The Weighty Issues of Law
Regulation and legislation. Usually the twin banes of industry. Due to current circumstances, top of mind in the tire biz. Two recent regulatory matters – one a serious directive from Europe, and the other a piece of knee-jerk silliness from South of the Mason-Dixon – demonstrate the yin-yang of legislative matters – some are good,
The Forces Are With Us
The Forces Are With Us There are some new terms being used in the tire and vehicle servicing industries today and you may want to learn more about them as they’re not likely to disappear. Most of these terms include the word "force". Such as "road force", "force variation", "dynamic force", and half a dozen
Mark-Up vs. Margin: Knowing the Difference Makes a Difference in Profits
Mark-Up vs. Margin Knowing the Difference Makes a Difference in Profits Independent dealers often buy service parts from auto dealerships because, for some applications, they feel the quality may be superior to aftermarket parts, or because certain parts are available only through OE sources. Unfortunately, auto dealers typically discount hard replacement parts about 20% to
Anything But Average: Profile Study Shows Dealers Adjusting to Stay Ahead
Anything But Average Profile Study Shows Dealers Adjusting to Stay Ahead Tire Review’s annual Tire Dealer Profile Study provides an accurate snapshot of the "typical" tire dealer. This year’s 2000-2001 Dealer Profile Study, however, was expanded to include a more detailed look at today’s commercial tire dealer. While the clear majority of tire dealers are
State of The Union: Low Cost Radials, consolidations, Economy Hurting Retread Industry
State of The Union Low Cost Radials, consolidations, Economy Hurting Retread Industry Developing a forecast for the tire and retread industries for this year has been like trying to forecast the stock market. I can only hope that my industry forecast and report will be more accurate than my stock market judgments over the last
Make the Right Call: Selecting the Right Valve Stem Not as Easy as It Seems
Make the Right Call Selecting the Right Valve Stem Not as Easy as It Seems When tubeless tires first entered the commercial tire market years ago, technicians assumed that if the tubeless valve stem fit the hole in the wheel it was the right valve stem. Today, that assumption could lead to severe problems. Over
Later, The Rock Does A Brake Job
Let’s face it, the XFL has as much to do with football – or real sports – as, well, the WWF. America’s scribes have weighed in heavily against the XFL, comparing and contrasting the fledgling league’s attempt at football with the pinpoint execution and superior athleticism of a NFL contest. Even the skills displayed in
Getting in on the Wheel Deal
uncil (TMC) has an excellent publication titled "User’s Guide to Wheels and Rims" which is a compilation of the knowledge and experience of top industry suppliers and fleet maintenance personnel. The installation, inspection, and maintenance procedures for wheels, rims, and fastener components in this TMC Recommended Practice are readily available (phone 703-838-1763) and should be
There’s Bucks in LT/SUV Tire Balancing
Tire/wheel balancing is a service that most tire dealers offer because it helps tires ride smoother and last longer. It can also add some much-needed profit to your bottom line. Proper balance is especially important with light truck/SUV tires – especially LT-sized units ®€“ because of their larger diameter and heavier tread and casing. The
Does Anyone Know?: Has the LT/SUV Market Changed in the Post-Recall World?
Does Anyone Know? Has the LT/SUV Market Changed in the Post-Recall World? Not too long ago, the light truck/SUV market may have changed forever. Aug. 9, 2000, to be exact. It was a Wednesday, not unlike any other Wednesday. Except the firestorm that started that day has had a far-reaching – and still unclear ®“
In the Line of ‘Fire’: Preparation is the Key When It’s Time to Cut the Cord
In the Line of ‘Fire’ Preparation is the Key When It’s Time to Cut the CordPerhaps you can fire any employee "at will," as the legal saying goes. And you may make it stick despite a lawsuit. But who wants an expensive lawsuit where legal costs mean you lose even when you win? Even as
In The Green: Lawn/Garden Tires Offer Dealers an Easy, Low Cost Way to Profit
In The Green Lawn/Garden Tires Offer Dealers an Easy, Low Cost Way to Profit With the official start of Spring 2001 only days away – except for you lucky ones in Florida, Hawaii and Southern California who enjoy great weather all year – the time is right to look at opportunities in lawn and garden