T IRE TAC TI C S
Fleets are always looking for ways to reduce
costs and improve their bottom line. Improving
driver behavior, keeping fuel costs down and
minimizing downtime while staying competitive
in the marketplace are just some of the
challenges fl eets face regularly.
Tires are one of the biggest components
of improving overall fleet performance.
Maximizing the potential of tire assets and
reducing associated operational costs begins
with asset selection and comes full circle with
proper maintenance.
Select the right tire
Just as vehicles, equipment and tools are
becoming more application-specifi c, so are
36 Fleet Maintenance | July 2018
tires. It is imperative commercial fl eets pair
vehicles with a compatible tire for each
application and wheel position to reach full
performance potential. Even the best tire in
the wrong application will not deliver intended
results.
Each operation has its own needs and characteristics.
For example, high-scrub, urban
vocational applications involving regional
vehicles that make numerous turns and
frequent starts and stops demand a specialized
tire with a durable tread and scrub-resistant
sidewall. For long-haul, high-speed
operations, a fuel-effi cient tire with retread
capability delivers fuel and cost savings
potential. For fl eets traveling in both on-
and off -road environments where rough road
conditions require greater traction, ideal tires
feature a deeper, more open tread pattern and
built-in protection from potential hazards.
Additionally, tires feature various
load-carrying capacities, so fleets should
ensure tires are of the correct size and load
range to meet the vehicle’s Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Exceeding this limit can
impact tire performance such as the tire’s
lifespan, driver safety, fuel economy, ride
quality and responsiveness. Keep in mind
that operating temperature, vehicle speed,
tire wear and load weight can also take a toll
on load capabilities.
Th e tire selection process should begin with
identifying a fl eet’s business objectives, desired
performance attributes and fl eet characteristics,
including vehicle type, fl eet size, application,
route, haul, climate and annual mileage. Fleets
should work with a trusted tire and service
provider to discuss their goals and identify the
best product to meet their specifi c needs.
Implement a routine
maintenance program
Aft er tires have been properly selected and
route and load considerations have been made,
a proactive maintenance regimen should be set
to guide tire care.
It is recommended fl eets perform routine
pre-trip inspections and quick assessments
while on the road to monitor tread wear and
make necessary adjustments. A hands-on
tire assessment helps fl eets proactively identify
concerns, such as worn bushings in the
suspension, inner rib wear, heel-toe wear or
scrub out (also known as fl at spotting) caused
by misalignment or improper tire pressure.
In addition to conducting assessments themselves,
fl eets should work with a trusted tire
dealer to have their tires regularly inspected.
Incorporate retreads
into the tire program
Fleets can achieve maximum productivity and
a lower total cost of ownership by utilizing
retreads. Quality retreads have performance
benefi ts comparable to new tires with the
same tread type and application. For instance,
Bandag customers who average two retreads
per tire casing have been able to lower their
tire costs to 1.2 cents per mile, well below the
industry average.
Quality retreads also off er some of the lowest
rolling resistance among both new and retreaded
tires, making them one of the most fuel-effi
cient off erings for fl eets.
Fleets can also work with service partners
to take advantage of intelligent technologies
like the Bandag Alliance System (BASys), which
provides fl eets with real-time inventory tracking
and performance data. Tools like this can
help fl eets to proactively manage tire assets
and maximize casing life for retreading.
Having the right tire for the job is the cornerstone
for optimal fl eet performance. To capitalize
on the full potential of these valuable
assets, fl eets must be intentional with their
applications, routes, haul loads, maintenance
and retread management programs. Th is
holistic approach helps deliver on short- and
long-term business goals, paving the way for
improved performance, effi cient mobility and
reduced total cost of ownership.
Practices to optimize
fl eet tire performance
Optimizing application, load and route tire usage can
help increase truck capacity and drive effi ciency.
By Sanjay Nayakwadi
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT STRATEGY, BRIDGESTONE
AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS
Offering a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associated
brand tires, along with Bandag retread options,
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BAT) maintains
wholesale and original equipment sales operations across
a broad line of products, including passenger, light truck,
commercial truck, bus and more. Nayakwadi is the director
of product strategy for Bridgestone Americas Tire
Operations. He joined Bridgestone in 2014 and oversees
commercial product development, collaborating with
cross-functional teams to deliver innovative products to
Bridgestone commercial customers.
» After tires have been properly selected
and route and load considerations have
been made, a proactive maintenance
regimen should be set to guide tire care.
Photo courtesy of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations