2018
Fleet Maintenance
Tire & Wheel
Study
A look at the results from a
recent reader survey.
By Fleet Maintenance Staff
ires are a signifi cant expense for fl eets. Th e most recent Truckload Vertical
Benchmarking Study report, from by FleetNet America and the ATA Technology
& Maintenance Council, provided second quarter results indicating an increase in
tire issues. Th e peer-to-peer quarterly benchmarking report compiles, shares and
compares participating fl eets maintenance and repair data. A 25 percent jump in tire
and wheel service compared to the fi rst quarter was mostly attributed to the higher
temperatures in Q2. But, this increase in service due to outside factors showcases
the volatility at which tires operate, and the importance in adopting mindful and
deliberate maintenance practices to help mitigate any unforeseen issues.
Overall, the report also re-confi rmed its fi ndings that tires and wheels/rims/
hubs/bearings were among two of the top fi ve repairs for fl eets. (Unsurprisingly,
the others included lighting systems, brakes and exhaust systems.)
Noting the increased costs fl eets may have due to tire and wheel service, Fleet
Maintenance conducted its own survey of fl eet managers to understand the current
trends in tire and wheel specifying and service. Th e results of this tire and wheel
survey have been incorporated into this special report.
Highlights
Below are some of the biggest takeaways from the 2018 Fleet Maintenance Tire
& Wheel Study:
Of the individuals surveyed, 73 percent indicate they ‘approve’ purchasing of
tires and 73 percent ‘approve’ purchasing of wheels; 71 percent also approve
the purchases of tire and wheel tools and the equipment.
Th e top three most important factors in purchasing tires were durability, tread
life/tread depth and past experience with the tire or brand.
When it comes to tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), 51 percent of respondents
say their fl eet has specifi ed this technology. In addition, 23 percent of
respondents indicated they have specifi ed automatic tire infl ation systems (ATIS).
A majority of respondents, 58 percent, use retreads on their fl eet vehicles.
Indicating their primary vehicle class, the breakdown for fl eets surveyed
includes the following:
» 57 percent heavy duty (Class 7 and 8)
» 26 percent medium duty (Class 4, 5 and 6)
» 17 percent light duty (Class 1, 2 and 3)
Over the next several pages, this general report provides an overview of best
practices among fl eets surveyed when it comes to specifying tires and wheels,
tire monitoring technologies, selecting tire services and purchasing authority for
tire- and wheel-related products.
T
What is the primary
reason for an emergency
road call in your fleet?
52%
12%
Towing
12%
Jump starts
7%
4%
3%
11%
“Other” responses included
mechanical failures, hydraulic
issues and breakdowns.
IN THE BAY SPECIAL REPORT
28 Fleet Maintenance | October 2018
Tires
Engine or
emissions issues
Brake issues
Lights
Other