Tire management: myths and facts for fleets

Vehicle and tire maintenance is one of the main concerns in fleet control.

This is because processes need to be kept up to date to ensure greater safety for employees on the road. In other words, all vehicle components must undergo careful assessment, with clear quality parameters and reliable records.

Within this, tire management becomes essential. Having a care routine for these assets helps reduce the occurrence and risks of traffic accidents.

In the daily routine of those responsible for the fleet, it is very important to know when to replace tires, keep track of each part's condition and correct signs of wear before they become losses.

But did you know there are some tire management myths? With so much content and news published today, it is important to know exactly how to avoid the “traps”.

That is why we have put together the main myths and facts about fleet tire management. See which is which:

• You need to buy all tires of the same make and model.
• You need to fit all tires of the same make and model.
• Driving style does not affect tires.
• Correct calibration affects tire useful life.
• Calibration can be performed only when a tire is visibly flat.
• Fleet tires can undergo more than 1 retread.
• Tire rotation is not mandatory.
• Preventive maintenance services contribute to tire useful life.
• Tires only need replacing when they are bald.
• Technology helps control fleet tires.

Myth: you need to buy all tires of the same make and model

You can buy different tire makes and models for your transport operation. This comparison helps assess each option's performance and understand which choice offers better value for money for the fleet's reality.

The important thing is not to turn purchasing into an improvised mix when fitting. Before putting new tires on a vehicle, consult the correct specifications and technical sources indicated for that application.

Fact: you need to respect technical compatibility when fitting

When fitting, the practical rule is more careful than simply repeating a make and model: tires need to be compatible with the vehicle, fitting position and recommended specifications. When replacing only one or two tires, the reference guidance is to ensure at least the same size.

After all, each tire is manufactured from its own mold, and significant differences can affect traction, grip and vehicle behavior. Decisions should therefore not be based solely on price or what is available in inventory.

Avoid arbitrary combinations when fitting tires to the same vehicle. Use manufacturer recommendations, consult appropriate technical sources and maintain a standard that preserves safety, performance and fleet control.

Myth: driving style does not affect tires

This is one of the biggest myths in fleet tire management. The way drivers accelerate and brake, for example, can reduce tire useful life.

Tire management should consider driving style in tire protection and durability. It is important to encourage careful, steady driving to avoid increasing wear on parts.

Fact: correct calibration affects tire useful life

Calibration is essential to increase the useful life of a vehicle's tires. This factor deserves special attention in tire management because it greatly influences fleet expenses.

Calibration outside the ideal range harms both the vehicle and tires and can create bigger issues for the tire manager. Pressure should therefore be checked with a gauge, following the recommendation applicable to the vehicle and operation.

Correct pressure also contributes to fuel savings. Pressure above the ideal level increases the chance of cuts, punctures or damage when tires hit obstacles such as potholes; below the ideal level, tires generate excessive heat and strain, encouraging uneven wear and internal damage.

Myth: calibration can be performed only when a tire is visibly flat

Another point in the series of the biggest tire management myths.

Calibration should not depend solely on tire appearance. Pressure needs to be checked regularly with a gauge, because visual inspection alone may not reveal pressure loss at the right time.

As a reference for ongoing care, pressure should be checked at least once a month and especially before long trips. Waiting for tires to become visibly flat is a myth: regular checks protect the asset and help save fuel. Always make sure to take vehicles for calibration regularly.

Fact: fleet tires can undergo more than 1 retread

Many people imagine that retreading reduces fleet tire useful life. In fact, depending on the process and casing condition, it can help extend use of the asset.

The retreading process, which replaces the tire tread, can be performed more than once when the technical assessment permits.

By replacing the used tread with a new one, the tire becomes fit to return to operation with greater stability and durability.

The process must undergo assessment and testing before the tire returns to the road. It is also cheaper than fully replacing the assets, making it an important alternative for fleet tire management.

Myth: tire rotation is not mandatory

Tire rotation is important to balance the level of wear on parts. Rather than treating it as a single rule for every fleet, the ideal is to define the procedure according to the recommendations in the vehicle manual and the operation's maintenance policy.

This process helps tires wear more evenly and can extend their useful life. As a reference, USTMA recommends regular rotation and indicates an interval of 5,000 to 8,000 miles, always respecting the vehicle manual.

The myth of ignoring rotation in tire management can lead to rapid deterioration of parts, increasing spending on early replacements.

Rotation helps balance wear on rear and front tires, contributes to driving stability and prevents spending on other vehicle areas, such as suspension, when done alongside a suitable maintenance routine.

Fact: preventive maintenance services contribute to tire useful life

Prevention is always the best medicine. Having this concern in fleet tire management is essential to ensure the best results. Small costs today can lead to large savings in the future.

Pressure, tread depth, rotation and alignment are among the main points of ongoing tire maintenance. It is also worth setting aside a few minutes every month for a visual inspection looking for uneven wear.

Always remember that caution, prevention and records of the care performed are important allies in tire management.

Myth: tires only need replacing when they are bald

Remember the myth about calibration only when a tire is flat? Here, this tire management myth works similarly for bald tires.

By the time they reach this stage, tires may already be past the right replacement time or, at a minimum, require immediate assessment.

Never wait to replace tires until they are already in this condition.

When driven on bald tires, vehicles lose the grip needed to travel safely, especially in poor road conditions. Excessive casing damage can also reduce the chances of reusing a tire through retreading.

Lack of care in this area of tire management can lead to serious accidents. When the indicator bars become level with the tread, the tire needs replacing.

Fact: technology helps control fleet tires

Those long spreadsheets filled in manually increase your workload and keep you from optimizing time spent on other areas needing attention. Having a tool that organizes fleet tire management makes a difference in a company's daily routine.

Organizing this process speeds up information collection, as well as the entry and retrieval of important data. This leaves the tire manager free to think about the best strategies in their area.

Technologies make tire management easier and optimize it.

Prolog knows the importance of technology to enhance fleet tire logistics. The platform allows individual control of each tire, including wear, retreading, life cycle and cost per tire.

We work with solutions to provide greater control, savings and productivity in your company. To get started, read our Tire Management Guide (in Portuguese) and transform your fleet's tire management: the download is free.