Bridgestone Team  | 5 min read

As of 7th July, 2024, all new Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), including trucks, trailers, buses, and coaches sold in the UK and the EU must be equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This article explores what TPMS is, its significance for your business and the actions you need to take to stay compliant.
 

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system fitted to vehicles to evaluate tyre pressure or detect any pressure variations, transmitting this information to the driver  while on the road. It provides real-time data, allowing timely corrective actions, that improve safety and vehicle performance.  The EU's regulatory provision on TPMS for commercial vehicles marks a major advancement in road safety, extending tyre lifespan, reducing fuel consumption, and minimising environmental impact.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for businesses that depend on HGVs. Incorrect tyre pressure can cause several issues, including increased fuel consumption, accelerated tyre wear, and the risk of tyre blowouts, which can result in costly downtime and accidents. Implementing TPMS can help mitigate these risks by ensuring tyres are properly inflated at all times.

Bridgestone research conducted in Europe with over 90 fleets showed that: 

_{¹ Source: Bridgestone research with +90 fleets in Europe in 2020 | Relative share of fleets stating this as primary reason why they care about tyres, with the highest being 100%
² Source: Bridgestone (based on 20% under­-in­flation, the impact may vary depending on the tyre specific­a­tions)}

Here’s how it benefits truck fleets, truck dealers and the entire commercial vehicle industry:

1. Safety first: Properly inflated tyres are crucial for safe driving. TPMS continuously monitors tyre pressure and alerts drivers when it falls below the recommended level, reducing tyre failure risk and ensuring a higher level of safety.
2. Fuel efficiency: Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. TPMS helps fleet managers maintain optimal tyre pressure, resulting in significant fuel savings and reduced operational costs.
3. Extended tyre life: TPMS prevents premature tyre wear caused by incorrect pressure. By ensuring tyres operate within the manufacturer’s specifications, fleet operators can maximise tyre longevity and reduce replacement costs.
4. Environmental impact: Properly inflated tyres contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Correct pressure also enhances the ability to retread tyre casings, optimising the use of raw materials. The new EU regulatory provisions on TPMS align with commitments to sustainability and cleaner transportation.

Existing HGVs without TPMS are not required to retrofit one under the current regulations. The new TPMS mandate only applies to new vehicles sold within the EU from 7th July 2024, with no obligation for existing vehicles to be modified.

However, fleet owners should consider the following:

• Safety and efficiency benefits: Although not mandatory, installing TPMS on older HGVs can greatly enhance safety and fuel efficiency.
• Anticipating future regulations: There is a possibility that future regulations may extend TPMS requirements to older vehicles, making it a prudent consideration for fleet management.

For vehicles equipped with TPMS, whether installed by the manufacturer or using an aftermarket solution, fleet managers should ensure they have the right digital tools to access this data in real time. These will allow them to optimise operations and enhance efficiency.

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