Managing Tyres Will Save Cash

 Hauliers that put correct tyre management programmes in place can save a significant amount on fuel according to recent claims by leading tyre companies. These claims were in response to the latest CM/Michelin business monitor. During the business monitor, HGV and LGV operators were surveyed to find out how frequently they check the vehicles tyre pressures. 19 percent of HGV drivers said they checked them every day, whereas 40 percent stated they performed weekly checks. 7 percent of drivers stated it was done on a fortnightly basis, 14 percent confirmed months and a surprising 20 percent said they checked their tyre pressures less often.

Managing Director of Product Management for Trucks at Michelin, Paul Kendrick, said: “Under-inflated truck tyres cost hauliers thousands of pounds in extra fuel and are dangerous as well as uneconomical.” 75 percent of respondents stated they regrooved their tyres whilst 76 percent of hauliers questioned said that fuel consumption did not affect their choice of tyre.

Kendrick added: “On average, it is possible to get an extra 25% life out of a tyre through regrooving.” Rival tyre company Bridgestone confirmed that a combination of the correct choice of tyre and the right tyre management programme would make a ‘big difference’ to an LGV fleet performance and costs.

A spokesperson for Bridgestone said: “Fuel costs comprise around 21% of a long distance fleet’s total costs. Running a tyre at incorrect pressure such as 6 BAR instead of 9 BAR will increase fuel consumption by 14%. Tyres under-inflated by 20% will also lose around 25% of their tyre service life.”

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs – 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information