Five Things You’re Doing Wrong and How To Fix Them
For as long as there have been tire magazines, we have looked for ways to improve your business. For the most part, we have focused on the basics – clean restrooms, inviting showrooms, training, technology, radialization, computerization, inventory control, employee pay and more. But, that was then, and this now. Many of you have taken
Lines of Distinction?: As Tire Technology Advances, Geographic Boundries Disappear
Our industry – at home and abroad – has been building tires for more than a century. Along the way, we allowed ourselves to be fooled every once in a while by ‘technology’ that really didn’t live up to its billing. One example is the single-ply tire promoted as being as strong as a two-ply
Drivetrain Headaches: Do 2WD, 4WD and AWD Vehicles Need Different Tire Solutions?
Do 2WD, 4WD and AWD Vehicles Need Different Tire Solutions? Ilive in the snow belt, so I am well used to those days when a simple 45-minute drive to, say, take the kids to the circus can become a frightening eight-hour return trip. Around here, two hours of clowns and elephants is long enough for
Routine No More: ‘Tire Buster’ Days are Long Gone; Today’s Tires Need TLC
‘Tire Buster’ Days are Long Gone; Today’s Tires Need TLC Tire mounting can be a funny thing sometimes. There are those among us who apply so much tire lube that a wet suit would be suitable. They slosh the stuff in the general direction of the bead. Who cares if the sticky stuff runs off
Ground Connection: Tires Have to a Lot to Do – Here’s How They Do It
For most customers, performance is all look. From the wheel to the sidewall to the tread itself, the tire and wheel package has to look sharp. Lost in all of this focus on look is the actual performance of today’s performance tires. Not surprisingly, a lot of that starts and ends with the tread design.
Getting Every Last Drop: Vendors Offer More Than Just Product – But You Have to Take the Time to Benefit
You have five “urgent” phone calls that “must be returned immediately,” an HR crisis that can’t wait, and a customer who demands “you” take care of them. Your insurance carrier thinks you should update your coverage and the bank just called because there is a “problem” with your account. Let’s not forget the fire inspector
A New Ballgame: With Alignments Today, ‘To Spec’ Doesn’t Cut It Anymore
A proper alignment job is not necessarily an easy task, but if you have the right equipment and well-trained technicians who know the operational guidelines, it can be a walk in the park. The plan is to give your customers the longest tire life possible. But when it comes to delivering a customer-oriented alignment, are
State of Readiness: Lead Weights Clearly on the Outs, But Timetable is Hazy
Despite rumblings from various industry bodies, the wheel-weight world will eventually become lead free. It will happen, but when? Europe has banned all lead wheel weights, and so has Japan. In fact, every automobile being imported to the U.S. from those ports are totally lead free. To that list add General Motors, which has jumped
Speeding Away?: Technology, Practicality Moving Us Closer to Fewer Ratings
For too many years, we’ve been explaining to our customers why they need speed-rated tires. It’s the right choice, for example, if the vehicle came OE with a V-rated UHP radial. To make that rating, the tire must be able to run at sustained speeds of up to 149 mph. “But I don’t drive 149
Process of Elimination: To Get the Most Out of Your Bays, Make Every Step Matter
Here’s some of the freshest thinking available about getting the most out of your service bays. Maybe you have a limited amount of space. Maybe you’re adding a couple of new bays. Either way, wasted steps are out, effective use of space is in. With each new generation of equipment and people who count every
Dealer Debate: Tires Only Or Tires & Service?
In the world of independent tire dealers, there are two primary ways to conduct business: Sell tires and wheels only or sell tires and wheels plus full-blown automotive service. In recent years, there have been debates about which format fits today’s marketplace best. Here are two views offered by veteran tire dealers and the organizations
Off the Charts: Will Pressure Guidelines Ever Catch Up to Extreme Fitments?
Not many years ago, the concept of plus sizing was largely the province of autocrossers and road racers. That was before it spread to a new breed of vehicle owners who are collectively challenging tiremakers, wheel makers and even frame makers to fit ever-larger tires and wheels under automobiles and pickup trucks. Today, it is