'Smart' tyres tell all
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• "Smart" tyres could soon be saving operators thousands of pounds a year, according to Dunlop. A system is on trial with GMS buses in Manchester: it could be available to operators in 12 months.
Each tyre is fitted with an electronic chip which can monitor pressure, temperature, how far it has travelled and speed. The chip can also store the tyre's size, tread pattern and identity number.
This data can be collected as the vehicle is driven slowly past a transponder. Alternatively a hand-held unit can be used to speed up fleet tyre inspections. It is also possible to have a warning device in the cab to alert the driver if any tyre becomes under inflated. Dunlop says the system will ensure proper tyre management and could save almost £6,500 on an artic over 500,000 miles (including £1,500 for reduced fuel consumption).
Work on reducing the size of the chip is continuing and Dunlop expects it will be able to withstand remoulding. However, the company is not prepared to be drawn on how the tyre chip is powered, or how much it will cost.