LRR Tire - Autosphere.ca

PM 40014105
volume 6 / Number 7 / December
2009 / $4,95
www.autosphere.ca
Tire Rack Survey
LRR Tire
Avantages
Blizzak tires
prepare you for
whatever old man
winter throws
your way.
introducing two new tires
designed exclusively for winter driving.
center multi-z pattern
continuous lug
enhances snow traction
and water evacuation circumferential
3-d sipes enhance dry
grooves channel water
performance while maintaining
to reduce hydroplaning
snow, ice and wet traction
silica improves traction
in wet conditions
zigzag sipes
improves snow and ice traction
through drainage with more
biting edges
rc polymer improves
snow and ice performance
increase biting edges
• improved snow & ice traction
• h speed rating
• 34 sizes from 17˝ to 20˝
• 5 run-flat sizes from 16˝ to 18˝
Meets the severe snow service requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC).
bridgestonetire.ca 1-866-9 GO TIRE tiresafety.com
3-d sipes enhance dry
performance while maintaining
snow, ice and wet traction
continuous lug
enhances snow traction
and water evacuation
• improved snow & ice performance
• r speed rating
• 46 sizes from 15˝ to 22˝
Contents
14
C O V ER ST O R Y
December 2009
18
f e at u r e s
8
Unveiled at SEMA
Many New Tires
24
Succession Planning
Will You Be Ready When the Time Comes?
10
Tire Trends at SEMA
Tools That Earn Their Keep
26
Wheel Weights
Getting the Lead Out!
12
What Kind of Boss Are You?
Did You Learn from the Boss Who Made
Your Job Happy, or Horrible?
27
Tire Balancing
To Balance or Not to Balance?
28
Kal Tire Gets the Lead Out
Steel Weights Replace Lead for a Greener
Environment
14
Testing LRR Tires
Low Rolling Resistance Tires Have Benefits
18
Tires at SEMA
A Brave New World
22
28 Our Readers Write
30
Business Succession
How Will You “Re-Tire”?
Diagnosis
Alternators and Charging Systems
RE G U L ARS
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial
6, 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry News
29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertisers
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
3
editorial
Magazine said, “Some businesses, as well as
some people, will emerge from this downturn
stronger and more dominant than when it
started. Others will weaken and fade. It all
depends on critical choices they make right
now.”
Contributing Editors
Shirley Brown, Éric Descarries, Jil McIntosh,
Brian Early
So where will you be at the end of 2010?
Copy Editor
Shirley Brown [email protected]
Where will your business be? Will you count
yourself among those who acted now to cre-
Plan Now for
a Better 2010
With 2009 almost behind us, let
us look forward to the new year
as we work together to create a
better future.
I
Publisher
Rémy L. Rousseau
ate a better future for themselves, their families, and their businesses? Or will you look
back with regret, wondering how different life
could have been had you had the foresight to
act today?
Opportunities
In a perfect world, I would be able to sum
up all your opportunities and tell you exactly
what you have to do with your business in
order to succeed—all within the few para-
Production
Olivier Rhême [email protected]
Valérie St-Cyr [email protected]
Circulation Manager
Nancy Belleville [email protected]
Administration
Wendy Allain [email protected]
Marie-Hélène Côté [email protected]
Denise Prud’homme [email protected]
Advertising
Nathalie Plouffe
416-925-5665
[email protected]
Luc Champagne
514-945-1299
graphs I share with you here. In the real
[email protected]
world, it is up to each of us as business
Réjean A. Rousseau
450-649-9007
f your head is still spinning from the eco-
owners to look at our strengths, our weak-
nomic roller coaster ride we’ve all been
nesses, our industry, our market, and our po-
on since the end of 2008, you’re not
tential to decide how we will make the most
Subscription
1 year: $19.95 2 years: $34.95 3 years: $49.95
of our individual opportunities.
