Smart tires alert drivers when maintenance is needed

New smart tire system records miles driven and alerts drivers via cloud-based app when any maintenance is required.

World famous tire company Pirelli has introduced the Pirelli Connesso, a smart tire system that helps drivers better maintain their vehicle’s performance. Embedded within two types of Pirelli tire, the P Zero and Winter Sottozero ranges, the sensors gather data that includes miles driven, temperature and pressure (even when the car is stationary) and amount of wear on the tire. Information is provided for each tire separately, gathered in the Pirelli cloud and then sent to the driver via app.

Alerts are sent before anything is too worn out or low, giving the driver time to arrange the necessary repairs. Making it even easier to care for the vehicle is the app’s ability to find the nearest garages able to carry out the relevant work. Appointments can also be booked via the app. Further development of the sensors will focus on the social aspect of the app, such as providing drivers with notices about forthcoming motor sports events and shows. The smart tires are expected to go on sale in the United States in the summer of 2017 and will then be available in Europe and countries further east later in the year.

Smart cars are taking many forms, with solar powered cars using moss as a dashboard air filter and one luxury car firm providing an automated refueling service that eliminates the need for drivers to stop at gas stations. How can luxury services be combined with sustainability initiatives to provide the best of both approaches to personal transport?