Flat-Out Profitable: A Little Digging Exposes New Opportunities in a 30-Plus-Year-Old Niche Market
Consider the power of this suggestion: No more flat tires. Ever. Nudging this concept into the realm of possibility is a group of products known by some as tire fill and by others as foam fill. Due to the variety of materials being used today, the most accurate term may be “flatproofing solutions.” Simply stated,
Winter Tire Blues: Auto Advances Add Complexity to Winter Tire Servicing
The snowflake branded on the sidewall of a winter tire isn’t there for decoration. The designation means the tire addresses three winter driving concerns: traction, cornering and braking. “Put on a set of today’s winter tires, and driving in the winter becomes irrelevant.” That’s a direct quote from long-time tire test driver Bob Strange, who
Shrewd Investing
Most experienced fleet managers and professional tire service providers appreciate the important role tires play in the overall operating cost equation for a trucking business. Much has been written and documented about the benefits of selecting the best tires for specific applications and vehicle configurations and then maintaining those tires to assure long service life.
Wheel Anatomy: Part II
Last month, we began a multi-part series on the concepting, design and production of today’s hot custom wheels with an inside look at cast one-piece aluminum wheels. This month, we’re going to touch on the newest forged one-piece wheels and then describe two-piece wheels. Forged wheels are literally forged in a press and made into
All the Right Moves: Secrets to Success in Growing Commercial LT Tire Market
Commercial light truck tire buyers are everywhere – if you know where to look. They are plumbing, HVAC or electrical contractors, construction companies and pick-up-and-delivery companies. They are regional/local delivery companies, public utilities, municipalities and many small, service-oriented outfits. Some don’t work for a company – they’re self-employed. Their specific lines of work may differ,
Wheel Anatomy: Part I
Arguably one of the most aesthetic components of any vehicle, wheels reflect the owner’s style, personality and, in many cases, the size of his or her bank account. But wheels encompass much more than just good looks. Looking beyond the final product all the way back to the beginning, we discover an idea or inspiration
Advergaming: The Future of High Performance Advertising?
High performance tire and wheel companies certainly know a thing or two about how to reach consumers. Specialty enthusiast magazines are stuffed with ads from these companies, and most have highly interactive Web sites – all designed to reach that red-hot 18-25-year-old market. But a new and highly popular form of brand and product promotion
Fast Track to Profits DOT Racing Tires
DOT racing tires, also known as R-compound tires, are hot on the track and off. They boast decent margins, and they practically sell themselves: Customers are educated, experienced and already know what they want. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to be in the DOT race tire business. More than with any other tire product,
Right Repair Rates: Following Rules Can Keep Speed Rating, Some Tiremakers Say
ff cleaner. Goodyear adds this proviso: “If the hole shows evidence of fabric splitting, such an injury cannot be properly repaired using a standard puncture repair procedure. This type of injury must be skived out and repaired as a section (reinforced) repair.” But, while this will maintain the serviceability of the tire, it will also
Don’t Be Shorted
The old axiom of “supply and demand” is a long established and proven part of our free enterprise economy. The principle typically refers to pricing pressures, but there’s another, more basic, issue of product supply. Shortages – or in extreme cases, non-availability – of everyday components needed to replace worn or damaged parts can cripple
Wheel Dressings
We often look only at the final product, without giving much thought as to how wheels are made, how the finish is applied or what makes one type of wheel more or less expensive than another. But product knowledge will help you improve your sales when talking to your customer. This month continues a series
Harvest Time?: Ag Tire Dealers Need to Act Quickly Before Another Drought Comes
, ag tire dealers hurt. The market for ag tires depends directly on the strength of the larger agricultural economy, which, to say the least, has not been favorable. Continuing farm consolidations, more imports and fewer exports combined with steadily declining crop prices have hurt the farm economy. As if these conditions weren’t enough, farmers