Many fleets include a variety of vehicle types. You may manage trucks, sedans, construction equipment, vans, and more, each with their own needs. As you determine the best ways to care for your fleet, tire maintenance should be a top priority.

Though tire care is generally included in every maintenance plan, regular rotations, replacements, and inflation checks aren’t enough. Managers need to give careful thought to the tires they use, how they perform, and more for the best results. By following the suggestions below with your vehicle maintenance, you can enjoy savings in costs and time.

Consider Your Intended Vehicle Use

Tires come in a variety of tread and compound options. When choosing and maintaining tires, research the best options for the terrain, use, and vehicles involved. Price is always a consideration, but be wary of letting cost determine your final choice. You may end up spending as much or more than you saved on replacements and repairs. Choosing the right tires can also improve safety, keeping drivers protected while on the clock.

Follow Regular Maintenance Schedules

Proper inflation is critical for optimal cost savings and performance. Many drivers follow general inflation guidelines, but this may not be best for your fleet. Learn each vehicle’s recommended PSI and use that number for those vehicles. You should also rotate tires according to each machine’s specifications. The weight distribution and use of your vehicles may demand more frequent rotations, so take the time to learn the best schedules.

Evaluate Your Fleet’s Tire Problems

The issues you experience can indicate common, easily fixable problems. Your tires, for example, may have uneven wear damage toward the shoulder. Underinflation, overloading your vehicles, or surpassing the tire’s ton-mile-per-hour (TMPH) rating can all cause this issue. You may even discover that the brand you use isn’t ideal for your vehicles. No matter the result, investigating underlying issues can improve costs and use.

Use Telematics to Monitor Your Tires

Adding a tire monitoring system to your vehicles provides valuable data on tire health. You can easily maintain optimal inflation, using your telematics to determine inflation needs. Your solution can quickly detect and alert drivers to any issues, keeping damage to a minimum. Telematics solutions can also help you stick to your maintenance schedules, achieving the highest possible benefits.

How do you manage your fleet’s tires?