Businesses could be extending their tyre replacement intervals and taking advantage of greater efficiency savings if company car and van drivers were encouraged to take greater care of their tyres, advises Michelin’s fleet team.
The tyre manufacturer is prompting fleet managers to remind drivers of four simple steps they can take to extend tyre life, improve uptime, cut running costs and reduce environmental impact.
The manufacturer warns that tyre pressures are frequently being overlooked – more than 50 per cent* of car drivers are running on tyres below recommended pressures, and in 2017 there were 384 car accidents** in Britain linked to illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres. Tyre condition has a significant impact on a vehicle’s steering, handling and braking, with under or over-inflated tyres increasing fuel consumption and causing wear and tear.
Michelin encourages drivers to check tyre pressures at least once a month, which can be done at most fuel stations or at home with a pressure gauge, such as the new Michelin Pressure Checker. Tyres should also be checked before long journeys and when the tyres are cool, to achieve an accurate reading.
Peter Wood, Michelin Key Account Manager, says: “Running on tyres just a few psi below the manufacturer’s recommended pressures will reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency on every journey. The combined savings for fleets could be significant.”
Michelin is also advising drivers to pay close attention to wheel alignment, as poor tracking can cause a vehicle’s handling to be altered, compromising safety. If tyres have come into contact with solid objects, such as kerbs or potholes, or if a tyre is suffering from uneven wear, it is important to get the wheel alignment checked by an expert.
Tyre treads also have direct impact on the performance and safety of a vehicle. By law, tyres must have at least 1.6mm of remaining tread depth, measured across the central three-quarters of the tyre and all the way round. Checking tread depths is quick and simple – and if any tyre is below the limit, it must be replaced immediately.
Wood advises that the impact of good driving habits should not be underestimated. He says: “Although wear and tear isn’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.
“Avoiding uneven road surfaces, such as potholes, and going over speed bumps with care will all help to prevent wheels and tyres from being damaged or knocked out of alignment.”
* Source: DfT ** Source: TyreSafe
Ends
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tyres, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has more than 125,000 employees and operates 67 tyre production facilities which together produced around 190 million tyres in 2018. (www.michelin.com)
For further press information please contact:
David Johnson, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: d.johnson@michelin.com
Dan Jones or James Keeler, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 E-mail: dan.jones@garnettkeeler.com / james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
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