Heavy duty truck driving fast on roadIn recent years, we've seen smart TVs, smart fridges, smart washing machines... but what about smart tires? It sounds like a goofy comedy sketch, but Michelin's not playing around. The major tire brand's Connected Fleet division has seriously introduced a new "smart tire" monitoring system. They're calling it Smart Predictive Tire technology, and it's supposed to result in fewer breakdowns and better safety overall for heavy-duty truckers, specifically, Class 7 and Class 8 operations.According to the press release, the Smart Predictive Tires combine real-time pressure and temperature tracking with predictive analytics. If it works as well as it says, the system could change the way maintenance is done on fleets. In theory, fleets could move away from dangerous roadside fixes toward early detection and prevention. Take the tech's proprietary "Smart Leak" algorithm, for example. While you may monitor your car's tires for signs of slow air loss, this feature automates detection for heavy-duty trucks by monitoring tire data around the clock. If there's a problem, fleet managers would get an alert to address the issue before the truck hits the road again. Early testing looks promising (but it's still early)Michelin tires on heavy duty truckMichelin's Smart Predictive Tires aren't exactly ready to hit the road just yet. That said, they are ready for testing. In fact, they've already been through some initial pilot programs over in Europe. According to the company, these early results show the predictive approach could lead to 80% fewer roadside tire emergencies. They also saw up to 9% longer tire lifespan and up to 4% less fuel consumption.Of course, it has to be said: The true test won't be until people can actually get their hands on these and drive in real-world conditions themselves. Michelin even acknowledges as much in the press release: "Actual results will vary depending on fleet size, vehicle type, routes, maintenance practices, and implementation." Until then, these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Whether you think it's smart or stupid, Michelin seems to believe in it wholeheartedly. We'll have to wait and see how independent tests look before we can say for sure. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.