Published by
alone. The year 2009 is sure to go down in
[email protected]
history as twelve months of business-changing
challenges, monumental failures, unexpected
The 16th century English poet, John Donne,
collapses, and nausea-inducing corporate
is known for his famous words, “No man is
restructuring.
an island.” That’s why I urge you look beyond
yourself and your business when planning
Personally, I was surprised to see many of the
for the future, to find ways in which you can
big names in tires missing at the 2009 SEMA
harness the power of synergy by working with
show in Las Vegas. You know things aren’t
your suppliers, your employees, the media,
going well when the big names are absent from
and others. Together we can emerge strong-
a show as significant as SEMA.
er; alone, we risk failure.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that
the worst seems to be behind us. Within a few
weeks, 2010 will be upon us and a better fiscal reality is sure to help us heal our financial
Rémy L. Rousseau
[email protected]
wounds.
Are you ready?
As a business owner, your job now is to sit
down and think about how you will take ad-
Please also remember to visit our auto-
vantage of all that the year 2010 will offer.
motive portal, www.autosphere.ca, for
During the recent Canadian Finance & Leasing
great business advice and insights into
Association’s 2009 national conference, Geoff
our industry.
Colvin, the senior editor at large for Fortune
4
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Rousseau Automotive Communication
455, rue Notre-Dame est, suite 311,
Montréal QC, H2Y 1C9
T : 514-289-0888 / 1-877-989-0888
F : 514-289-5151
[email protected]
www.autosphere.ca
Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business
interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published seven
times a year by Rousseau Automotive Communication, a
member of AIA Canada.
Material in Tire News Magazine may not be reproduced in
any form without written consent from the publisher. The
publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and
disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made
by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts,
opinions and statements appearing within this publication
are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are
in no way to be construed as statements, positions or
endorsements by Rousseau Automotive Communication.
Publications Mail Agreement 40014105. Return
undelivrable Canadian addresses to
Rousseau Automotive Communication / Circulation
Department, 455, rue Notre-Dame est, suite 311,
Montréal QC, H2Y 1C9
GO THROUGH
SLEET, ICE AND SNOW
WITH BLIZZAK
DM-V1
DM-Z3
LM-22
LM-25
LM-50
LM-60 MZ-03
W965
BLIZZAK WINTER TIRES
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE TIRES
WEST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
TEL (905) 670-9791
FAX (905) 670-0581
EAST
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL (416) 292-8202
FAX (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
WS-60
Industry News
Toxics Reduction Strategy
OTS Launch a Success!
The Ontario Environment Ministry is moving ahead with its Toxics Reduction Strategy
with the gazetting of regulations which set
out the draft requirements under this act.
It is expected that these regulations will
begin to come into force as early as January 2010.
The draft regulation is proposed to be
applicable to a wide range of industries including North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes 3262 (Rubber
Product Manufacturing) and 3252 (Resin &
Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing). The draft
regulation would encompass substances currently reported under the Federal National
Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) plus
Acetone, which is reportable under Ontario
Reg 127. The threshold levels are proposed
to be parallel to those under NPRI and O
Reg 127. The draft regulation proposes that
facilities that use or create specified toxic
substances be required to undertake toxic
substance accounting, prepare a toxic substance reduction plan and to report to the
government and the public. Much of the
draft regulation serves to set out the specifics of these requirements.
If you are currently reporting under NPRI
for an Ontario facility, you should follow
this regulation. The Rubber Association of
Canada will continue to monitor and keep
you informed.
Ontario Tire Stewardship officially launched
on September 1 and, by all accounts, was
very successful. The media coverage focused
on the major program benefits such as free
scrap tire disposal and the elimination of
illegal dumping and stockpiles. Very little of
the discussion revolved around the stewardship fees. This should not be too surprising
as most consumers know and accept environmental levies as a normal course of affairs
when dealing with disposal of waste products.
The Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
continues to monitor the list of registered
Stewards to ensure all tire brand owners and
first importers are registered, as this is the
only way to protect their members from companies trying to skirt their obligations—check
out www.ontariots.ca/?q=RolesOpsStewards.
