For any enterprise involved in on road operations there are quite a number of risks and always a degree of risk. How to mitigate the risk potential is always a challenge and in some larger businesses involving a dedicated risk manager.

Many trucking companies look at risk exposure as a necessary evil and utilise insurance packages to reduce the financial ramifications of such exposures.

Now, what if, a risk mitigation strategy that provided positive financial outcomes was available for just a little investment? Does this spark interest in those who drive the abacuses in the back rooms?

Tyres form one of the highest cost centres for a transport operation be the activities on road or in a mining operation. Fuel is usually the largest and is tightly controlled as the abacus jockeys understand that every last millilitre of fuel must be accounted for. Granted there is a percent here or there for spillage but as fuel companies demand payment prior to delivery for almost all operations the bean counters are onto it without delay. Tyres?

When we consider the humble tyre so many ASSuMe that the tyre just performs the required duties without any (at worst) attention or with just a little attention, perhaps a kick every now and again or being slapped with a pipe or bar to confirm the tyre isn’t totally flat.

Tyre, the influencer

What is not very well understood by back-office personnel is that tyres are influenced by, and actually influence, the successful operation of the vehicle, be it a wheel barrow, a tri-cycle, a rigid truck or road train even a giant haul truck. If the tyres aren’t “right” then the operating costs will rise. Consider a delta percentage on fuel burn of 3 – 5%, a wheel end bearing life reduction of 10%, a tyre life deficit of 10%, decreased suspension component life as the tyres are being dragged not rolling, at what cost does the “head in the tyre” influence the profits of the business?

So, when we “Cover Your Analyse risk SAFETY” every-time (CYA) we consider all the contributing aspects of tyre use and how risk mitigation practises can be employed to grow the return on the investment our businesses make in tyres. All successful transport companies maintain a close log on the consumption of mechanical items such as fuel and spare parts. Labour costs are also rigidly overseen and as every driver well understands there are events on the road that result in a later delivery than was planned, a traffic event that turns the usual highway into a car park. When the driver returns to base and lodges the work hours there is always a cry from the accounting department why has this person worked overtime, why are we paying more than normal?

Yet, for tyres it seems too often the humble servant is treated as a mere consumable commodity and just turned over or replaced without any consideration as to how life can be extended. Why? When tyres influence so many of the unseen factors for a transport operator why are they not used as the reporter, the data logger of operations? A tyre does not lie about the experiences they have endured, they cannot suddenly grow tread to cover misalignment or a brake lock up, the evidence is in our faces IF we simply observe what the tyres are telling us.

Tyre management

There are many valued publications from around the globe that have photos of tyres that have worn in a certain manner or exhibit various conditions that relay the root causes of the damage to the observer. The tyre scrap heap is the first place we visit when determining the tyre management capacity and capability of a new client. How many tyres with more than the minimum legal tread depth are in the scrap heap? If there are records of tyre performance what is the tread consumption rate for the tyres consumed? What is the frequency of the various scrapping reasons the business using tyres is experiencing? Why? What is the distance per tread unit rate? What is the fuel burn rate per tread unit consumption? What if these questions can’t be answered? Then a risk mitigation practise is obviously not in practise. Exposure is certain, a matter of when not if.

A simple tree diagram or spider web drawing outlining the various risk aspects a tyre could experience with each branch drawing down into detail of how, what and why can assist in the mitigation process. The risk on the underside of the branch with the solution on the top provides a simple but effective illustration of the potentials available.

The TyreSafe Australia policy known as the 6M Principle is engaged in not only tyre performance enhancement but right through the various aspects of the transport business. Before you can MANAGE you have to be able to MEASURE. With measurements (read data) one can MONITOR to know when to MAINTAIN the equipment therefore actually MANAGING in order to MAKE MONEY! The 6M principle is simple but it requires diligent and dedicated systems within the workplace. There are many principles such as that espoused by Dr William Deming who developed the PDCA process, PLAN, DO, CHECK, ACT where the a/ versus b/ consideration was created:

Bill Smith who introduced the 6 Sigma philosophy in the 1980’s also recognised the same avenue of opportunity. The basis of 6 Sigma is the improvement of the output quality by recognising and eliminating the root causes of defects and so minimizing the impacts using statistical processes, ie managing by measuring monitoring and maintaining!

The TyreSafe Australia 6M principle is closely aligned with these well recognised philosophies and commences with the simple recognition that tyre inflation pressure control is the absolute basis for the desired performance outcomes a transport related business will experience. How do you analyse the risks, what mitigation processes are in place?

Safety is not just about well-being of personnel. If a business doesn’t employ safe practices, is it going to be sustainable? Not just from the human factor but also consider the financial aspects. A business engaged in risky financial undertakings will probably collapse sooner than later.

So why not start the process from the ground up by ensuring that the foundation of the modern motor vehicle, the humble tyre is indeed operating at optimum levels. With modern electronics there is no excuse for not completely understanding (and so appreciating) what the tyres you use are providing to your business profits. If you are not measuring, how are you managing?

Ensure that your tyres are not a drag on your operation, ensure the rolling resistance is as low as possible and this will ensure there is an even flow of dollars into your account. Utilising real time tyre monitoring is now a standard practise for successful businesses who utilise tyres in their operations.

