Parcelforce Mercedes Sprinter Vans - Rear Tyre Pressure

[POSTMAN]

LTB 841/10 -Parcelforce Mercedes Sprinter Vans - Rear Tyre Pressure

No. 841/10
Ref PF1
Date: 29 September 2010





To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues

Parcelforce Mercedes Sprinter Vans - Rear Tyre Pressure

A number of Reps have raised questions about the above subject. Therefore the matter was raised with Richard Wiggins Head of Fleet & Asset Technical Services and the following information was obtained.

Royal Mail Fleet & Maintenance Services Technical Team investigated issues that were raised through the Service Centre reporting system. The reports of premature wear on the Mercedes Sprinter rear tyres were originally highlighted by PFWW depots, Perth, Newport, Glasgow and later Gatwick and F&MS Maintenance Technicians. Premature wear to the centre section of the tyre was reported, which is constant with over inflation. On investigation Mercedes confirmed the recommended tyre pressure differs dependent on weight of load carried and hence there was an opportunity to review the pressures used on the Parcelforce Fleet.


It was generally accepted by Parcelforce their vehicles do not carry a full weight load therefore the tyre pressure set (65psi) was at the upper level of the scale but within the manufacturers recommended pressures.

Following consultation with Mercedes Technical they advised the correct pressure for weight load carried between a 1920kg-2050kg range is 54psi, Parcelforce agreed this weight load range is inline with their average load weight.

Parcelforce and FM&S agreed to reduce the tyre pressure on the vehicles at the affected depots for three months trial period to ascertain if tyre wear would improve. This was communicated to Parcelforce depots and FM&S Service Centres. Over the next three months tyre wear and replacement were monitored. The outcome of the trial reduction in rear tyre pressures was a success as there were no tyres replaced due to premature wear to the centre section of the tyre and this proved the case for reducing the pressure, to their correct lower level of 54psi.

Tyre over inflation leads to premature tyre wear and less tyre grip (surface contact area is reduced) and the recent change in rear tyre pressures enhances the vehicle handling whilst also reducing tyre replacements, which were not only costly, but consumed significant energy and led to carbon emission increases from the initial tyre manufacture.

In reality the original pressure set by the manufacturer was too high for the actual load carried and the reduction to the correct pressure for load carried will enhance tyre life, improve vehicle stability, road holding, MPG and CO2 output.


All Parcelforce Drivers were instructed on the new pressure for the Mercedes Sprinter vehicles and new decals to indicate the relevant tyre pressure were or will be applied when the vehicles visit the relevant F&MS Service Centres.

Please note this only applies to the rear tyres on the Mercedes Sprinter. All tyre pressures for other vehicles in the fleet remain as they currently are.

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer