Intelligent tyres capable of monitoring pressure, road conditions, and improve handling

I’m not sure how many people do this but I’m obsessed about knowing how my tyres are doing, they are four palm sized patches that make contact with the road and are therefore one of the most crucial elements of a car. I almost always check the pressure of all four wheels before and after a drive so I know how they behave and I know what to expect when going all out and committing myself to a corner. I just like to know, but the work is tedious, especially on a hot day. But those days could soon be over.

According to a report on Autocar, the days of intelligent tyres capable of monitoring themselves, road conditions and communicating with a vehicle’s electronic system are just about three years away.

The sensors are being built by Schrader Electronics and according to the Irish company, the sensors can be mounted within a tyre rather on the valve or wheel rim like most sensors today.

The sensors then works by collecting data from the tyre about its pressure, road conditions and then transmits the data to the car’s ECU, and the ECU then adjusts ABS, ESP and other electronic systems accordingly.

The sensors collects the following data from the tyre, tread depth, pressure, temperature, the shape of its footprint, and the amount of load it is under. The best thing is, the sensor will also be able to gather data on the road conditions, such as the amount of grip available, to optimise control of the vehicle’s dynamics.

Schrader has teamed up with Pirelli to develop this technology, and the initial results of their work will go on sale later this year.

The fully intelligent tyre, to be called the ‘Cyber Tyre’, is expected to go on sale sometime in 2013, so till then, I guess people like me will have to continue to endure the heat and dirt associated with checking the tyre pressure to optimise handling and response.