Up to Snuff: Brake Service Tools & Equipment
s even more affordable if you don’t do much engine work. For more advanced ABS diagnostics, a digital oscilloscope (DSO) or graphing multimeter is a useful tool to own for observing wheel speed sensor outputs as a waveform. Learning how to use a scope properly takes some time, but once you understand it, it can
The ‘New’ Teamwork Approach to Problems
Communication, teamwork, cooperation, and other such buzzwords of the MBA consultants aren’t news to most of us who have been involved in the truck tire industry for more than a few years. No doubt, these are all good words, even worthy goals in many instances. But I’ve long had a bit of a problem with
Are Your Compressor Air Lines Leaking Profits?
As a tire dealer, you know the challenge of maintaining profits while facing ever-increasing costs. What you may not know is you can cut your compressed air costs substantially simply by updating your air piping system. Generating and maintaining compressed air is typically a tire shop’s second largest energy expense. A new, efficient air
After Strong 2009, Hankook Looks to Take it to Another Level
During Hankook Tire America’s recent dealer meeting in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Tire Review had the opportunity to sit down and discuss a wide range of issues with its new president Soo Il Lee, Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communications, and Todd Hershberger, senior vice president of sales and marketing. How have you handled all
Why They Stay, Why They Leave
It was about 10 years ago that USA Today ran an article titled "High-Tech Skills Give Auto Mechanics More Power." In the article was a reference to a graduate from the automotive maintenance program of a technical college who was hoping to find a job for $25,000 to $30,000 after a worrisome search. Wasn’t he
The $300 Billion Minority
Who is the "minority" that accounts for 85% of all consumer purchases? Women. Women buy 60% of all new cars, 53% of all used cars, and spend $300 billion annually keeping their cars repaired. And yet, a recent study of 200 Chicago car dealerships by economists Ian Ayres and Peter Siegelman shows that women usually
Tire Repair Materials Keep Improving
Tire repair products just keep getting better and better. Did you know that aramid-reinforced radial tire repair units for radial OTR tires are five times stronger than steel? That’s what one maker of such patches claims. These patches are manufactured with fewer plies, yield greater strength, a more simplified installation and improved performance under the
Software Accounting Programs a Must
It is nearly impossible to remember a time when we did business without the advantage of computers and tire dealer accounting software. Those days are gone forever, with good riddance. Everyone in the field of business accounting software is making the task of operating your stores so much easier and far more precise. Instead of
February 2009 Sales Intelligence
Covering Eugene, Ore.; Birmingham, Ala.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Tucson,Ariz.; Omaha, Neb.; and Buffalo, N.Y. retail markets on Jan. 18, 2010. Tire Review and InteliChek present up-to-date tire and service price information from U.S. metropolitan areas. For this monthly feature, InteliChek directly contacts a selection of independent tire dealers, mass merchants and car dealers to obtain
‘Big Company’ Marketing Savvy Can be Great for Tire Dealers
In very basic terms, marketers consider two primary groups: Leaders and Followers. Because most consumer goods and services evolve over time, Leaders can become Followers and vice versa. So these targets are regularly sifted, sought and catered to. Leaders seek out the latest technology or design or performance, constantly seeking an edge in their lives.
Diverse Vehicle Makes and Models Create TPMS Challenges
Not all tire pressure monitoring systems are created equal. In fact, each new vehicle model year brings with it a variety of updated TPMS replacement, reset, activation and decoding procedures. Some measures necessitate using the latest tools; all require a thorough understanding of step-by-step maintenance and service procedures. Learning about a specific TPMS while the
Rolling Forward: Tiremakers Improve Fleets’ Fuel Efficiency Through Technology
Modern trucking fleets face difficult challenges on a day-to-day basis. Fuel efficiency is one of the most important concerns to the contemporary fleet owner. Volatile oil prices dramatically affect the cost of fleet operations and maintenance. Growing environmental concerns push the development of green technologies and shape consumer perceptions of businesses. New government regulations to