FLEETDRIVE
polymer spokes that flex under load. Without the risk of punctures, fleets reduce roadside breakdowns and emergency call-outs, improving delivery reliability and driver safety.
Brake Technology That Thinks Ahead
Brakes are a critical safety system, and the latest technology is making them more responsive and reliable.
Brake-by-wire systems, now in trials for light commercial vehicles, use electronic signals instead of hydraulic fluid to activate the brakes. This design reduces mechanical complexity and allows the braking force to be adjusted instantly for each wheel. For example, if sensors detect that the rear axle is carrying more weight, the system can automatically apply more braking force to those wheels, improving stability.
Manufacturers such as Bosch and Continental are also integrating brakes with vehicle safety systems like adaptive cruise control and lanekeeping assistance. These systems allow for coordinated braking, where the vehicle can slow itself smoothly if traffic ahead stops suddenly, without the driver having to slam on the pedal.
Electric and hybrid fleets are benefiting from regenerative braking. This technology converts kinetic energy back into electrical energy during deceleration, storing it in the battery. Regenerative systems can handle much of the braking in everyday driving, which means brake pads and discs wear more slowly, sometimes lasting twice as long as in conventional systems.
Advanced brake materials are also improving performance. Carbon-ceramic discs, for example, maintain their stopping power even at high temperatures, making them ideal for heavy vans on long downhill routes.
Faster, More Accurate Safety Checks
Regular safety checks are a legal requirement for fleets, but they can be time-consuming and labour-intensive.
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