may2023 - 11

and record tread depth and mileage. In some
cases, fuel mileage is also factored into the equation
because fuel-efficient tread compounds may
save enough to offset tire costs.
Sheehey: There are both active and passive
processes available. The simplest method is
inspection and review at a certain time interval
or during scheduled maintenance. Inspections
should also be done at removal for a condition
review. An application review needs to be done
as well, as your business model may be shifting
but your tire spec hasn't changed.
Clauer: Utilize tools that can track miles, identify
developing conditions, calculate miles per 32nd,
and help make selection choices to minimize cost
and maximize efficiencies.
Kelly: Most fleets use cost per mile or cost of
ownership to ensure they are maximizing their
tire use. Recording installation mileage and periodic
checks to track tire performance of different
tread designs and manufacturers is important.
Garrett: Look at measurables that match your
priorities such as fuel mileage, driver feedback,
removal mileage, retreadability, and roadside
events. Some of these are more difficult to measure,
but putting a little extra effort in will always pay off.
Summary: Depending on the performance metric a
fleet wants to measure, testing can be done in-house
for things like tread life. Most important for a fleet is
to manage by the averages. Measurements like cost
per 32nd, for example, can help keep comparisons
simple and level the playing field between tire brands
and models.
FM: What best practices for tire spec'ing can
you recommend?
Schnedler: Begin by first determining the most
important parameter for your fleet, whether it
be fuel efficiency, wear, traction, etc. Then refer
to the application guides provided by the tire
manufacturer to select the appropriate tire to
meet those requirements.
Garrett: One of the most important things
to look for is if the tires match the truck OEM's
recommendations in terms of size, load, and
speed rating. Also, be sure you are using the
right wheel size. While the tires that come on
your vehicle from the OEM will work, they may
not be properly optimized for your particular
operation. It is suggested you contact your tire
dealer or tire manufacturer representative. They
will be truly knowledgeable concerning items
to consider when matching tires with vehicles.
Kelly: Understanding your business, what has
worked in the past and asking a lot of questions to
find out what specific routes, road surfaces, and
loads you run are all important to know in order
to find the right tire for a specific application.
Clauer: Work with the equipment manufacturer
to understand the performance values of your
equipment. Reach out to a tire professional to
help match the right tire to maximize the equipment
and load for the operational/geographical
area this equipment will be used in.
» Michelin and Benore Logistics Systems
tested out the Nikola Tre to understand how
electric truck tires perform and wear.
Michelin
Lippello: There are a number of best practices
that fleet owners can implement to ensure optimal
tire performance and save on costs. The first
step to ensuring you're selecting the right tires
for your fleet, whether it's off-the-road, mixed
service, long haul, or another application, is to
understand the types of products that will work
best and will ultimately play a significant role in
driving down overall tire costs.
Application aside, consider specific operating
conditions such as load carrying requirements,
weather conditions or environmental inputs. If
you're not sure which tires are right for your fleet,
commercial tire manufacturers and dealers can
assist in finding the right tires.
Sheehey: The best practice for tire spec'ing is
to get information from and involvement with
your manufacturer and dealer representative. To
maximize your tire spec results, it is important
to review all current brand offerings and ask
for information or demonstrations. They can
provide common sense solutions based on data
and improved technology for enhanced performance,
increased longevity, and reduced tire lifecycle
costs. The only requirement from the fleet
is an open mind and a willingness to share past
and current experience and discuss future needs.
Summary: Expert advice is valuable in all areas of
fleet management, and especially for items like tires,
which continue to constitute a high cost area for fleets.
One common piece of advice for fleets is simple-ask
the experts.
The Bottom Line
For all manufacturers, their advice for maximizing
the value of the tires centers on considering all the
variables. And that goes beyond the operational
considerations they have already discussed and
even the proven performance of their current and
expanding product offerings.
Other suggestions, for example, include asking
tire dealer or manufacturer representatives to
meet with the capital decision makers in your
fleet as well as the maintenance managers at
»Weather should also be a factor when spec'ing
tires. Double Coin's REM-2S all-weather/snow
radial OTR tire offers versatility for vocational
trucks in snow, ice, gravel, and sand.
Double Coin
your company to provide a holistic review of
your assets' tire needs.
Manufacturers also universally agree that
effective tire management and maintenance
programs are absolutely essential for achieving
long tire lifecycles. For example, when it comes
to tire performance, the most important things to
check frequently are tire pressure and treadwear
since those two factors directly influence fuel
efficiency, performance and ultimately, overall
tire costs for fleets.
Once a fleet has outfitted their vehicles with
the tires that best suit their needs, the manufacturers
added, it is highly recommended to
implement a comprehensive tire management
program to reduce cost, prolong vehicle uptime,
and maximize the return on your fleet's tire
investment.
For related content go to
FleetMaintenance.com/equipment
May 2023 | FleetMaintenance.com
11
http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/equipment http://www.FleetMaintenance.com
may2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2023
