The wasted resources don’t just stop with the cost of tyres.

Think of the

•          increased fuel burn, increased engine wear as power units work harder

•          increased bearing loads leading to reduced wheel end life

•          suspension components being twisted as loads are not aligned with axle / chassis axis

•          driver fatigue as the driver fights the vehicle to keep it straight down the road

and from a pavement manager’s (Hello Governments!) perspective think about the side forces generated on the road surface.  How does this affect the maintenance budgets of the road managers?

As an example of what I am saying go to the tyre bay now, grab an inflated truck tyre and roll it across the yard.  Yes, it will roll easily as it is not constrained by a wheel end or other tyres attached to the same axle or for that matter vehicle.

Now drag the tyre at an angle (even just a degree or two) to the intended travel, yes by hand. How much more energy is required to drag the tyre to the same point in the yard?  To you, the fleet manager, who is now exhausted, I ask directly, why do you expect your trucks and trailers be any different to your own experience?

Where does the energy required to abrade the tyres in the fashion demonstrated on the photos above come from?  Only one place, the fuel tank of the vehicle.

So, when pressures are understood and brought under control the very next aspect to consider is the alignment of the tyres and wheel ends.  As was experienced when dragging a single tyre across the yard the energy input is substantial affecting all the aforementioned cost centres on the fleet/vehicle.

In my previous article I discussed tyre tracking, how each tyre was tracked to determine the performance outcomes. With hard evidence in a numerical format, educated decisions can be made about the performance of each tyre specification and how each vehicle determines the outcomes.

If one vehicle shows accelerated tyre wear is this the “fault” of the tyre or perhaps it is maybe that the vehicle has issues. So many people are very quick to blame the poor tyre, which is only doing what it is told to do. It has no say in how it performs; a tyre is totally at the mercy of the operator.

By understanding the performance decisions can be made on a sound economic basis rather than the wild guessimation that seems to be the manner in which many transport businesses conduct their tyre operations.  With understanding comes positive economic benefits, enhanced safety and bottom-line profits which is after all the reason that we are in business is it not?

When considering alignment most issues for a multi combination (truck with trailer(s) usually reside with the trailers.  People spend big time having the tractor axles aligned and then wonder why irregular tyre wear is still such an issue. The trailer actually pulls the tractor if it (the trailer) is not properly aligned.  Consider the axles of the entire vehicle as a team. If they are not ALL going in the same direction, then how is the goal (i.e. profit) going to be achieved? Does a number of football players on the field together make a team?  NO! Only when the individuals play as a team are the desired results gained. So why is it different for a multi axle vehicle?

Wheel alignment is an art, it takes a lot of experience to consider what information the tyres (and the driver) are providing.  Making adjustments can sometimes be down to single millimetres, yes it makes that much difference.  Toe and castor settings, scrub and thrust angles all affect not only the tyres but also the wheel end life as well as the fuel burn rates.  Often heard explanations are “that takes too much time or costs too much”.  Well, looking at the tyres in the photos above how much is being “sacrificed” in the name of economics?  Sure, if it was “just” the tyres economic rationalisation could be sound but when fuel burn (consider ~2 – 6%), reduced wheel end life (actual can be 10 – 20%) are added to the list do the economics still come to be the positive outcome thought to be so?

Then consider vehicle safety and driver safety as well as satisfaction.  Driving a truck that requires constant adjustment to the steering to maintain the desired direction is profoundly tiring.  The fact that a fatigued operator makes more errors of judgement is well accepted. So why are transport companies not striving to have their vehicles rolling down the highways and roads rather than being dragged?  Remember dragging the tyre across the yard?  Was that not quickly fatiguing?

The question remains why do so many people still ignore the waste generated from not utilising the second highest operating expense within a transport fleet, the humble tyre?

Are you so tired that tyres don’t count?  Why throw your profits away?

• Adam Gosling and the team at TyreSafe Australia provide guidance and direction for all tyre users. Safety is paramount, so is efficiency and sustainability. Tyres are a globally universal product, the requirement for tyre safety is also a global standard

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Birla Tyres has officially joined the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), becoming the newest member of the leading industry body. The company, with its registered office in Kolkata, operates a large-scale manufacturing facility in Balasore, Odisha, which spans 195 acres and is dedicated to producing a diverse range of speciality tyres.

