Fleet managers continue to face rising operational costs, making it crucial to find ways to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. One often overlooked area of cost savings is fleet tire management. By implementing a solid tire maintenance strategy and utilizing a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), fleets can extend tire life, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall fleet safety.
The True Cost of Poor Tire Management
Tires should be viewed as valuable assets rather than simple consumables. Improper inflation is one of the leading causes of excessive tire wear, increased fuel expenses, and preventable blowouts. According to the FMCSA, only 46% of heavy commercial vehicle tires are inflated within five psi of their target pressure, and the CVSA reports that tire-related violations accounted for 18.5% of all out-of-service violations during its 2022 International Roadcheck.
Underinflated tires lead to:
Reduced traction and longer stopping distances
Increased risk of skidding or hydroplaning
Higher rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy
Faster, uneven tire wear, shortening tire lifespan
While underinflation poses several risks, overinflation can be just as problematic.
Overinflation can lead to:
Reduced vehicle stability
Uneven tire wear patterns
Increased likelihood of tire blowouts
How TPMS Improves Fleet Performance
A TPMS tool actively monitors tire pressure and temperature, alerting drivers and fleet managers to issues before they become costly problems. This proactive approach removes the need for slow manual pressure checks and also makes sure all tires stay in the best inflation range.
Key benefits of TPMS include:
Reduced Fuel Costs: Properly inflated tires decrease rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency and lowering fuel expenses.
Extended Tire Life: Maintaining optimal pressure reduces wear and tear, allowing fleets to maximize tire investments.
Minimized Downtime: Alerts prevent unexpected blowouts, reducing roadside repairs and vehicle downtime.
Improved Safety: Stable and well-maintained tires enhance vehicle handling and reduce accident risks.
Avoidance of Violations: By keeping tires properly inflated, fleets can reduce their risk of costly DOT violations and fines.
The Advantage of Bluetooth TPMS Technology
Traditionally, tire pressure system installations have been complex and expensive. However, advancements in Bluetooth technology have simplified the process, making it more accessible and cost-effective for fleets. With Bluetooth TPMS sensors, installation is as simple as:
Screwing the tire pressure sensors onto the valve stems
Pairing them with the monitoring system
Access data seamlessly via tablet, PC, or mobile device
These tire air pressure sensors wirelessly transmit both tire pressure and temperature data to the cloud. Fleet managers can then access alerts and analytics using a tablet, PC, or mobile device. This streamlined approach reduces installation time and upfront costs while delivering faster ROI.
Take Control of Your Fleet’s Tire Management
Tire expenses will always be a reality for fleet operators, but they don’t have to be a source of financial strain. By implementing a TPMS and adopting a proactive tire management strategy, fleets can significantly improve savings, fleet performance, and overall safety.
Are you ready to optimize your fleet's tire health and reduce operational costs? Contact Pedigree Technologies today to learn more about integrating a TPMS solution into your operations.
