What type of entrepreneur are you?
Avoidance or compliance – there are two fundamentally different strategies for entrepreneurs to respond to legal requirements. On the one hand, the imposed obligations can be largely circumvented and fulfilled only minimally. On the other hand, the new regulations can be used proactively to maximise the benefits for the company. When digital tachographs were introduced in 2006, some freight forwarders quickly purchased vehicles with the old control devices. Others had taken a close look at digital tachographs and recognised their advantages early on. The situation is similar to tyre pressure monitoring systems. You can stick with the standard sensors or integrate the technology into a comprehensive system. This helps prevent accidents and breakdowns, save fuel, and optimise maintenance intervals. Without a doubt, it makes sense to choose the second option.
TPMS: Why is retrofitting a good idea?
The legal requirement to install tyre pressure monitoring systems only applies to new vehicles purchased since July 2024. However, it may also be a good idea to retrofit older vehicles with TPMS – this is the only way to consistently and comprehensively reap the benefits in terms of safety and economy.
Where should the sensors be placed?
TPMS sensors are usually mounted directly on the tyre valve (valve sensors) or inside the tyre (direct sensors on the rim bed). They continuously measure tyre pressure, tyre temperature, movement, and rotation. The placement must be tailored to the specific vehicle—especially in the case of twin tires or trailers. The protection class (usually IP67/IP68) and the operating temperature range of the sensors, which should be between –40 °C and 125 °C, are important factors to consider.
How is the data transmitted?
The recorded sensor data is transmitted by radio (usually 433 MHz or 2.4 GHz) to a central control unit. This unit processes the information and forwards it to the on-board computer or driver display, the installed telematics modules, and/or the fleet management system.
How are the sensors maintained?
TPMS sensors require little maintenance, but are not maintenance-free. The following specifications and instructions should be observed:
- Battery life: 5 to 7 years (depending on usage profile)
- Sensor replacement: possible or advisable when changing tires
- Calibration: Necessary for vehicle or tire configurations
- Maintenance intervals: Visual inspection and functional check once a year
- Software updates are performed via the central control unit or via remote update through the telematics system.
How do you implement a TPMS system in your own business?
A typical rollout for the introduction of a TPMS consists of five phases:
Phase 1: Analysis (1 to 2 weeks)
- Record vehicle types, tire configurations, and usage profiles
- Goal definition: Monitoring only or full telematics integration?
Phase 2: System selection and piloting (2 to 4 weeks)
- Selection of suitable TPMS solutions and providers
- Test installation on selected vehicles
Phase 3: Rollout (4 to 8 weeks)
- Retrofitting or commissioning by trained workshop personnel
- Driver instruction and training of the fleet manager
Phase 4: Integration and fine-tuning (2 to 3 weeks)
- Connection to telematics platform, dashboard setup
- Definition of alarm thresholds, reporting metrics
Phase 5: Operation and monitoring (ongoing)
- Ongoing evaluation
- Adaptation of processes and maintenance strategies
How can typical mistakes be avoided during implementation?
Successfully implementing a TPMS system is a technical and organizational process that requires a systematic approach. Here are a few specific recommendations and success factors:
- Early involvement of IT and workshop staff
- Select pilot vehicles from different operational profiles
- Regularly validate and document sensor data.
- Integrate TPMS into existing sustainability and maintenance strategies
Conclusion: By following a few rules and familiarizing yourself with the technology, you can safely reap the benefits of an integrated TPMS in your own company. With the support of an experienced telematics provider such as AddSecure, you can fully exploit the potential of tyre pressure monitoring systems. At the end of the process, you will enjoy a number of advantages:
- Greater efficiency
- Reduced risk of accidents
- Minimized vehicle breakdowns
- Optimized workshop planning
- More satisfied customers
- Fuel savings
- Reduced CO2 emissions
Ask your AddSecure contact for your individual TPMS solution!