Based in New Delhi, ATMA represents major tyre manufacturers that account for more than 80 percent of domestic production. The association serves as a vital link between the government and the industry while also engaging with media, opinion leaders and international trade bodies to advocate for the sector’s perspectives.

ATMA actively participates in policy formulation and regularly consults with government departments on economic challenges affecting the industry. Its existing membership includes prominent firms such as MRF Tyres, JK Tyre & Industries, CEAT Ltd and Bridgestone India, the local subsidiary of the Japanese tyre giant.

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Bridgestone has reported a significant shift in UK consumer sentiment regarding electric vehicles, with new data indicating a sharp rise in drivers who reject the technology. The tyre manufacturer's survey reveals that 26 percent of motorists now declare they will never purchase an EV, up from 17 percent in 2025, while only 16 percent plan to acquire one within the coming year.

Persistent operational anxieties continue to overshadow the market. Battery durability and replacement costs trouble 55 percent of respondents, half worry about charging expenses and 44 percent express unease over range limitations and high sticker prices.

Infrastructure inadequacies further compound hesitancy, as 43 percent feel public charging stations remain insufficient and 41 percent are deterred by prolonged recharging times. Despite these barriers, 53 percent anticipate purchasing an EV within five years, while seven percent remain undecided.

Bridgestone is reinforcing its commitment through 'EV Ready' tyres like the Turanza 6, engineered for efficiency, safety and wear life across electric and combustion vehicles. These innovations align with the company's E8 Commitment and Ecology pillar, advancing sustainable tyre technologies and mobility solutions.

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, said, "Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch. While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it's clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.

"Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has secured its place in three major global ESG stock indexes, marking over two decades of sustained recognition in sustainable investing. The company’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series now extends to 22 consecutive years, while its presence in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index has reached a 10th year and the Sector Relative Index a 5th year.

Developed and administered by FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group subsidiary, these benchmarks serve distinct investment purposes. The FTSE4Good Series is widely utilised by international investors as a reference for responsible portfolios. Meanwhile, the two Japan-specific indexes, designed to highlight domestic firms with exemplary ESG performance, have been adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund to steer its own sustainable asset allocation.

Under the corporate sustainability motto of caring for the future, Yokohama Rubber continues to integrate social problem-solving into core business operations, thereby generating shared value. This longstanding index qualification reflects the firm’s consistent commitment to transparent governance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility, reinforcing its strategic focus on long-term value creation through ethical business conduct.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Apollo Altrust Winter van tyre, a new addition to its commercial vehicle lineup engineered to deliver extended durability alongside reliable snow and wet-weather traction. Scheduled for European release in July 2026, this winter variant finalises the Altrust family, which already includes the popular summer and all-season iterations.

Developed entirely within Europe, the tyre achieves a top wet grip classification of ‘A’ and a noise rating of ‘B’ at 72 decibels. Offered in 15 size options across 15- to 17-inch rim diameters, the Altrust Winter is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of vans and light commercial vehicles, including contemporary models such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and IVECO Daily.

Superior handling on snow, ice and rain-soaked roads stems from several engineering innovations. A multi-pitch tread pattern optimises block sizing and spacing for consistent performance, while three-dimensional sipes enhance road biting capability. Additionally, the centre and shoulder lateral grooves have been strategically configured for swift water dispersal, which bolsters wet grip and lessens aquaplaning risks.

For fleet operators, longevity and reduced wear are critical to lowering total cost of ownership. Apollo’s research division formulated a compound with a balanced polymer-and-filler mix to boost abrasion resistance and curb material degradation. Reinforced shoulder tie-bars preserve a stable contact patch under heavy use, promoting even tread wear and sustaining all-weather effectiveness over the tyre’s lifespan. Noise management was also prioritised, with careful tuning of pitch sequences and shoulder block bridges to minimise acoustic output.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our research and development team in Enschede, The Netherlands, spent over two years exploring the needs of van owners and users, creating a winter van tyre that delivers an optimal balance of performance and value. They focused on those attributes that matter most to fleet operators and van drivers: safety, durability and low operating costs. We know that wet-weather performance is becoming increasingly important for operators across Europe, so we are particularly pleased to see the tyre secure an A rating for wet grip.”

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