Are Potholes Causing a Tire Inventory Problem?

So we’re all sick and tired of the winter. Really sick and tired.

But for many tire dealers, the brutal weather has been a godsend of sorts. Potholes have killed many a tire and wheel and suspension. Cha-ching!

WKSU Radio here in the Akron area called yesterday to interview me on the subject. They wanted to know what the economic impact of Ohio’s fabulous lowest-bidder roads have had on tire stores.

Each day I see numerous newspaper and TV stories about potholes and popped tires. My own son lost a pair of perfectly good OE Hankooks to a massive hole just yards from his apartment. (Shout out to Northfield Tire who took good care of him. Appreciate the work, guys!)

Bob Cox, owner of Ridge Auto & Tire Center near Philadelphia, was on CBS 3 TV the other day talking about the situation, and problems he’s started having getting tires and wheels. Bob’s certainly not the only dealer who’s been on TV or radio or in the papers, but he speaks for all of us.

“The worst devastation as far as rims and tires and steering suspension components that I have seen. And I have been in the business for 34 years,” he said.

“We’ve had a great degree of difficulty finding some tires. Now they are starting to run out of rims. I have a Ford Fusion we just found a rim for. We’ve been looking since Monday.”

Those of you in pothole hell, what’s your experience been this winter? Share your stories on our Facebook page at facebook.com/tirereview or email me at [email protected].

As you have likely experienced firsthand, the past few years have seen rapid changes in the tire industry. Supply chain delays, labor constraints and the shift to electrification—among countless other macro challenges—are constantly requiring dealers to reevaluate their business strategies and operations to adjust to the current environment. It’s critical that flexibility and resiliency remain top-of-mind as dealers navigate these obstacles. One way to remain agile is fostering a culture of learning and development for your staff. At ATD, we’ve found that integrating technology, insights and data analytics into our reskilling and training programs is helping to create sustainable solutions. By understanding the importance of training and how to build an effective program, you, too, can take advantage of the many benefits for both you and your business.