Continental is introducing new technology to meet the needs of the automotive sector in regard to new regulations on tyre pressure monitoring systems. REDI-Sensors will be launched onto the European market in the summer ahead of new rules which make it compulsory for all new cars in the EU to have TPMS in November.

The new regulations and changing technology will have a significant impact on any motor trade business that fits tyres and are also something that all garages and mechanics will need to be aware of.

The global automotive industry is currently split between two different TPMS technologies. Some car makers favour an indirect system where tyre pressure is not measured actively, but calculated from the information provided by the wheel speed sensors. Vehicles with indirect systems must be recalibrated after tyre pressure is changed or if a tyre is replaced.  The alternative is a direct TPMS system where the tyre pressure is measured by sensors fitted inside the tyre. These direct systems are generally thought to give quicker and more precise measurement.

With direct systems, replacement sensors will experience growing demand, due to sensor failure or damage, or where vehicles are fitted with two sets of seasonal tyres. Continental says its VDO REDI-Sensor will be able to cover a large part of this replacement market with a range of only three universal sensor types, reducing the need to stock multiple sensors.

VDO REDI-Sensors also offer other advantages in terms of no additional sensor programming being required in workshops with the sensors delivered ready for installation.  VDO REDI-Sensors are also installed in the inner liner of the tyre which helps to make sensor installation easier for workshops, and protects the sensor better against mechanical damage whilst reducing any corrosion.

Continental says it is ideally placed to meet the demand for replacement TPMS sensors as it combines the unique know how of a leading supplier of automotive electronics with the expertise of a leading tyre manufacturer and can draw on years of experience in the development and production of direct-measurement TPMS systems.  The company is also able to offer a comprehensive TPMS portfolio under the VDO brand ranging from the ContiSys Check TPMS diagnostic tools to replacement TPMS sensors and service.