Tire control: the risks of skipping it in your fleet

Maintaining good tire control takes attention, planning and, above all, the right tools to optimize processes.

Without efficient control, it is easy to face problems such as premature wear, lost fuel efficiency when correct pressure is not maintained and unexpected failures.

But when you know how tires work, what care they need and how to collect data to analyze their performance, that is when you will really make decisions that improve the fleet.

Take a look below:

• What is tire control?
• What are the main precautions for good tire control?
• What are the risks of not carrying out tire control?
• Alternatives for fleet tire control
• What should you do for efficient tire control?

What is tire control?

Tire control, also known as tire management, is an essential practice to keep your fleet's tires in ideal conditions for use.

It is a set of activities ranging from inspection and calibration to collecting and organizing data on each tire's performance.

In other words, this practice goes beyond simply keeping track of wear. Gathering and filing detailed information on each tire allows the manager to identify consumption patterns, detect potential problems — such as improper calibration or irregular wear — and make more strategic decisions based on this.

For example, you can predict maintenance needs before a problem affects operations or identify which makes and models offer the best value for the fleet.

For the fleet and/or tire manager, this means having full command of each tire's condition, knowing exactly when to rotate, replace or retread it.

What are the main precautions for good tire control?

Efficient control requires attention to several aspects, always focused on improving safety, reducing costs and maximizing the useful life of these important components. Some precautions are essential for this.

The first step is to have a well-defined tire control plan with clear goals. Creating a detailed fleet tire history allows you to identify the main problems faced and opportunities for improvement.

This practice helps the manager anticipate needs, avoid failures and make adjustments that positively affect vehicle performance.

Knowing the vehicles well and understanding which tire types are most suitable is also essential. This includes carefully assessing purchases, choosing models that meet the fleet's specific needs, such as the cargo type transported and the conditions of the roads traveled.

The right choice makes all the difference in performance and cost per kilometer.

Another crucial point is analyzing recurring damage. Which problems appear most often? Uneven tire wear? Calibration failures?

By identifying these patterns, you can adjust processes, train the team and implement solutions that minimize losses and optimize results.

What are the risks of not carrying out tire control?

Neglecting tire control can cause a series of losses for your fleet's operation. The most obvious is excessive wear and premature tire loss, generating high replacement costs that could be avoided.

But the risks do not stop there — they can directly affect your operation's safety, efficiency and even legal compliance. Here is a look at each:

Increased fuel consumption

Maintaining correct pressure helps maximize fuel economy. Therefore, when recommended pressure is not part of the inspection and calibration routine, the fleet may lose fuel efficiency.

This has a financial impact, especially in long-distance transportation operations. In addition, any worsening in fuel efficiency also weighs on the fleet's sustainability goals.

Greater chance of accidents

Tires in poor condition, with irregular wear, visible damage or inadequate pressure compromise safety, making the vehicle more vulnerable to failures and lost performance in critical situations.

These factors considerably increase the risk of accidents, endangering both drivers and other people on the road.

Vehicle component breakage

Poor tire condition can overload other vehicle components, such as suspension and the steering system.

This results in more frequent maintenance and additional repair costs. Lack of alignment or balancing, for example, can generate vibrations that prematurely wear essential fleet parts.

Receiving fines

In Brazil, tires in inadequate condition are a serious infraction under traffic laws. Vehicles with bald or worn tires, or tires outside regulatory specifications, may be fined and prevented from continuing to operate until the problem is resolved.

In this case, it can directly affect transportation productivity.

Lost productivity

Vehicles stopped for emergency repairs, fines or problems arising from poorly managed tires represent considerable productivity losses.

Delivery delays and increased vehicle idle time harm not only profits but also the company's market reputation.

Alternatives for fleet tire control

Efficient tire control depends on the tools and practices used. Today, different alternatives serve everything from more basic management to advanced operations, depending on the level of complexity and available resources.

The most traditional and accessible alternative is using spreadsheets and manual tools. In this approach, the manager manually records information on calibration, wear and rotation history.
This approach has the advantage of low cost and easy implementation, but has limitations.

Because it relies on manual data entry, it is more susceptible to errors and inconsistencies. In addition, the time needed to collect, organize and interpret information can be challenging in more complex operations or with a larger fleet.

Another option is combining simple digital tools with spreadsheets. For example, devices such as depth gauges or digital tire inflators can be used to obtain more accurate data, which is then recorded in spreadsheets.

This method reduces the margin for error and improves information accuracy, but still requires manual work to consolidate data and generate more detailed analyses.

It is an improvement over purely manual control, but lacks the integration needed to optimize larger-scale processes.

For more efficient, strategic management, using digital tools and systems specialized in tire management is the most robust solution. This software allows all aspects of tire performance to be monitored and controlled in a centralized, automated way.

Features include keeping track of tread depth, scheduled rotation, CPK (cost per kilometer) calculation and detailed reports.

Automation not only reduces the time spent on manual tasks but also offers strategic insights, allowing the manager to make informed decisions based on concrete data.

Besides these options, even more advanced technologies are starting to gain ground in the market, such as IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. These devices can monitor tire pressure, temperature and other indicators in real time, sending data directly to management systems.

Each alternative has its pros and cons, and the ideal choice depends on fleet size, available budget and the level of detail needed for tire control.

The important thing is to progress gradually, always seeking tools that simplify the manager's work and ensure better operational results.

What should you do for efficient tire control?

Today, technology is an indispensable ally for anyone wanting to take tire management to a new level of efficiency.

Relying only on manual methods can limit your potential, so using a management system, such as Prolog's, can be an important choice for managers seeking agility, productivity and cost reduction.

Technology is no longer a differentiating factor and has become essential for organizing information, planning actions and making fast, accurate decisions.

But efficient tire control does not depend on technology alone. As a manager, it is essential to ensure the whole team is aligned with good practices.

Drivers, for example, play a crucial role day to day, whether carrying out regular inspections or avoiding behaviors that accelerate tire wear, such as hard braking or speeding.

Finally, do not neglect basic care. Regular inspections, proper calibration, tire washing and periodic rotation complement and enhance the benefits of well-structured management.

Do not let details go unnoticed — every precaution counts toward extending tire useful life and avoiding unpleasant surprises along the way. And if you want to stay one step ahead, invest in knowledge. Join our tire management course (in Portuguese)!