Are you making the most of your fleet tyres? While, it is common for many drivers to go for the same tyres that match the brand and model of the van they are using. However, you could be limiting the performance and life of your tyre and van by doing so. It should be a regular in this guide we will explore the importance of tire care for a fleet, and its commercial vehicles. As well as the different types of vans and how to choose tyres for the commercial vehicles in a fleet.
How can commercial drivers care for their tyres?
- Pre-trip inspections : Make sure that you inspect your tyres before starting a trip, in order to identify any issues or damage
- Up keeping correct tyre pressure: regularly check it’s higher pressure to guarantee the tire has an even wear and doesn’t lack in performance
- Quickly fix punctures damage: repair any punctures and damage straight away in order to prevent any more issues
- Align wheels to keep wear even aligning your wheels to make sure that your tyres were evenly and extends their life span
- Know when to replace tyres : don’t use a tyre for any more than required, keeping an eye on the tread. There’s no point trying to put off a new tyre to save money, because you are putting yourself and your cargo in danger.
Which tyres are right for my fleet?
Choosing the right tyres for your fleet is important for both safety and performance. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind when deciding:
Matching Tyres to Job Type
The first step to understanding which tyres you need is reviewing the job your vehicles will be doing. If they will be in wet conditions, then we recommend opting for a set that have a tread pattern that guarantees grip. On the other hand, if you needed to encounter a rugged terrain then tyres with a thick sidewall will be the better choice as they can hold against punctures and other damage.
Tyres, Load and Weight Limits
Make sure that your tyres can handle the weight of the load a vehicle is expected to carry. Overloading your vehicles is really dangerous. Especially if you don’t have the right tyres that can handle weight. If a vehicle’s load exceeds the limit, the driver may be issued a fixed penalty notice ranging from £100 to £300.
If one of your company’s vehicle is found to be overcrowded, depending on the overload. The enforcement authorities will report the driver for prosecution if it exceeds 30% though. If the person is found guilty, a fine of several hundred pounds is coming your way. We recommend looking for XL, which stands for Extra Load, or RF, which stands for reinforced.
Tyres for heavy-duty deliveries
The tyre classification system will help you to understand the capability that your vehicle can carry and across which terrain. Tyres that are labelled C, are designed to be used for vans that carry heavier loads over uneven terrains, like country roads, industrial estates, and construction sites.
Budgeting for fleet tyres
When selecting tyres for your fleet, you need to know what budget you have to play with. Consider both the initial cost and long-term money saving potential. Premium tyres can provide you with more value over time. Explore the expert premium tyres vs budget tyre guide to help you understand what needs to be factored into your decision.
Why is Tyre Care Important for Fleet Vehicles?
Tyre care should be an ongoing process for a commercial driver, starting before a trip commences and up kept. Tyre care is the management of your tyres. It should include inspections, pressure checks, tread depth monitoring and looking for any punctures or damage.
Looking after your commercial vehicle tyres is important, but why:
- Maintain safety: If your tyres are looked after, then they are at less risk of blowing out and losing your control at work
- Keeps your vehicle reliable: Constant maintenance will minimise chances of breakdown and keeps consumption costs lower.
- Stay compliant: Safety regulations need commercial drivers to maintain their vehicle and tyres to a certain standard.
How to Extend the Life of Your Tyres
Regular Air Pressure Checks
Unlike cars that have a constant weight, vans that are used for deliveries have a constantly varying weight. As a result, the pressure of tyres needs to be checked regularly on delivery vans. If not, then the tyres will not be correctly distributing weight.
Correctly Installing Tyres onto a Fleet Vehicle
First, you must use the recommended about of tyre bead lubricant, otherwise it can ruin the performance of your tyre. It’s also key to keep your surrounding area clean whilst you are installing a tyre. If you use a dirty or oily hands, then the tyre may not be installed correctly and safely.
Maintenance Checklist for Fleet Vehicles
We recommend creating part checklists that your fleet drivers can use before and after each trip to review their tyres and of our parts of the vehicle. This will increase the longevity of your vehicles and keep them in the best condition possible. We have found that providing steps to the drivers really streamlined this process. Here is what we include for a tyre maintenance checklist:
- Tread depth
- Pressure of your tyres
- Visually inspect for any damage like cracks or bulges in your tyre
- Inspection for any foreign object stuck in it like nails or glass
- Dust caps – check condition and not leaking air
- Don’t forget to check the spare tyre’s condition as well!
Storing your Tyres Correctly
Tyres properly is essential for their longevity and durability, especially for seasonal tyres and spare tyres here are guidelines:
- Sure that your tyres are completely dry before storing them away
- Store tyres in the cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and hot temperatures
- Position them horizontal stack them horizontally on each other and avoid a lot of weight on the top