Anyone that drives a truck understands that tires take a beating and are often the biggest financial expenditure of all maintenance costs.  Research shows that 80% of problems encountered with tires are caused by incorrect inflation.  Frequently, they are not checked often enough which leads to uneven wear.  Worst of all, underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency.

One new piece of technology designed to alleviate this problem is the automatic tire inflation system, such as that released by Pressure Systems International.   This system increases tire life by ensuring tires remain properly inflated at all times.  In the long run this saves on fuel and increases safety by compensating for pressure lost through slow leaks, punctures, and other problems.

This is different from an equalization system in that it does not just distribute the air from one tire to another.  Nor is it like the monitoring system that merely draws a driver’s attention to the fact that one or more tires have lost air pressure.  Instead, auto-inflation systems utilize the compressed air available through the truck’s own air system to re-inflate tires that fall below preset manufacturer levels.

The way this works is that all tires on the trailer are connected to an air supply that keeps them at the proper pressure, even when the truck is in motion.  Needed air is routed through a control box, which ensures that all tires have the perfect pressure at all times.  This extends the life of the tires as well as ensures that tire tread wears evenly and maximum fuel efficiency is maintained.  Regardless of whether a driver has a van, container chassis, flatbed, or something else, this system is easily adaptable.

There are also other great advances in technology when it comes to preserving tires and improving fuel efficiency.  Another option, also designed by Pressure Systems International, is the ThermALERT.  This system utilizes a thermal screw which melts if the tire temperature becomes too high.  When the plug melts, air is allowed to escape through the tee vent in the hubcap thereby triggering exterior lights and emitting an audible signal that warns the driver.  By adding this type of protection, drivers can take a proactive stance by avoiding damage caused by elevated temperatures.  This lessens downtime, costs, and risks and results in more business volume.

Maintaining proper levels of inflation are required to extend tire life, increase fuel economy, and ensure deliveries arrive on time.  Inflation and high temperature inflation and warning systems are a great way to make certain that tires are the last thing you have to worry about.  With all the new technology available today, reduced fuel use and lower maintenance costs are easier to achieve than ever.

Green Tires

 What have you been doing to live a “greener” life? As scientists have continued to urge people to try to respect the environment in their day-to-day lives, many people have attempted to make chances. But making lifestyle changes of this caliber can be difficult. How could you get buy without paper towels, paper plates, and other paper products? What if your neighborhood does not have a recycling program?

 Most people wish they could make a positive impact on the environment without having to change much of their lifestyles. Truck drivers are among those that are often targeted for living less than green lifestyles, as truck emissions are among the greenhouse gasses linked with global warming.

 But now there is a way for truck drivers to make a positive difference on their environment without making much of a change. They don’t need to throw in the trucking towel or switch to the Sham-Wow from paper towels, all they have to do is make a new selection when choosing tires.

 This is because the EPA has provided a list of green tires that will reduce the harmful emissions and fuel savings. Among those truck tires are two Michelin brands—the Michelin X One XDN2 drive tire and the Michelin X One XTE trailer tire.

 For years, the Michelin tire brand has been one that truckers have been able to trust. Well known for service and quality, Michelin tires are some of the best that truckers can have on their trucks and trailers.  But now, truckers can make the choice to go with Michelin for both their trucks and their trailers, not only choosing a sturdy tire, but also making a positive choice for the environment.

 Of course, truckers who do not like Michelin brand tires can check out the EPA’s list for other green tires on  the SmartWay list, to find other products that they can purchase in order to not only save the environment, but also to save money on fuel. The EPA has been able to construct this list after tire manufacturers sent them information about the tires they create.

 Although buying new tires is a part of every trucker’s life, it now has the opportunity to change the trucker’s lifestyle to a “greener one” without a great deal of effort. Instead of having to stop using paper towels while driving their trucks, truckers can now get green just by buying some of the most durable tires around.