Managing fleet tires involves more than just jotting down purchases in a spreadsheet. With a solid system in place, you can cut costs, enhance safety, and keep your fleet rolling smoothly.
Here are six essential tips to optimize your tire management strategy.
Get Your Team Onboard with Tire Training
Training is crucial when it comes to keeping your tires in top shape. A quick run-through during onboarding ensures that everyone knows how to inspect tires correctly. Make it fun! Think of it as a “Tire Boot Camp” where new drivers learn what to look for, how to use inspection tools, and why it all matters.
Reinforce this with annual refreshers to keep everyone on their toes and prevent those sloppy inspections that could lead to bigger issues down the road.
Pro Tip: Include a hands-on training session where new drivers can practice inspections under the guidance of a seasoned technician. It’s a great way to build confidence and ensure accuracy.
Log Everything About Your Tires
Details, details, details! Record every tire’s installation date, mileage, and every service action. Think of it as keeping a journal — purely focused on tires. This practice helps you stay on top of maintenance needs and replacements.
Plus, knowing that most vehicle manufacturers recommend tire rotations every 5,000-10,000 miles, having this info at your fingertips ensures timely servicing.
Pro Tip: Use a digital logging system like Whip Around that sends you reminders when a tire is due for rotation or inspection. Staying proactive is key!
Regular Inspections: Daily and Monthly
Make tire checks a daily and monthly ritual. Daily pre- and post-trip inspections allow drivers to spot visible issues like bumps or cracks. Once a month, have your technicians measure tire pressure and tread depth.
These quick checks can prevent major headaches down the road. Imagine catching a potential blowout before it happens – and the dollars and headaches that will save!
Pro Tip: Equip your drivers with a simple checklist app on their phones. This not only streamlines the inspection process but also ensures nothing is overlooked.
Use Historical Data for Smart Purchasing
Leverage past data to forecast future tire needs and budget accurately. Look at how often you’ve replaced tires and which brands performed best. If one brand consistently outshines the rest, stick with it to save money in the long run.
Also, consider the climate — switching to winter tires if temperatures regularly drop below 45°F can enhance safety and tire longevity.
Pro Tip: Create a tire performance scorecard to compare different brands and models. This visual tool can make your purchasing decisions even clearer and more data-driven.
Adopt a Comprehensive Tracking System
Ditch the spreadsheets and go digital with a tire management software like Whip Around. Track installation dates, mileage, and service history with ease. The software provides detailed reports and real-time updates, helping you make informed decisions and spot tires needing attention before they become a problem. It’s like having a tire expert at your fingertips!
Pro Tip: Set up alerts within your tracking system to notify you of upcoming maintenance needs. This ensures you’re never caught off guard by an unexpected tire issue.
Set Clear Tire Standards
Establishing baseline expectations for tire pressure and tread depth can set your fleet up for success. For tire pressure, stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually between 28 and 36 PSI. Did you know that a 10°F change in temperature affects tire pressure by 1 PSI?
Keep an eye on those weather shifts! As for tread depth, while federal law requires a minimum of 2/32 of an inch, aiming for 6/32 of an inch is a safer bet, especially in wet or snowy conditions. Remember, better tread means better braking distance — a crucial factor for fleet safety.
Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality tire pressure gauges and tread depth tools for your team. Accurate readings lead to better maintenance decisions and a safer fleet.
By integrating these practices into your routine, you’ll ensure your fleet’s tires are always in prime condition, leading to safer, more efficient operations. Happy driving!
Need help with inspections and maintenance? Book a Whip Around demo.
