Sophistication of Alignment Racks is Growing
Proper wheel alignment is a safety matter as well as a potential revenue stream for the independent tire dealer. The past few years have seen major advances in automating the alignment process, with improved sensors, enhanced software functions and “3-D” capability – where the system creates a color, three-dimensional model of the vehicle, then measures
Reflecting on Four Years’ Worth of ‘Top Shops’
Perhaps you’re surprised to see my face on this page instead of Editor Jim Smith’s. Well, you should be. It doesn’t happen often, but now and then I like to resurface in the pages of the magazine and offer a few pearls of wisdom. Also, I like to see if I still have it in
Wheel Bearing Q&A
Wheel bearings play an important role in the ride satisfaction of your customers’ vehicles. To prevent comebacks by performing the service right the first time, check out the following wheel bearing Q&A: How much load can a wheel bearing carry? On a typical passenger vehicle weighing around 3,400 pounds, each pair of front-wheel bearings, as
Keeping Race-Tuned Vehicles on the Road Requires Dedicated Tires
An eerily maniacal grin emanated from my buddy Steve Lobel’s face, giving me only a hint of what was to come. I arrived in the small burg of Canton, Ga., earlier that morning to see his car – recently retrieved from the tuner shop Forged Performance just down the road in Marietta, outside of Atlanta.
Attract Women Customers to Boost Your Shop’s Word-of-Mouth Power
r />All marketing for this effort was done via in-store, point-of-purchase displays, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. The local media picked up the story, which promoted awareness for MADD and for Waukegan Tire. The company places links to the websites of all charitable causes it supports on its own site, which serves as
2010 Top Shop Finalist: Waukegan Tire & Supply Co.
Waukegan Tire & Supply Co. Inc. has learned to adapt. The company did not just accept change because there was no other choice; it embraced change, and is thriving as a result. From adopting social media to keeping pace with shifting demographics, the company has found ways to grow a sense of community. As a
2010 Top Shop Finalist: Robertson Tire Co.
As a third-generation, family-owned tire and service dealer based in Tulsa, Okla., Robertson Tire Co. is one of the most recognizable retail brands in the northeastern part of the state. In its nearly 50 years of existence, Robertson Tire has established a strong connection with its customers and has built countless relationships with people throughout
2010 Top Shop Finalist: Community Tire & Auto Service
If there’s any shop that deserves the distinction of being the first two-time Tire Review Top Shop Award Finalist, it’s Community Tire & Auto Service Specialists. The Phoenix, Ariz.-based dealership has done just that, adding the title of 2010 Top Shop Award Finalist to its lengthy list of accolades, which already included the honor of
2010 Top Shop Winner: Tires, Tires, Tires
If it all ended tomorrow, Dan and Dale Nothdurft would be just fine. More than OK. But if Tires, Tires, Tires ended tomorrow, the entire Siouxland region would be all the poorer. Not because there aren’t other places to get tires and vehicle service, but because of whatTires3 (as they call themselves) means to the
Follow Safety Recommendations to Keep Lifts Up and Running
The safety of any vehicle lifts in your shop should not be taken for granted. It is important for technicians and dealer managers to inspect vehicle lifts regularly. “Maintaining a safe and efficient repair shop is everyone’s responsibility,” explains a marketing director for a major lift manufacturer. “Technicians should check their lifts every day, and
Get the Most Out of Tire Service Trucks
Tire service trucks can be a profitable customer service solution for an independent tire dealer – if the dealer selects the right truck. According to a service body manufacturer and a coordinator for a road service fleet, the following are points to consider when purchasing a vehicle to serve commercial truck, OTR, industrial and agricultural
Use This Letter for All of Your Customers – If You Can Live Up to It!
safety, and surely none can claim the level of expertise that this store and its staff holds. Why? Simply put:This store is focused completely on tires and service, and nothing else. Ask yourself this:Do Iwant to purchase something this important to my well-being, and that of my family, from a place that doesn’t even specialize