NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Meritor has announced a new tire inflation system for linehaul tractors.

It was showcased for the first time at the Technology & Maintenance Council meetings. The MTIS Tire Inflation System for Trucks automatically monitors tire pressures while the vehicle is in motion and inflates underinflated tires as necessary.

If continuous inflation is required, the system alerts the driver to check the tire or seek out service.

“We listened carefully to customers who have expressed a need to lower costs due to tire underinflation,” said Jay Craig, president and chief operating officer for Meritor. “We’re leading the industry in automatic tire inflation systems, and our MTIS system is one of many new products the market can expect to see from Meritor that will help end-users operate their vehicles more efficiently.”

Meritor says underinflated tires can decrease tread life by up to 20% and negatively impact retreadability.

“Maintaining proper pressure requires constant attention,” said Ken Hogan, general manager, rear drivetrain for Meritor. “In addition to reducing tire and fuel costs, the MTIS system enhances performance. Tire companies have stated that up to 80% of roadside tire failures are a direct result of creeping air loss.”

Validation of the new system began in 2014 and will continue through this year. Meritor is targeting a limited North America launch in 2016.