Shifting Sizes: Keeping Up is Key as OEMs Roll Out New Models
Earlier this year, we spoke to a number of tire and wheel manufacturers to find out where the size trend is heading. What we found was while aftermarket wheel manufacturers are moving to smaller diameter wheels, OEMs are still pushing tire manufacturers to build larger diameter UHP tires that deliver style, performance and high treadwear
Buildin’ It Up – Part 2: Putting the Finishing Touches on a True Original
Last month, we began to walk through the process of putting a true original back on the street with custom wheels and new tires. To pick up where we left off in May, Larry, the owner of the 1935 Chevy 3-Window coupe, had chosen BFGoodrich KDW II tires with the new tread pattern. The BFG
Buildin’ It Up – Part 1: Putting a True Original Back on the Street Takes a Studied Approach
Passion [pash-uh n] noun. Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. That’s the definition of passion. In our world of tires and wheels, are you passionate about cars and trucks, or are they just utilitarian to you? If you view them in the former sense, you will appreciate and understand what we are going
Forward Thinking: New Models Mean New Customization Options
Over the last few months, we discussed what industry experts and retailers are predicting for the near future. In light of those views, this month we’ll focus on several new vehicles that are heading our way. As much as I love the growl of a V8 and respect the power of a forced induction 2.0
Where to Next?: Part III: Performance Trends at the Dealer Level
The last two months have provided much insight into the UHP tires being produced and the subtle swing toward lightweight forged wheels at the OE level. Now, at the conclusion of our three-part series on the future of the UHP tire and custom wheel industry, it’s time to hear from the people on the front
Where to Next?: Part II: Wheel Trends and Forecasts
Last month, we started a three-part series on the future of the tire and wheel industry. Tire manufacturers told us UHP demand is still rising and will continue to outpace other segments for the foreseeable future. The quest is now for the ultimate tire that can “do it all,” according to one tire manufacturer. Sounds
Where to Next?: Tire Trends and TPMS Forecasts for Changing Times
Where do we go from here? To find out, we begin a three-part series to see where tire and wheel manufacturers, along with retail dealers, believe the performance market is heading. First up: tires. We have all questioned the proliferation of sizes over the past two decades. The UHP market has steadily increased in volume,
Looking Ahead: SEMA Show Trends Point to Vehicle Customization Future
Last month, we ended the article with the prediction of a growing number of color and designs that allow for several years of production. Well, we hit it on the head. I haven’t seen that many color variations at the SEMA Show since the Tuner revolution of the early 1990s. Take a look at this
Smaller Demand: With Vehicle Downsizing, Large Wheels Are Tough to Sell
A few years ago, you could buy a 20-inch chrome-plated wheel from China for $125. Now that the Chinese government has reduced or removed subsidies to those wheel manufacturers and the U.S. dollar has lost value, those days are about gone. This article was planned a year ago, but I had no idea how much
Making Waves: This Year’s SEMA Styles are Sure to Impress
In a few days, the 2008 SEMA Show will get underway. In spite of the current economic climate, there is still a lot to be gained by attending the show. New vehicles are still arriving and consumers are still looking for ideas on how to improve upon OE parts. One of the most anticipated cars
Staying Safer: Knowing Lug Nuts Can Help Avoid Costly Wheel-Off Accidents
Settlement in case where a defective tire blew and vehicle roof crushed the driver because of a defective weld, causing multiple injuries: $3 million. Settlement when wheel came off of a moving truck and struck a driver in the chest, killing him: $1,875,000. Do I have your attention? The preceding statements were taken directly from
Fitment 411: Staying On Top Of Popular New Vehicle Sizes
At a time when we all need to reduce operating costs and squeeze as much profit out of every sale as we can, I’ve assembled several of the latest offerings that have a good potential of providing you with a canvas on which to add tire and wheel packages. Keep in mind there are a