Continental debuts retrofit TPMS solution for CV tyres

Continental is now offering an “entry-level solution” for fleets wishing to adopt digital tyre management. This solution centres around a new valve cap sensor that obtains data about tyre condition in a “very timesaving, simple, and manufacturer-independent manner.” The sensor simply screws onto a tyre valve and is compatible with commercial vehicle tyres from all major brands. It measures tyre pressure in real time and connects with ContiConnect receiver units, including phone apps.

The ContiConnect tyre management platform records any deviations from target tyre pressures and forwards these to the user. Each valve cap features a QR code for identification, eliminating the need for a reader to determine tyre position. The ContiConnect phone app can fulfil this function.

Quick entry into ContiConnect

“Our new solution with the valve cap sensor offers fleets a quick entry into the world of ContiConnect,” comments Clarisa Doval, head of Digital Solutions at Continental Tires. “For installation, the tyres do not have to be removed. This reduces downtime to a minimum. The information processed in the tyre management platform then enables fleet operators to optimise maintenance intervals and extend the operating times of their vehicles.”

Valve cap sensors transmit the data they collect either to a yard reader station or to a telematics unit. The first solution requires the installation of a readout station in a location regularly frequented by fleet vehicles, such as truck washing depots or fuel pumps. The station reads the data from the tyre sensors as the vehicles drive past and sends it to the Continental IoT platform. The live solution requires fitting a receiver unit in the tractor unit or trailer. The telematics unit transmits the data to the Continental IoT platform in real time.

The ContiConnect On-Site app displays all collected and transmitted data. Users can also access information in the web portal. The system sends out warnings should sensors detect a loss of pressure, with users notified by text message, email or via the app. Users can also document tread depth measurements or tyre damage recorded during a vehicle inspection within the app.

With the valve cap sensor, fleets can monitor tyre pressure in real time (Photo: Continental)

Reduce fleet costs

Continental anticipates that its new entry-level solution will benefit both small and large fleets. This is because equipping a vehicle with the valve cap sensor can be done in just a few minutes, therefore retrofitting an entire fleet only takes a few hours.

“After all, monitoring tyres is one way of increasing vehicle efficiency and thus reducing fleet costs,” states Continental. “Although tyres account for only about five per cent of investment costs for a truck fleet, they can account for more than half of all operating costs. This is because if a tyre loses air unnoticed or is driven with the wrong air pressure, the rolling resistance increases and with it the fuel consumption. In addition, in the event of a flat tyre, the vehicle or trailer is no longer operational until it is repaired.”

Factory-fitted sensors

When a vehicle’s tyres are due to be replaced, fleet operators can opt for an intelligent tyre with a factory-fitted sensor. All ContiUrban tyres come with the latest generation of sensors as standard, and Continental can factory-fit its third generation of truck tyres in the Conti Hybrid, Conti Efficient Pro, Conti CrossTrac lines should a customer request this. Furthermore, all Continental tyres from its Commercial Specialty Tires division are equipped with sensors at the factory.

Continental Tires says it is “creating an entire ecosystem of smart digital solutions centred on its premium tyres.” By 2030, the tyre manufacturer wants to be number one for service-based digital solutions.