In metropolitan transportation, buses play a crucial role in moving people from one place to another. Tire maintenance can be a significant expense for bus operators, but the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors for buses can help reduce maintenance costs. Buses are often subjected to long hours on the road, carrying heavy loads and facing various road conditions. One of the most crucial parts of a bus is its tires, as they are the only point of contact between the bus and the road.
TPMS sensors constantly monitor tire pressure and temperature, alerting bus operators to any issues before they become more consequential and require costly repairs.
Today, this article explores how TPMS sensors for buses can help reduce maintenance costs and improve overall safety and efficiency.
Importance Of TPMS Sensors For Buses
TPMS sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of buses by constantly monitoring tire pressure and temperature. Proper tire pressure is essential for maintaining vehicle stability, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the life of tires.
Here we will provide some real-life examples of the importance of TPMS sensors for buses.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3.3 percent. For a bus that averages 6.5 miles per gallon and travels 50,000 miles per year, a 3.3 percent reduction in fuel efficiency would result in an additional 478 gallons of fuel per year.
At an average cost of $3 per gallon, this would result in an additional fuel cost of $1,434 per year. Using TPMS sensors ensures that buses maintain fuel efficiency and avoid these additional costs.
Reduced Tire Wear
Overinflated or underinflated tires can wear out faster than properly inflated tires. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33 percent of passenger cars and 25 percent of light trucks have at least one underinflated tire. In addition, the NHTSA estimates that underinflated tires can cause tire failure and contribute to as many as 11,000 crashes each year.
For a bus, tire wear has a significant impact on maintenance costs. A set of six tires for a standard 40-foot bus can cost around $4,500. By using TPMS sensors to monitor tire pressure and ensure proper inflation, buses can extend the life of tires and avoid premature replacement.
Improved Safety
Properly inflated tires are essential for maintaining vehicle stability and reducing the risk of accidents. According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, tire-related issues contribute to 11 percent of bus crashes.
Additionally, the FMCSA estimates that a single tire blowout can cost up to $15,000 in lost productivity, repairs, and other associated costs. TPMS sensors will monitor tire pressure and detect issues before they become more severe. Therefore, buses can avoid these types of accidents and associated costs.
Enhanced Tire Performance
In addition to the direct cost savings associated with improved fuel efficiency and reduced tire wear, proper tire pressure can also improve the performance of tires. Overinflated or underinflated tires can negatively impact handling, braking, and ride comfort, while properly inflated tires can provide a smoother ride and better overall performance.
Using TPMS sensors to monitor tire pressure and ensure proper inflation can provide a better experience for bus passengers and improve overall vehicle performance.
Real-time Monitoring and Alerts in TPMS Sensors
Many modern TPMS systems allow for real-time tire pressure and temperature monitoring, with alerts sent to the driver or maintenance personnel if an issue is detected. It can help identify and address tire-related issues before they become more severe, reducing the risk of accidents and costly downtime.
TPMS Sensors Reduced Labor Costs
Manual tire pressure checks can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly for large fleets of buses. By using TPMS sensors to automate the monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, bus operators can save time and reduce labor costs associated with manual checks.
The bus TPMS sensors can give real-time tire monitoring and avoid maintenance costs that can become bigger. Since underinflated tires affect bus performance, a modern TPMS sensor with wireless technology can help save significant costs.
Stay tuned to the Porcsi news and find out more about the TPMS for buses and its importance in the longer run.