PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America has launched new tire pressure monitoring technology as an aftermarket offering for its Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner and Western Star commercial vehicles.

Company officials said that the new system, introduced during the 2012 Great American Trucking Show in Dallas in August, allows for real-time tire performance monitoring for better fuel economy and safety.

The system provides air pressure and tire air temperature data while driving or stationary, enabling drivers to address tire issues before they occur. The system reports per-axle high and low pressure and rapid pressure loss alerts that can dramatically increase a driver’s ability to avoid dangerous situations, according to the company.

Customizable axle settings also allow for driver notification of other issues, including hanging brake calipers, bearing failures and individual tire defects.

“We’re excited to be offering this new system for our Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses,” said Todd Biggs, director of aftermarket parts and service marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. “It’s always a great benefit to be able to offer drivers and fleets more information about the performance of their vehicles.”

Biggs noted that blown tires are most often caused by under- or over-inflation.

“Running the proper air pressure prolongs the life of the tire, increases fuel economy and improves safety through fewer on-road tire failures,” he added.

The exterior sensors screw on to standard tire valve stems and communicate wirelessly every two minutes with a central control unit. Company officials said that the system is easily added to any 12-volt power system and is offered in six- and 10-sensor kits for quick tractor setup, with additional sets of two available for monitoring up to 34 different tires at a time.

The exterior fully sealed sensors feature durable brass threading and military-grade five-to-seven year lithium-cadmium batteries. The system is backed by Daimler Trucks North America’s one-year warranty and support at more than 800 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

To read about other recent developments with Thomas Built Buses, see our new Q&A with President and CEO Kelley Platt.