Continental has developed wear sensors for truck tires
Continental has developed new generation ContiConnect sensors that allow fleet operators to receive accurate and daily updated data on the wear level of the tires they operate. Thanks to the new sensors and artificial intelligence-based algorithms, it simplifies the planning of tire maintenance both on individual vehicles and entire fleets, which increases the level of safety and efficiency of carriers, as well as reduces their costs and carbon emissions.
Currently, Continental already offers sensors that collect data on tire pressure, temperature, and mileage, and the new product will be presented for the first time at the IAA Transportation exhibition, which will be held in Hanover (Germany) from September 17 to 22.
“The new sensors are multifunctional. They accurately record the tread depth, as well as the pressure, temperature, and mileage of the tires,” said Clarissa Döval, head of the digital solutions department of Continental's tire division. “We are the first to bring tread depth sensors to the market, which means we will set new standards in the industry and offer customers an innovative development that will take tire maintenance to a new level”.
The new sensors can identify changes in the radial acceleration of the tire, while AI uses this data, as well as information on the technical specifications of the tires, their mileage, and vehicle parameters, to determine the tread depth and remaining life of the tires. Thus, fleet operators can receive detailed information about the condition of the tires and take it into account when planning the work schedule and maintenance.
“Premature tire replacement increases costs, while too late replacement reduces safety and increases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” says Döval. “And our new solution will allow fleets to make their activities more efficient and environmentally friendly”.
According to Continental, tires are typically responsible for around 2% of fleet costs, but controlling their condition can affect fuel consumption, maintenance, and repair costs, which can account for up to 50% of total costs.
The new sensors can be used in combination with two Continental solutions for managing fleet tire operations. The entry-level solution, ContiConnect Lite, allows you to receive tire condition data using a mobile app and Bluetooth connection, for example, before the driver starts a trip. At the same time, the more comprehensive ContiConnect Pro system creates the possibility of monitoring all tires on vehicles in the fleet, displaying data on the website and in the application, and also automatically alerting about excessive wear, etc., as well as providing recommendations for planning maintenance and tire replacement and transmitting information about the location of vehicles.
“Continental is continuously developing new business models and creating a whole ecosystem of intelligent digital solutions for customers using premium-class tires,” the company says, adding that “Continental already offers customers a full range of tire maintenance services that significantly improve safety while reducing costs”.