UK-based WheelRight has launched a unique tyre-monitoring system that does not require anything to be fitted to the vehicle.
The fully automated system is suitable for any car, commercial vehicle or bus and WheelWright claims it is “set to revolutionise tyre management across the automotive industry”.
The WheelRight system comprises a sensory pad embedded into the road. Examples of its potential application include the point where vehicles enter or leave a facility, petrol forecourts, motorway toll booths or at retail premises.
With no need for sensors to be fitted to the vehicle, the system removes the requirement for time-consuming manual checks.
As a vehicle drives over the pad, ‘in-motion’ monitoring of tyre pressures, as well as vehicle weight, axle load or tyre temperatures, can be analysed and sent to the driver’s mobile phone within seconds. Alternatively, for commercial users, an email can be sent direct to the depot.
WheelRight says its “simple, drive-over system makes the dirty chore of checking tyre pressures easy”.
As well as an increased risk of crashes and casualties, WheelWright says other problems associated with incorrect tyre pressure include poor fuel economy, increased CO2 emissions and increased wear on tyres.
A clever idea if it works, but I fail to see how it can monitor pressures to the relatively narrow limits needed. And if they do, the airwaves are going to be very busy indeed. But why to mobile phones, which might be switched off – why not a large sign or loud bleep?
Idris Francis Fight Back With Facts Petersfield
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An obvious point, perhaps, but it would be preferable (in my opinion) to have messages sent on the way IN to somewhere. On the way out could be the trigger to reach for the phone. Otherwise seems like a fairly good idea!
Neil Hopkins – Sussex
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