Michelin campaigns to 'Stop thirsty tyres'

Michelin has launched a campaign called 'Stop Thirsty Tyres' which has the potential to cut the annual fuel bill of the nation's 542,000 trucks by over £100 million. This could save enough diesel to fill more than 120 Olympic sized swimming pools each year.

According to Michelin, which is celebrating its UK centenary this year, few hauliers realise that their existing tyres could be the key to improving fuel efficiency, and that good tyre management can make a significant contribution to the bottom line whilst helping to protect the environment.

"Truck operators in the UK face the highest fuel prices in Europe, and spend an estimated £12 billion on diesel each year," says Chris Bloor, Commercial Director of Michelin's UK operations. "With little chance of the government reducing tax on fuel, the only cost-saving alternative is to use less.

"Good tyre management starts with selecting the right tyre for the specific application and then maintaining the correct tyre pressures, ensuring accurate wheel alignment, replacing missing valve caps and regrooving tyres to ensure maximum tyre life and fuel economy," he adds.

Fuel consumption is dependent on overcoming the forces which oppose forward movement, and at a speed of 50mph, the energy used by a truck or large van to overcome rolling resistance represents up to 30 per cent of the total energy used. Small differences in pressure, such as tyres which are under inflated by just 10 per cent, can increase fuel consumption by 1.5 per cent.

Michelin estimates that based on its extensive experience, approximately 60 per cent of trucks running on the UK's roads have tyres which are under-inflated by at least 10 per cent. Such statistics mean that by addressing this one issue, approximately 124 million litres of diesel could be saved across the total commercial vehicle parc in the UK.

Mr Bloor adds: "There is a massive amount of scepticism over gimmicks that claim to save fuel, but when it comes to managing tyres effectively then the savings can really make a difference.

"Expenditure on diesel for a typical 44 tonne truck comprises about 62 per cent of its total running costs and with tyres accounting for just six per cent, few fleet managers appreciate the direct relationship between tyres and fuel economy," he concludes.

Michelin has launched a website - www.stopthirstytyres.com - to provide comprehensive information on the issues faced by both fleet managers running large fleets and also by the nation's truck drivers, many of whom are owner-drivers. A number of these cost-saving principals can also work just as well for cars as they do for trucks.