How Can Proper Tyre Management and Quality Van Tyres Help Reduce Your Fleet Costs

Managing commercial van fleets can be tough, especially since every operational choice directly affects profitability. One key area that often slips under the radar for fleet managers aiming to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) is tyre management. Discover how to lower your fleet expenses through effective tyre management and why quality van tyres are important to your business by reading our guide below.
 

Train Your Drivers

Knowledge and driving habits significantly affect both fuel consumption and tyre wear in vans. Drivers need to learn best practices that can help them save fuel, reduce tyre wear, and prevent accidents. Some of the best practices include:

• Inflating tyres correctly 

• Identifying early signs of a tyre issue 

• Driving slowly on rough terrain 

• Minimizing excessive braking and harsh cornering 

• Avoiding rapid acceleration and overloading
   

Additionally, monitoring driving behaviour using telematics can provide valuable insights into improving efficiency and ensuring better vehicle maintenance over time.
 

Have Spare Wheels and Repair Kits Ready

Drivers should be able to perform minor repairs on their fleet tyres by themselves including checking for air pressure, patching up small punctures using repair kits, and ensuring adequate tread depth.

However, while these quick fixes can be helpful in emergencies, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive assessment by a qualified technician who can address any underlying issues and ensure that the tyres are safe for continued use.

Effectively Maintain Your Commercial Van Tyres

Tyre pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential, as improper pressure can lead to increased wear, higher fuel consumption, and compromised safety. Check the tyres on your vans regularly to ensure they are properly inflated.

To enhance monitoring, consider installing a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which provides real-time updates and alerts on tyre pressure and temperature. With TPMS installed, you can reduce tyre wear and tear, prevent tyre-related accidents, eliminate manual pressure checks, and also plan proactive maintenance schedules.
 

Tyre wear and tread depth

When assessing the condition of your fleet tyres, it's important to check tyre wear and tread depth. As the tread wears down, the stopping distance increases, making it more difficult to brake effectively. Also, consider tyre rotation as a preventative maintenance to help ensure all your tyres wear evenly. While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, it's advisable to consider replacing your tyres when the remaining tread depth reaches approximately 3 mm.

If you're looking for an alternative to replacing your worn-out van tyres, retreading could be a viable option to extend their lifespan. MICHELIN provides a professional retreading service that not only helps you reduce TCO but also ensures that you can continue using your tyres safely.
 

Damage and repairs

Don’t forget to check for damaged areas on tyres and wheel alignment. If you notice any issues with your commercial van tyres, it's important to have repairs conducted by tyre specialists. In cases where tyres are beyond repair, timely replacement is necessary to ensure safe operation.

To streamline the process, consider utilizing mobile tyre fitting services. This allows your staff to remain on-site without needing to drive the vans to a fitting station. Remember to book appointments in advance to avoid unnecessary trips and minimize downtime.
 

Invest in Quality Van Tyres

Performance Challenges Van Tyres are Facing

The variation in road surfaces arises from the continual shifts between urban streets, construction zones, and rural pathways. These diverse conditions can impact safety and lead to increased downtime, particularly on wet roads. Additionally, with rising fuel prices, there is a growing emphasis on achieving better fuel efficiency in vehicles.
 

Key Features of Quality Van Tyres

When considering purchasing new van tyres, it might be tempting to choose budget options because of their lower price. However, investing in high-quality tyres can lead to superior performance over time.

Quality tyres feature stronger construction, such as reinforced sidewall designs, which can help protect against damage from curbs and other obstacles commonly found in urban environments. They also utilize specialized rubber compounds, providing better abrasion resistance and extending overall mileage.

Certain high-quality van tyres are designed to offer lower rolling resistance. This feature can contribute to improved fuel efficiency, ultimately helping to reduce overall fuel costs for your fleet.

Moreover, the optimized tread patterns found in quality tyres enhance grip, particularly on wet roads, ensuring a safer driving experience.

In conclusion, investing in quality tyres is a wise choice, as they ultimately save you money in the long run, proving to be more cost-effective than cheaper alternatives.

Choose Agilis 3 for Your Van Fleet Business

MICHELIN Agilis 3 is an eco-designed and EV-ready van tyre that helps increase fuel efficiency with lower rolling resistance. It also features a long-lasting tread life and reinforced construction to withstand potholes and aggression from uneven surfaces your vans might encounter. Safer, less downtime, less fuel consumption, and improve your bottom line with Agilis 3. Contact your nearest dealer now.