In fleet management, ensuring wheel safety isn't just about protecting vehicles—it's about safeguarding lives, reducing downtime, and enhancing operational efficiency. Neglecting wheel safety can lead to severe consequences, including accidents and costly repairs. Establishing a robust wheel safety policy is crucial to maintaining a safe and productive fleet. Here's how you can create an effective policy tailored to your fleet's needs.

The Importance of Wheel Safety

Wheel safety is the foundation of a well-functioning fleet. A single loose wheel nut can lead to catastrophic failure, causing accidents that endanger drivers, passengers, and other road users. Additionally, such incidents can result in significant operational downtime and expensive repairs. By prioritising wheel safety, you protect your fleet, your team, and your bottom line.

Steps to Establish a Wheel Safety Policy

1. Assessment and Inspection

Regular inspections are the cornerstone of any wheel safety policy. Start by implementing a routine inspection schedule, ensuring that wheels and fastenings are checked consistently. Use reliable tools and techniques for accurate assessments, such as REDCAT’s wheel nut indicators, which offer real-time, visual confirmation of nut tightness.

2. Developing Procedures

Create clear, documented procedures for wheel checks. Outline the specific steps for inspections, including who is responsible, how often checks should be performed, and what tools should be used. Establish a maintenance routine that includes checking wheel alignment, torque, and overall condition.

3. Training and Compliance

Proper training is vital to the success of your wheel safety policy. Ensure that all staff, from drivers to maintenance personnel, are trained in wheel safety practices. They should understand the importance of regular checks and be familiar with the tools and techniques required to maintain wheel integrity. Additionally, ensure your policy complies with industry safety standards and regulations.

4. Monitoring and Review

A wheel safety policy isn't a one-time effort—it requires ongoing monitoring and review. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your procedures, track any incidents, and make adjustments as needed. Stay proactive by updating your policy in response to new safety challenges or technological advancements.

Examples of Wheel Safety Policies after a Wheel Loss

Suggested Mandatory Actions Following Wheel Removal by Any Person

1. The fitter instals 5 x red Redcat Link Indicators to indicate that the wheel has been changed.
2. Workshops/tyre subcontractors are to log tyre removal/fitment and re-torquing during regular maintenance.Wheels removed by external workshops or as part of roadside tyre service must be accompanied by an Equipment Defect Notice (EDN). 
3. Workshop manager/supervisor/fitter updates 
4. The next day, the fitter re-torques the wheels, refits the standard colour of Redcat Link Indicators (typically white or yellow) and returns the red Redcat Links to the workshop manager and signs out the wheel torque register.
5. Tyre fitters must re-torque all wheels they fitted during previous visits and provide a receipt of such actions.

Prior to re-torquing wheels the following day, always check the odometer against the Fleet Management system (if applicable) to confirm the odometer has advanced from the previous day’s reading.

Maintenance/Workshop/Branch Managers must ensure wheels are re-torqued upon return to the depot following repairs and/or an EDN entered into Gate Keeper and scheduled for a re-torque following the truck’s next shift.

Drivers must be instructed to complete an EDN for all tyre repairs during their shift and tendered to the Workshop or relevant manager where a re-torque must be completed.

Wheel Re-torques Guidelines

Wheel re-torque following a wheel removal is vital and is non-negotiable. It is expected that, regardless of circumstances, wheels are re-torqued using a correctly calibrated torque wrench, using correct specification by a competent person during, or at the end of, the shift following the fitment.

This process applies to all wheel fitments, regardless of who undertook them. For example:

• Following new tyre fitment by a tyre supplier;
• Following a repair by a workshop, either internal or external, where wheels are removed; and
• Following a roadside tyre repair or wheel changed in a breakdown scenario.

Wheel Re-torques Guidelines – Linehaul Trucks/Trailers & Remote Vehicles

The workshop responsible is to provide all linehaul and remote drivers certified, calibrated torque wrenches. Drivers are to re-torque all wheels changed on the previous day or within 50-100 km of travel, or another approved method.

If for any reason a linehaul or remote driver is unable to re-torque wheels, it is to be re-torqued by the next available technician or local tyre subcontractor. An EDN is to be raised upon initial tyre change and signed off when re-torque has been completed.

Wheel Nut Indicators

Wheel nut indicators are a product used to secure wheel nuts from loosening and preventing unwinding. Redcat Industries Link Wheel Nut Indicators use a design in which small teeth interlock onto the edges of the nut to ensure secure fitment.

These wheel nut indicators come in multiple sizes to fit various wheel nut sizes/PCDs. Redcat Link Indicators are for disc wheels only. Vehicles fitted with spider wheels and light duty trucks must be fitted with Redcat Standard Indicators (Refer to figure 11).

Wheel nut indicators are a safety measure in preventing wheel nut loss, however it should not be used or relied upon as a substitute for regular wheel nut inspection, tightening or incorrect torquing practices.

Benefits of a Strong Wheel Safety Policy

Implementing a comprehensive wheel safety policy offers several benefits:

Improved Operational Efficiency: Regular checks and maintenance prevent unexpected breakdowns, keeping your fleet on the road and operational.

Enhanced Safety: A focus on wheel safety reduces the risk of accidents, protecting both your drivers and other road users.

Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs: By catching issues early, you avoid costly repairs and minimise downtime.

What else should you include in a Wheel Safety Policy:

• Tyre Replacement Instructions
• Tyre Selection
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring 
• Wheel Alignment and Balancing 
• Tyre Load Rating 
• Wheel Fitment and Re-torque Procedure
• General Safety & Site Requirements 

How REDCAT Can Help

REDCAT is a global leader in wheel safety solutions, offering a range of products designed to enhance your fleet's safety and performance. Our wheel nut indicators provide real-time feedback, making it easy to ensure that your wheels are secure. With our expertise and innovative solutions, REDCAT is your trusted partner in establishing and maintaining a robust wheel safety policy.

Ready to Strengthen Your Fleet’s Safety?

Don’t leave your fleet’s safety to chance. Contact REDCAT today to learn how our wheel safety solutions can support your operations.