Continental Tires has introduced new ContiConnect Live cloud-based solutions to assist fleets in real-time, intelligent digital tire monitoring of all vehicles in the fleet.

Continental tire sensors collect data from inside the tires and forwards it to a telematics unit or Bluetooth dongle and driver app. The data is transmitted to the ContiConnect web portal in real time. The information can then be viewed on a computer or mobile device. The information can be used for truck and trailer monitoring or stand-alone trailer monitoring. Any of these solutions coupled with the Continental tire portfolio will enhance the life of the tires but also suits any tire brand, Continental officials said in a press release.

The following a newly introduced solutions.

ContiConnect Live Truck and Trailer Solution

Available March 2023 for long haul and regional applications and fleets that do not return to a central location frequently, the ContiConnect Live solution for truck and trailer provides GPS asset tracking. 

ContiConnect Live Stand-Alone Trailer Solution

Available fall 2023 is ContiConnect Live Stand-Alone Trailer solution. Not all trailers stay with the cab in regional and long-haul applications, and a lot operate in a “drop and hook” environment”. This battery-powered device solution allows unhooked trailers to be real-time monitored 24/7 for up to a month with GPS location, mileage estimation, tire pressure and temperature data. Tire issues can be addressed without waiting for the trailer to return to the depot. Stolen or missing tires can be detected when the sensors are read, and their location determined.

“Fleets have many more trailers than trucks sitting all around the country,” said Shaun Uys, head of Continental US Market Truck Tires Replacement, during a TMC press conference. “Now, with our telematics box mounted on the back of a trailer, you can get a daily ping with an update on its location via GPS, as well as an update on the health of all systems on the trailer.”

ContiConnect Yard Reader

Originally introduced in 2019, the ContiConnect Yard platform collects information through a telematics tracking system to provide the condition of tires on the trucks and trailers. This solution works with trucks that return to a central location daily or frequently. Vehicles need to be in the proximity of the yard station reader for approximately two minutes to collect data including tire pressure, tire temperature, and sensor information and transmit the data to the IoT platform. Any tire issues can be addressed while in the yard. Tire inspections and fleet checks can be performed without touching the tire.

“Venezia operates 750 tractors and 1,500 trailers that utilize a ContiConnect Yard Reader,” said Bob DeAngelo, director of maintenance atVenezia Transport. “The ContiConnect Yard Reader gives Venezia the ability to quickly show our customers that we have implemented a solution to ensure on-time deliveries.” Venezia Transport has increased their trailer tire life span from 24 to 36 months.

Generation II Sensors

This ContiConnect component sensor provides true casing temperature allowing preventative actions to prolong tire life. The sensor is mounted to the inner liner of the tire and is brand agnostic. Available from the factory in new tires, the sensor lasts approximately four years to minimize service disruptions. The tire monitoring functionality includes:

• Pressure and temperature

• Mileage estimation

• Battery estimation

• Bluetooth connectivity

“Continential has a solution for any fleet, from small fleets to very large one,” said Carolina Wagner, head of marketing and digital solutions sales for truck tires, U.S. “Now, Continential will build radio frequency identification tags into all of our tires and track that tire from cradle to grave. And these antenna are built into the tread of the tire in a way that survives the retread process and allows you to track tires beyond its first life.”