Michelin Launches New Fleet Inspection System
Goodyear Introduces Revolutionary Two Piece Assembly
Car Tyre Insurance Product Launched
STS Stops Brake Problems with Pro-Cut
New Fulmen Personalised Battery Leaflets

Michelin Launches New Fleet Inspection System

Michelin has launched a new, high-tech fleet inspection system that has been developed in conjunction with Pneu Logic and is set to improve the efficiency and speed of its commercial vehicle tyre inspection reports. The new system has been trialled with Allied bakeries, a Michelin Fleet Solutions (MFS) customer that operates almost 1,400 trucks and vans.

The internet-connected Pneu Logic system allows Michelin fleet inspectors to examine vehicles at a customer's site by entering the registration or fleet number of a specific vehicle on a hand-held computer. This will display the relevant tyre data from the last inspection, or allow them to create a new vehicle identity with its associated tyre data. The Pneu Logic system's rugged design allows it to be used in all weather conditions and even in poor light, thanks to its backlit screen. Tread depths and pressure readings can then be taken using a single advanced electronic probe that sends these measurements to the hand-held computer.

On completion of an audit the Michelin Fleet Inspector can print out a full inspection report to leave behind with the Fleet Engineer, outlining details of any tyre related work that needs to be undertaken before the data is uploaded to a central server via a modem. The central server then integrates this information into the main Michelin database, creating a non-changeable file with the details of the full site audit, which is sent electronically to the site manager, the local tyre dealer and to the Michelin account manager.

Pneu Logic Fleet will be included in the services provided by MFS, a specialist department, which provides dedicated account management support to national account fleets.

Goodyear Introduces Revolutionary Two Piece Assembly

Goodyear has announced the introduction of a new innovation, which the company is describing as a revolutionary development. The new Two Piece Assembly is being introduced in a 45R57 size for large haulage trucks. Insiders at Goodyear are quick to clarify that its newest product is not a tyre.

"It's a multifaceted assembly meant to solve many of mining's challenges," said Tom Walker, general manager of off-the-road tyres. "It offers many benefits such as reduced downtime from tyre changeovers, higher payload capabilities, improved traction, handling, stability and ride on haul trucks, not to mention increased productivity and cost per ton savings.

" Like the name suggests, the Two Piece Assembly consists of two separate but vital pieces. The assembly consists of a casing and a tread belt package. The two pieces have corresponding grooves that interlock during assembly. Once assembled, the two pieces are held together by the air pressure in the inflated assembly.

Goodyear's Two Piece Assembly provides many favourable benefits to mine operators. No longer does a rock cut mean the end of the life for one of the most expensive types of tyres in the industry. With the Two Piece Assembly, mine operators can change out just the damaged tread in a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost of removing a complete conventional tyre.

"Normally, tyre changes on a large mining truck can take as much as eight to nine hours," said Walker. "With the Two Piece Assembly, you can change a tread belt package in a fraction of the time. No longer do operators need to destroy an entire tyre after damage to just the tread or sidewall. Because the assembly consists of two pieces operators are given the option of replaceable parts. Damage the sidewall with a large rock gouge -- replace just the casing. Damage the tread with a large railroad spike -- replace just the tread. This reduces waste taken to the landfill, which makes the Two Piece Assembly environmentally friendly too, an added bonus."

The Two Piece Assembly also provides intriguing options for the future. "Mine operators will soon be able to change the treads on their haul trucks based upon conditions. For example, one tread for arid-dry conditions and one for soft-wet conditions," said Walker.

Car Tyre Insurance Product Launched

Insurance specialist website www.protection-insurance.com have added a new Car Tyre Insurance policy to their protection portfolio. For a premium of just £38.50 a year, the policy covers the cost of replacement or repair, including the valve and balance, caused by:

Accidental Damage (up to £250 per tyre)
Malicious Damage (up to £250 per tyre)
Puncture (up to £50)

If a customer needs to call out help to assist in any of the above situations at the roadside up to £30.00 towards the cost, within the maximum limit, will be paid.

Sarah Kirby, spokeswoman for www.protection-insurance.com says: "Our new Car Tyre Insurance policy is an exciting and valuable addition to our portfolio. Research shows that the average driver needs to replace a car tyre due to damage or puncture every year - which could cost up to £400 each time. This policy will help reduce the costs of car maintenance as well as give peace of mind when out and about."

STS Stops Brake Problems with Pro-Cut

Brake problems could become a thing of the past for customers of fast fit retailer, STS Stapleton's. The tyre and exhaust company has introduced the Pro-Cut DMS system in its Royston centre, to help put an end to uneven brake wear and damaged rotors.

The new system works with a brake lathe being precisely fitted to the vehicle hub, to ensure the rotor is re-surfaced to the hub's axis thereby guaranteeing a perfect fit between the hub and the rotor. This matching of the hub and the rotor is key to the system working effectively and without this, brake pulsation would occur resulting in damage to the system and costly replacement of the rotors. Brake pulsation is the result of uneven wear between brake pads and the brake disc. In order for a car to stop smoothly, the pad and the brake disc must conform to one another so that brake pressure is consistent over the entire contact area.

Eric Foster, general manager of retail at STS is pleased that Royston will now offer this service. He says: "Brake problems are among the most common that we have to deal with for our customers, so this new equipment will help put an end to these."

New Fulmen Personalised Battery Leaflets

Exide Technologies has produced two new promotional leaflets, which are designed to help stockists promote the full range of Fulmen batteries. Fulmen's three tier "Good, Better, Best" range of batteries for cars and light vans is explained on "The Right Choice" leaflet while Demanding Performance highlights Fulmen's CV batteries for all types of heavy vehicles. Both leaflets display the features and benefits of the Fulmen range and can be personalised with each customer's contact details and logo, making them ideal for local promotional and awareness activities.