Cover Your, Analyse Risks Safety Everytime! (TT)

• Adam Gosling and the team at TyreSafe Australia provide guidance and direction for all tyre users. Safety is paramount, so is efficiency and sustainability. Tyres are a globally universal product, the requirement for tyre safety is also a global standard.

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Tegeta Green Planet opened the Light Vehicle Diagnostics course at Tegeta Academy with a presentation for attendees aged 17 to 33. Beyond their chosen vocational field, participants learned about automotive waste management and environmental responsibility.

Shalva Akhvlediani, the organisation’s director, outlined its activities and goals while emphasising Extended Producer Responsibility. The session examined how the automotive sector connects to environmental duty and why used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries must be collected and managed properly.

Tyre management and RECSOL featured prominently. Attendees traced a used tyre’s path from collection to recycling and learned how waste becomes a source of new resources. RECSOL, Tegeta’s tyre recycling plant, is a significant infrastructure project in used tyre recycling, processing tyres into materials for various uses and supporting circular economy principles.

A core aim is a system where waste is not an endpoint but the starting point for new resources, which requires infrastructure alongside greater public awareness and information on proper disposal. For participants, the meeting linked professional education with environmental awareness, stressing that future automotive professionals should understand this responsibility early.

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Tyres Europe, alongside ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), has dispatched a joint communication to EU decision-makers concerning the possible broadening of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover downstream goods. The move comes as trilogue discussions approach.

Tyre producers form part of an automotive value chain already bearing carbon-related expenses for steel and aluminium manufactured within Europe. The proposed expansion would draw additional products into the mechanism’s remit before the existing framework has demonstrated its effectiveness. Resulting costs and administrative requirements would land on downstream manufacturers, tyre makers included, with signatories cautioning that a conceptually sound regulatory effort could become an operational and financial strain.

Endorsing the mechanism’s aims, the signatories nonetheless urge a proportionate scope that shields the entire value chain from carbon leakage while preventing that risk from being pushed further downstream. They advocate extending the mechanism only where a material carbon-leakage danger is evidenced, and request that policymakers ease compliance demands, including via more fitting default values mirroring real production routes.

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NEXEN TIRE has extended its partnership with Zalgiris, reinforcing its commitment to basketball in Europe, particularly across the Baltic region. The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2024 and reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking its brand to performance, innovation and mobility.

The tyre maker has pursued sports partnerships as a way to connect with fans, sharing in the passion and excitement of supporting favourite teams during major matches and memorable moments. It also values the teamwork, dedication and collective achievement that define team sports, using such ties to build authentic connections and deepen engagement in key European markets. Its collaboration with clubs including Zalgiris and FC Bayern München forms part of this approach.

Under the extended agreement, NEXEN TIRE will gain greater visibility among sports fans in the region. The partnership offers branding opportunities at Zalgirio Arena, such as synchronised on-screen advertising and promotion on LED stands near the court, in a position visible on television during EuroLeague and LKL home games.

The arrangement also includes a hospitality programme allowing NEXEN TIRE to welcome guests and business partners at Zalgiris home fixtures. Through the strengthened alliance, the company aims to share its passion with more fans while raising brand awareness across the region.

Ricky Lee, Managing Director, NEXEN TIRE Poland, said, “Our cooperation with Zalgiris has developed positively since 2024, and we are pleased to extend and strengthen this partnership. Basketball has a particularly strong following in the Baltic region, making Zalgiris an important partner as we continue to grow our presence and engage with fans. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the season and doing our best to create positive experiences for both the players and their passionate fans.”

Paulius Jankunas, President, Zalgiris, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with NEXEN TIRE and build on the partnership we started two years ago. NEXEN TIRE brings extensive experience in sports marketing, and we are proud to work together on creating meaningful projects and experiences for our fans. We look forward to another successful period of cooperation and to welcoming NEXEN TIRE’s guests and partners to our games and events.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has widened its tyre portfolio through the addition of four new lines under the Multi-Mile Tyres banner. Serving as a value step-up brand, Multi-Mile gives dealers a strong mix of broader product coverage and improved consumer advantages crafted to drive better retail margins, helping retailers offer greater value while lifting profitability. With this expansion, the portfolio now reaches over 85 percent of the vehicle market, offering dealers more ways to satisfy customer demand.

Among the additions are tyres built for rugged and mud terrain use, boasting self-cleaning treads that push out mud and stones alongside dependable traction both on and off the road. Also joining the range are commercial and C-metric speciality tyres tailored to heavy-duty regional and long-haul trucks, together with all-weather tyres that hold the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe snow rating and are made for high mileage and consistent year-round use.

A prominent name in the replacement tyre segment, Multi-Mile carries cutting-edge touring, high-performance and broad-line tyres suited to passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Meanwhile, the upgraded Mile After Mile Protection Plan warranty now delivers broader coverage, adding three-year roadside assistance, a three-year road hazard protection plan and a 60-day ride guarantee on top of its extensive treadwear warranties.

Rachel Tibor, Chief Marketing Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, “For more than 70 years, Multi-Mile products have offered cost-efficient, reliable and durable tyre options that enhance safety and performance. With this expanded portfolio, Multi-Mile strengthens its position as a value step-up brand, giving dealers more opportunities to meet evolving consumer needs while offering a product mix designed to support stronger retail margins. We’re continuing our longstanding tradition of supplying the right products at the right time for every type of vehicle and application.”

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