Directly measuring tire inflation offers enhanced benefits to the vehicle manufacturer, to the driver, and to the environment. Therefore Continental has decided to focus on direct tire pressure measurement technology.

Continental recommends car manufacturers worldwide the consistent use of direct measuring technology in their new car models to ensure that vehicle tires are always inflated to an optimum level. This recommendation is owed to steadily rising requirements to tire pressure measurement. It also reflects the significant potential of direct measuring technology, making it possible to exploit the greater contribution to CO2 reduction.

Looking at the total system benefits of direct Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) technology, Helmut Matschi, Member of the Executive Board of Continental AG and Head of the Interior division, said: “Direct tire pressure monitoring is a showcase of how many benefits a vehicle manufacturer and driver can harvest when the technology choice is made taking the whole system into account. Direct measuring technology is superior in speed and accuracy on an immediate function level. But when you look at the additional driving safety and comfort that can be created on the system level if using sensors inside the tire, this builds a strong case for direct pressure measurement.”

“Direct” Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are based on a sensor inside each tire to collect fast, direct and accurate readings of the air pressure and temperature at any time, under any road condition, and at any driving speed. Instead of actively measuring the air pressure, indirect systems calculate it, based on information from the wheel speed sensors. According to Continental this indirect principle will not be sufficient to ensure the intended fuel economy levels and is therefore not capable enough to help to meet the European CO2 targets.

In addition to the existing passenger vehicle legislation in the US, now, Phase 1 of tire pressure monitoring shall be mandatory in the European Union (EU) as of 2012 and in Korea in 2013. The Phase 1 was a first step to help car drivers to reduce fuel consumption. A European Phase 2 is planned to further ensure that the overall plan to reduce CO2 emissions and to raise the safety level is followed by using all reasonable available measures. The drive behind both Phases of the legislation is to improve the status of properly inflated tires and thus vehicle safety, reduced fuel consumption and emissions. While this is good news, the final benefit to the driver may differ depending on the type of tire pressure monitoring technology fitted in their car. Why is this so? Statistics reveal that most tire failures, for instance, are caused by a slow, gradual, and thus unnoticed loss of air. Direct systems can recognize gradual pressure loss with faster reaction time and higher precision. Direct tire pressure measurement reveals that problem quickly because it can work with much tighter thresholds. Giving the driver critical, accurate tire information enables the driver to react in a timely manner. By taking quick, corrective action, the vehicle safety is increased because proper tire inflation ensures optimal vehicle handling and helps to keep tire rolling resistance down. This directly translates into reduced fuel consumption and maximization of the tire’s life.