You can also check the list of registered
Stewards from the same link, so you are encouraged to do so, then call RAC if you believe some companies are not registered
Chemicals
Management
Plan
The Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
has continued a dialogue with Environment
Canada (EC) on its “Chemicals Management
Plan” initiative. The list of the substances
most likely to impact the rubber industry was
sent out for review and RAC is awaiting responses from some members.
On Friday, October 2, a conference call with
EC was held and RAC is in the initial planning
stages of face-to-face dialogue with them. RAC
is tentatively setting up a steering committee
to work with EC to provide leadership within
the industry so that dialogue is meaningful
and productive.
For more information on this file, contact the Rubber Association of Canada.
www.rubberassociation.ca
6
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Tire Discounter Group
Awards “Play in the Dirt”
Winner With New ATV
Who doesn’t love mixing machines and
mud? The Tire Discounter Group made the
most of that desire by holding its “Play in the
Dirt” contest, offering a 2009 Arctic Cat ATV
exclusively for Tire Discounter customers who
purchased a set of Cooper brand tires.
The lucky (and very happy) winner was Bob
Bentley of Brantford, Ontario, who bought
his Cooper tires at Cainsville Tire Discounter
in July. The winner was determined by random selection, and Bentley’s lucky ballot was
chosen from over 2,000 entries. The Arctic
Cat was presented to him in October by Richard Bender, during Tire Discounter’s annual
Fall Open House.
Pirelli Looking at a
$100 Million U.S.
Investment in Brazil
Pirelli & Co S.p.A. announced that it is
considering investing $100 million U.S. in
Brazil until 2012 to expand its production
capacity for agricultural and OTR tires. A
growing demand in South America justifies
this decision. Pirelli had already invested
$200 million U.S. in the same country for
passenger and light truck tires. Pirelli says it
sees a 25% growth in Latin America through
2013 for these specialized tires, 37% in Brazil alone.
NHTSA Considers Changing
Test Pressure for Spare
Tires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently issued a proposal to amend
the tire safety standard in order to change
the test pressure for T-type (temporary spare)
tires to 60 psi. The actual test pressure is
52 psi. Two reasons were given, the first one
being that the raise would also increase the
test’s stringency, and the second that the
same raise to 60 psi would make it consistent with international harmonization.
Continental and Hoosier
Form a “Strategic Alliance”
Continental Tire North America and Hoosier
Racing Tire Corp. have recently agreed to
work together in the motorsport and highperformance street tires segments in order
to compete in what both call “new market
segments.” No specific products have been
announced yet. Note that back in the early 1990’s, CTNA’s predecessor, Continental
General Tire, had a contract to make a Hoosier Performance street radial. The deal expired in 1998 when it went to Goodyear’s
Kelly-Springfield Tire Co and the line was
discontinued in 2002.
New Products
Éric Descarries • [email protected]
Unveiled at SEMA
Many New Tires
Many manufacturers took advantage of their presence at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market
Association) in Las Vegas last month to introduce new products.
Pirelli
approved racing tire. Still, Pirelli warns
The second tire Falken introduced is the
Italian manufacturer Pirelli launched two
drivers that it is not a tire for street racing
SN211 high-mileage performance touring
new products at SEMA. The first one is
but a tire that will allow a performance
tire, which comes with an 80,000-mile
the all-new Scorpion Verde All Season,
driver to get to a track, do some lapping,
limited mileage warranty. It features a
a green performance tire designed spe-
and go back home without changing tires
variable sipe depth design, four circumfer-
cifically for SUVs and light trucks. Though
ential grooves, and tread wear indicators.
its decreased rolling resistance and 8%
The SN211 will be available in a wide
reduction in weight will help save fuel, the
range of replacement
Scorpion Verde still yields better perform-
sizes for wheels from
14 to 18 inches.
ance in wet braking, dry and wet handling, and traction. The Scorpion Verde All
Season will be available in 19 sizes for
16- to 20-inch wheels in the T, H, and V
Falken introduced this
new SN211 high-mileage
performance touring tire
during SEMA.
speed ratings (depending on size), and has
a UTQG rating of 600 AAA.
