Real-time tire pressure monitoring is now available with the SmartWave TPMS system just launched by Dana Corporation’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group, with improvements in tire wear and fuel economy among the many benefits. It results from last year’s marketing agreement between Dana and SmarTire Systems Inc. of Vancouver. The TPMS system lays the foundation for a host of wireless sensing and vehicle communication system solutions, says Dana.

Real-time pressure monitoring means the system works on the road, not just when a truck or trailer is passing through a stationary
gate-reader or when someone is using a hand-held device. The SmartWave system ‘speaks’ to off-board communication systems,
sending real-time pressure and temperature data to provide proactive maintenance scheduling as required. A record-keeping function provides convenient access to tire-pressure events.

Temperature fluctuations have a direct impact on proper operating tire pressures, but the system automatically compensates, ensuring proper inflation regardless of tire temperature. It’s a feature that will take on greater importance, says Steve Slesinski, director of
product planning for Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems, as new 2007 exhaust treatment systems are expected to add significant
heat discharge under the vehicle.

The SmartWave TPMS system alerts the driver via a warning lamp if a tire deviates from the tire maker’s recommended pressure
settings. Each tire’s condition can be graphically indicated on a dash display unit, allowing the driver to see the current pressure of
each tire, as well as a warning when one is low.

Slesinski says the SmartWave TPMS system will generate substantial customer savings in fuel efficiency and tire wear by preventing the potential for damage associated with over or under-inflated tires. Reduced tire wear also substantially improves a tire’s potential for re-treading and additional life.