European launch for Conti TPMS

Following its US launch earlier this year, Continental will soon roll out its ContiPressureCheck commercial vehicle TPMS in Europe. The early warning system was debuted locally at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show earlier today.

"Studies have shown that over 90 per cent of all tyre failures are preceded by slow leaks that cause gradual loss of tyre pressure. ContiPressureCheck can now effectively eliminate these problems", said Herbert Mensching, head of Marketing and Sales Truck Tires for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Mensching added that Continental’s tyre pressure testing system can not only prevent punctures, but also lower truck operating costs. He explained that in Germany, tyres on commercial vehicles tend to be underinflated by an average of 12 per cent, resulting in higher rolling resistance and increased fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In fact, even slight underinflation boosts tyre flexion, causing the tyre to overheat and shortening its life. Overinflation, on the other hand, increases tyre wear or causes deformation – likewise factors that shorten tyre life.

ContiPressureCheck is designed to eliminate these problems by constantly measuring the pressure and temperature of each individual truck tyre every few seconds and delivering the results to the cab information display. ContiPressureCheck comprises 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. It can be retrofitted to any tyre brand.

The processor continuously monitors the air pressure and tyre temperature readings delivered by the sensors in the unit and transmits the data wirelessly to the electronic control unit in the truck and trailer, where it is processed and sent to the display in the driver's cab. Drivers can access the information on demand and monitor the condition of their tyres in real time. In addition, ContiPressureCheck immediately alerts them to discrepancies between specifications and actual tyre pressure, enabling them to set the correct pressure, and gives a warning in the event of sudden air loss.

Continental says ContiPressureCheck is the only tyre pressure monitoring system to generate its pressure and temperature data by using a sensor mounted inside the tyre itself. This has the advantage that the technology is protected from impact and the sensors can measure temperature data directly in the tyre without obstructing tyre fitting. ContiPressureCheck is quick and simple to install and can also be added during later tyre changeovers. When tyres are replaced the module can be removed and attached to the new tyres for further use. Battery life is around six years or roughly 600,000 kilometres, longer than the average lifespan of a tyre.

ContiPressureCheck will be available from spring 2013 on European markets, starting with Germany, Poland, the Benelux countries and Turkey.