The third new Falken tire launched durThe Pirelli P Zero Trofeo is a street-legal tire that can be
used on the track.
Falken
ing SEMA was the Azenis RT615-K. This
performance tire is an enhanced version of
the former RT615 but with a completely
revised tread compound with, as Falken
Falken Tire Corp. launched not one, not
puts it, “uncompromised grip.” Eligible
two, but three new tires during SEMA. The
in most “street tire class” by competition
first is the WildPeak A/T all-season SUV
sanctioning bodies, the street legal Azenis
and light truck tire that will be available
RT615-K will be available in 21 sizes with
in more than 27 sizes by year-end 2010,
a 200A/A UTQG rating.
ranging from 15 to 20 inches in diameter.
The new Scorpion Verde was unveiled at SEMA.
The tire is easily recognizable by its symmetric five-rib pattern and rigid block
The second Pirelli tire unveiled at SEMA
design. It also includes four wide, multi-
was the P Zero Trofeo. The Trofeo is an
angled grooves for better water, mud, and
asymmetrical performance tire with two
snow evacuation. The biting block edges
wide central ribs, large tread blocks and
also help improve traction and control.
a pattern derived from asphalt rally applications. The Trofeo, intended for performance cars such as Ferraris, Porsches,
Aston Martins, BMWs, Subaru Impreza
STIs, and other fast cars, is like a DOT-
8
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
The new Falken
WildPeak is intended
for SUVs and
light trucks.
The new Falken Azenis
RT615-K has the same
design as its predecessor
but its newer compound,
lightweight casing, and high
tension carcass make it a
superior product.
Corghi Introduces Its Monster Truck Tire Changer
Among the many new tools introduced at SEMA, there was Corghi
USA’s Monster AGTT, a tire changer designed for heavy-duty
truck, bus, farm, and earthmover tires, featuring an automatic
and self-centering wheel clamping device with nine direct lockable positions for 14- to 48-inch wheels. With tilt, it can go up
to 58 inches. The operator can stand to one side of the baseless
WATCH OUT FOR
THESE NEW PRODUCTS
IN 2010!
changer and work with a radio transmitter control unit
EASY-TO-USE
PATENTED
TECHNOLOGY.
A single technician can work with the new Corghi Monster truck tire changer.
SEE IT IN ACTION,
CHECK FOR “BLUELIGHT”
IN THE VIDEO SECTION
OF OUR WEBSITE.
Other news
Among the many other new tires launched at SEMA, let’s mention
three new products from Vee Rubber: the Vitron all-season high
performance tire which will be available in 21 sizes over the next
few months for wheels ranging from 15 to 17 inches in diameter
(this tire with asymmetrical design can be mounted with either
side on the outside), the Winter Season III studdable snow tire
now available in seven sizes featuring a square shoulder design
for improved snow traction, and the Taiga Ice Axe, a studdable
light truck snow tire available in six LT sizes.
At the same time, Hankook unveiled its all-season Optimo H724
passenger tire with improved handling, noise control, and ride
comfort. Its new carcass construction and wear resistant tread
compound are designed to improve longevity and fuel econ-
Monster AGTT
omy. The H724 will come in 38 sizes from 13- to 17-inch wheel
diameters.
During that week in Las Vegas, Finnish tire maker Nokian announced the arrival of its first all-season premium tire for North
America, the eNTYRE. It will thus allow Nokian Tyres to enter a
Photos: Éric Descarries
market in which it previously had no product. The eNTYRE will
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT
THIERRY LEFEBVRE AT 416-902-5663
[email protected]
be available in 26 sizes ranging from 185/65R15 to 225/45R17
early next year. It will be T, H, and V speed rated and will carry
a UTQG tread rating of 700 with four of the larger lower profiles
rated at 650. It will also be environmentally friendly with low resistance, lighter weight, and “earth-friendly” oils.
