Below are some examples of where drivers and fleet managers might reduce the risk to themselves, the general public and also potential corporate risk to their company:

  • Check your tyres tread depths and tyre pressures at regular intervals and also visually inspect for damage: Tread depths should be checked in three positions across the width of the tyre. Checks should always be made before long journeys and when tyres are cold. Free tyre safety checks are available at your local Kwik-fit centre
  • Consult the vehicle handbook if you are carrying heavy loads or towing as tyre manufacturers recommend increased pressures in these conditions. Most vehicle manufacturers indicate the correct tyre pressures inside the fuel cap or in an easy to find location
  • Two millimetres of remaining tread depth is the Masterlease recommended limit, although the legal limit is 1.6mm
  • You can check tyre pressure at local service stations, but accurate readings are sometimes not forthcoming. When in doubt, seek professional advice
  • Over and under inflation of tyres causes premature wear. Both of these conditions also significantly reduce vehicle handling and stability.
  • Diesel vehicles wear tyres differently than their petrol equivalents. This is to do with the extra weight of the drive train and the fact that modern high performance diesel vehicles produce significantly greater torque than petrol engines, regardless of types of use. This often results in increased tyre consumption when compared with petrol engine vehicles.
  • Although largely available on more expensive fleet cars, Run Flat Technology (RFT) tyres are becoming an increasingly popular choice because of their added safety features, including the fact that the driver can be alerted to tyre problems by the on-board computer. The drive on distances and speeds can vary dependent upon laden weight
  • With a high percentage of spare tyres being discarded without ever being used, RFT also has significant environmental benefits as well as cost savings created by being lighter and using less fuel

Source: Masterlease