Consumers will soon have access to the next development in advanced tire pressure monitoring technology, thanks to an agreement between TRW and Michelin.

The combination of smart tires and intelligent software will give motorists the ability to avoid many of the hazardous driving conditions that can be caused by underinflated tires. With the new technology, drivers will have advance warning when a tire experiences a potentially hazardous inflation level, according to TRW and Michelin officials.

Low tire air pressure can lead to tire failure while driving with current-generation tires. The TRW TireWatch(TM) System uses a sensor mounted on the tire valve stem to monitor air pressure and temperature inside the tire.

The sensor transmits the information via a radio signal to a control unit in the vehicle, which provides warning messages to a driver information display. This technology will not only alert drivers to potential problems, but also will identify which tire is involved (autolocation), with the warning delivered in time to take action.

The companies will work on developing advanced warning strategies that will deliver information in the most effective format to alert drivers to take corrective action.