Fleet Tyre Management: 5 Tips to Reduce Costs and Minimise Downtime

For businesses running vehicles in Somerset, tyre problems mean downtime – and downtime means lost money, missed deliveries, and unhappy customers. Smart tyre management saves money and keeps your fleet moving. Here's how.

1. Implement Regular Pressure Checks

This is the single most impactful thing you can do for fleet tyre management:

Under-inflation: Increases rolling resistance (more fuel), causes excessive edge wear, generates heat, and increases blowout risk
Over-inflation: Reduces grip, causes centre wear, and gives a harsher ride that accelerates wear on other components
Uneven pressure: Causes handling problems and accelerates wear

Best practice: Build pressure checks into driver daily routines – ideally weekly for each vehicle. Even a few PSI low has measurable effects on fuel and wear. TPMS systems help but shouldn't replace manual checks.

2. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

Don't wait for problems – find them first:

Monthly inspections catch wear, damage, and alignment issues before they become breakdowns
Trained eyes spot issues drivers might miss – sidewall damage, irregular wear patterns, embedded objects
Documentation helps track patterns and predict replacement needs

We offer depot visits – our mobile team can come to your premises and inspect your entire fleet efficiently, minimising disruption.

3. Match Tyres to Your Vehicles and Usage

Different vehicles and routes need different tyres:

Motorway miles: Prioritise longevity and fuel efficiency
Urban deliveries: Prioritise wet grip and frequent stop/start performance
Rural routes: Consider robustness and sidewall protection
Mixed use: All-season tyres can simplify fleet management

We can advise on the most cost-effective options for your specific fleet and usage patterns – the cheapest tyre isn't always the best value.

4. Track Wear and Rotate Where Appropriate

Smart tracking pays dividends:

Record which tyres are on which vehicle and their wear rates
Spot patterns: If one vehicle is chewing through tyres, investigate – could be alignment, driver behaviour, or route issues
Rotate tyres where appropriate to even out wear (particularly front to rear on front-wheel drive vans)
Plan replacements: Proactive replacement during scheduled maintenance beats emergency callouts

5. Have a Clear Breakdown Response Plan

When a van goes down, every minute counts. Be prepared:

Have our number saved: 01934 440410 – all drivers should have it
Know your account details: Speeds up the process when calling
Brief drivers on what to do: get safe, call us, we handle it
24/7 coverage: Breakdowns don't respect business hours

Fleet Support from Redline Tyres

We support local fleets across Somerset with services designed for business needs:

24/7 emergency call-out: Get your vehicle back on the road fast
Scheduled depot visits: We come to you for routine maintenance
Competitive trade pricing: Volume discounts for fleet customers
Account facilities: Consolidated invoicing and credit terms for established businesses
Dedicated contact: One number for all your tyre needs

Learn more about our fleet services or contact us to discuss your fleet's needs.