On July 6, 2024, a new EU regulation will take effect, mandating the installation of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) on all newly registered trailers and semi-trailers across the European Union. This regulation, known as UN-ECE-R-141, has been in place since July 6, 2022, with the goal of improving road safety standards by including advanced systems such as Tyre Pressure Refill Systems (TPRS) and Central Tyre Inflation Systems (CTIS).
This legislation not only increases safety on the roads but also promises a reduction in operational costs. With TPMS, drivers of commercial vehicles can monitor their tire pressure in real-time, ensuring that trailers always travel with optimal pressure. This monitoring helps reduce rolling resistance, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
In addition to enhanced safety and lower fuel consumption, proper tire inflation prevents premature wear, extending the lifespan of the tires and reducing vehicle downtime, as it lowers the risk of punctures. This results in decreased replacement and maintenance costs, thereby improving the overall operational efficiency of transport fleets.
The UN-ECE-R-141 regulation precisely defines the functionalities required from control systems. All new commercial vehicles with a total mass over 3.5 tons must be equipped with a functioning TPMS. The system must alert the driver immediately if the pressure deviates by more than 20% from the preset level or if it reaches a minimum pressure of 150 kPA. These alerts are to be communicated through clear visual signals, allowing the driver to react promptly.
