Good Tyre Management Deflates Fuel Costs

Regular readers will know we build all Truckcraft products with many user-friendly features. Whether it’s the innovations we have developed for ease of use, longevity and driver comfort, we design our vehicles to be the very best they can be.

One key aspect of our R&D activity is looking for ways to reduce fleet running costs. That’s why we introduced TRAILAR’s solar technology to our range. This unique feature offers great eco-benefits and proven fuel savings. In conjunction, there are other actions managers can take to reduce fleet running costs. One of the simplest is implementing a tyre management strategy.

Michelin’s Advice

Michelin is one of the world’s foremost tyre manufacturers. They have many years of experience in their industry. So when they issue advice, it’s best to take it on board, especially when it promises to reduce fleet running costs. This guidance comes as four simple processes which, when rigorously followed, can offer a measurable reduction in running costs. So, let’s have a look:

Under Pressure

Check tyre pressures. Seems simple but estimates indicate that around 50% of car drivers are running on underinflated rubber. More worrying is that in 2017 there were 384 accidents caused by incorrectly inflated tyres. Maintaining the correct tyre pressures ensures that fuel economy, road holding and tyre wear are all optimised. That’s why it’s recommended you check tyre pressures monthly and adjust as required.

It’s not much to reduce fleet running costs, is it?

Wheel Alignment

Poorly aligned wheels and tyres have a detrimental effect on both tyre wear and handling. Telltale signs are uneven wear patterns and wayward steering and braking. Michelin recommends you should always recheck wheel alignment every time you into contact with solid objects, such as kerbs or potholes.

Tread Depth

UK driving law states that tyres should have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread on the central three-quarters of the tyre’s circumference. Anything less is illegal and subject to a fine and points on your license. It goes without saying tread depth also affects road holding and braking, especially in inclement weather.

The point here is anything that affects the optimum performance of a vehicle will also have a knock-on effect on fuel efficiency. All that’s required is a regular check of a fleet’s rubber with a depth gauge. In doing this simple procedure, you’ll minimise risks and reduce fleet running costs.

Driving Style

Michelin’s final piece of advice concerns how you drive. As Peter Wood, Michelin Key Account Manager reminds us:

“Although wear and tear aren’t completely avoidable, drivers can adjust their driving habits to keep tyres in good condition. Excessive braking, acceleration, or constantly stopping and starting can cause tyres to wear much faster, meaning more trips to the fast-fit centre.

One can go further and say that erratic driving as Wood describes also has a measurable impact on fuel usage. The message is clear. If managers want to reduce fleet running costs, they need to encourage and reward good driving.

Useful Advice

Michelin’s advice re tyre management is easy to understand and simple to implement. The Truckcraft team wholeheartedly endorse their recommendations. And when combined with the superb fuel-saving features of Truckcraft’s vehicles, you’re sure to make significant savings.

If you don’t have a tyre management strategy in place then maybe look to implement one soon, so you too can reduce your fleet running costs.

You know it makes sense.

For more information on the excellent fuel-saving benefits of Truckcraft’s delivery trucks and vans, please contact the Truckcraft Bodies sales team on 0161 304 9404. Alternatively, email glen.pinder@truckcraftbodies.co.uk or emma.jane@truckcraftbodies.co.uk.

Published: Sep 10