Ontario
www.corghiontario.com
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Tire Trends at SEMA
Tools That Earn Their Keep
B
ut even in a bad year, buyers and
Roadside truck tire repairs—Fleets can’t
Getting consumers involved—Peace
sellers still have to get together,
afford downtime, and getting a truck back
of mind is a huge issue for consumers,
and there were plenty of new prod-
in action as soon as possible is a major
and so Slime showed two new products
ucts on display. The more frivolous items
concern. Ochoa Roadrunner Products
for more worry-free motoring. A can of
usually present had been weeded out, and
showed a new, made-in-USA hand-held
Quick Spair sprays enough sealant and air
most products were designed for hard
portable tire machine under its Pneu-Tek
into a flat tire to drive to a repair facility,
work and good value.
Tire Tools brand. Powered by a compres-
without using a compressor; the product
sor and impact gun, the tool allows a
washes out with water during repair and
So what’s new with tire tools this year? I
single operator to demount anything from
is TPMS-safe. Coming to market a little
saw a few new trends, and the products
ATV tires right up to 24.5-inch truck rims.
later, the Tire Top Off compressor is about
that go with them, including these:
The company also makes a unique bead
the size of a paperback book and con-
keeper that stays put on the rim, allowing
tains an integrated tire gauge. It can fill
Continued focus on TPMS—It’s manda-
a tech to mount
a flat 15-inch tire in 14 minutes, but it’s
tory on all U.S. cars, but that doesn’t make
t h e t i re w i t h
primarily meant for customers to top up
it any less of a headache at times. Bartec
j u s t o n e t i re
a few pounds when a TPMS light comes
showed its new Wheel Rite Tech 400 Plus,
iron. 1-575-
on. At an estimated retail of $15.00, it
an improvement on the previous genera-
439-1561
could be a great item to promote on your
tion with a heavier-duty connector. A tech
counter around Christmas or Father’s Day.
can insert a blank Schrader EZ-sensor into
www.slime.com
the machine’s cradle, program it, and then
Justin Ochoa
demonstrates the
Pneu-Tek hand-held
portable tire machine.
use it to replace a faulty sensor. Bartec
says the EZ-sensor brand emulates 90%
of SKUs, reducing inventory and eliminating lost sales due to insufficient stock.
More durable products—Tire repair
www.Bartecusa.com
company Black Jack couldn’t stop offshore
companies from counterfeiting its T-Bone
Tire Repair Kit, so it upped the ante by
making it better. The kit now includes
stronger steel tools, an improved needle,
an octagon-shaped lube bottle that can be
opened with one hand, and a lifetime warranty on everything, including the plastic
Slime Quick Spair aersol tire repair and Tire Top Off
compact compressor
case. www.BlackJackTireRepair.com
This article was brought
to you by:
Black Jack
T-Bone Tire
Repair Kit
Bartec Wheel Rite Tech 400 Plus
10
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Photos: Jil McIntosh
While it’s still the biggest shindig in town, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
Show, held November 3 to 6 in Las Vegas, definitely felt the impact of the financial meltdown
in the U.S. It was cut by about a quarter of its usual size, with large empty areas curtained off
in each of the four halls that spread over three buildings.
PIRELLI WINTER TIRES:
YOUR BEST FRIENDS IN EVERY WINTER CONDITION.
Winter Sottozero Serie II
(210, 240, 270)
Winter 190
Snowcontrol
Winter Sottozero
(210, 240)
Winter 210 / 240
Snowsport
Winter
Carving / Edge
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
YOUR SOURCE FOR PIRELLI TIRES
WEST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
TEL. (905) 670-9791
FAX. (905) 670-0581
EAST
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL. (416) 292-8202
FAX. (416) 292-8177
TOLL FREE NUMBERS AVAILABLE
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
Scorpion
Ice & Snow
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
What Kind of Boss Are You?
Did You Learn from the Boss Who
Made Your Job Happy, or Horrible?
Did you ever have a boss who made your life miserable? I think we all did. But now that you’re
in charge, do you ever wonder if your employees are telling horror stories about you?
T
he poet Robbie Burns asked for the
a certain way because it’s the best way to
glad to show you how to work the paging
ability to see ourselves as others see
do it, or simply because no one’s going to
system, or how to put paper in the printer
us. Take a look at your shop, your
tell you otherwise? I worked at a shop one
when it’s empty.
employees and at yourself. What kind of
hot, dry summer where an ice-cream truck
boss are you? Are you seeing any of these
stopped by 15 minutes before afternoon
The Too-Secret Admirer
in your leadership style?
break each day. The techs wanted to buy
Yes, getting paid and not getting fired can
treats, but the boss was adamant: he’d set
be proof that an employee is doing a good
break time at 3:30, and so he chased the
job, but a little praise costs you nothing,
This boss “sets the temperature” for the
truck driver away—rather violently, and in
and goes a long way. You shouldn’t heap
shop each day. If he’s in a good mood,
front of customers, when the man argued.
accolades every time a worker does some-
everything will go smoothly, but if he ar-
Changing the break to 3:15 wouldn’t have
thing right, but acknowledging a job well
rives in a foul frame of mind, then every-
disrupted the shop’s schedule, and would
done can really boost morale.
body better tiptoe around him. Don’t
have made the technicians happier and
think the customers don’t notice it, too.
more comfortable.
The Thermostat
Everybody has off days, but good bosses
It’s possible to get too chummy with your
don’t let their personal feelings dictate
The Octopus
everyone else’s mood.
This boss has to have a micro-managing
your “favourite,” or make it tough when
hand in everything, no matter how minor.
discipline is required. Don’t be too aloof,
I had one when I handled claim reimburse-
either. Remember that boss who did such
Flying off the handle only gets people
ments: not a single piece of paper was
a great job, and made you want to work
upset, and doesn’t solve anything. If you
allowed to come to my desk until he’d
hard for him. That’s the kind of boss you
can’t keep your temper under control,
looked it over. Since he also placed similar
want to be.
consider taking an anger management
demands on every other employee, the
course. Shouting at employees doesn’t
papers piled up waiting for him. When
just cause problems with your staff—cus-
he was fired a few months later, I was
tomers often won’t return to a shop where
finally able to process over $250,000
there’s a lot of conflict.
in receivables that I hadn’t been able to
The Short Fuse
The Hanging Judge
I worked in a shop where the outcome of
disputes was simple: the winner was the
claim, since they’d been locked in his desk
waiting for him to find the time to look at
them.
first employee to complain to the boss.
The Luddite
Decisions should only be reached after
I’ve seen bosses walk by ringing phones—
you’ve heard both sides of the story.
not because it’s beneath them to pick up
The Rock of Gibraltar
12
The Best Friend
the receiver and talk to a customer, but
because they have no idea how a multi-
Like that unwavering landmark, this boss
line phone works and don’t know how
doesn’t budge. Are you doing something
to answer it. Just ask: someone will be
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
staff. It can cause resentment toward
Shirley Brown
[email protected]
Testing LRR Tires
Low Rolling Resistance
Tires Have Benefits
Tire Rack, the largest independent tire tester in North America, decided to test LRR tires at its
test track in South Bend, Indiana. The results told quite a tale and are shown here as they appeared in the U.S. report.
