Well-maintained tyres improve fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability, ultimately reducing costs. As such, keeping operations running seamlessly depends a lot on this area of fleet management.
Simply put, thoroughly investing in tyre upkeep leads to better vehicle performance across the board. To help you optimise tyre management for your commercial vehicles, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to fleet tyre performance.
The Impact of Tyres on Fleet Performance
Fuel Efficiency
With commercial vehicles consuming considerable amounts of fuel, efficiency is a priority for fleet managers, especially in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
One critical aspect is tyre pressure, given that underinflated tyres create greater rolling resistance, forcing vehicles to use more fuel. Maintaining the right tyre pressure is therefore essential for improving fuel economy and ensuring smoother, more sustainable operations.
Costs
Extending tyre lifespan is a practical way to cut expenses. Regular maintenance - such as routine rotations and proper alignments - helps tyres wear evenly, preventing premature replacements.
Keeping tyre pressure at the correct level also minimises uneven wear, further prolonging their usability. By maximising tyre longevity, fleet managers can lower replacement frequency and decrease operational costs.
Productivity
Eliminating vehicle downtime is necessary for maintaining an operational fleet. Tyre-related problems can lead to unexpected delays, disrupting schedules and lowering overall productivity.
Rigorous inspections and maintenance help identify issues before they escalate. Specifically, proper tyre inflation and routine checks for damage significantly decrease the risk of sudden breakdowns, while also reducing the need for frequent repairs and making sure vehicles stay on the road longer.
Driver Safety
Maintaining tyres is vital for driver safety, as sufficient tread depth enhances grip, lowering the likelihood of skidding and accidents. Routine inspections and timely replacements help prevent dangerous blowouts too, making tyres a key factor in general road safety.
Tyres that are cared for contribute to more responsive braking, which is especially the case in challenging weather conditions. Moreover, safety systems like anti-lock brakes work better when tyres are in optimal condition.
Fleet Tire Management Strategies
Preventative Maintenance
A preventative approach to tyre management starts with regular checks. Tyres should be inspected frequently for signs of damage such as cuts or punctures. It's also important to monitor tread depth, guaranteeing it meets legal safety requirements at all times.
Part of such maintenance includes rotating tyres to promote even wear, along with balancing them to stop vibrations that may compromise vehicle control. Keeping detailed records here lets fleet managers monitor tyre health over time, plan replacements more effectively, and spot trends before they result in poor tyre performance or failures.
Driver Training
Uneven tyre wear can signal underlying mechanical issues like misalignment or suspension problems. Regularly checking for these patterns allows for prompt detection and corrective action, such as adjusting wheel alignment and inspecting the suspension system.
While routine tyre rotation helps distribute wear evenly, driver behaviour plays an equally crucial role in tyre management. Harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and aggressive cornering can quicken wear and impact tyre performance. Training drivers to adopt responsible driving techniques both increases tyre longevity and overall vehicle efficiency.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is integral to tyre management because it provides real-time pressure data and alerts fleet managers of any fluctuations which could compromise safety or efficiency.
Modern TPMS technology uses built-in sensors to track pressure levels, with readings displayed on the vehicle’s onboard system. This enables managers to detect and resolve potential issues before they cause downtime. Alongside relying on TPMS, it’s worth manually checking pressure regularly and adjusting it according to the manufacturer’s specifications to establish consistent tire performance.
Fleet Tyre Management Solutions from MICHELIN
Tyres might seem like a small component of fleet operations, yet their performance is fundamental to efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Perfectly maintained tyres not only heighten productivity, but likewise contribute to substantial cost savings.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we recognise the importance of tyre management, which is why we’ve developed fleet tyre management solutions. Our solutions integrate tyre pressure and temperature monitoring and predictive tyre maintenance so that managers are given an unprecedented degree of visibility.
If you're looking to optimise your fleet’s tyre performance in order to cut down on operational costs, then be sure to make an enquiry into how our services can support your business today.
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