Hidden Heat Dangers
Even the most diligent technicians can be misled if component performance has been compromised by problems that are not culled out by normal inspections, not visually apparent or so rare that the offending condition is a first-time experience for the technician. Carefully inspecting used truck parts before placing them back into service is always good
Next Big Thing: Fleets Still Want Retreads But Prefer Greater Cost Efficiencies
Today, retreading is an integral part of most successful commercial tire servicing operations. The synergy gained from combining replacement tire sales with tire/wheel servicing and retreading makes good business sense from the viewpoints of both the fleet customer and the tire dealer. Truck fleet operators, both small and large, have precious little time and few
Steel Makeover: There Are Savings, But Not Without Concerns
If you’re a tire dealer that currently provides steel wheel refinishing to your commercial truck tire customers, it may be to your benefit to take a close look at recent progress in new machinery and processes for inspecting and refinishing wheels. If you’re a fleet maintenance manager facing dozens of well-used steel wheels, it®™s a
NTSW is Good for Tire Safety – and Your Business
Need new customers? Want to expand your market base? Perhaps build on your reputation as "the tire expert" in your town? Or, do you simply want to gain some well-earned exposure for your dealership? Well, there’s a tailored-made opportunity just around the corner – National Tire Safety Week (NTSW), slated for Apr. 25 through May
Uplifting Profits
With the Right Approach, Lifts Can Be More Than Just a Capital Expense The right lift can make all the difference in your shop. Just having one can increase profits. If you’ve got the right lift for the service work you do, however, your profits could be even better. I once worked in a shop
All the Angles
Right Equipment and Knowing What to Look for Cures Alignment Complaints Four-wheel alignments are commonplace in today’s service bays. Even light-duty, 4WD SUVs, such as Honda’s CR-V and Toyota’s RAV4, have independent rear suspensions with both camber and toe adjustments. Even solid, rear-axle vehicles require an alignment head on all four wheels. Without considering rear
Industry Report
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. gained some breathing room from its short-term financial obligations by renegotiating loan agreements, but Wall Street analysts and the tire industry are keeping a close eye on Goodyear as it struggles to gain positive momentum.
Half a World Away
Like his American counterparts, Tire Town Komaoka store manager Yuji Asuke puts in long hours – 12 to 14 Monday through Saturday. But unlike many one-store American dealers, Asuke pulls in $1.3 million in annual sales with just himself and two other full-time employees.
Run-Flats For Trucks?
Run-Flats For Trucks? Tires for passenger cars have become so dependable that many drivers take for granted the day-after-day performance and trouble-free miles they deliver. This fact was driven home to me recently when a friend related that neither of his teenage daughters had ever changed a flat tire. The two teens had a combined
Alignment & Driveability
Alignment & Driveability You’ve worked hard to make the sale, now you have to make sure that the customer doesn’t come back with a serious complaint. When dealing with issues regarding the driveability of the vehicle, there are several inspections, and possibly a few adjustments, to be made. You better be ready for the inevitable