New and Improved: New Rides Rolling Off the Lots Bring New Bolt Patterns and Offsets
Based on the tremendous response we received from the Performance Training Guide launched in May, we’ve developed another unique tool designed to give you a winning edge. Starting this month, and appearing semi-annually, I’ll be covering new vehicle and wheel applications data that will help you get the most from your sales and installation team.
Tyre Prices – Are We Being Short-Changed?
(Douglasdale, South Africa/S.A. Treads) Recently, we were assigned an interesting challenge.
Conti Gets Pursuit Car OE Spot
(Akron/Tire Review) Continental AG’s ContiProContact has been selected as OE on DaimlerChryslers’ new Dodge brand police-pursuit vehicles, the 2006 Dodge Charger and Magnum.
Like a Glove: Top Wheel Makers Keep Up With Changing Vehicle Specs
A couple of months ago, we discussed one of the dark secrets of the wheel industry – substituting bolt patterns. Many in our industry have made a good living by practicing this method of selling aftermarket wheels. It is time that we ask – and, yes, demand – better from suppliers that are doing this
Double Jeopardy: Right Size, Wrong Load Index Can Mean Liability Risk
When you sell a set of non-OE tires, do you set the air pressure the same as it was in the OE tires? Do your sales staff, manager and technicians understand the importance of load index? Can they read a load and inflation table? Can they recite, from memory, the inflation rule – that the
Fitment Faux Pas: Wheel Misapplications Come Down to Fractions of an Inch
Last month, we discussed a number of topics dealing with the installation of aftermarket wheels and non-OE tires. This month, we’ll begin Part 2 – overall width. You wouldn’t think that the width of a wheel would be a concern, but it can cause problems, as the following cases show. The information here will help
Goodyear Introduces Fierce Brand, New Kelly Tire
(Akron/Tire Review) Today, at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s annual dealer meeting in Nashville, Tenn., Goodyear introduced a new tire brand and a new Kelly brand tire.
Devil’s in the Details: Selling and Installing Aftermarket Wheels Can Be Tricky Business
As many of you know, I’ve been involved with aftermarket wheels and hardcore fitment problems for most of my career. This has exposed me to a lifetime of diagnosing drivability complaints and fitment issues that most people rarely, if ever, experience. Still, there’s always that one time when something unique and out of the ordinary
IITDA Plans 20th Convention and Trade Show
(Akron/Tire Review) The Indiana/Illinois Tire Dealers Association (IITDA) will hold its 20th annual convention and trade show Mar. 3-4 at the Radisson at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Ind.
Develop Your Craft: Sell More Tires and Service By Tapping Your Inner Artist
The business of selling tires involves both hard and soft science, spontaneous and carefully planned art. Much more than ‘black and round,’ a tire incorporates physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and a host of other disciplines. So, a tire dealer has to be part scientist. And, knowing the science of tires is a useful weapon in