That’s the advice from Michelin, which is urging fleet managers to remind drivers of the key steps to extend tyre life, improve uptime, cut running costs and reduce environmental impact.
Firstly, the manufacturer warns that tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month.
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 also recommends that drivers are aware of wheel alignment, pointing out that poor tracking can alter the vehicle’s handling and compromise safety.
Tyre treads, too, have a direct impact on vehicle performance and safety, and drivers should be reminded that tyres have at least 1.6mm of remaining tread depth, measured across the central three-quarters of the tyre and all the way round.
Lastly, 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.”