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

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 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: 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

Know New Training and Products That Will Keep Your Shop Profitable
Recently, you’ve heard me say, “nothing is easy.” That’s my new slogan. It doesn’t matter how simple an action seems, it will get complicated quickly. For instance, I recently heard from a friend, Jared, who sold a set of wheels for a new 2010 Camaro. The wheels were the same size as OE. All he
Follow All-Season UHP Trends for Added Profits
In these days of slow recovery from economic doldrums, what tire dealer wouldn’t want to know more about a segment in which steady growth is nearly guaranteed? Add to that a high profit margin and an ever-expanding customer base, and the all-season UHP segment seems like a no-brainer. While being a player in this segment
Know the Impact of CSA 2010 to Better Serve Fleet Customers
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in the process of rolling out its new Comprehensive Safety Analysis program. Commercial tire dealers who understand the ins and outs of the new initiative can take serious advantage of using the program to promote their dealership’s service and support for commercial trucking fleets. But first, let’s
Revised CAFE Standards Afford Tiremakers New Opportunities
In the August issue of Tire Review, I began to address Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for vehicles sold in the U.S. and what the legislation means for the tire industry. Now we’ll take a deeper look at how tire manufacturers are responding to changing legislation and consumer demand with their own
Balancing Rolling Resistance With Other Performance Characteristics
Tires play a vital role in a vehicle’s energy consumption. At normal driving speeds, passenger tires account for up to 20% of a car’s fuel consumption. In other words, in a passenger car, one out of every five tanks of fuel is used to overcome the tires’ rolling resistance. For a commercial truck, it can
10 Years in, TPMS Confusion Still Exists Among Consumers
Ever throw a party that took almost eight years to organize, but one-third of the invited guests never bothered to show up? Maybe it was the wording of the invitation. The cumbersome title “U.S. Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act” probably didn’t help to capture the imagination of the general public when passed in
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