May, 2011 Archives - Tire Review Magazine
Tech Tip: Clicking Noise Coming from Rear Suspension on Mini Cooper Clubman

On 2008-10 Mini Cooper Clubman models built between December 31, 2007 and December 30, 2009, there is a possibility that a clicking noise can be heard from the rear suspension when the vehicle is driven over uneven roads. If this is the case, remove both rear shock absorbers and look for excessive weld spatter on

Smitty’s Offers Nostalgic Merchandise Mix, but Shop is Cutting-Edge

Remember when tire dealer showrooms featured rows of refrigerators, washing machines and big television sets, in addition to displays of the latest road rubber? Those showrooms are the stuff of memories now, except at Smitty’s Tire and Appliance Repair.At its two stores in northeast Iowa, in Manchester and Cedar Falls, the family-owned and operated Smitty’s

Consistency is Key to Positive Customer Experiences

People become your customers because you have what they want at a price they are willing to pay. The exchange of value includes not only the product or service, but also the experience. Your tire dealership and your people need to be – at the minimum – acceptable, but you should strive to have a

Troublesome Power Steering Repairs Shouldn’t Beat You

We often take the commonplace power steering pump for granted until the driver begins to notice a lack of power assist during parking or the pump itself begins to develop an irritating growling or whining noise.Power Steering SymptomsMost power steering pumps provide ample warning of impending failure. The only exception to this would be the

Where to Start on Cartridge Wheel Bearing Replacement

While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if

Scrap Tire Analysis Programs Bring Big Benefits to Fleets

The cost of commercial tires continues to climb. Natural rubber shortages due to droughts and floods and gouging (at least according to some) keep tire prices well elevated – and they continue to climb. A high percentage of NR is used in truck tires because of its low heat buildup compared to synthetic rubber. High

Tread Compounds and Elements Battle a Tire’s Enemy: Heat

Vital to a tire’s creation, it transforms polymers and additives into a resilient product able to withstand torturous miles of highway driving.  Destructive to a tire’s lifecycle, it breaks down rubber compounds and affects vehicle handling. Heat. A tire can’t live without it, but can be destroyed by it.The typical vulcanization method for tire production

Blossoming Landscape Tire Segment Brings Dealers Added Opportunities

Spring is in the air, and so are signs of recovery when it comes to replacement tire sales. And of course, there’s also the sound of homeowners and professional landscapers everywhere firing up their lawn equipment for the season. All these factors combined offer a promising outlook for tire dealers working the landscaping tire market.Last

Business Accounting: the Truth is in the Numbers

"Know the numbers…emotions don’t tell the whole story." I first heard this several years ago in a meeting with Bill Berry, president and CEO of American Tire Distributors. It struck home because it seems that so many tire dealers run their businesses by what they think is the right thing to do (emotions), and don’t

Product Spotlight: Shocks and Struts

As key parts of a vehicle’s suspension system, shocks and struts are responsible for smoothing out the bumps in the road that tires and wheels would otherwise jarringly transfer to the vehicle and its occupants. bays and lets a shop service more vehicles throughout the day. No special tools or equipment are needed, the company

May 2011 Sales Intelligence

Covering Atlanta, Ga.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Chicago, Ill.; Fargo, N.D.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Washington, D.C. retail tire markets during the period of April 21-25. 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

Can Top Tire Brands Survive Constant Price Increases?

"If the majors think they can maintain their marketshare by brand name alone, I think they are mistaken." What do you think of that comment? Agree or disagree? Angry? Sur­prised? Unconcerned? Before you jump to conclusions and perhaps break out the sharp blades, let me set the table a little more. The statement came from