According to Police reports, 21% of car crashes caused by technical malfunction, are connected with tyre failure or steering system breakdown. Due to the fact that tyres are the only part which connects car with road, their failure-free running is an essential condition to allow vehicles, especially trucks, to use public roads. The lorries, because of their high numbers and huge mass, are particularly vulnerable to any breakdowns caused by tyre condition.
Therefore, the reasonable purchase policy in logistic and transportation companies is required. Firms should remember that tyre purchase may amount even to 5% of total costs, however it could impact up to 40% of all the operational expenditures. Purchase of high-quality tyre should be viewed like an investment instead of an expense – not only due to safety of the driver as well as other road participants, but good tyres are more durable and have a longer lifespan. In addition, thanks to remolding, it is possible to safely extend their mileage. No-name tyres are just apparent saving and a potential threat to the road safety. Additionally, they could put the company at risk of transport delays and costly repairs.
Another matter that drivers should care about is to regularly control the tyre pressure. It is important in every vehicle, however in trucks effects could be a lot more dramatic. Underinflated tyre warms up to notably higher temperatures during the ride, making it significantly less safe due to increased chance of sudden rupture. Too small tyre pressure extends breaking distance, worsens the steering and escalates fuel consumption.
„Each lapse in caring about tyre could have tragic consequences on the road. Tyre are the second, and in turbo cars the third, fastest rotating elements in the automobile. Therefore it is worth to care about keeping them in good condition. Even when our car has all the driving systems and sensors, information is collected through the wheel. Their grip is therefore essential for our safety” – informs Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of Polish Tyre Industry Association.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association