Hella Inc. has unveiled a radio-controlled system for monitoring tire pressure and temperature, the Hella TC-400. The device is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 and uses tire sensor valves "in place of conventional tire valves," according to Hella officials.
Sensors send data to a control unit, which forwards data to a cockpit display.
"In the event of a sudden pressure loss, the control unit triggers an optical and acoustic alarm. The display shows the position of each tire on the vehicle and displays (information) for each tire individually."
The product can be installed "in any vehicle that is not originally equipped with an original equipment (tire pressure monitoring system) or has been fitted with upgraded or custom wheels."
It also is compatible with nitrogen-filled tires, note Hella officials, "but is not suitable for use in heavy-duty applications."
