May

11

Tire Safety: Benefits Of Temperature & Pressure Monitoring (Part 3 Of 3)

May 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment


By Gary S. Rothstein

…continued from Part 2

Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring

In the case of multi-tire motor vehicles such as commercial trucks, RVs, fire trucks and EMS vehicles, there are many tires to monitor. This in itself makes for time-consuming work, plus these tires need to be checked much more often. By the nature of these types of vehicles, they are often in consistent use, over longer traveling distance, in demanding environments and isolated travel areas. To help with the task of supervising tires, there are products called Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, sometimes referred to as TPMS. Utilizing a wireless sensor (which is either screwed directly onto the valve-stem or mounted internally in the tire) each individual tire on the vehicle can be monitored in real time. The actual pressure levels and temperature are then displayed on a small unit in the cab.

If you are considering investing in a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), at a minimum look for these feature and capabilities:

* Alerts when tire pressure is too low * Alerts when tire pressure is too high * Alerts when the tire temperature is too high (heat is what destroys tires!) * Alerts driver with both visual and auditory warnings * Capable of monitoring both the vehicle and a trailer

Other things to consider when evaluating TPMS solutions:

* Are the wireless tire-sensors internally or externally mounted? – External mount tire sensors are easier to install, easily removable in case of a tire change and can be moved to a spare if need be. The more tires you have, the greater the savings; it is costly to dismount/remount internal type sensors, as apposed to external.

* Does it monitor the tires continuously, even when parked? – Tire pressure is most accurate when the tire is cold, before the vehicle is moving. Knowing the pressure level before setting out on a long trip can prevent uncertainty later on down the road.

* Are the pressure (high and low) and the tire temperature alert levels adjustable by the user? – Setting the trigger levels can be advantageous for applications with varying loads, such as a truck/trailer combination. Some vehicles experience tire cupping after a load change that can also cause uneven and excessive wear.

* Does it monitor tire temperature? – For safety reasons, it is very important to know tire temperature. A tire can be as much as 30% under-inflated and still appear to be normal (rolling resistance increases the heat, which in turn expands the tire). This is the same reason we measure pressure when the tires are cold.

General Tire Safety Recommendations

* Follow inflation guidelines indicated on tire sidewall, while making sure they are rated to support more than the gross weight of the vehicle

* Commercial trucks, trailers and RV’s require an accurate reading (of the fully loaded weight) for proper tire inflation to carry those loads. These types of vehicles are usually weighed to obtain an accurate reading.

* Check the pressure on all tires including those on the tow vehicle, trailers, 5th wheels, etc.

* Check pressure when the tires are cold, prior to driving the vehicle

* Replace tires every three to 5 years (regardless of mileage)

* Visibly inspect tires for blemishes, uneven wear and tire pressure at least every 30 days.

By monitoring your vehicles tires, you will increase their life, reduce fuel consumption and provide unprecedented value in improved handling and ultimate safety.

About the author:
Gary S. Rothstein is the President of Mobile Awareness, a company which designs and markets vehicle safety products. Mobile Awareness, 34305 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139, 866-653-5036, http://www.MobileAwareness.com Copyright 2007






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Related Posts:

 Tire Safety: Benefits Of Temperature & Pressure Monitoring (Part 2 Of 3)  Tire Safety: Benefits Of Temperature & Pressure Monitoring (Part 1 Of 3)  How to Properly Check Tire Pressure and Condition for Safety – Part 1  How to Properly Check Tire Pressure and Condition for Safety – Part 2  Tire Pressure Gauge: Liquid Tire Gauges 


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