Selecting the right tires for vehicles in your fleet is an important decision. Driver safety, vehicle performance and fuel efficiency over thousands of miles are all affected by this decision. But choosing the right tires for different vehicles and different driving conditions can be more than just a little confusing.
A good place to start is by understanding all the different sidewall markings on a tire. In addition to the tire brand and model names, basic information may include the tire’s dimensions, production date, materials used internally to reinforce the rubber, and maximum inflation pressures and loads. More detailed information may indicate a manufacturer’s certification that the tire meets various industry standards and/or any government regulations.
One of the most important markings is the tire size designation, which is indicated by a letter or letters that identify the type of vehicle and/or type of service for which the tire is intended.
All tires may be black and round, but that’s where the similarities stop. With most tires being replaced every three to five years, resulting in approximately 200 million replacement tires purchased each year, there is no doubt that it is very important to get a grip on understanding what tires will do the best job for your vehicles.
Jay de la Houssaye, Area Sales Manager for Enterprise Fleet Management/Louisiana, can be reached at 504-779-3321. Serving the entire South Central Louisiana area, de la Houssaye is supported by an experienced team of veteran mechanics and accredited Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technicians to serve the fleet maintenance needs of businesses with mid-size fleets. In addition to maintenance management programs, Enterprise’s services include vehicle acquisition, fuel management and insurance programs, as well as vehicle registration, reporting and remarketing. Visit the company’s web site at www.enterprisefleet.com or call toll free 1-877-23-FLEET.