Fleet Safety at Risk – The Hidden Dangers of Incompatible Tyres

Fleet owners take on one of the biggest responsibilities in the logistics sector – that of transporting goods safely. However, balancing many challenges and responsibilities means that some details, such as tyre profiles, can potentially be overlooked. This oversight can place strain on a fleet and negatively impact other road users.

Finding the right tyre fit for a vehicle is a key factor in efficiently managing a fleet. Despite this, some operators choose to fit tyres that are either unsuitable for the loads being carried or not matched to the vehicle, mixing tread depths and profiles. This can lead to tyre failure – a multifaceted issue that can arise from a variety of factors. Fitting mismatched tyres is one of the key challenges.

The fleet safety statistics in South Africa are staggering and underscore the urgent need for proper tyre management. There are close to 400,000 heavy-duty trucks on South African roads, according to a 2023 Truck and Bus report by the Road Traffic Management Corporation. By the end of that same year, over 10,000 fatal crashes had been reported, representing not just a devastating loss of human life, but also a tremendous economic burden. The adjusted cost of crashes for 2023 alone is estimated at a staggering R205.13 billion.

One might ask, what contributes so heavily to these figures? The answer lies, in part, in the condition and compatibility of the tyres on these commercial vehicles. Mechanical factors contribute to 4.1% of road crashes in South Africa, with tyres being the single biggest contributor, representing 79% of those mechanical failures. These figures highlight the critical role that tyres play in the overall safety and efficiency of a fleet.

Causes of tyre failure

Factors such as incorrect tyre pressure, vehicle overloading, uneven tyre wear, and the mechanical condition of the vehicle itself are all contributors to tyre failure. Driver technique and misapplication of tyres are also significant contributors. In the commercial vehicle sector, additional factors come into play, such as the use of re-treaded tyres, underinflation, overloading, unattended tyre damage, temperature fluctuations, and incorrect weight distribution. These factors are particularly problematic when they lead to front axle overload, a condition that significantly increases the risk of tyre blowouts.

A blowout not only endangers the driver, but also poses a serious threat to other road users. The ripple effect of a tyre failure can be catastrophic, leading to accidents that cause injury, loss of life, vehicle damage, and costly delays. For fleet owners, the implications extend even further. A blowout can result in missed delivery deadlines, penalties, increased operational costs, and reputational damage. The need for meticulous tyre management, therefore, cannot be overstated.

Understanding tyre profiles

Choosing the correct tyre profile for your fleet is critical. Keith Phelps, group training manager for truck & bus at Dunlop Tyres South Africa, emphasises the importance of this decision. “Placing tyres into the wrong application can lead to premature wear, failures, vehicle damage, breakdowns, extra expenses, and failure to meet delivery timelines, resulting in penalties and costs,” he says.

To prevent such outcomes, it is essential to understand the different tyre profiles and their respective applications.

Long-haul applications typically involve businesses operating in general goods deliveries, with vehicles travelling between 15,000 and 25,000km/month. Long-haul tyres are designed for endurance and fuel efficiency over long distances.

Regional application tyres are used by businesses such as public utilities, government entities, food distribution, manufacturing, and schools. These vehicles operate within a 500km radius, travelling 8,000 to 12,000km/month, depending on the route. Regional tyres need to balance durability with performance in varied road conditions.

Urban applications involve very short distances with a high percentage of stop-and-go driving. Primary users include retail/wholesale delivery services, sanitation, and bus fleets. Urban tyres are designed for enhanced traction and durability, with vehicles covering 8,000 to 12,000km each month.

In on/off-road applications, tyres are designed for highly aggressive operating conditions at limited speeds. Common in industries such as construction, mining, and refuse collection, specialised on/off-road tyres must endure harsh terrains, with vehicles typically covering 6,000 to 12,000km/month.

Choosing the wrong tyre profile for a specific application can lead to numerous problems, including premature tyre wear, increased risk of blowouts, and additional costs associated with vehicle damage and breakdowns. Moreover, the type of trailers to which the tyres will be fitted must also be considered. Trailers come in various makes and models, each with different types of axles and suspensions, which can affect tyre performance.

The importance of tyre compatibility

Tyre compatibility is another critical aspect that fleet owners must consider. Different tyre types – with varying constructions, tread profiles, non-skid characteristics, and compounds – react differently depending on the conditions to which they are subjected. Therefore, a truck should ideally be fitted with the same type of tyre on specific wheel positions:

• Steer tyres (front axles): These are the tyres that steer the vehicle and require high durability and precise control.
• Traction tyres (drive axles): These tyres need to provide optimal grip and handling, particularly in varying weather conditions.
• Carry tyres (trailer axles): These tyres support the load and must be capable of handling the weight distribution effectively.

“Fitting the wrong type of tyre in any of these positions can compromise the vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and safety,” says Phelps, whose truck and bus radial (TBR) Dunlop tyres team is stationed across the country, providing expert TBR knowledge to fleet operators on tyre management.  Phelps advises that by prioritising preventative maintenance and selecting the right tyres for your fleet, you can better manage fuel consumption, reduce breakdowns, and save on tyre costs. The right tyre choice not only enhances safety, but also has a direct impact on your bottom line.

Role of preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a proactive approach that can save fleet owners significant costs and improve safety. Regularly inspecting tyres for signs of wear and tear, ensuring correct inflation, and rotating tyres to promote even wear are just a few of the practices that can extend the life of your tyres. Additionally, promptly addressing issues such as misalignment and imbalance can prevent more severe problems down the line.

Fleet managers should also consider investing in tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). These systems provide real-time information about the condition of the tyres, allowing for immediate action in case of irregularities. Maintaining optimal tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency and significantly reduces the risk of blowouts.

What you can do

The safety of your fleet, drivers, and other road users hinges on the choices you make regarding tyre selection and maintenance. The statistics are clear: tyre-related incidents contribute significantly to road accidents in South Africa, and the costs – both human and economic – are too high to ignore.

Fleet owners should take tyre management seriously, investing in the correct tyre profiles for their specific applications, ensuring tyre compatibility, and adhering to a stringent preventative maintenance schedule. The right tyre choices and maintenance practices can lead to safer roads, reduced operational costs, and ultimately, a healthier bottom line for your business.

“Your safety and your bottom line depend on it,” stresses Phelps.