The cost of tires is nearly always a concern for fleet operations. As a large expense, it’s important for operations to get the most use out of tires as possible. To prolong the lifespan of tires in your fleet, consider using these tips.
Maintain correct tire inflation
Keeping tires at the correct inflation pressure is important to maximizing the lifespan of a tire and helping it function properly to keep drivers and others on the road safe. According to ConsumerReports.org, tires should be checked monthly and before long routes.
Check the alignment
BridgestoneTire.com says tires that are out of alignment can wear unevenly and shorten the tire’s lifespan. To ensure your tires are properly aligned, it’s important to check the alignment regularly, especially after hitting a pothole or other obstacle in the road.
Rotate tires regularly
Rotating tires should be done regularly or as part of preventative maintenance. This can help the tires wear evenly and perform better. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine how often the tires should be rotated.
Avoid obstacles (potholes, bad roads)
To keep tires performing as expected and extend their life span, it’s important to avoid bad roads and obstacles on roadways like potholes, cracks and uneven pavement. Driving over these can affect the vehicle’s alignment and cause wear and tear.
Check the balance
According to BridgestoneTire.com, when tires are out of balance, they can cause the vehicle to vibrate and result in uneven tread wear. This can make it uncomfortable to drive in the vehicle, as well as shorten the tires’ lifespan.