The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has carried out a wide-ranging survey on the state of tyres in UK fleets, including factors such as tread depth, under-inflation and the condition of the side wall. Fleet managers with Staveley Head Lorry Insurance may wish to take notice of the FTA’s findings, which could help them to avoid accidents and improve efficiency.

According to FTA analysis, tread depth, cuts and objects in the tread accounted for nearly 60 per cent of all defects found – and are easy problems to identify with regular checks and maintenance. “Tyre care plays a huge part in a vehicle’s road safety performance, for example underinflation will affect vehicle handling and braking performance while increasing fuel consumption and tyre wear,” said Alan Osborne, the organisation’s director of vehicle inspections.

He went on to say that tyre defects can go on to cause other potential costs, such as test failures, roadside checks and potentially greater targeting by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, all of which could prove a major headache for fleet managers looking to save money. The FTA advised drivers to be particularly mindful of their tread depth during the winter weather, as worn tyres lead to a higher rate of accidents through skidding.