SIR – As a responsible manufacturer of anti-deflation tyre safety products, it causes me great concern to read your article on tyre sealant (Put the seal on punctures, Fleet News, December 9). My company strongly supports the views of the British Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (BRMA) and tyre manufacturers that tyre sealants should not be regarded or advertised as a permanent repair.
Furthermore, I believe they should not be used on high-performance vehicles or motorcycles. A permanent repair is the removal of the tyre and repair in accordance with industry standards. Tyre sealants are not covered by this.
When a puncture occurs, secondary damage may result and a driver could well be unknowingly driving on a dangerous tyre – which is a potential fatality waiting to happen.
I would respectfully suggest that readers consult with the BRMA before proceeding further. Tyre sealant is only to be regarded as a temporary ‘get you home’ method and nothing else. Another point worth mentioning is the question of wheel imbalance and its dangers at speed. There is not a sealant on the market that does not suffer from this problem, despite manufacturers’ claims to the contrary.
John Crompton
Drivesafe (UK) Ltd
When rental is the safest option
SIR – I write in reference to your recent article on daily rental (‘Daily rental options for modern fleets’, Fleet NewsNet, January 13).
Certainly, daily rental cars and vans are an essential part of the fleet mix and are probably more cost-effective than pool cars.
Short-term rental for non-company car drivers and when vehicles are in for service or repair are obvious solutions, but mid-term rental can also be effectively used to cover employees’ probationary periods or for employees on interim assignments.
The other advantage of daily car and van rental is the flexibility it provides to fleets and van operators in terms of using the right vehicle for the right job at the right time.
And companies should not ignore their duty of care responsibilities. Rather than hope that, when used on company business, their employees’ own cars are properly maintained and insured, it is far better and safer to provide a rental vehicle.
Des McCann
Director of UK Operations
Budget Rent-a-Car
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