Tire Inspection Using Smart Devices
Frédéric Baroin
Global Head of Automotive Business at Anyline
Tire scanning is one of the best ways to measure the tread of a tire. This is newer technology, not yet incorporated into many fleets. Yet, understanding how it works can help companies streamline operations and achieve more of their goals.
Tire Tread Scanning Options
There are four methods for measuring the tread depth:
- Handheld devices
- Drive over
- Stationary machines
- Scanning using a smart device
The use of a tire tread gauge remains one of the most commonly used methods, but it requires a person to accurately measure the tread depth and then manually write down the information. This often incorporates human error into the mix and only one measurement can be done at a time. If measurements need to be taken on several tires, the process is even more time-consuming.
Other digital readers can be used but only provide the reading of the tire tread data. These can be very expensive and inaccessible to some organizations since they cost a few thousand dollars per device. More so, they do not integrate well or easily within existing tech stacks, making them less beneficial. Mobility for handheld devices is good, but they do not capture the data as accurately and as efficiently as they should.
Drive over machines are another option, requiring the investment into a mat that can cost $10,000 to $40,000, which is often cost prohibitive for most situations. These can be accurate, but they work in just one location, where the mat is placed, so they are not scalable, require constant maintenance and typically do not offer mobility options.
Stationary machines are another option commonly used. While reliable, these devices are able to measure the depth of tread in several tires at one time. However, for that to happen, the tire has to be removed from the vehicle, stacked in front of the tower-like device and then scanned. This can work well in a tire warehouse but does cost tens-of-thousands of dollars to put into place, making it costly and inefficient for most needs.
Multipurpose tire scanning apps are a better overall solution. They work with a single smart device – any device that has a camera, like a smartphone, tablet, or modern diagnostic devices. That includes the most recent Android and Apple phones.
Smart Device Tire Tread Scanning
Anyline’s mobile smart device scanning solution is faster, more accurate, and affordable. The software solution can be deployed on any smart device with a camera, reducing costs to almost nothing when it comes to equipment purchases. It then integrates into a wide variety of mobile and web applications that you may already be using.
The scanning tool takes pictures and measures 100,000 points across the tire tread in a matter of a few moments, versus one single point using a handheld tire gauge. This provides a very accurate view of the tire’s health. The method eliminates the risk of human error and ensures that information is objectively collected, ensuring safety standards and compliance requirements are met.
The tool has an intuitive interface that allows for improved accuracy and a more objective determination of the work that needs to be done. More so, the tool is very easy to use and requires minimal training of employees.
Consider the core benefits of Anyline’s tools:
- Accurate tread depth measurement
- Delivers reliable results no matter who is using it
- Easy and intuitive to use, with minimal training required
- 260% Faster than typing
- A digital record of each tire measurement
- ISO-certified and GDPR-compliant data capture
- Reduces hardware costs
- Offers instant reports and recommendations if a tire needs to be changed
Take Away
When it comes to something as important as the tread depth of a tire, accuracy is essential, but efficiency is also a valuable component of the day’s work. Anyline’s tire scanning solution is the easy option, as it streamlines workflows to minimize delays and can work to enhance functionality on the job without the requirement of high-end equipment. Most importantly, it is very accurate in capturing data that can then be used to determine the safety of any tire. This system also speeds up the process, ensuring there’s no delay in getting data online where it needs to be.
