Several million trucks and buses travel on European roads every day. The data of Transport & Environment (T&E) shows that on average each of them travels 130,000. km per year. Polish drivers from domestic transport companies have a significant share in these runs. Analyses of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) indicate that Poland has for years held the title of the European leader in terms of registered trucks and vans with a GVM above 3.5T. We have almost 1.2 million of them, which means that every sixth such vehicle has a Polish registration. Just behind us are Germany (1,010,742 units) and Italy (946,393 units).
A professional fleet requires quality
Such a powerful car park needs good quality tyres that can withstand the hardships of hundreds of thousands of kilometres of use in changing weather conditions. At the same time, these modern tyres from renowned manufacturers are an investment that reduces fuel consumption and extends the service life.
– The tyre is the only point of contact with the road that is responsible for traction. This dependency is of particular importance in the case of large-tonnage vehicles, which use up to 30 percent of the energy stored in the fuel to overcome rolling resistance. Only tyres from reputable manufacturers can save up to 2 litres of fuel per 100 km, which translates into savings of 5,000 litres per year on one set – analyses Piotr Sarnecki, General Director of the Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
Failure means a double price
The company's tyres also have other economic advantages. The tyres are made of a high-quality compound and are characterized by up to two times longer life and durability than cheap counterparts – budget models for the leading axle are usually sufficient to cover the distance not exceeding 150 thousand. km. Then they must be replaced.
It is different in the case of decent tyres, which guarantee a much longer life, which can be additionally extended 4 times – first by regrooving, then retreading and regrooving. This is possible thanks to modern tread compounds and a solid structure, taken into account at the design stage. As a result, the best tyres with a durable carcass record mileage of over 800 thousand kilometres.
– Vehicle breakdowns are not only annoying, but can become costly quite quickly, especially if they lead to long downtimes and delays in delivery times, and consequently even to contractual penalties. It is important because the TSL industry is a key element of any well-functioning economy, such as the bloodstream in the body. Only in the case of Poland, this sector generates 6 percent. GDP. Domestic transport companies carry out approx. 40 percent. cabotage and nearly 20 percent. all transports on the Old Continent. It is a sizeable market and no less challenges for carriers, especially in the era of "just-in-time" deliveries, which require synchronized cooperation between suppliers, producers and end customers – notices Mikołaj Krupiński from Motor Transport Institute.
An accident id not a coincidence
It is difficult to talk about a delivery in time when the vehicle breaks down. And these, according to ADAC Truck Service, happen regularly. In 2018 alone, trucks needed 40,000 on German roads. mechanics interventions. In 65 percent. cases it was about a failure of the tyres. Of the 5 main causes of truck breakdowns, two are related to poor tyre condition or tyre damage. This is confirmed by the analyses of the University of Michigan's Transport Research Institute[1]. The authors of the study also point out the reasons for this state of affairs. According to experts, these are potential design defects, lack of proper servicing and general care for this element of the vehicle.
– Trucks and their components are designed to cover even hundreds of thousands of kilometres per year. As in passenger cars, the 3P principle also applies to trucks – decent tyres, professional service, correct pressure and operation. When we have modern tyres, we still need a service that will not destroy them during assembly – and then everything in the hands and heads of truckers. Taking care of the correct tyre pressure and not overloading the set are habits that will bring measurable benefits even in smaller transport companies. Let us remind you – too little pressure, even by 1-2 bar, means much more fuel, and what is worse, the tyre overheats – which can lead to its firing while driving – summarizes Sarnecki.
A branded tyre is san investment, not a cost
Tyres used in professional transport account for up to 5 percent. company expenses. However, in the overall cost perspective, they affect more than 40 percent. all operational costs, such as fuel, vehicle wear and repair, breakdown costs and extended deliveries. Nowadays, when every zloty matters, and transport companies are trying to heal the wounds, they cannot afford missed purchases. For this reason, the choice of products valued on the market is an investment that will translate into less frequent tyre changes, as well as lower operating costs and greater reliability of deliveries. Branded tyres also mean greater safety for drivers and other road users, as their parameters are significantly better than budget tyres from unknown manufacturers.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association