Fleet managers and vehicle procurement executives must put more thought into selecting premium tyres for their fleets, according to Peter Eldridge, Director of Worcestershire-based accident management support provider Opus AutoRoute.

“Cost concerns often drive tyre procurement decisions made in the fleet market, without consideration for the on-road performance and longevity of the selected tyres – and the importance of selecting the right fitments,” says Eldridge.

The clear differences between “low cost and best value” tyres should become a key consideration for fleet management executives, adds Eldridge, who made the comments after first-hand experience of swapping tyres on a newly purchased personal vehicle from a budget competitor to Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tyres – with “transformative” results.

Referring to swapping his personal SUV on to Michelin tyres, Eldridge says: “I bought a pre-owned Honda CR-V, which came on budget tyres. I was getting horrendous wheel judder at speed, but five wheel balances and one new set of drive shaft joints later, things were no better. That’s when it was suggested to me that the budget tyres were the likely cause, so I went out and bought four new Michelins.

“Having been in the fleet industry for over 40 years, I didn’t think I could be surprised any more – but my goodness, the car was completely transformed. The vibration has completely gone, it’s quieter, it handles better – especially in wet weather – and overall the car is a completely different driving experience. In future, I wouldn’t consider anything but premium tyres again, as the value they deliver is clear.”

From its offices in Worcestershire, the Opus Group provides a broad range of support services for the corporate, public and fleet sectors’ vehicle accident and claim management requirements, embracing more than 50,000 vehicles.