Top 5 Signs Your Fleet Needs a Wheel Safety Upgrade
Wheel safety is critical for fleet management. Oversights in wheel safety can cripple your fleet’s safety on the road. That includes increasing the risk of accidents, downtime, and costly repairs.
By investing the time into preventative measures, it’s possible to reduce those risks, keep more of your fleet on the road consistently, and ensure the best overall safety for your team. With tools like wheel nut indicators and retainer rings, your entire fleet benefits from safety enhancements.
Redcat Industries, an Australian-owned, world-leading manufacturer of fleet safety products, wants to help you achieve these benefits. Discover how to recognise the indicators that a wheel safety upgrade is due.
Sign 1: Frequent Wheel Nut Loosening or Failures
Loose Wheel Nuts Are a Red Flag
Over time, tight grips loosen. When wheel nuts loosen significantly, this is a critical warning sign that a wheel safety upgrade is necessary.
Worn nuts, incorrect torque, and damaged threads are common outcomes when the grip loosens, creating a very real risk for serious failure and injury. By upgrading to a modern monitoring system, you no longer have to worry about checking each wheel nut to ensure it is secure.
Sign 2: Visible Damage or Corrosion on Wheels or Nuts
Rust and Wear Compromise Safety
Rust is indicative of damage and should never be overlooked. Corrosion of any type creates potential damage to the components. This can lead to the failure of the entire wheel system.
Numerous factors contribute to this corrosion and damage, including environmental factors, such as changing weather conditions, and salt on the roadways. This accelerates the normal state of wear and tear, greatly impacting the degradation.
A comprehensive inspection on a routine basis ensures that you spot these early warning signs. When you do, replace or upgrade to minimise risk to your fleet.
Sign 3: Inconsistent or Outdated Maintenance Records
Poor Maintenance Tracking Can Cost You
Maintenance is a critical step in ensuring your wheels are always in good overall condition. A thorough wheel safety check and accurate record keeping keep you ahead of the risk. However, many companies lack consistency in this area, often using outdated methods or inconsistent logs, both of which increase the risk of warning signs leading to unrecognised risks.
Adopt a digital maintenance tracking solution instead. And, as you do, schedule upgrades in advance, ensuring they remain top of mind.
Sign 4: Increased Vibration or Handling Issues During Operation
Feeling the Vibe? It’s Time to Check Your Wheels
Changes in the feeling of operation on the roadway can also be a warning sign of risks. Notice any changes in vibration, handling, or overall feel. Wheel safety issues become apparent like this when they worsen. In some situations, a wheel alignment is necessary to correct the uneven feel. Nut tightness and component wear all contribute to the risk of early wear.
Ensure a fleet-wide inspection of vehicles to pinpoint any consistencies in handling or feel changes. Communicate closely with your team about how they are feeling the difference. Consider potential upgrades when damage is present.
Sign 5: Compliance or Safety Audit Failures
Failing Safety Checks Means It’s Time for Action
A critical mistake often made with a fleet safety check is compliance failures. Failing an official audit or safety inspections is a clear indication that urgent repairs are necessary, and this is the ideal time to consider a wheel safety upgrade.
Notably, such failures lead to financial loss, legal complications, and operational consequences that could ripple through your organisation. By being proactive with wheel nut maintenance and overall tire safety, you can significantly reduce these risks. Your organisation can meet standards with consistency.
Explore the Options for Improving Outcomes in Wheel Safety Upgrades
A fleet safety check keeps people safe, equipment in good working order, and compliance on target. If you have not been proactive about wheel safety upgrades yet, now is the time to schedule them. A comprehensive fleet safety check opens the door for opportunities for improvement. Contact Redcat Industries for a consultation or an upgrade solution you can count on.