Modern Tire Dealer - Articles

Patriotic duty

The 2007-08 Jeep Patriot’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses radio and sensor technology to monitor air pressure levels. Sensors are mounted to each road wheel as part of the valve stem. They broadcast to a central receiver circuit inside the Wireless Control Module (WCM). Transponders are located in wheel housings that locate all of the sensors.

Catering to the CUV/SUV crowd

s the glass half full or half empty? Sometimes success in business depends on how you look at the world. Take auto sales, which directly impact tire sales.

Continental re-boots truck tire strategy

Continental Tire North America Inc.’s (CTNA) decision to enter the retread arena (see page 21) is just one step in the revitalization of the company’s commercial tire program.

CTNA enters retread market

In one of the most significant retread market developments in recent memory, Continental Tire North America Inc. (CTNA) has joined the ranks of medium truck tire manufacturers offering “cradle to grave” life cycle service with its own Continental branded retread product.

Why aren't you hitting your numbers?

This article by commercial tire sales expert Jason Miller is the third installment in a multi-story series about successful commercial truck tire selling. In this article, Millers discusses the sales process. His book, “Selling by the Numbers,” is available from Amazon.com and other online booksellers. For more information about Miller and his company, TheTireConsultants, visit www.thetireconsultants.com.

Balancing starts with mounting

When it comes to achieving the correct balance on a medium truck tire and wheel assembly, it all starts with how you mount the assembly on your balancing machine.

Breaking down the top 100 retreaders

In our April issue, we profiled the “Top 100 Retreaders in the United States.” Tire manufacturers held the top two spots on the list: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., with its Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems LLC subsidiary, and Bridgestone Americas Inc., with Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions.

Stock management

The on-going recession has adversely affected every sector of the commercial tire market, including OTR tires. Construction activity remains at a virtual standstill, while mining operations continue to reduce production, leading to a glut of parked machines.

Service truck evolution

Like the commercial tire market itself, service trucks are constantly evolving. The same can be said for service truck equipment and accessories.

Guiding yourself to peak personal performance

Setting a strong management methodology in motion, day after day, requires discipline, and that requires self-coaching.

Low rolling resistance needs to be kept in perspective

Tires are billboards for consumer information. And if you think the nomenclature is overbearing now, wait until the California Energy Commission (CEC) completes its fuel efficient tire program assignment.

What does the future hold for private brands?

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s 2006 decision to discontinue production of certain private brand tires represented a seismic shift for a segment of the market that has traditionally enjoyed a high degree of supplier-customer consistency and predictability.

How do you mount and balance tires safely?

Volumes have been written about how following proper mounting and balancing procedures will ensure optimal tire and wheel performance.

Noble Endeavor

The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) includes four TPMS transmitters, a TPMS antenna, a TPMS receiver and a TPMS warning indicator.

Will run-flats take over at OE?

More than 115 years after John Seiberling patented a puncture-resistant tire, the automotive industry is still trying to develop a maintenance-free tire. Run-flat tires offer a short-term solution; they aren’t puncture proof, but you can drive on them without air and without damaging the wheel.

Excavating for golden opportunities

Hoping to grab a pre-flight bite one night, I scanned the slim choices at an airport concession stand — chili-cheese dogs, chocolate muffins, ice cream sandwiches. Nothing remotely qualified as healthy. I suggested to the kid behind the counter that he urge the owner to add veggie burgers to the menu.

Tire aging: Sean Kane's passion trumps the industry's inaction

I like Sean Kane. Over the phone he comes across as a likeable guy with an admirable agenda: He wants to improve the tire purchasing experience for consumers.

Scaling new heights with light truck tires

This article offers an explanation of light truck tire sizes and construction, along with tips on plus-sizing, tire applications for both on and off-road, as well as lift kits and braking system upgrade tips to maximize vehicle performance.

Definitive definitions

Remember when the only performance tire categories were high performance, performance and cosmetic? Like tire sizes, performance passenger tire definitions have proliferated. To help you keep track of them all, we “borrowed” the following list from The Tire Rack, with permission, of course. The performance passenger tire categories and their definitions also can be found on the company’s Web site (www.tirerack.com).

Custom wheel torquing 101

The importance of following proper torquing procedures cannot be overstated, especially when working with expensive — and sometimes delicate — custom wheels.