Page 19 - CTB N8 - 2014-04

FLEET MANAGEMENT
Continental’s ContiPressureCheck system in operation
lives quickly lead to additional expenditure for fleet operators amounting to several tens of thousands of pounds, depending on fleet size. Optimal tyre pressure also ensures that casings retain their retreadability, and therefore their value. Increased rolling resistance due to underinflated tyres results in additional fuels costs, as Continental's calculations for heavy trucks show. At a diesel price of around €1.30 per litre, this adds up to €1,000 per year for each vehicle.
Of course, the need to measure tyre pressures more effectively has led to the increased importance of TPMS systems such as Continental’s ContiPressureCheck. Continental are keen to show the experiences of European fleets using the system. A typical example is Transmaia Transporte, based in Portugal. Alfredo Maia, owner of Transmaia Transporte says: "Our tyres fitted with
ContiPressureCheck don't just travel vastly more kilometres. At the end of their first tyre life, the casings are in perfect condition for retreading, which saves on costs for new purchases. Thanks to ContiPressureCheck, we spend a lot less on roadside assistance. In the event of a sudden loss of pressure or other complications, such as a locked brake or a defective wheel bearing, the system immediately raises an alarm and our drivers can react before any serious damage occurs. Our drivers are impressed by how intuitive ContiPressureCheck is to operate, and particularly value the feeling of safety it gives them."
Another area which comes in for considerable attention is wheel alignment, which can have an even greater impact than tyre pressures. Michelin point out that a 1 degree misalignment reduces fuel efficiency by 3% as well as reducing steer axle tyre
announce the enhancement of its already successful Total Tyre Care programme into three new customised tyre management and maintenance service packages, each adapted to the needs of different types of customer. The company’s “Advanced Tyre Monitoring Programme”, “Premium Tyre Maintenance Programme” and “Elite Tyre Management Programme” will provide fleet owners with effective solutions to manage tyre-related costs, maximise their value and thereby reduce the total cost of ownership of their tyres throughout their lifetime.
With premium tyres coming under increased pressure from budget brands, aided to a degree by an unsatisfactory labelling system, which only covers a snapshot of the total performance characteristics of a tyre, we can expect to see manufacturers focusing more on total fleet management in the future.
life by 7%.
Regrooving is one area which Michelin in particular have long been great supporters of. So long as the tyres are made to be regrooved and the regrooving is done by trained personnel, Michelin make clear that big savings can be made by following a regrooving policy. On a three axle tractor unit and three axle trailer operating at 44 tonnes GTW Michelin say a regrooving policy will save £143 per vehicle in annual tyre costs and a fuel saving of £232 per
annum. The fuel
saving arises because
tyres are at their
most fuel efficient at
a lower tread depth.
Regrooving the tyres
means a higher
proportion of tyre
life is spent at a
higher MPG rate.
Michelin also argue
that many fleets are unnecessarily
removing tyres at a
4mm tread depth in
the false belief that it
is safer to do that
rather than run their
tyres to a lower tread
depth. Michelin
argue that all tyres
should be managed
to a 2mm removal policy, which not only increases tyre life, but also ensures the vehicle is operating for longer when the tyres are at their most fuel- efficient.
The next point revolves around the benefits of fitting the latest generation, low-rolling resistance tyres. As previously mentioned,
you get what you pay for in terms of mileage and fuel efficiency, and it’s now becoming much easier to
measure the impact on overall fuel and tyre costs of using low rolling resistance tyres
Finally, advanced driver training focusing on the best use of accelerator and brake and correct gear selection can save up to 10% on a vehicle’s fuel bill. Reducing engine idling time can save significant amounts. For Fleet A in their brochure “10 things you need to know about vehicle running costs”, Michelin say that a 5 minute per day reduction in idling time can save as much as £6925 per annum in fuel costs! The figure for fleet B is
£2,600 per annum.
So what are the premium manufacturers doing to make sure their customers are optimising their tyre assets. The answer is the development of more sophisticated support packages that go beyong simple tyre management. Michelin’s Effifuel subsidiary is a case in point. Here Michelin have chosen to separate (at least publicly) tyre management from tyre sales. Bridgestone, meanwhile used the IAA to
Bridgestone have expanded their Total Tyre Care Programme
Commercial Tyre Business 19