to worry about their pockets getting empty in fuel costs.
Ensuring the overall well-being of vehicles
Apart from the engine and suspension of the vehicle, tyres also play an essential role in maintaining its well-being. Therefore, if the tyres stay up and running, unexpected wear and tear and the risk of accidents will automatically be reduced. Meaning, one major aspect of the vehicle’s overall well-being gets sorted.
Prevents reduced handling
Reduced handling refers to the driver’s inability to control and stabilise the vehicle. There can be numerous causes of reduced handling. Some of the most common ones are poor road conditions, overloading, improper weight distribution and under and overinflation of tyres. TPMS can help fleet managers and drivers prevent reduced handling.
How Much Does a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Cost?
Although, the cost of a tyre pressure monitoring system varies based on numerous factors including the type of sensors, the number of devices installed and the brand of the devices. On the software front, the prices depend on how scalable the platform is. On average, a complete tyre pressure monitoring system would cost somewhere around $50-$200.
Get started with TrackoBit!
By choosing TrackoBit, you will move closer towards resourcefulness. We offer a Tire Pressure Monitoring System along with its primary fleet monitoring solutions. If your vehicle already has the necessary hardware sensors installed, getting started with the monitoring process is just one step ahead.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a demo with our software today!
