Falken issues tyre inspection advice
Tyre specialist Falken has reminded operators of the importance of ensuring tyre maintenance and checks are attended to in the period following the Christmas rush.
The company cites analysis by the traffic commissioners showing that tyre condition is the most common defect on HGVs, while tyres rate just as highly for buses and coaches according to the 2020 survey.
With a growing network of commercial tyre suppliers, Falken recommends that tyres should be inspected regularly and thoroughly, whether the truck is in regular use or on standby. The regularity depends on the application, says the firm, with off-road just one example of a vocation that should be checking more frequently. Tyre dealers can provide advice depending on the application.
Those checks, undertaken by a qualified tyre technician, should include a rigorous visual check for damage, and foreign objects embedded in the tyre such as screws, nails, stone or other road debris, says Falken.
“With an eye to both safety and running costs, it’s essential that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure,” the company advised.
“An underinflated tyre creates more rolling resistance, harming fuel consumption by up to a fifth and can extend braking distances. Inspections [last year] by the DVSA highlighted that one in 12 of the 100,000 tyres were found to be underinflated.
“If a tyre is underinflated, technicians need to find the source, whether it is damage, failing valve or distorted rim. Falken reminds operators to check that the spare wheel is also checked and firmly secured.”
The inspection should also look at tyre tread, the company adds.
“Technicians need to check there is sufficient tread to for safe operation in all weather conditions. It is also a chance to check if it is time to regroove if appropriate. Any uneven wear needs to be investigated immediately.”
