Page 30 - CTB n3 - 2013/3,

NEWS EXTRA
Continental Highlight Importance of TPMS in Bus and Coach Sector
Goodyear Announce New Truck Tyre Generation
A number of tragic reports in the media have highlighted the potentially devastating effects of poor tyre management. The message? Having a clear and consistent tyre policy for the running of commercial vehicles is essential.
Where bus and coach operators are concerned, the safety of passengers is, of course, paramount. Preventing situations in which blowouts or tyre failures occur has until recently been a matter of relying on regular visual checks. However with the introduction of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) coach operators can now measure their tyre performance in real time.
Studies carried out by Continental have shown that over 90 percent of all tyre failures are preceded by slow leaks, causing gradual loss of tyre pressure. ContiPressureCheck measures the pressure and temperature of each individual tyre every few seconds and delivers the results to the driver information display. In this way any problems can be caught and dealt with early on. The measuring device is a single module with integrated sensors, data processor and communication system, housed in a rubber container that is glued to the inner surface of the tyre tread.
ContiPressureCheck generates its
Goodyear have announced that two completely new truck tyre ranges are to be launched on the European market in September: KMAX and FUELMAX, comprising steer, drive and trailer tyres. KMAX is Goodyear's new
optimised mileage tyre, whilst FUELMAX
has been designed
for
maximum
fuel
efficiency.
The new
tyres take the
emphasis off
the type of
operation, i.e. long
haul or regional haul, and put it on the economic priority, be it mileage or fuel efficiency. KMAX and FUELMAX are about cost optimisation and contribution to business success for the operators using these tyres.
According to Goodyear, the new ranges will make fleets’ tyre choice easier, allowing operators to choose tyres according to their business type and need, allowing them to
put the main priority on either mileage or on fuel efficiency. Without compromising overall tyre performance, the new Goodyear tyres provide the operational flexibility to perform well in long
haul as well as regional haul – all year round. Goodyear KMAX
and FUELMAX tyres are currently undergoing
rigorous field trials, with selected European truck
fleets taking part in extensive testing. The results of these tests
together with more details on the tyres’
attributes will be shared shortly.
Wixey Transport
Gets 600,000 Plus Kilometres on Goodyear Regional Haul Tyres
TruckForce, the Goodyear-owned truck tyre supplier and service provider, says it has been keeping costs low for logistic solutions company Wixey Transport by achieving mileage on some sets of Goodyear tyres in excess of 600,000 kilometres.
Wixey Transport, is a family owned business that provides domestic transportation services to companies up and down the country. Established in 1972, the vehicle fleet is made up of 15 tractor units and 30 trailers. Richard Wixey of Wixey Transport discussed the benefits of getting such longevity from their tyres: “Tyres are an important part of our business; we cover so many miles in a year
that the mileage we get out of them is critical.” The tyres that completed 600,000 kilometres were the premium Goodyear Regional Haul range, Goodyear’s next generation of regional haul tyres.
Arthur Gregg, Sales & Marketing Director, Commercial at Continental Tyres said: “The use of a TPMS such as the ContiPressureCheck system ensures that should a problem with the tyre occur, it is noticed and can be fixed promptly, avoiding any worst-case scenarios as well as costly delays and stranded passengers. We are finding that coach operators are quick to see the benefits of ContiPressureCheck, not only as a means to ensure their passengers safety, but also as a way to prevent downtime caused by tyre failure. The system also helps to lower overall operating costs by ensuring correct tyre pressures are maintained at all times.”
The benefits of fitting a TPMS unit couldn’t be clearer. Underinflation of tyres significantly
affects rolling
resistance, increasing
both fuel consumption
and carbon emissions,
as well as intensifying tyre
wear and hence reducing its service life. All of which adversely affect operating costs.
pressure and temperature data by using a sensor mounted inside the tyre itself. This has the advantage of protecting it from impact and means the sensors can measure temperature data directly in the tyre without obstructing tyre fitting. ContiPressureCheck is also quick and simple to install and can be added during later tyre changeovers as well as retrofitted to any tyre brand. This means that when tyres are replaced the sensor module can be removed and attached to the new tyres for further use. The battery life of the sensor is around six years.
30 Commercial Tyre Business