Retread Industry Update
The global retread industry is facing difficult and uncertain times. But there are bright spots within the industry and opportunities for growth in many markets. The retread industry has always been about delivering a quality product at an economically advantageous price while also delivering high-impact environmental savings. With increasing supply and over-supply of inexpensive third-
Safety Must Drive Tire Registration Conversation
You’ll see on page 8 of this issue that Tia Disagrees with my take that our industry’s two associations aren’t really speaking with each other. I will say only that, respectfully, we will agree to disagree. That lack of relationship – not just being “in agreement” – does matter, for a lot of reasons. Real
AASA Launches New ‘Know Your Parts’ Campaign
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) is focusing on the starting and charging category with its newest Know Your Parts marketing campaign. Kicking off in March, the six-month campaign is designed to educate repair professionals about the importance of doing complete and proper diagnostics for starting and charging issues, according to AASA. “Preventable warranty returns
Tire Dealer Registration Bill Gets Association Attention
An Automotive Service Association-backed bill that would force Ohio tire dealers to register their businesses is being met with active opposition by the state dealer association. In a letter to state senator Kevin Bacon (R), chairman of the Ohio Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, the Ohio Tire and Automotive Association (OTAA) voiced firm opposition to
AAPA Tourney Raises $55,000 for University of the Aftermarket
The 2013 Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance annual golf tournament raised more than $55,000 for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. At the recommendation of the Alliance’s Channel Partner Advisory Council (CPAC), the 2013 golf tournament at the Turnberry Isle in Aventura, Fla., was dedicated to the memory of Walter Spence and to raising funds to
Wiper Blades
The 2014 catalog for Denso First Time Fit wiper blades is now available from Denso Products and Services Americas Inc. More than 224 million vehicles in operation will be covered with the 82 featured part numbers, including 2013 applications. The catalog includes wiper blades for automotive, light truck and van applications in sizes ranging from
TPMS, NHTSA and You
A different perspective on TPMS systems and rules yields new questions that need answers
Product Spotlight: Wiper Blades
Good wiper blades are essential for clear visibility when driving through wet weather conditions.
What’s New In Spark Plugs
The newest spark plug technology can be summed up in one word:Iridium. This relatively rare metal is challenging platinum as the metal of choice for today’s spark plugs. Iridium has a higher melting temperature and is six times harder than platinum.
Hybrid Vehicle A/C Service Basics
As you may know, the air conditioning compressors in many hybrid vehicles are operated by an electric motor instead of a drive belt. The motor’s insulated windings are immersed in the compressor’s lubricating oil. The oils used in these compressors are formulated to have high dielectric properties, that makes them non-conductive. Denso has recently produced