In fleet operations, tyres are more than a line item—they’re a key cost center. And yet, they’re one of the most misunderstood components of vehicle management.
Believing common tyre myths leads to:
- Shorter tyre life
- Increased fuel consumption
- Higher downtime
- Greater safety risks
In this post, we’ll bust the most dangerous misconceptions in commercial tyre care—and show you how better tyre management can drive real savings for your business.
Myth 1:
“A Tyre’s a Tyre” — Just Buy What’s Cheap
Truth: Cheap tyres come with hidden costs.
Not all tyres are created equal—and in fleet operations, tyre mismatching can cost far more in downtime, fuel, and wear.
Match the tyre to the application: long-haul, urban, specialty. The upfront savings of a one-size-fits-all approach rarely hold up over time.
Myth 2:
“Run Them to the Ground” — Replace Only When They Fail
Truth: Reactive tyre replacement is a recipe for breakdowns.
Waiting for visible wear or a blowout might save you today—but it’ll cost you tomorrow in roadside assistance, lost loads, and driver risk.
Proactive replacement schedules protect both uptime and safety.
Myth 3:
“Overinflating = More Mileage”
Truth: A few extra PSI can put your entire fleet at risk.
Sure, you might get a slight bump in fuel economy—but it comes at the cost of traction, braking, and premature wear.
Overinflated tyres wear unevenly and jeopardize driver control—especially in wet conditions.
Myth 4:
“Checked It Last Month—We’re Fine”
Truth: Tyre pressure is not a set-it-and-forget-it metric.
Pressure fluctuates daily with temperature, load, and time. Even a few PSI off can reduce fuel efficiency and tyre life.
Regular checks—or a TPMS—aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re operational musts.
Myth 5:
“Mix & Match to Save Cash”
Truth: Tyre mismatches create more problems than they solve.
Different tread patterns or brands across the same axle can lead to uneven grip, handling issues, and interference with ABS or ESC systems.
What seems like smart cost-cutting can quickly become a safety risk.
Myth 6:
“Nitrogen? Isn’t That for Race Cars?”
Truth: Nitrogen inflation offers real-world fleet advantages.
It reduces pressure loss, stabilizes inflation in extreme temperatures, and slows oxidation inside the tyre. The result? Better pressure consistency, longer tyre life, and fewer mid-route issues.
Myth 7:
“Max PSI = Best for Heavy Loads”
Truth: Max PSI is a safety ceiling—not a recommendation.
Running tyres at sidewall max pressure creates a stiff ride, stresses suspension, and reduces contact patch. Follow your vehicle’s load-specific PSI to get the best balance of ride comfort, wear, and control.
Final Word: Why Smarter Tyre Management Pays Off
Running a fleet means managing variables. Tyres shouldn’t be one of them.
The right tyre strategy lowers total cost of ownership (TCO), boosts driver safety, and prevents the avoidable downtime that eats into delivery schedules and customer satisfaction.
- Train your team
- Track pressure and tread
- Replace proactively
- Invest in the right spec, not just the cheapest option
Ready to Upgrade Your Fleet’s Tyre Strategy?
We support fleet managers with:
- Tyre spec guidance by vehicle type
- TPMS and tracking system integration
- Data-backed recommendations for rotation and replacement cycles
- Sourcing high-performance, cost-effective TBR, PCR, and specialty tyres
