Fleets are wasting thousands of pounds replacing one-in-five of their cars’ tyres early due to avoidable damage.
Tyre expert ATS Euromaster has published stats it says shows that the average damaged tyre is only achieving 55% of its potential life. It reckons that this could cost a fleet with 25,000 vehicles more than £440,000 a year.
Steve Bury, head of national car at ATS said: “Just three causes of tyre damage account for a staggering 81% of the tyres we replace prematurely.”
The most common reason was a puncture, accounting for 31% of replacements, while sidewall damage took 27%. Drivers exceeding 50mph on deflated run-flat tyres was the third reason at 22%.
Other reasons include irregular wear through flat-spotting or misaligned steering, tread damage or blow-outs.
ATS is working to educate fleets and reduce unnecessary damage. It advises taking the following steps to prevent the most common reasons:
. Choose parking spots carefully, avoiding areas around skips or on industrial estates where there might be glass or sharp objects on the ground.
. Leave a gap between the tyre and the kerb when parking – kerbing causes premature wear to the sidewall at the tyre’s weakest point.
. If your car has run-flat tyres and the pressure warning light illuminates, have the tyre checked immediately. If you keep your speed below 50mph and seek professional advice within 50 miles, there is a chance the run-flat tyre can be repaired.
