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Published: 18 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 18 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
Manual tyre checks take time, and they’re easy to miss when a yard is busy. That’s why some fleets use drive-over tyre monitoring: vehicles simply pass through a fixed checking point and tyre condition data is captured automatically.
WheelRight is one of the better-known UK companies in this space, offering a drive-through tyre safety check station that uses ground-based sensors and imaging equipment to send results into a cloud portal, with alerts available by SMS/email/web portal (depending on the installation). [1] [2]
What WheelRight’s drive-through system measures
WheelRight describes its system as a drive-through station installed at a customer site, where vehicles “simply drive through” and diagnostics are uploaded to a cloud-hosted portal. [1]
- Tyre pressure checks as vehicles drive over sensors (“pressure-in-motion”) [1]
- Tyre temperature measurement [1]
- Vehicle weight and axle weights (“weigh-in-motion”) [1]
- Tread imaging using cameras/strobes and software to measure tread depth and identify tread damage [3]
Older write-ups of WheelRight’s “sensory pad” approach also describe pressure and temperature checks plus weight/axle load being delivered to the driver within seconds. [4] Wheel alignment isn’t presented as a standard feature on current technology pages. [1]
How it works day to day (fleet view)
WheelRight’s model is designed to sit where vehicles naturally enter/leave a depot. The “drive through – no need for any devices on the vehicle or in the tyre” approach is part of its pitch, along with automated identification and reporting. [2]
- Number plate and fleet ID recognition to assign results to the correct vehicle [2]
- Instant alerts plus online access to inspection results and images [2]
- ANPR linking for automated SMS notifications to driver or fleet manager [5]
Why tyre pressure is the big win
Underinflation increases rolling resistance (requiring more energy to move) and heat/flex in the tyre, which raises risk and running costs. TyreSafe and FORS summarise the impact: for every 10% decrease in tyre pressure, fuel consumption rises by 2%. [6][7] RoSPA explains underinflation also increases sidewall flex and operating temperature, contributing to premature tyre failure. [8]
Does automation replace manual checks?
Automation reduces the frequency of time-consuming manual pressure checks, but most fleets still combine automated checks with:
- Visual inspections (cuts, bulges, sidewall damage)
- Periodic manual verification and maintenance
- Prompt repair processes when alerts flag a problem
So it’s best to see systems like this as an early-warning layer, not a total replacement.
If you run one van (not a fleet)
You don’t need a depot sensor pad to take the core lesson: check tyres routinely.
- Check pressures regularly (more often if high mileage or carrying heavy loads)
- Inspect tread and sidewalls for damage
- Fix slow punctures quickly rather than “topping up and hoping”
Government safety messaging also notes that underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption and should be checked regularly, especially before long journeys and when heavily loaded. [9]
Sources
- WheelRight — Technologies overview: View source
- WheelRight — Solutions (alerts + ANPR/fleet ID): View source
- WheelRight — Tread Imaging (cameras/strobes, damage detection): View source
- WheelRight — “The Wheel Deal…” sensory pad overview: View source
- IMechE — Drive-over tyre pressure reader (ANPR + SMS alert): View source
- TyreSafe — Fleet tyre management (10% pressure drop → 2% fuel increase): View source
- FORS — Tyre management guide (PDF) (10% pressure drop → 2% fuel increase): View source
- RoSPA — Tyre safety factsheet (underinflation → higher temperature & failure risk): View source
- GOV.UK — Save money on your holiday driving (check pressures): View source
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
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