One puncture pays for Continental’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Shortly after UK haulier, Devereux Transport fitted the ContiPressureCheck(tm) Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to one of its Volvo tractor units, the system detected a pressure loss in a tyre. This enabled a repair to be carried out and avoided a complete failure of the tyre with its potential to impact on safety and cause disruption to customer service.

Jimmy Savage, Devereux’s Workshop Manager, says: “The in-cab monitor bleeped straight away to alert the driver that there was a loss in pressure in one of his tyres. The puncture could be repaired and that saved the cost of a new tyre, which meant that the system paid for itself in the first instance that it detected a problem.”

Devereux fitted the ContiPressureCheck TPMS on a trial basis to the mid-lift axle Volvo FH12 tractor and to the tri-axle Montracon trailer that it normally runs with. The system quickly proved its value and as a result the company is now planning to introduce it across its entire fleet of some 90 trucks and over 200 trailers.

“Our drivers like the system because it is very simple to use and check,” says Jimmy Savage. “We still require them to carry out a visual inspection of tyres as part of their normal daily checks but it’s not always easy to spot when pressure is dropping slowly. The Continental TPMS system is designed to accurately monitor pressure and alert the driver to any potential problems through the in-cab screen.

“As a result we can avoid costly tyre failures, which can be very disruptive, especially on timed delivery work,” he adds. “And because the system constantly monitors pressures this enable us to maintain our tyres at the correct pressure, which contributes to better fuel efficiency.”

Devereux fitted the trial system itself in its well-equipped workshop at its Billingham base and found it an easy job to carry out. “It was very straightforward,” says Mr Savage. “The instructions were simple and easy to follow, and all the fitting brackets and electrical connections came as part of the package. Overall it was a very easy set up.”

At the heart of the ContiPressureCheck TPMS is a measurement device fitted inside each tyre. This is housed within a robust rubber container glued to the inner surface of the tread and has integrated sensors that constantly measure the temperature and air pressure within the tyre. This information is sent wirelessly to the electronic control unit, which feeds through to a display mounted inside the cab. This informs the driver visually of the pressure and temperature of his tyres and gives out an audible warning of any potential problem enabling early corrective action to be taken.

Studies carried out by Continental show that over 90 percent of tyre failures begin with a slow leak which causes a gradual loss of air pressure that often goes undetected. This can lead to overheating of the tyre and sudden failure, which can be very disruptive and potentially dangerous. Underinflated tyres usually mean increased rolling resistance, which impacts adversely on fuel efficiency, increasing carbon emissions. Tyre wear is also greater, which reduces service life and adds further to operating costs.

Established in 1937 by Kenneth William Devereux and still under family control, the present day company is one of the leading independent transport companies in the country. It provides a wide range of transport and distribution uses a very modern fleet of both rigid and articulated vehicles. A strong emphasis is placed on providing a quality service to its many blue-chip customers and Devereux is certified to ISO 9001. The company is a member of the Fortec pallet distribution network and of both the Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association.

The safety benefits of using the ContiPressureCheck TPMS system also contribute to Devereux’s focus on Health and Safety, with the company certified to the BS OHSAS 18001 standard. And because maintaining correct tyre pressures supports better fuel efficiency and therefore lower emissions, TPMS supports its environmental policy, with the firm certified to ISO 14001.