Previous systems have...

Previous systems have always been fitted to the tyre valve, where heat from the brakes can affect accuracy, and they are prone to damage. But this is only the first step, according to the inventors. "Soon they"ll be able to measure tread depth, and even spot defects," revealed Dieter Wagner of Siemens VDO.

Meanwhile, US safety groups have called on tyre firms to print easy-to-read "born on" dates on their products. It comes after a number of fatal accidents blamed on old rubber. Experts estimate a tyre that"s more than 10 years old is past its best, even if the tread is still legal.