Intelligent tyre pressure management from SAF-Holland
SAF-Holland has explained the benefits of its SAF Tire Pilot I.Q. system, which provides an automated, permanent tyre pressure monitoring and inflation solution for commercial vehicle trailers.
For fleet managers and transport operators, says SAF, maintaining optimum tyre pressure is a critical yet challenging daily operational task.
“Under-inflation leads to increased rolling resistance, accelerating tread wear, elevating fuel consumption, and most critically, raising the risk of sudden tyre failure on the road. The SAF Tire Pilot I.Q. system addresses this,” said the company.
“It functions as a continuous maintenance assistant, designed to pre-empt problems before they escalate into roadside breakdowns. The system’s core safety benefit is its proactive intervention. Factory-set to maintain a nominal 9 bar pressure, it begins automatic top-up via the axle air lines when it detects a pressure deviation as small as 0.2 bar.
“This immediate response to slow leaks or minor punctures maintains tyre integrity, significantly reducing the probability of a sudden deflation or blowout. Drivers receive a direct warning via the tractor’s dashboard through CAN and EBS interfaces, ensuring immediate awareness of any issue while the system works to mitigate it.
“This constant pressure management delivers clear safety and economic advantages. By ensuring tyres are always at their correct pressure, the system optimises tyre life and reduces irregular wear. It also contributes directly to fuel savings by minimising rolling resistance.”
Operators are said to benefit from reduced downtime, lower tyre replacement costs, and decreased fuel expenditure. The system simplifies spare tyre management, says the company, as it does not require proprietary wheel sensors.
“Furthermore, the SAF Tire Pilot I.Q. supports digital fleet management. System status, pressure parameters, and performance data are accessible via a dedicated app with WiFi connectivity, providing clear evaluations for maintenance planning.
“For operators prioritising fleet safety and total cost of operation, automated tyre pressure systems represent a significant step forward. The SAF Tire Pilot I.Q. offers a robust solution that actively works to prevent tyre-related incidents, supports drivers with real-time information, and contributes to more sustainable and cost-efficient fleet operations.”
