Truck drivers don’t understand tyres detail 20 November 2012

While 92% of truck drivers in the UK visually check their tyres before each journey, only 38% know the legal tread depth for their truck's tyres.

This is just one of the findings discovered by Goodyear when it recently joined forces with the Freight Transport Association's (FTA) Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to carry out tyre inspection services at motorway service areas.

The events – which ran at services including Stafford North (Moto), Strensham North (Roadchef) and Warwick South (Welcome Break) throughout October 2012 – invited truck drivers to take advantage of tread depth, alignment and tyre pressure assessments.

Drivers were also asked a series of questions to allow the two organisations to better understand their understanding.

The survey found that, whilst the vast majority carried out at least visual checks on their tyres before each new journey, detailed understanding was patchy at best.

For example, although 70% of drivers confirmed that they were targeted on fuel efficiency, their knowledge of factors that can negatively impact this was incomplete.

Given a list of five factors (tyre choice, tyre pressure, wheel alignment, driving style and vehicle aerodynamics), all of which play a part, only 41% of respondents correctly identified all five.

And with the new EU tyre label now in effect and highlighting the fuel efficiency of the tyre, more than two thirds of drivers questioned were still unfamiliar with what the label meant.

"Whilst it is encouraging that, in most cases, daily checks are being carried out and drivers are aware of their legal responsibilities and are targeted on fuel efficiency, it is nonetheless concerning that the detail still isn't comprehensively understood," comments Adam Stanton, product marketing manager for commercial tyres at Goodyear Dunlop in the UK.

"There is, therefore, a clear need for further education within the industry, which we will seek to support in the most appropriate way we can," he adds.

"It is important to remember that the tyres are the only part of the vehicle – whether a 7.5 tonne rigid or a 44 tonne artic/trailer combination – which are in contact with the road surface and therefore play a vital role in the roadworthiness of the vehicle," states Andy Timms, area manager for FTA's VIS team.

"Partnering with Goodyear on these events will enable us to better support our members through further training and guidance."

Author
Brian Tinham

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