Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles by gathering data, and utilizing a computer. The data includes the number and type of tire positions per vehicle, the types of tires at each position and the cost of such types of tires. The computer is used to optimize the operation by determining at least one of the following: the type of tire to be used at each position, the suitable tread depths for removal of tires from one tire position to another, a tire rotation sequence for the transfer of tires. This method further provides for gathering data by surveying a fleet of vehicles through the use of a portable hand held computer.