A fleet manager’s guide to tyre maintenance

Managing a fleet is a full-time business, so anything you can do to streamline your management duties and cut costs is a move in the right direction. You might not think that there is much to know about tyres, so how in the world can you change the way you manage your fleet’s tyres?

Well, here are 7 tips that you might consider working up into a management plan to enhance the life of your tyres, reducing your costs at the same time.

Check treads monthly

Tread inspections are often ignored until the next service, however, poor treads can lead to situations where the tyres lose their grip in wet weather and the vehicle slides or aquaplanes. Treads will automatically wear down over time, but poor driving habits can also lead to increased wear. If you think that your fleet’s tyres are being replaced too often, it might be wise to investigate your drivers’ driving styles, as well as nominating someone to check the treads monthly, scheduling replacements as soon as they reach 3mm in depth, just to be on the safe side.

Rotate the tyres

Rotating the front and back tyres every six months will even the wear on the treads that naturally occurs with front wheel drives (the front tyres wear more quickly than the rear tyres) and extend the life of the tyres. Rotate the tyres approximately every 8000km to 10000km.

Check the pressures

Always make sure that the pressures are correct for the tyres and for the loads being carried. If certain vans or cars always carry loads, then adjusting the pressures, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, can extend the life of the tyres; correct pressures can also increase the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Check tyre pressures monthly at the same time that the treads are checked.

Wheel alignments

When the wheels and axles are aligned correctly, the car’s performance is increased, maximising safety, reducing wear on the tyres, increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing your overall costs. Always perform a wheel alignment when tyres are rotated or replaced.

Increase your options

Some fleet managers have one tyre that they like, but if that tyre isn’t available when your cars need them, they might be fitted with less than optimum tyres instead. Always have a second and even a third preference, so if your first choice is not in stock, the technicians know which tyres to choose next.

Choose the right tyres

Trying to fit the same tyres to different vehicles that have different uses isn’t the best strategy for a fleet manager. Vehicles that go off-road or carry heavy loads in the back need particular types of tyres, so do your research, and make sure to match the right tyres to the tasks of each vehicle in your fleet. Never choose the cheapest tyres, just to save money on the front end, because they will undoubtedly cost you more in the end. Consider annual mileage, load weights and the type of roads that the vehicle is often required to travel when selecting the best tyres for each vehicle in your fleet.

Space saver tyres

These are not designed for long term use and can only safely operate up to 80km/h, so it will pay you to consider replacing these space savers with regular spare tyres that can go the distance if needed.

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