Fleet managers today are responsible for keeping their equipment moving, and tires play a critical role in achieving this goal. This is why it is important to establish a regular tire maintenance program. Taking a proactive approach to upkeep can reduce common tire-related issues, improve workplace safety, and extend tire life, all of which helps to save money and enhance productivity long-term.
KEEPING THE WHEELS TURNING
From selecting the right tire for the job to inflation pressure and rotations, there are a variety of factors that need to be checked regularly to ensure commercial tires are in good shape.
Proper attention needs to be paid to these important components before it’s too late—when fleet equipment managers are faced with downtime and expensive repairs. The importance of proactive mechanical maintenance is well understood, but preventive tire care is just as important.
Contractors should know the tell-tale signs of tire health and look for them as often as possible.
Understanding some basic principles and visual indicators allow the tires to tell the story of what can be done to minimize the chances of reduced tire life and mechanical conditions that may be present and cause issues down the road. There are several things that managers and operators can do to help uncover problems and solve them before they worsen, such as:
Setting and maintaining proper cold inflation pressures. Cold inflation pressure is the inflation pressure of tires before they are driven. Adjusting air pressure when tires are hot can result in under-inflation.
Selecting the right tire for the job, considering the proper tire size, load-carrying capacity, speed capability, and service type.
Inspecting tires frequently for damage such as cuts, cracks, bulges, penetrations, and irregular wear.
THE RIGHT SERVICE PROVIDER
At GCR Tires & Service (GCR)—a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and one of the largest networks of commercial service stores in North America—we focus on delivering best-in-class customer service and helping operators make smart tire and maintenance decisions that minimize downtime. For equipment used on the highway, our Tire Assessment program is one way we ensure customers will get uniform service that helps promote safety on the road, no matter where that road may be.
GCR implemented the Tire Assessment program in spring 2016 to create a standard method for checking a customer’s complete vehicle, at every wheel position, for issues such as irregular wear, mismatched tread depths, or other tire-specific problems. Our technicians interpret the data obtained during the Tire Assessment in order to give consistent recommendations that can minimize fleet downtime, maximize bottom line profitability, and enable GCR to be a trusted service provider in safety-focused preventive maintenance solutions.
Safety is a core value of GCR. It’s important that we not only provide thorough service that keeps customers safe, but also that we educate our customers about the importance of taking a proactive role in maintaining the equipment that is vital to their safety and success. We are dedicated to improving the bottom line of our customers’ businesses by providing the service and solutions they need.
With one of the largest networks of commercial stores in the U.S. and Canada, GCR offers commercial customers complete and reliable service no matter where they are. Our Tire Industry Association-trained technicians and Tire Assessment program ensure fleet customers receive a seamless, consistent experience each time we service the vehicle or equipment, whether that’s on the jobsite or in one of our more than 200 store locations.
Bottom line, proactive tire maintenance should be part of every contractor’s toolbox to ensure a safe, productive, and efficient jobsite. ■
About the Author:  Jason Evans is director of store operations for GCR Tires & Service (GCR), a network of 200+ commercial tire and service retail stores owned by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. For more information, visit  www.gcrtires.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions – July 2016
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