Michelin longevity is key to tyre brand switch

Ballymoney-based J Adams & Sons Transport is switching its fleet of 16 tractor units and 35 trailers to a full Michelin X Multi new and Remix policy, in a move designed to maximise tyre life and sustainability.

Managing director John Adams reports that he made the switch to Michelin’s regional tyres on the back of recommendations from another local fleet, replacing a policy which had historically seen a selection of rival brands fitted – including a mix of premium and lower-cost products:

“We were previously paying less per tyre but fitting more tyres, as we just weren’t getting the longevity. With Michelin we’re paying more per corner, but we can already see from tread depth readings that the tyres are on target to deliver much better mileage performance.

“This will see our tyre bills reduce over time, whilst the extended replacement intervals will mean less downtime and fewer wheel interventions as a result. We also have the reassurance of Michelin’s tyre damage guarantee to protect our investment in a premium fitment.”

Local dealer Modern Tyres in Ballyclare is supplying the Michelin tyres and will regroove them when they reach around 4mm of remaining tread depth. This process increases mileage potential by around 25 per cent per tyre, saving approximately 70kg of raw materials for every four tyres regrooved. It will also manage the fitment of Michelin Remix tyres which can nearly double the lifespan of a new Michelin casing, saving natural resources and supporting UK manufacturing.

The new policy was put in place with advice from local Michelin Truck Sales Account Manager Primoz Lakota, who helped the customer to identify the optimum Michelin fitment strategy for the fleet.

The company runs 12 Volvos, two Scanias, and one Renault and DAF tractor unit, operating with a predominantly curtainside trailer fleet – plus an animal feed trailer with Moffett truck-mounted forklift. On average, each truck covers around 125,000 km per annum.

Away from the haulage business, Adams and his son – also a driver for the firm – both compete on the classic rally circuit in 1978 MkII Ford Escorts. They have mirrored their new fleet policy on their rally cars too, with a move to fitting specialist Michelin TB15+ tyres.

Speaking after a recent event, Adams said: “The Michelin rally tyres delivered unbelievable grip in the rain. They are a fantastic tyre – so good in fact, you’d swear you were in the dry. It’s reaffirmed my decision to put faith in Michelin for our truck fleet, by highlighting the huge difference in performance which can exist between tyre brands.”