Tire-Pressure Monitoring Systems: What operators need to know

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TIRE-PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS: What operators need to know

TIRE-PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS: What operators need to know

BUSRide called on leading tire-pressure monitoring system OEMs for benefits, features, potential ROI and critical points to fit the most effective system to a given fleet.

Most TPMS transmit a radio frequency signal from each tire to a dashboard display, giving drivers real-time information.

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Why should I consider retrofitting my bus fleet with a tirepressure monitoring system (TPMS)?

A tire pressure monitoring system delivers numerous benefits and comes with a relatively swift return on investment. Consider that anything related to the expected performance of a tire— mileage, braking, cornering, etc.—is predicated on proper tire inflation. A loss of as little as 10 percent of a tire’s proper inflation level will cause about a 1 percent drop in fuel economy.

Will it help extend tire life?

Yes it will. If you are not running a tire management system, and we know many operators do not, you will not be able to measure the precise extent of the improvement, but the difference will be significant. Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of breakdowns, service disruptions and downtime. A TPMS will greatly reduce this maintenance burden. Another key advantage for fleets is the fact that if a fleet actively manages their tires including tire pressure, they save money by not having to scrap a tire carcass for retread. Underinflated tires render the tire unable to be retread. When a tire cost $400 and the first retread is $150 versus a new tire, this is a huge savings when you consider a properly maintained tire carcass can be successfully retread two to three times instead of a new tire. That is a $250 savings per tire per retread cycle lost. Over a single tire life with successful retread, the potential savings is $750 per tire.

How much of a safety factor is a TPMS? Since underinflation is the major cause of tire failure, and tire failure is the cause of tens of thousands of accidents annually, then obviously a TPMS is going to have a major impact on safety.

Remember also that a properly inflated tire is also going to brake and handle better. Some tire pressure monitoring systems also detect when a tire is experiencing rapid pressure loss. Having a fast leak warning, like when the pressure drops three pounds in 12 seconds, mitigates the threat of catastrophic tire damage. If you’re in the business of hauling people, you would certainly want that level of protection.

How does it work?

There are two basic types of TPMS. One is wheel mounted where sensors are placed around the rim, using a strap to hold the sensor in place. The other type has a valve stem mounted sensor, which screws onto the end of the valve stem, replacing the valve cap. There are also tire valve mounted sensors inside the tire instead of outside via the cap replacement.

What’s the difference between the two?

They both have advantages. Internal sensors may require more installation time, but may give a more precise reading on tire pressure and temperature and be less susceptible to theft or damage.

What do the sensors measure?

Tire pressure, and some also measure tire temperature. They are programmed to give an alert when, for example, the pressure in the tire drops a certain percentage below its baseline.

Who receives this data?

Typically a radio frequency signal is transmitted from each tire to a dashboard display. This gives the driver real time information. Today’s systems can go well beyond this,

DORAN MANUFACTURING Doran 360™ Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems The Doran 360™ tire pressure monitoring systems help fleets to extend tire life and reduce tire related repair and maintenance costs Valve stem mounted sensors transmit tire pressures and temperatures to a monitor in the bus to provide at-a-glance digital tire pressures and provide real-time low pressure alerts to the driver. Simple and fast installation with limited ongoing maintenance make the Doran 360™ TPMS a very cost-effective way to continually monitor all the tires in your fleet.

The Doran 360™ TPMS have also been integrated with various telematics providers to provide remote tire pressure visibility and reporting capabilities.

Doran Manufacturing, LLC 2851 Massachusetts Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45225 866-816-7233 www.doranmfg.com

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however, with telematics capability that sends information to a laptop or back office. It is possible for a manager to see the status of his entire fleet at any given time. This aids in planning, maintenance scheduling and even budgeting.

Are there other types of TPMS? Yes, at both ends of the spectrum. On the basic end, there are systems where the driver as part of his pre-check walks around the vehicle with a handheld device that guides a visual inspection. But while the tires are very likely to be part of that pre-trip checklist, the device itself doesn’t provide a way to check tire pressures or temperatures. At the other extreme, there are stationary pads or arches built into a yard that every vehicle drives through or over when it returns from a trip. Sensor data is recorded for each tire and uploaded instantly into a fleet-wide program. This is a more expensive system and probably only makes sense for a very large fleet.

Could I achieve the same benefits with an automatic tire inflation system (ATIS)?

Not really. An ATIS is primarily designed to control the level of inflation in off-road situations where, for example, it may be necessary to reduce the pressure in a tire to accommodate certain terrain. There are on-road applications, and an ATIS may deliver some of the same benefits of a TPMS, but it also could disguise a problem. Compensating for a leak, for instance, could cause the source of the leak to go undetected.

What kind of ROI can I expect with a TPMS? That will vary according to how you employ your fleet, but nine to 12 months is a reasonable expectation. You may never know if a TPMS helped you avert a really serious problem.

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Some TPMS are wheel mounted, where sensors like these are placed around the rim using a strap to hold them in place.

Valor TPMS

Valor TPMS, a research, design and development company, prides itself on being a progressive vertically integrated manufacturer of advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

Their patented TPMS products are engineered with the latest technologies in the industry, and their sensors have built-in temperature and tire pressure monitoring functions which sets Valor apart from their competition.

Located in Burlington, ON, Valor TPMS distributes Valor TPMS globally with their products interfacing in a wide 4320 Harvester Road range of applications that include Transit, Commercial Burlington, Ontario trucking, recreational vehicle (RV), OEM, as well as L7L 5S4 within the mining and construction sector through Canada their Off-the-road (OTR) product.

1-800-568-9188 Sales@valortpms.com www.valortpms.com

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