How fleets can prepare their van tyres for the heat

High temperatures can impact the wear and performance of van tyres when not maintained correctly. So during the height of summer, it’s essential for fleets to take proactive steps in tyre care to ensure their light commercial vehicles (LCV) are operating efficiently and business operations can continue to run smoothly. 

Here are some best practice tips on van tyre care that will keep vehicles running and enhance safety and comfort for drivers.

Monitor temperature and weather conditions

To avoid any unexpected tyre blowouts, monitoring the weather conditions can be helpful. As the temperatures rise, the air inside your tyres also heats up. The hot air expands, causing the pressure to increase which compromises the tyre structure and leads to overinflation. As a consequence, the tyres can become cracked, torn, or even blow completely. Therefore, it’s important to regularly assess tyre pressures during hot weather and adjust accordingly, but make sure to do this when the vehicle has been stationary for some time and the tyres have not built up additional heat through driving.

Reducing speed and avoiding heavy loads, where possible, can also help to prevent van tyres overheating. It’s also most efficient to equip LCVs with tyres that are designed for summer weather, such as Davanti’s Vantoura DX450. 

Check the age of your van tyres

Tyres naturally age over time, so even if the tread appears to be wearing well, the rubber can deteriorate if the tyres are old. It’s recommended that tyres older than five years are replaced to ensure maximum safety and durability.

It’s simple to check the age of your tyres – the date of manufacture can be found on the sidewall of the tyre, referred to as a DOT code. 

Ensure the correct loading and weight distribution

It’s vitally important not to overload a vehicle. Excess weight and the improper distribution of weight can lead to unnecessary pressure on the tyres, causing premature wear or even blowouts.

Choosing the right van tyre for your fleet

If you are considering new van tyres for your fleet, then you should think about the type of driving that your LCVs do day to day and what type of tyre is suited to this. If it’s long distance motorway driving primarily, then it’s important to choose a tyre that provides ride comfort and fuel efficiency as well as durability. While vehicles that operate on uneven terrain might need more off-road-ready options.

Choosing the right tyres for LCVs can not only boost productivity but – over time – reduce downtime and costs too. Over the past decade, Davanti has significantly expanded its product range to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Davanti’s Vantoura DX450 is a highly durable and efficiency-led van tyre with exceptional mileage capabilities, designed to keep drivers moving in both wet and dry conditions.

Its key features include:

• A specially-designed compound ensures wear resistance, enhancing mileage capabilities even when carrying heavy loads.
• Deep circumferential grooves allow for water dispersion, providing safe handling and braking.
• Solid shoulder blocks and a strong central rib design deliver a stable drive.
• The inner block section is designed to provide traction in dry conditions, both on and off road.

For fleet managers seeking exceptional performance and excellent value for their LCVs, contact your local Davanti dealer for more information, or check out the full range of commercial vehicle tyres.