Balancing: Compounds or Mechanical?
This is a tough question, since both balancing compounds and mechanical balancing get the job done. It all boils down to past performance, value and the money it costs to drive thousands of miles – and how these factors combine for major and small fleets. Many fleets have turned to what appears to be the
Polishes, Waxes Vital for Perfect Detailing Job
When customers talk about detailing their car, they too often forget that proper washing, polishing and waxing are critical parts of the job. If you offer detailing services as part of your tire business, the list of car washing products, polishes and waxes can be staggering, but don’t panic. There are even products out there
Missed Communications?: TIA Government Relations Efforts Plain, But Perhaps Not Seen
It is difficult to express the disappointment I feel in regard to the recent letter to the editor from Alpio Barbara (TR, October 2009) concerning TIA and its government relations activities. He questioned our activities on a number of important legislative issues, and I’d like to take this opportunity to present to him – and
December 2009 Sales Intelligence
Covering Billings, Mont.; Dallas, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Trenton, N.J.; and Winston Salem, N.C. retail tire markets during the period of Dec. 2-4. 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
Back and Forth: After October Climb, Tire and Service Sales Decline – Again
Consistency, thy name is not “tire and service sales.” After an October that saw tire and service sales improve year-over-year, it was back to more of the same in November with sales falling below those of November 2008. That has been the theme in 2009, where for one month sales edge up to level or
Finding a Fix: Troubleshooting Customer TPMS Problems
r. Troubleshooting TipsWhen the ambient outdoor temperature falls 10F, the tire can lose around 5 psi depending on where you live and how much the temperature dips. The reverse is true in hot climate zones. The tire will gain air pressure. Sometimes heating and cooling can amount to 50 psi over the course of a
Interpreting Angles: The Important Relationship Between Caster, Camber and Toe
When talking about the big three in a vehicle’s suspension, caster is probably the hardest to visualize and the least mentioned. Camber and toe are much easier to wrap your head around, but it’s important that we understand caster because if we don’t, the customer may notice a diminished lack of handling. Perhaps caster can
Taking Stock: Be Ready with Performance Upgrade Options for 2010
Many times over the years, the automotive aftermarket has been given a platform that has largely contributed to a $35+ billion industry. This year, that car was the 2010 Camaro. Baer Brakes has introduced their Baer Claw Extreme (one piece rotors) and Extreme-Plus (two piece rotors) brake systems in the 14-inch 6S and massive 15-inch
Dealers Share Tips for Success at TIA Roundtable
As usual, this year’s SEMA Show was an ideal place to see the latest trends, catch up with old friends, network with business associates and, above all else, look for ways to improve your dealership. Along those lines, the Tire Industry Association’s International Roundtable featured a new segment dedicated to helping dealers gather ideas to
Staying Strong: Despite Downturn, Farm Outlook ‘Looks Quite Positive’
By most measures, 2008 was a banner, record-setting year for the North American agricultural community, even considering the sudden, sharp economic decline that started in October 2008. 2009, though, is much different. After posting an all-time record of $87 billion in 2008, net farm income is projected to fall 34.5% to $57 billion for the
SEMA Show Wrap Up
At its annual meeting, TIA placed special attention on repealing recently enacted tariffs on imported China-made passenger tires and on getting a seat at the table when it comes to a new consumer education offering. TIA members approved two resolutions aimed at those issues. The first states that TIA “will strive to be a significant
Business Maintenance for Peak Performance
A good friend of mine has a wife who drove a leased SUV. One day about three months before the vehicle was due to be turned in, the engine warning light came on. She hadn’t been paying any attention and kept driving even as the temperature gauge was indicating hot. Then he got the dreaded