Wheely-Safe launches telematics-ready TPMS system, internal sensors

New products represent ‘major upgrade’ for the brand’s product range for all vehicle types, with technologies available to tyre retailers

Wheely-Safe has launched a new generation of open platform systems, making its intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing technologies available for sale by tyre distributors and dealers for the first time. The new systems can connect to vehicle telematics and CAN bus directly and are offered alongside the brand’s standalone products. Wheely-Safe says the launch is part of its biggest series of upgrades to date. The new technologies include an auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor – which it claims is a world first – that eliminates the need for external valve sensors. The sensor is suitable for “all vehicle types” Wheely-Safe says, including cars, commercial vehicles, and plant machinery.

Steve Jackson, managing director of Wheely-Safe, says: “Fleets increasingly want everything running through their telematics and that brings huge advantages for the Wheely-Safe product. It means we can provide access to real-time pressure and temperature data remotely, which can help to prevent breakdowns and takes the guesswork out of organising tyre maintenance.

“Making our systems available from tyre dealers is the natural next-step, as they are often closely involved in managing a fleet’s tyres. Plus, our sensors can be fitted to any brand of tyre, so it is the perfect universal TPMS and wheel loss solution.”

Wheely-Safe says its new generation of connected systems can be configured to ensure drivers receive immediate alerts in the event of an emergency, such as a loosening wheel nut, sticking brakes, hub failure or rapid deflation being detected. But now the use of telematics means these alerts can also be relayed directly to the transport office, enabling them to contact the driver and ensure immediate action has been taken.

Similarly, notification of non-critical events, such as when a tyre has dropped just below optimum inflation pressure, can be sent directly to the transport or workshop team, enabling rectification work to be organised when the vehicle returns to base and without interrupting the driver or their schedule.

Internal TPMS sensors

Wheely-Safe’s new auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor

Wheely-Safe’s auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor can adhere to the rim of any size wheel. Protected by a global patent, this unique sensor can distinguish between intentional pressure adjustments, and genuine underinflation or leakage, and offers an extended battery life of 5-10 years, depending on vehicle utilisation. It is manufactured from a flexible engineering-grade material, weighing just 21g. The sensor offers versatility too; it can be fitted to all vehicle types.

Two different models of internal TPMS sensors are offered, including standard sensors for large multi-wheel vehicles, and auto-positioning sensors for four-wheel vehicles, which automatically detect which wheel is sending an alert.

Jackson adds: “We’ve built a huge amount of intelligence into our sensors, but these new internal ones are the jewel in our crown. They are perfect for the original equipment market, plus they can be quickly and easily retrofitted by a tyre technician. Once affixed to the wheel rim, they are protected from the elements and bring distinct advantages.”

New receivers and accessories

Wheely-Safe’s new range includes a choice of wired and solar-powered receivers. While auto-pairing technology is at the heart of its sensors, Wheely-Safe is also offering a manual pairing in-cab receiver for plant machinery such as forklifts and skid-steers. Since these generally operate close to one another, manual pairing helps to avoid the risk of alerts from one sensor being picked up by another vehicle.

Wheely-Safe has also expanded its range with a new keyring-sized WalkAround Checker. Designed for use as part of a driver’s daily inspections, it can be held against any Wheely-Safe TPMS or wheel loss sensor and a series of red, amber and green lights report the latest sensor status. As you would expect, red highlights an issue which requires immediate attention.

Connected devices record a log of the completed walkaround inspections, whilst standalone in-cab receivers feature a dedicated symbol which illuminates to confirm if an inspection has been completed in the previous 24-hours – enabling managers to confirm inspections are being carried out daily.

An updated Pressure and Brake Temperature Checker is also available for workshop staff, giving them both immediate tyre pressure readings and the highest brake/hub temperature recorded in the last 24 hours, when held next to a sensor.

Wheely-Safe is also launching new wired and five-year battery-powered boosters for use on longer vehicles, amplifying the signals from sensors on the rearmost axles to ensure the unit in the cab clearly receives all transmissions.

Both connected and standalone systems are supplied with intelligent TPMS sensors to provide a base level of cover for all vehicle types. Wheel loss and brake temperature sensors can be added to increase protection on larger commercial vehicles, including buses, coaches, trucks and trailers.

Prices to equip a standard two-axle bus or rigid truck start from £250 for TPMS, or £350 to combine TPMS with wheel loss and temperature sensing capabilities. Systems are available directly from Wheely-Safe, and selected tyre dealerships. All products in the range come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.