New statistics from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have shown that a significant number of vans are failing the CVRT due to tyres. These failures are a combination of worn and damaged tyres and highlight a lack of attention being paid to the easiest aspects of a van to monitor and maintain.
The Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) data shows that in 2024, more than 50,000 tests failed due to’ wheels and tyres’. This category consistently appears in the top five reasons for failing the CVRT, indicating that this is an ongoing issue that is widespread across the commercial vehicle fleet.
Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland said: “In the past we have highlighted to motorists facing the NCT that compared to the more technical aspects of the test, which will often require the services of a trained mechanic to ensure a pass result, a visual check of tyres is easy to carry out – this is also true for anyone submitting a commercial vehicle for the CVRT. If in any doubt about the tyres on a van, get them checked out by a tyre dealer who will be able to quickly diagnose any issues, most good tyre dealers will carry out a tyre check for free”.
“That would be our advice to van owners and it is potentially more of a road safety risk for vans rather than cars to have tyres that could render the vehicle unroadworthy. Just think of the risk posed by a fully laden van in the case of a tyre failure compared to a much lighter car. The extra weight of a commercial vehicle means it will travel a good distance further before it can come to a safe stop”.
What to look for when checking van tyres
There are several things to look out for when checking a van’s tyres, all of which can be done without any specific tools. Monthly checks should be carried out, starting with a visual inspection for sidewall damage or deformation. Measuring the tyre’s tread depth is another important safety aspect, as this can affect the vehicle’s performance in wet weather and, more importantly, when braking, especially in an emergency situation.
Uneven tread wear can indicate suspension and alignment issues and will reduce the tyre’s lifespan. Another aspect that will not only reduce the tyre’s lifespan and performance but will also increase fuel consumption and running costs is incorrect tyre pressure. All modern vans will have the recommended tyre pressures based on varying load conditions either listed in the owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s door frame for easy reference.
We suggest adding these inspections — which will typically only take a few minutes — to your diary or phone calendar as a recurring monthly reminder. Doing so not only becomes a good habit, but it could save you or your business money in the long term and avoid the hassle of being stuck on the side of the road with a tyre issue.