Michelin adds RFID to CMV tires, upgrades Tire Care program
NASHVILLE — Michelin Americas Truck Tires is now embedding radio frequency identification (RFID) chips inside commercial truck tires and retreads, enabling fleets to better manage their tire assets throughout the full life cycle. Michelin made the announcement here at the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual General Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
“Michelin is the first manufacturer to integrate RFID into its full commercial truck tire portfolio,” said Ralph Dimenna, chief operating officer of Michelin Americas Truck Tires division. “Michelin is leading this effort to improve fleet performance and bottom line, and we continue drive innovation for fleets by integrating technology and enhancements to our services that add value to our fleet customers’ business.”
Installation of the RFID chips began last July, and currently, about 98% of the commercial truck tires produced globally are manufactured the embedded chips, Dimenna told HDT.
“The chips can give us a very accurate picture of all the work that tire has seen,” says Dimenna. “And they are a real asset to fleets as they can help tract tire life and service required of the life of the tire and even into the retreading process.”
The chip is built right into the tire in a well protected area during the manufacturing process. It’s not added after the tire is built or stuck un under a patch after the tire goes into service. Dimenna says the chips will last beyond the life expectancy of most commercial truck tires.
Tire Care 2.0
Michelin also announced an upgrade to its comprehensive tire care service first rolled out in 2015. Michelin Tire Care has been helping fleets identify and address tire issues that lead to downtime, low mileage, high fuel costs and safety risks. In the past year, Michelin says 20% of vehicles inspected in the Michelin Tire Care program comprised a Red Tag event, …Read the rest of this story
