by Nexxo Fleet
September 1, 2021 1 PM
logistics,
tire monitoring systems,
air pressure,
tire inflation,
fuel performance,
trucking,
fleets
Fleet managers know that appropriate tire pressure reduces tire wear and results in fewer roadside breakdowns due to tire failures. Additionally, next to the cost of driver salaries, fuel is the largest cost for a trucking fleet, and fuel consumption is increased by 1% in vehicles running with even one tire underinflated by just 10 psi.
Despite this industry knowledge, a May 2020 report from the NACFE shows that:
- One out of five tractors/trucks/trailers is operating with one or more tires underinflated by at least 20 psi.
- 3.5% of all tractors/trucks operate with four or more tires underinflated by at least 20 psi.
- 3% of all trailers operate with four or more tires underinflated by at least 20 psi.
- Approximately 3% of all trailers, and more than 3% of all tractors/trucks, are operating with at least one tire underinflated by 50 psi or more.
- Only 46% of all tractor tires and 38% of all trailer tires inspected were within +/- 5 psi of the target pressure.
The best way to ensure that tires remain properly inflated is to monitor them in real-time while ensuring that both the driver and the fleet manager are alerted to low pressure.
If the issue is altitude change, temperature, or weight of the haul, the driver needs to be aware, but if there’s another issue, the fleet manager can create a work order for the next stop, and that can make all the difference.
What kind of system does Nexxo Fleet use to monitor tire pressure?
Answer: We currently have two systems to keep tire pressures in check. One is a real-time tire pressure monitoring ring that goes around the rim of the truck. It connects to the pressure entry on the tire and reads its pressure in real time. The second is through our ‘pistol’ monitoring system which uses a pressure measuring hose to check the tire pressure, and also uses a specialized needle to identify the depth tread.
Does Nexxo Fleet’s tire pressure monitoring system talk to most automatic tire inflation systems?
Answer: Currently, we integrate with a system called Vectiority. However, we can integrate with any other system or solution, making Nexxo Fleet one of the most versatile solutions in the market.
What makes Nexxo Fleet’s tire application more helpful than any other telematics system?
Answer: Most of our competition does not offer real time tire pressure monitoring or our depth and pressure pistol system integrated with telematics and other services in the same platform under the same login. By having it all put together, we are able to do things such as identify an issue with a wheel or tire, and immediately create a service order on our maintenance platform, as well as add pictures to our DVIR through the driver’s phone.
How often is data collected on tire pressure with Nexxo Fleet’s telematics system?
Answer: Data is collected and reported in real-time.
This much is true: the optimal operation of a commercial vehicle requires proper tire inflation pressure for fuel efficiency and decreased tire wear.
At the fleet level, system data can be used to better address issues like overzealous tire changes and tire failures on the road, creating a stronger tire strategy and maintenance plan.
