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Operating an efficient and safe truck and trailer fleet begins with best-in-class parts and equipment. And relying on high-quality tires can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your vehicles on the road. From choosing the right tires to monitoring wear and tear and performance, prioritizing tire health should be a key component of your fleet management strategy. If overlooked, poor tire management can result in driver and vehicle safety risks, increased downtime, reduced productivity and potential loss in revenue.
Modern connected fleet technology tackles these issues head-on with tire monitoring capabilities that provide real-time data and analytics, enabling you to make informed decisions for your trucks and trailers. In this blog, MICHELIN Connected Fleet highlights the key elements of an effective tire management plan to keep your vehicles moving forward.
proper tire selection
When managing multiple truck and trailer fleets, it is necessary to identify and select the right tires for your vehicles. Start by assessing your current fleet and analyzing tire conditions to know which tires need repair or replacement. To make this a seamless process, consider investing in connected fleet technology that provides historical tire performance data, helping to inform your tire purchasing decisions.
Another key component in choosing the right tires is considering your vehicle’s load capacity and the terrain of your route. For trucks and trailers that can carry larger loads, choosing heavy-duty tires is crucial for optimal performance and operational efficiency. Additionally, analyzing trip routes is a necessary step when selecting tires so you can ensure your vehicles are well-equipped to handle the road ahead.
regular inspections & maintenance
Fleets are only as productive as they are healthy. Driving with overworn or underinflated tires can lead to potential collisions, breakdowns or on-the-road incidents. By conducting vehicle inspections, you can identify when your tires need repair due to worn tire tread or low tire pressure or if they require replacement. Consider implementing regular post-trip truck and trailer inspections, performed daily, weekly or monthly, to assess the condition of your vehicle and analyze tire performance. Routine inspections, combined with preventative maintenance schedules, not only support the condition and lifetime of your trucks and trailers but also the state of your business by mitigating tire issues from escalating into emergency roadside incidents, enhancing fleet and driver safety and preventing costly downtime.
Tire pressure monitoring
One of the most critical components of your truck and trailer tire management strategy is monitoring tire pressure. From fuel efficiency to driver safety, tire pressure directly impacts vehicle performance and operational productivity. Underinflated tires can cause increased rolling resistance, which affects fuel consumption and impacts driving conditions, potentially putting drivers and others on the road at risk. This can further delay operations, leading to costly repairs and increased downtime due to unplanned maintenance.
Maintaining safe tire pressure levels starts with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). These electronic systems monitor your tire’s air pressure, assessing when the pressure falls below or rises above a certain threshold. Fleet managers can receive real-time information on tire pressure data, ensuring they are constantly aware of their tires' condition. Not to mention, TPMS monitors tire temperature levels. When your tires are underinflated, they overheat and wear prematurely or unevenly, putting your drivers and vehicles at risk.
TPMS takes it a step further by enabling fleet managers to remotely monitor tire pressure and proactively schedule maintenance as needed to minimize the risk of truck and trailer breakdowns. Additionally, these systems provide valuable tire performance data over time so fleet managers can identify specific patterns and gain operational insights to make informed tire management decisions.
Work with a tire management partner
Elevating tire management within your broader fleet management strategy can directly impact business growth and operational productivity. Consider working alongside a trusted fleet management partner who understands your tire needs and can provide the tools and technology to enhance tire health and performance. MICHELIN Connected Fleet takes a consultative approach by helping you assess your tire pain points and directing you toward a tire management plan that increases vehicle lifetime, supports driver safety, benefits fuel efficiency and keeps your business moving forward.
Ready to upgrade your tire management plan? Connect with the MICHELIN Connected Fleet team today to learn more about tire performance solutions. Call 800-358-6187 or contact us online.
Reach Out to MICHELIN Connected Fleet to Learn More Today.
Written by The MICHELIN Connected Fleet Team
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