Back to Even: Level June Backs Up Surprising May Reversal
Level is certainly better than negative. So U.S. tire dealers should be happy that preliminary results show that tire unit and auto service sales for June were level with those of June 2008. Click here for July 2009 charts And that result follows a May that saw tire and service sales stay even with the
Keeping Quiet: How to Solve Noise, Vibration and Harshness Complaints
If there is anything that frustrates a tire tech, it’s the matter of resolving noise, vibration and harshness issues. The first hurdle is figuring out what the customer is hearing or feeling compared to what the tech hears or feels on a test drive. No two people are the same, so “persistent” NVH problems are
Shifting Sizes: Keeping Up is Key as OEMs Roll Out New Models
Earlier this year, we spoke to a number of tire and wheel manufacturers to find out where the size trend is heading. What we found was while aftermarket wheel manufacturers are moving to smaller diameter wheels, OEMs are still pushing tire manufacturers to build larger diameter UHP tires that deliver style, performance and high treadwear
July 2009 Sales Intelligence
Covering Colorado Springs, Colo.; Duluth, Minn.; Memphis, Tenn.; New Orleans, La.; Providence, R.I.; and Tacoma, Wash., retail tire markets during period of June 9-11. For this monthly feature, InteliChek directly contacts a selection ofindependent tire dealers, mass merchants and car dealers to obtaincurrent pricing on replacement tires and vehicle services. InteliChekrequests and verifies retail prices
Understanding the Features of Today’s Compressors
Justwhen we thought we knew it all, we learn that we really know verylittle about certain pieces of equipment in our shops. Take a minute toreview this glossary of terms as they apply to compressors. Whatabout full load – do you know what this means? In short, this is aboutair compressor operation at full speed
Hand Tools Are Still Irreplaceable
Here’sa handy bit of advice: hand tools in a tire dealership aren’t about todisappear anytime soon. Despite living in a digital age – and despitethe best technological efforts of aftermarket suppliers – there isstill no better way to remove a stuck radiator hose, heater hose or fanbelt than a hose puller. It’s the same with
With Both Feet: Dealers Show Business Success Means Doing Things Differently
Rare is the spring weekend in northeast Ohio with wall-to-wall pleasant temperatures and no rain. So rare that local brides grit their teeth and light votive candles by the score, hoping their dream day doesn’t become a deluge disaster. Indeed, holding a full weekend event in these parts involves more prayer than planning. Little wonder
Down Again: May No Flower as Spring Tire, Service Sales Drop
February and March showed some signs of growth with a slight upturn in tire and service sales. April sales results stayed neutral. But May tire unit and service sales took yet another tumble. Click here for June 2009 Charts Tire Review’s exclusive dealer panel reported tire unit sales leveled off in final April results, down
Bring in New Customers With New Approaches
Although it’s been proven to be far less expensive for a company to keep existing customers than gain new ones, attracting new business remains the toughest, most vital part of staying on top. This holds true particularly for tire dealers in today’s economic climate, where the majority of consumers are limiting tire and vehicle service
Is There Still Room For Small Independents? YES!
By this time, most small independent tire dealers in the U.S. are tired of hearing how bad the economy is. Those who are experiencing a downturn in business are forced to deal with it, and those who are progressing don’t believe it.
On The Job: Demanding Police/Pursuit Segment Requires Dealer Focus
But just as police officers do more than flag down speeders, their high-powered cars “protect and serve” in many other ways. And that means specialized police/pursuit tires. Being a servicing tire supplier to local or state police doesn’t really take special equipment – regular tire changers, balancers and tire tools will do the job just
Continually Adapting: The Search Continues for ‘Perfect’ TPMS Systems, Tools
Even though it has been a few years since tire pressure monitoring systems were first mandated on U.S. cars, the quest for the “perfect” system with the most effective sensors has been an ongoing pursuit. The same is true for the TPMS tool manufacturers and marketers. Progress is being made on both fronts in North