FORS has published a new tyre management guide to advise members on how best practice can help improve tyre wear, increase vehicle safety and reduce a vehicle’s environmental impact.
Aimed at fleets running vehicles ranging from cars through to vans and HGVs, the online guide will help members meet the FORs Bronze requirement on having a tyre management policy and supporting procedures in place to help ensure tyres are correctly managed.
The guide highlights the positive impact a robust tyre management policy can have not only on fleet safety but also on fuel efficiency whilst helping members manage and improve the environmental impact of each vehicle. It also discusses the impact of wheel security, tyre selection, tyre markings, tyre retreading and sets out tyre tread depths by vehicle type, noting possible fines incurred if vehicles are found to be using unroadworthy tyres.
Sonia Hayward, FORS manager, said: “Correctly and accurately managed and maintained tyres make fleets safer and can lead to reduced emissions and real fuel savings for operators.
“Over-inflated tyres present a safety issue, as tread contact with the road is decreased, which can affect braking distances and overall handling. Conversely under-inflated tyres contribute towards increases in emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, and for every 10% of decreased tyre pressure, fuel consumption increases by 2%.
“This guide offers a wealth of information and with its handy policy and procedures checklists, it will help members meet FORS Bronze requirement ‘V7 Tyre management’.”
