Wheely-Safe is making its intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing technologies available for connection to commercial vehicle telematics and CAN bus for the first time, with a new range of open platform connected devices available alongside its standalone products.
The launch forms part of the biggest series of upgrades by Wheely-Safe to-date, enhancing its offer to fleets, telematics providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It includes the introduction of the world’s first auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor, eliminating the need for external valve sensors if fleets prefer.
Steve Jackson, Managing Director of Wheely-Safe, says: “Truck and bus fleets increasingly want everything running through their telematics and that brings huge advantages for the Wheely-Safe product. It means we can provide access to real-time pressure and temperature data remotely, which can help to prevent breakdowns and takes the guesswork out of organising tyre maintenance.”
Wheely-Safe says its new generation of connected systems can be configured to ensure drivers receive immediate alerts in the event of an emergency, such as a loosening wheel nut, sticking brakes, hub failure or rapid deflation being detected. But now the use of telematics means these alerts can also be relayed directly to the transport office, enabling them to contact the driver and ensure immediate action has been taken.
Similarly, notification of non-critical events, such as when a tyre has dropped just below optimum inflation pressure, can be sent directly to the transport or workshop team, enabling rectification work to be organised when the vehicle returns to base and without interrupting the driver or their schedule.
Internal TPMS sensor
Wheely-Safe is also launching an auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor which can adhere to the rim of any size wheel. Protected by a global patent, this unique sensor can distinguish between intentional pressure adjustments, and genuine underinflation or leakage, and offers an extended battery life of 5-10 years, depending on vehicle utilisation.
It is manufactured from a flexible engineering-grade material and, being incredibly thin and light – weighing just 21g – offers the maximum versatility for all vehicle types.
Jackson adds: “We’ve built a huge amount of intelligence into our sensors, but this is the jewel in our crown. It’s perfect for the original equipment market, plus it can be quickly and easily retrofitted by a tyre technician. Once affixed to the wheel rim, it is protected from the elements and brings distinct advantages.”
New accessories
Wheely-Safe has also expanded its range with a new keyring-sized WalkAround Checker. Designed for use as part of a driver’s daily inspections, it can be held against any Wheely-Safe TPMS or wheel loss sensor and a series of red, amber and green lights report the latest sensor status – with red highlighting an issue which requires immediate attention.
Connected devices record a log of the completed walkaround inspections, whilst standalone in-cab receivers feature a dedicated symbol which illuminates to confirm if an inspection has been completed in the previous 24-hours – enabling managers to confirm inspections are being carried out daily.
An updated Pressure and Brake Temperature Checker is also available for workshop staff, giving them both immediate tyre pressure readings and the highest brake/hub temperature recorded in the last 24 hours, when held next to a sensor.
Wheely-Safe is also launching new wired and five-year battery-powered boosters for use on longer vehicles, amplifying the signals from sensors on the rearmost axles to ensure the unit in the cab clearly receives all transmissions.
A next-generation range of wired and solar-powered receivers completes the launch, for displaying driver alerts in the cab.
Availability
Both connected and standalone systems are supplied with intelligent TPMS sensors to provide a base level of cover. Wheel loss and brake temperature sensors can be added to increase protection.
Prices to equip a standard two-axle bus or rigid truck start from £250 for TPMS, or £350 to combine TPMS with wheel loss and temperature sensing capabilities. Systems are available directly from Wheely-Safe, and selected tyre dealerships.
All products in the range come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.
For more information visit www.wheely-safe.com
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Notes to editor:
Wheely-Safe Ltd is a technology business founded in 2010 by two lifelong friends – Gary Thomas, a Director of his own transport compliance consultancy, and Gary Broadfield, a Director of Technology and serial inventor for a large Japanese electronics manufacturer. Together they brought the marriage of skills required to help solve wheel loss issues in the automotive sector, and to tackle the huge number of vehicles driving every day on under-inflated tyres. The early years of Wheely-Safe concentrated on attaining worldwide patent protection and technology small enough to fit near the wheels of all vehicle types, from cars and vans to trucks and trailers – with its first products launched into the market during 2018. www.wheely-safe.com
For further press information please contact:
Dan Jones or James Keeler at Garnett Keeler PR on 020 8647 4467 or by email to dan.jones@garnettkeeler.com / james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
To access Wheely-Safe’s online newsroom please visit https://www.gk.news/wheelysafe
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