Continental produces its 200 millionth tyre pressure sensor

International technology company Continental is celebrating a major anniversary. Earlier this month, it produced the 200 millionth tyre pressure sensor.

Continental´s locations in France (Toulouse), Korea (Icheon) and Mexico (Guadalajara), which substantially contributed to this success, supply a large number of automobile manufacturers in Europe, Asia and America. "Since our first developments 16 years ago and the start of production in 2002, we have continuously developed the technology of our tyre pressure sensors and optimised the costs so that our sensors can be used in all vehicle classes. We are very happy to be able to continue our success with the number of 200 million manufactured units," says Andreas Wolf, head of Continental's Body & Security business unit.

Safer and more efficient

Continental says it is convinced of the advantages of direct tyre pressure monitoring systems and therefore focuses on producing suitable sensors. The direct measurement method is based on a sensor inside each tire to collect fast, direct and accurate readings of the air pressure and to provide the relevant information immediately. The market has also recognised the advantages of direct measuring systems: in Europe, for example, two thirds of vehicles, which are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, already use the direct method. This figure is even over 85% in North America.

Above: Direct tyre pressure control systems actively support the driver to keep the recommended tyre pressure and therefore increase safety.

"The safety and environment mega trends in the automotive industry are particularly important to us in developing our products and solutions. We have recognized the advantages of tyre pressure monitoring sensors for these trends and are therefore continuously developing our technology. Our sensors are already making driving safer and more efficient," adds Wolf.

The sensors ensure more safety by actively helping the driver to maintain the recommended tyre pressure. The driver receives accurate information about the status of the tyre pressure and can react immediately. This optimises the vehicle's handling performance and reduces the risk of breakdowns and accidents. For example, the braking distance increases by over six metres on a wet road surface at a speed of 100 km/h and a tyre pressure of 1.6 instead of 2.1 bar.

In other terms: while a car with optimum tyre pressure has already stopped, the vehicle with excessively low tyre pressure is still moving at a speed of 33 km/h. With regard to the environment, the right tyre pressure optimises the rolling resistance and reduces tyre wear. As a result, the vehicle drives much more efficiently and consumes less energy while rolling. If the tyre pressure of all four tyres of a vehicle is 0.2 bar too low, fuel consumption rises by as much as 1%. This figure rises to 4% if there is 0.6 bar pressure loss and the service life of the tyre falls by 45%.