Fleets are being urged to review their tyre management policies as new research shows drivers are neglecting tyre checks.
A survey of motorists by Venson Automotive Solutions found as many 45% do not conduct regular pressure checks of their tyres.
In response, the fleet funding and management specialist says the findings highlight the need for fleet managers to evaluate the impact poorly maintained tyres have on the cost and efficiency of their fleet, as well as the safety of their business drivers.
“Ensuring fleet driver safety should always be at the top of the agenda for any business, but it’s easy to overlook how important regular tyre checks are,” said Gil Kelly, operations director of Venson Automotive Solutions. “These should be at the core of any tyre management policy, with staff trained to frequently carry out necessary checks, including tyre pressure, tread depth and damage. The provision of written reports by drivers – or the use of an online app, such as R2C’s digital driver pre-use check – detailing defects should be mandatory, alerting the fleet team or their fleet management provider of any issues.
“Once an issue is highlighted, appropriate action needs to be taken immediately, not after weather conditions give cause for concern. Fleet managers should ensure the company’s tyre supplier offers onsite tyre health checks on a regular basis. Grouping vehicles together for tyre health checks mean the tyre supplier can plan which tyres to stock, reducing the headache of vehicle downtime for fleet managers.”
Kelly added that under proactive vehicle maintenance, fleet managers should understand where a vehicle is in its contractual period, the type of mileage it’s doing and the type of driving it’s being subjected to.
He continued: “If a vehicle is at the end of its contract, and its tyre tread is at 2mm, it’s not worth replacing it. But if a vehicle still has six months on its contract and is due to do a lot of miles, then a tyre change makes good sense.”
Venson also urged fleets to fit all-season tyres to avoid the hassle and expense of storing and changing winter tyres, with Kelly adding: “Whilst it may be tempting to invest in winter tyres, our experience tells us that all-season tyres are usually enough and negate the need for extra storage space and expense.”
He concluded: “All these considerations form part of a business’s tyre management policy, which will help manage a safe, efficient fleet. Fleet managers who put in place a well communicated and monitored tyre management policy will have the confidence that their drivers are always prepared.”
VENSON AUTOMOTIVE’S TYRE MANAGEMENT POLICY TIPS:
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