Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for fleet operators to prioritise safety. Special attention should be given to the condition and inflation of tyres. Even if the pressure is just 10% below the recommended level, driving on under-inflated tyres can significantly increase braking distances, complicate steering, raise fuel consumption, and accelerate tyre wear due to added strain. This ultimately leads to a shorter lifespan for tyres, requiring more frequent replacements within the fleet – resulting in higher costs.
Every vehicle must have tyres with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Should your drivers be stopped and are found with tyres that fail to meet this standard, the repercussions can include substantial fines and penalties. Considering that tyres play a pivotal role in vehicle performance, prioritising their maintenance is of the utmost importance. Regularly inspecting tyre wear not only safeguards your drivers but also contributes to the safety of everyone on the road.
Control tyre pressure
Tyre pressure is crucial for optimal vehicle handling and braking efficiency. Either under- or over-inflation can lead to increased fuel consumption and greater susceptibility to wear and tear. Drivers should check tyre pressure at least once a month. If this isn’t feasible, arrangements should be made for the maintenance team to conduct checks at the depot, ensuring that all spare tyres are included. Remember, the pressure indicated on the tyre is merely the maximum capacity and should not be considered a regular-use guideline.
Look out for damage and unusual wear
With multiple drivers operating vehicles in a fleet, implementing a vehicle pre-use check should be a standard practice, if not mandatory. This check should involve thoroughly inspecting the tyres for any signs of unusual wear or damage, such as cuts, bulges, or other deformities. Any reported issues should be investigated thoroughly; defective tyres must be replaced before the vehicle goes out on the road.
Ensure adequate tread depth
The tread of your tyres is vital for vehicle performance and safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) are bound by the same regulations as standard cars, requiring a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s circumference. If any vehicle is found to have tread at or below this threshold, immediate replacement of those tyres is essential.
Remember that vans, and even car-derived vans, typically require specific tyres engineered to support their payloads. Regular car tyres often need to be upgraded for this purpose. If there’s any uncertainty, consulting a local tyre retailer can provide tailored advice on the most suitable tyres for your vehicles and load demands.
Prevent overloading
Loading a vehicle beyond its maximum weight limit is illegal and can lead to severe repercussions for the driver and the operator. Overweight vehicles can compromise handling and lead to excessive tyre wear from overheating. This could result in catastrophic tyre failures, increasing the risk of accidents for drivers.
Maintain wheel alignment
Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven wear, weakening the tyres and rendering them more vulnerable to damage. Additionally, poor alignment can impair the driver’s control of the vehicle and increase fuel consumption, both undesirable outcomes that can significantly impact operational efficiency.
Be mindful of parking practices
Drivers may be tempted to mount the kerb to park when operating in residential areas. However, this practice can pinch the tyre’s sidewall between the kerb and the wheel, leading to potential tyre damage or blowouts. It is prudent to remind drivers to avoid this practice when possible, as it is unsafe and illegal in some areas. The Highway Code rule 242 states: “You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.”
Foster good driving habits
Encouraging your drivers to adopt good driving habits is essential for the longevity of your tyres. Aggressive driving behaviours such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, and abrupt stops can hasten tyre wear.
While avoiding every pothole or uneven surface is impossible, careful driving can mitigate unnecessary damage to wheel alignment.
Through diligent tyre maintenance, training and educating drivers in safe driving practices, you can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of your fleet.
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