JMB Travel has reported good results with a multi-solution approach to tyre management from Continental.
In 2016, the Wishaw business adopted a policy of fitting only Continental HA3 Urban casings to its full-size buses, a shift that coincided with the delivery of its first new vehicles. At the same time, JMB made the decision to deploy the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ContiPressureCheck on its bus fleet.
Director Martin Bell notes that the tyres from Continental used by JMB Travel return a life of around 30,000km more than others, although he adds that the rubber itself is not the only part of the Continental package that the operator appreciates.
“The customer service helps to make it a fully rounded package,” says Mr Bell. “It is clear that the ContiLifeCycle element works really well, which takes the hassle out of handling our used tyres. We have a strong relationship with the team at Continental, and that shows through our satisfaction.”
Deployment of ContiPressureCheck was largely down to a recommendation from nearby operator Whitelaws. The Stonehouse firm offered JMB what Mr Bell describes as “really valuable feedback,” including an observation that the TPMS product was helping to prevent ‘run flat’ punctures and maximising vehicle uptime.
“With a new fleet of buses on the way, we made the decision to fit them with the cab-based system before they entered service,” he continues.
Drivers initially were unfamiliar with the ContiPressureCheck cab interface. As a small amount of pressure variation is normal, especially when using a vehicle from cold, some early false alarms were generated, although the TPMS’s benefits were seen equally quickly.
“The strengths of using the system extend far beyond reducing tyre costs and helping to better plan our maintenance provision,” Mr Bell continues.
“ContiPressureCheck allows us to identify a tyre safety risk at the earliest opportunity and take the necessary steps to stop the danger form escalating. That might be stopping the vehicle at the earliest opportunity to prevent a blowout. Or it may be reassuring the driver that they have time to drive the bus to a safer place for passengers to disembark.
“It is a simple but effective system. With both Continental’s tyres and ContiPressureCheck fitted to our buses, we are confident in putting them out on the road in public service. The tyre is the only contact between the vehicle and the asphalt, so we think it’s an important area for any operator to invest in.”
