Understanding the causes of “in service damage” can help van drivers to prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. It can also help to improve road safety and fuel efficiency.
What is in-service damage?
In-service damage” is damage that occurs while your tyres are in use for work purposes.
Van tyres are exposed to some different types of wear and tear to car and motorcycle tyres. These tyres may have to regularly carry heavy loads, drive on rough or uneven terrain, mount and drop off kerbs, and engage in frequent stop-start driving, making them more susceptible to some types of damage and wear.
Common causes of in-service damage
Here, we’ll look at the common causes of in-service damage so that you can stay informed and road-ready.
Incorrect van tyre pressure
A common cause of in-service damage to van tyres is having the incorrect tyre pressure.
Your tyre pressure should be adjusted depending on whether your van is loaded or unloaded. Van drivers, who regularly have to load and unload their vehicle with heavy goods, may be more vulnerable to this type of damage.
Underinflated tyres are more susceptible to wear on the outer edges of the tyre tread. While overinflated tyres are more likely to suffer wear on the centre of the tread. In both cases, excess heat will build up inside the tyre, dramatically increasing the chance of premature, dangerous and costly failures, such as blow outs.
Did you know that research from one TyreSafe member found that by running tyres at just 80 percent of the recommended pressure, tyre life was reduced to around 75 percent. If the pressure falls to 60 percent, users can expect to achieve just 35 percent of the potential mileage from the tyre.
You should check your tyre pressure regularly to ensure it is optimal.
Kerb Scuffing
Tyre damage from mounting and dropping off kerbs, along with kerb scuffing, are other common forms of in-service damage to van tyres.
Kerb scuffing, or kerb rash, is a type of damage that occurs when your tyres make contact with the edge of the road. These scuffs, scratches and pinches can weaken your tyre overtime, causing rapid and irregular wear. Van drivers making multi-drop deliveries or navigating tight urban spaces, may be especially at risk of this type of damage.
You should inspect your tyres regularly to ensure they are in optimal condition.
Inadequate van tyre tread depth
Another cause of in-service damage to van tyres is an inadequate tread depth.
This can occur as a result of the other types of damage listed here, causing uneven wear and rapid tread degradation. Van drivers may experience this more than other drivers due to their higher mileages and stop-start driving patterns.
Van tyres should have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the entire circumference of the central three quarters of the tyre. You can check your tread depth by using a 20p coin. If the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tyre tread grooves, the tyre may not have sufficient tread depth.
Rough terrain and construction sites
Lastly, van tyres may be damaged in-service because of the rough terrains and construction sites they frequently operate on.
Unmade roads, rough ground and building sites can hold all kinds of tyre hazards. Builders’ debris, sharp or jagged objects may cause punctures, tears or cuts.
Tyres should be visually inspected regularly for damage such as cuts, bulges, lumps and cracks. Stones or other objects embedded in the tread should be removed.
Keep your van tyres in top condition with TyreSafe
Understanding the causes of in-service damage can help you to stay safe and sound on the road. As if that wasn’t enough, it can also help you to save money – not just by avoiding sudden, unexpected repairs, but incrementally, by improving your vehicles fuel efficiency.
TyreSafe estimates that in the UK, as much as £700 million of fuel a year is wasted as a result of under-inflated tyres. When tyres run under-inflated, their rolling resistance – the force that is needed to make them turn – increases. This means the engine has to work harder and more fuel is used, making the vehicle less economical. Calculations from one TyreSafe member show that when tyres are under-inflated by just 20% (around 6psi), 3% more fuel is used.
Stay safe and road-ready with your handy guide to van tyre safety.
Download our handy guide to Van tyre safety (PDF, 500k)