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Published: 24 March 2026 | Last reviewed: 24 March 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
Tyres are one of the biggest “quiet costs” in van operation: they wear faster under load, downtime is expensive, and prices have been rising. The ONS consumer price index for tyres shows a clear upward trend through 2024–early 2026 (e.g., the index rose from 138.1 in Jan 2024 to 150.4 in Jan 2026, 2015=100).
The best way to avoid paying over the odds isn’t chasing the cheapest tyre each time — it’s running a simple, repeatable tyre policy that reduces premature wear and surprise failures.
Why tyre costs get out of control in van fleets
Most overspend comes from:
- reactive replacements (blowouts, sidewall damage, emergency call-outs)
- underinflation (fast shoulder wear, worse fuel use)
- mis-matched tyres on the same axle (handling and wear issues)
- ignoring alignment/suspension problems that chew through tyres
- no consistent record of tread depth and inspection dates
The legal baseline: tread depth for most vans
For vans and goods vehicles not exceeding 3,500kg, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference.
(Heavier goods vehicles have different rules, but most typical trade vans sit in the ≤3.5t category.)
A practical tyre policy that cuts cost and improves safety
1) Monthly checks (minimum) + before long journeys
TyreSafe’s fleet operator guidance recommends drivers check tyres at least once a month and before long journeys.
For high-mileage delivery vans, many fleets go weekly for pressures and visible damage.
2) Pressure control is the cheapest win
TyreSafe warns that running tyres just 6psi below the recommended pressure can increase fuel consumption (their estimate is around 3%) and accelerates wear.
For fleets, that’s a double hit: more fuel and earlier replacements.
3) Set replacement triggers (don’t wait for “illegal”)
A simple rule that works operationally:
- Replace at a higher tread depth threshold than 1.6mm (your trigger may vary by season/use), and
- replace pairs on the same axle where needed, to keep handling consistent.
4) Fix the root causes: alignment, loading and damage
Build these into the policy:
- alignment check after repeated shoulder wear
- damage reporting rules (cuts, bulges, sidewall scuffs)
- loading discipline (overloading accelerates wear and raises risk)
5) Standardise where it makes sense
Standardising approved tyre lines and suppliers can reduce:
- emergency “whatever’s in stock” fitments
- mixed patterns on the same axle
- admin overhead and uncontrolled pricing
Quick checklist for van operators
- Pressures checked and recorded (monthly minimum)
- Tread depth checked against a clear replacement trigger (not just legal minimum)
- Damage checks included (sidewall, bulges, nails)
- Policy covers call-outs and who authorises replacements
- Drivers know what to do if they find a defect (don’t “just run it”)
Sources
- ONS — CPI index: Tyres (time series “Tyres 2015=100”, latest Jan 2026).
- TyreSafe — Fleet operator tyre policy guidance (monthly checks and before long journeys).
- TyreSafe — Van tyre safety and tread depth basics (LCVs same law as cars, 1.6mm).
- Ask the Police (PNLD) — Tyre law and minimum tread depth for vans up to 3,500kg.
- TyreSafe — Underinflation and fuel consumption impact (6psi example).
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
- Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
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