CORE company cars wear out tyres at vastly differing rates, creating huge variances in vehicle running costs according to Kwik-Fit Fleet. The fast-fit giant has analysed the tyre replacement cycles of 250,000 vehicles on its tyre management programme and drawn up a league table of tyre longevity for the 20 most popular fleet models.

This reveals a variance of 35% between the best and worst, with the Audi A4 achieving the longest average life from its tyres, followed by the Renault Laguna, Peugeot 406, Toyota Carina and Volkswagen Passat. Bringing up the rear were the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta which effectively required three sets of front tyres for every two sets fitted to the Audi A4.

The Ford Escort also performed poorly, achieving only 76% of the Audi's mileage per set of tyres, while the Rover 200 and Renault Megane fared little better at 78% and 80% respectively. Front tyres last an average of 20,000 miles in fleet driving, and tyre replacements are estimated to account for up to a quarter of a vehicle's service, maintenance and repair expenditure during its company car life.

Kwik-Fit Fleet discounted all original equipment tyres from its survey, and only included brands of tyres which it had put on cars itself. Full details of the top 20 fleet car tyre lives are restricted to companies on its tyre management programme, such as Arriva Automotive Solutions, Lex Vehicle Leasing, and Autolease.