When in the quest for more sustainable transportation solutions, every little detail counts. One often overlooked factor in vehicle efficiency is tire pressure, which surprisingly, has a significant impact on fuel consumption and mileage in vehicles. While monitoring tire pressure has it perks and has been a common practice in the past using bulky devices and hardware, modern technology brings access to connected vehicle data that can revolutionize how we monitor and optimize tire pressure, ultimately leading to better mileage, improved driving styles, and reduced pollution levels.
Is checking the tire pressure really that important?
What traditionally has been a manual and tedious task on many occasions, checking tire pressure doesn’t always get the attention it seeks. Most drivers only think about their tires when they notice a visible issue or when they’re getting their vehicle serviced. However, even slight deviations from the recommended tire pressure can result in decreased fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires, for instance, increase rolling resistance, requiring more energy to move the vehicle forward and leading to higher fuel consumption.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
This is where tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) come into play. These systems, which have become increasingly common in modern vehicles, continuously monitor tire pressure in real-time and alert the driver if it deviates beyond the set limits. This includes the tire pressure falling below a certain threshold, but also rising beyond allowed limit. However, not all TPMS are created equal. Traditional TPMS rely on hardware sensors installed in the tires, which can be prone to malfunction or inaccuracies over time.
Enter connected vehicle data and embedded telematics systems that leverage the existing infrastructure of modern vehicles to collect real-time data on tire pressure, among other parameters. By tapping into the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system, these systems provide a more accurate and holistic view of the tire characteristics, with reliable information without the need for additional hardware. This not only reduces costs but also ensures consistent monitoring and reporting.
Impact on Fuel Efficiency
By maintaining proper tire pressure, drivers can reduce rolling resistance, thereby improving fuel economy. Studies have shown that properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%, translating to substantial savings over time.
Proactive Maintenance
Rather than waiting for a warning for a tire to deflate completely, drivers can receive real-time alerts and take immediate action as soon as the pressure in any of the tires starts to fall/rise beyond thresholds. This encourages a culture of preventive maintenance, reducing the risk of tire-related accidents and breakdowns.
Improved Driving Behavior
By analyzing tire pressure data alongside other parameters like speed and acceleration patterns, drivers can identify areas for optimization. This includes techniques such as maintaining steady speeds, reducing sudden stops and starts, and avoiding excessive idling – all of which contribute to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Lower Emissions
Embedded data relaying tire pressure information also has broader implications for environmental sustainability. By promoting fuel-efficient driving habits and reducing emissions, it contributes to lower pollution levels and mitigates the impact of transportation on air quality and climate change.
Scalability
Furthermore, the scalability of connected vehicle data means its benefits extend beyond individual drivers to entire fleets and transportation networks. Fleet managers can monitor the performance of multiple vehicles in real-time, identify maintenance needs proactively, and optimize route planning for maximum efficiency. This not only reduces operating costs but also minimizes the environmental footprint of commercial transportation operations.
In conclusion
Tire pressure plays a significant role in determining fuel consumption and mileage in vehicles. By harnessing the power of connected vehicle data through embedded monitoring systems, we can revolutionize how we monitor and optimize tire pressure, leading to better mileage, improved driving styles, and reduced pollution levels.