Instead of staying in one place, a soft dual compound balancing material like FLEXX can absorb vibrations by adapting and responding to road, load, and speed forces. In comparison, inferior balancing bead materials made of glass or ceramic which are hard and round bounce off of each other and cannot absorb vibrations or respond to changes at the footprint of the tire. Driver retention is one of the greatest challenges facing fleets today. With an industry-wide driver turnover rate of 95%, chances are you are already thinking about strategic ways to attract and retain drivers. You’re probably considering how to integrate ELDs, schedule home time, and pay drivers for the work they dedicate to your fleet – but how often do you think about improving drivers’ experiences on the road?
Making sure your drivers feel comfortable and productive can go a long way towards showing them that you care. The more enjoyable experiences your drivers have, the more likely they are to stay with your fleet. Addressing an uncomfortable ride by using internal wheel-end balancing can improve the ride in your drivers’ day-to-day experience, especially in the following areas.
Webchat: Evaluating Wheel End Maintenance
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Watch Now!- DRIVER COMFORT
Internal wheel-end balancing solutions improve driver comfort by reducing vehicle vibrations throughout the life of the wheel. Vibrations are often caused by heavy spots in a tire’s rubber or uneven tread patterns. While balancing with traditional lead weights solve imbalances for a period of time, they actually contribute to vibrations over the life of the wheel. As an original uneven spot is worn down, wheel weights become a new heavy spot on the wheel, increasing vehicle vibrations. Instead of staying in one place, internal wheel-end balancing compounds respond dynamically to the tire’s movement, wearing tread smoothly and evenly. For example, after installing IMI’s internal wheel-end balancing solution EQUAL FLEXX, Jeff Loudermilk of HILCO Transportation heard many of his drivers say it felt as though they were driving new equipment because of vibration reductions. In reality, they were driving the same vehicle with EQUAL FLEXX installed, demonstrating the significant impact FLEXX can have.
- LESS DOWNTIME
For drivers, every hour off the road is an hour they are losing valuable miles. EQUAL FLEXX is the quickest to install and lasts the life of the tire, meaning your drivers spend less time in the shop. Because of the even tread wear that balancing with FLEXX achieves, tires last longer, helping drivers achieve the miles they need while reducing frustrations along the way.
- FEWER FILL-UPS
In addition to reducing time in the shop, internal wheel-end balancing compounds can improve fuel economy. As a tire’s tread becomes worn, it performs better on the road and allows for improved fuel efficiency, with some fleets receiving 3% fuel savings. Increased fuel efficiency means that your drivers will be able to spend more time on the road, wasting less time in traffic getting to and from gas stations. And with increasing regulations, every extra mile, hour, and gallon counts, and improving fuel efficiency improves drivers’ productivity.
By using dynamic internal wheel-end balancing, you increase your drivers’ comfort. Drivers want to know their 14-hour days will be as smooth and hassle-free as possible. You can help by reducing vibrations and down time. By improving their day-to-day experiences, you show drivers you care – an important part of an effective driver retention strategy.
Interested in speaking with an expert on how to improve your drivers’ rides? Call us today at 1-800-233-7086 or contact us online now!