Tires aren’t easy. In fact, they are the most difficult products on the vehicle – without moving parts – to design, manufacture, and manage. But just like so many other aspects of the trucking business and truck manufacturing, technology is changing the game. Today’s smart fleet managers use all sorts of new tools to better manage the tires on their fleet. Now, sensors are quickly becoming the go-to digital option for fleet managers who want better options when it comes to managing their fleet’s tires.
Do you wonder what fancy digital tire tools you have at your disposal? We have come a long way since tire pressure monitors. Let’s take a deeper look into the different tools at your disposal to ensure you get the most out of your tires.
Try an RFID Solution
You have heard of RFID uses in many trucking applications, from tolling to analytics. But now you can also get the most out of RFID in a tire application. RFID chips are essentially small, passive electronic chips that can exchange a packet of data with an RFID reader.
It is important to remember that RFID is a completely passive system. They can record time, place, and purpose, but they are not complex communication devices. Nor do they have any active components. RFID units are essentially tags with an antenna stuck onto them. The antenna then receives signals from the reader unit. This information is then transmitted into the cloud and service provider. The ID on the tag includes the tire manufacturer and the tire’s model number.
Have you heard about the tire information service data system? It is a comprehensive effort that the tire industry is now setting up. This is the cloud database we just referred to. With a new RFID chip linked to this cloud system, trucking companies and technicians can scan a tire in real-time and get immediate information regarding that tire’s vitals.
Backward Compatibility is not a Problem
Now, you may be thinking, “How do we sync up our current systems with this new RFID technology?” Well, worry not. Because the information itself is stored in a database on not on the chip it is easier to keep it backwards compatible. Once the RFID chip is in place, it is not difficult to link up all sorts of information, from tracking and tracing to managing inventory.
While it may seem like these capabilities are at the basic level now, expect them to quickly evolve. Using RFID chips to send tire data into a managed cloud will be transformative. And this is especially true for fleets who struggle with tire management.
The beauty of RFID is that it is born with the tire. Think of it as the tire’s birth certificate. You can purchase it already embedded to the tire and it will transmit data from day one until the tire reaches the junk yard. With the new tire inventory management system, fleets will have a comprehensive history of every tire in service.
Tire Pressure Management Systems Evolve
Tire pressure management systems (TPMS) have been around for a long time, but they have not remained static. TPMS systems use electronic sensors to transmit data on important operational factors. These sensors provide data on everything from temperature and air pressure to vibrations. And this information can be transmitted via telematics back to the fleet, dealer, or other service providers.
There are two different types of TPMS’s. The first method is through internally mounted sensors. While internally mounted sensors are a bit more difficult to work with, they are better protected from weather and the elements. Thus, you can also expect them to last a bit longer and provide more accurate readings.
Whether internal or external, telematics systems communicate with the TPMS sensors and provide outputs to truck drivers through in-cab notifications. It might be something as simple as a red blinking light that could blink in conjunction with a notification sent back to fleet maintenance technicians and managers.
More Fleets Combine Systems
It used to be even just 10 years ago that most fleets would run either a TPMS or an automatic tire inflation system (ATIS) or nothing at all. Rarely did you see fleets running both systems. But today, with fleets adopting new safety systems en masse, we have been seeing a shift to utilizing both TPMS and ATIS. As prices have dropped thanks to economies of scale, it becomes easier for fleets of all sizes to adopt both methods.
But why should you feel the need to use both systems? Consider that ATIS complements in-tire TPMS sensors by ensuring the tire stays properly always inflated. As a tire loses air, the sidewall flexes, which could in turn damage the sensor or cause the tire to fail completely.
ATIS systems also complement TPMS because they can amass tire inflation and pressure history. Fleet technicians can use this, and other data, to measure vibration, heat, thread depth, and so much more. Soon, you will have tread depth sensors combined with ATIS and TPMS sensors. This way technicians can get a full bird’s eye view of every aspect of that tire’s maintenance level and history.
Tire Inspection by Wire
The next wave in digital tire technologies are those that can be found in digital tire inspection tools. With tire sensors now gathering data and storing it in a cloud-based database, inspection tools can be enhanced to utilize said data. A lot of information comes out of an inspection. The question is how to effectively use that information to your advantage.
By closely examining and properly collecting the right information, you can see where your hot spots are. What vehicles have serviceable issues that need to be addressed? And how many of those issues involve tires? Telematics programs do a good job of pulling this information together and providing actionable insights for technicians to digest.
Accessing tire data also allows you to create policies and procedures surrounding tire inspections and inspections in general. But there is not just one type of digital tire inspection system. How can you decide on what tool is proper for you?
What Tool Should You Go With?
There are primarily three classifications of digital tire inspection tool in use today. The first type uses a form of manual detection of tire problems using a handheld device. Handheld devices are generally quite accurate and offer instant results.
Next up you have active monitoring systems. This type of inspection tool aggregates data from sensors on or around the tires. TPMS systems fall under the classification of active monitoring systems. These are probably the second-most used type of tire management system.
Finally, you have automated tire inspection systems. Over the years, these systems have become much more advanced. Automated systems are built into yard, gate, or drive over systems. As the truck driver brings the rig inside the yard, they roll over the system and certain aspects of the tires are measured. It used to be you could only get inflation data, but the sensors built into automated tire inspection machines have become much more advanced.
The good news is systems like these can be used interchangeably. But the final, and most important thing to remember is the visual inspection. Never let a tool take the place of a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s tires.
Key Steps to Rolling Out Your System
If you plan on implementing a digital tire management system for your trucking company, no matter the size, you need to do your research. There are several essential things you must consider when rolling out your program.
First, look at the technologies and the vendors providing those technologies. Check their reviews and ensure your current systems will be interoperable with theirs. Do you know other fleets that are currently using their systems? Referral business is strong among trucking companies large and small. Check the intangibles, like response time and customer service levels.
You may want to consider polling your fleet on a new provider. Getting advice from the truck drivers on the front line using the technology not only informs you but ensures their buy-in once you’ve made a choice.
Finally, keep your budget in mind. You may not need all the fancy add-ons. Stick with the systems you need to get the job done according to your operational need. Don’t let persuasive salespeople get you to sign a bigger contract because it sounds good. Want to be a top-notch trucking company? Keep these factors in mind and you’ll be sure to make the right decision in the end.