FORS issues new tyre maintenance guide to improve fleet safety and reduce emissions

FORS has released a new tyre management guide outlining best practice that can help reduce tyre wear, increase vehicle safety and reduce a vehicle’s environmental impact.

The guide is available to FORS members online and highlights the positive impact a robust tyre management policy can have not only on fleet safety but also on fuel efficiency, while helping members manage and improve the  environmental impact of each vehicle.

The guide is suitable for fleets with HGVs, vans, buses and cars.

It includes a range of practical advice to help FORS members build their tyre management policy.

Sonia Hayward, FORS manager, said: “Correctly and accurately managed and maintained tyres make fleets safer and can lead to reduced emissions and real fuel savings for operators.

“Over-inflated tyres present a safety issue, as tread contact with the road is decreased, which can affect braking distances and overall handling. Conversely under-inflated tyres contribute towards increases in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), and for every 10% of decreased tyre pressure, fuel consumption increases by two per cent.

“This guide offers a wealth of information and with its handy policy and procedures checklists, it will help members meet FORS Bronze requirement 'V7 Tyre management'."

Along with information on the importance of correct tyre inflation, the guide discusses the impact of wheel security, tyre selection, tyre markings, tyre retreading and sets out tyre tread depths by vehicle type, noting possible fines incurred if vehicles are found to be using unroadworthy tyres.