What tyre monitoring software and connected services are available to help keep fleets moving? Matt MacConnell finds out.
Regardless of fleet size, tyre safety and risk management is an essential topic of conversation, as getting either of these wrong could lead to fleet downtime and unexpected costs – and could also put the lives of fleet drivers at risk.
Rotating tyres, scanning for sidewall bulges and determining how much remaining tread is left are all visual checks that should be done regularly. Of course, carrying out these checks on each van before it heads out on a route can be time consuming, especially for larger fleets. However, there are a few solutions available, such as connected software, which continuously monitors tyres via sensors.
It could be argued that as technology advances, tyres are also becoming increasingly sophisticated. While this may be true regarding the materials used to help improve grip, sustainability and longevity, tyres cannot solely generate usable data. And, like cars, many vans on sale today come with in-built software that detects tyre pressure loss, but this is usually all that’s offered.
“[Tyres] need a connected service to act as a key component to capture and curate the data into meaningful insights,” reasons Matt Childs, customer category manager at Michelin. “Michelin Connected Fleet, part of the newly formed Connected Solutions business line, facilitates the data flow from the tyres, allowing fleet operators to understand and act upon the information coming from their vehicles. This assists in reducing downtime and costs, increasing productivity and helping fleets to operate as sustainably and safely as possible.”
Regardless of what a fleet specialises in, tyres are still exposed to tremendous amounts of strain and maintaining pressure is vital, especially in vans carrying heavier loads. It could be easy for this to slip among larger van fleets, resulting in instability or increased tyre wear, but there are systems available that take tyre monitoring to another level using an array of advanced sensors that automatically feed information back to a web portal or the driver.
“It’s possible to get real-time TPMS data, tyre temperature and brake information from sensors fitted to the wheel assemblies,” adds Childs. “In addition, the latest drive-over technology allows an extra layer of data richness, providing accurate tread-depth readings to be sent to operators.”
Bridge the gap
Similarly, Bridgestone’s Webfleet system also provides automated reporting and combines AI to report bad driving habits such as speeding, harsh braking and aggressive cornering. The Webfleet Pro M is a compact variant that intends to streamline vehicle checks and record readable diagnostics.
At the end of 2024, Bridgestone also released its new Duravis All Season Evo all-season tyre. The EV ready tyre replaces the Duravis All Season and is claimed to show a 15% increase in mileage and a 15% reduction in rolling resistance.
Some tyre manufacturers do a grand job at keeping with digital times and offer solutions like the above, but what do independent companies such as Staffordshire-based Wheely-Safe offer? Its light vehicle tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is suitable for small and large LCVs while the company’s Connect cellular-enabled system is aimed at larger fleets. The system monitors tyre pressures when the vehicle is driving or stopped, and drivers are notified via an in cab display whenever an issue, such as low tyre pressure, occurs. Tyre pressure aside, it’ll also detect loose wheel nuts, brake and hub overheating, and high tyre temperatures. The Connect web portal also allows for further reporting.
Checks and balances
Although not tyre manufacturers, both the RAC and AA are the two largest breakdown services in the UK, the latter having over 3,000 vans with around 270 of those being electric. According to AA statistics, three in 10 (30%) of car drivers are unsure how to check their tyres properly, a figure that should be less for LCV operators if they are trained correctly.
The AA Vixa wellness application allows drivers to take photographs of their tyres; AI then analyses the tyres and gives the driver information on the tyre brand and size and more importantly how old they are. It also detects how many more miles they have left and how much wear is on them. Once photographs are uploaded, drivers get a full health report and advice on whether their tyres need replacing. If they do, the AA will recommend garages and provide cost estimates.
“Gone are the days of a quick visual check and a pressure test if you’re lucky. Most of the major tyre manufacturers now offer cloud-based platforms with live data that can dramatically improve safety and reduce costs,” says Philip Swift, technical director at Claims Management Adjusting (CMA). “Some of the tyre monitoring apps for consumers are really good, but software which plugs into your fleet management package can take it to another level.
“From an insurance claims perspective, this has several important implications – and top of the list is safety,” he continues. “TyreSafe and others regularly highlight the role of alleged tyre defects in a shockingly high percentage of crashes. Any data that can help a fleet manager protect their staff, customers and the public is therefore very welcome. Then come the obvious financial and operational benefits – prolonged tyre life, reduced fuel costs and emissions, less downtime etc. Further to that, there’s compliance and liability to consider.”
Don’t come to blows!
If a van tyre blows out, it could lead to third-party property damage or, even worse, a road traffic collision. Blame will often be attributed to the fleet operator unless solid evidence surfaces. Decent tyre software should report a blowout and, although slightly more advanced, many can also detect what caused it. This can help build a defence to a claim and perhaps allow the fleet to pursue a claim against the relevant authority if the blowout was caused by debris or rough road surfaces. Many companies, including some mentioned above, offer trials that allow van fleets to test software products before making a large commitment.
AI is developing at an alarming rate, and AI-created videos and photographs can be terrifyingly believable nowadays, but its development can also save lives. If used in tandem with telematics, cameras (most modern cameras use AI), and tyre software, it can help prevent nasty accidents and unforeseen costs.
Human intervention is still required to monitor software and run reports but if the correct software is chosen, this should be minimal.
Similarly, we shouldn’t rely on AI to fully replace human intervention, and although monitoring devices and products make our lives easier, knowing how to check tyres manually is imperative. It’s also worth understanding the law around tyres. A law implemented on 1 February 2021 states it’s illegal for vehicles above 3,500kg (gross) to use tyres older than 10 years on the front axle. If a fleet operator is caught by the police with tyres older than this, they could be issued with a fixed penalty notice or be disqualified from driving. This also commonly carries a large fine that would impact both the business and the operator.