Dunlap & Kyle’s Gateway Tire & Service retail operations in Middle Tennessee have changed its wheel weight inventories over to zinc weights.

Despite there being no state ban on lead weights, the 11 stores and associated wholesale business wanted a proactive solution, according to regional manager Garth Bouldin. “We know that it is only a matter of time before the state of Tennessee or the U.S. EPA bans lead wheel weights. It’s important for us to get out in front of the issue, be proactive, and be able to switch out our locations on our own timetable.

“We don’t want to be forced to make a decision without time to understand the best alternatives,” he said, “or be unable to properly train our employees on the installation differences non-lead alternatives present.”

“We decided to make the switch to Perfect Equipment’s zinc weights because they look and function so much like the traditional lead weights we were all used to,” said Bouldin. “We tried using some other alternatives, but the materials are just to difficult to work with in the real world. Zinc weights are simply easier to install and remove, which helps our guys in the shop work more efficiently.”