New tires to help fuel economy
“Over the last year, a number of manufacturers have introduced new tires all talking about helping vehicles improve their
fuel economy while still retaining their
wet and dry traction and handling,” states
John Rastetter, director of tire information, Tire Rack. “There wasn’t any information available that consumers could use to
identify the influence the tires would have
on their vehicle. We had questions from
our customers, as well as we saw concerns
expressed on some of the forms related
to the hybrid vehicles, good fuel economy,
from people who were enthusiastic about
knowing the role the tire would play on
their vehicle’s fuel economy. So we took it
upon ourselves to test these tires. We do
a lot of testing of performance tires, tour-
T
ing tires and passenger tires and, in the
ire Rack is a family-owned business
very effective in reducing carbon emis-
past, we’ve compared their ride comfort,
and a consumer-direct source for
sions as well as increasing fuel efficiency;
noise quality, their handling in emer-
tires, wheels, and performance ac-
in fact it has dubbed these tires as ‘Round
gency situations on our test track. We’ve
and Black Becomes Lean and Green.’
taken summer tires versus all-season tires
cessories, as well as being an independent
tire tester. It has more than 90 test drivers
available and tests tires for every major
Test MPG*
% vs. Baseline
tire manufacturer. The tests are done
Michelin Energy Saver A/S
53.8
+4.74%
and the results posted on the company’s
Bridgestone Ecopia EP100
53.5
+4.12%
website (www.tirerack.com). This allows
Yokohama dB Super E-Spec
52.8
+2.81%
Goodyear Assurance Fuel
Max
51.6
+0.37%
consumers to find out what they want
to know about any specific tire, wheel,
or performance accessory purchase. Tire
Rack also has various testing and information videos available on its site.
Tire Rack recently published a comprehensive report which analyzed the fact
that low rolling resistance (LRR) tires are
14
Tire Line
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Goodyear Integrity
51.4
---
Michelin HydroEdge with
Green X
51.1
-0.59%
Goodyear Assurance
ComforTred
50.0
-2.64%
*Calculated based on GPS distances and ScanGage II recorded consumption
(offset 6% for Prius Summer E10 regular grade fuel).
John Rastetter, director of tire information, Tire Rack
versus winter tires and compared them
in the snow and the slick ice of a hockey
rink. So these new tires were sort of a new
sub-category coming into the marketplace
that really didn’t have enough independent information.”
Tire Rack published the information on its
website as well as sending an email Alert
to subscribers of its tire tests reports.
This news spread to various automakers
as well. Rastetter says they were happy
to make it available to a lot of people as
the company felt it was information they
could use.
Tire Rack testing
A Real World Road Ride Economy run
was undertaken by Tire Rack in order to
determine whether lower rolling resistance tires are effective at increasing fuel
efficiency. The test, using a small fleet of
Toyota Prius hybrids outfitted with the
Goodyear Integrity all-season radial tires
as a baseline, compared its fuel efficiency
and traction to other eco-friendly and
standard tire models. Each tire was driven over 550 miles on a 6.6-mile loop of
expressways, highways, and side roads.
The Prius outfitted with the baseline tire
achieved 51.4 miles per gallon*.
With the Prius, the difference between
* For conversion from MPG (U.S.) to L/100 km, www.economicexpert.com/a/Fuel:efficiency.htm
gives this formula: to convert “x” MPG into “y” L/100 km → 235.2146 / “x” MPG = “y” L/100 km.
the lowest and highest recorded miles
per gallon would result in an annual difference of about 21 gallons** of regular
** 1 U.S. gallon = 3.78541178 litres
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
15
gasoline consumed at a cost of about
While the low-tech ways of achieving
As Rastetter states, “while tires have al-
$52.50 U.S. (based on $2.50 U.S. per
lower tire rolling resistance has usu-
ways played an important role for all types
gallon) for drivers traveling 15,000 miles
ally traded off wet traction and/or tread-
of drivers, the Tire Rack test results show
(24,140 km) per year. The fuel recorded
wear, further controlled testing at Tire
that tire manufacturers have success-
for each tire and its relative position
Rack’s test track has also shown that
fully added some green to the traditional
compared to the Integrity tire’s aver-
the newest high-tech, fuel-efficient tires
round and black.”
age is available at www.tirerack.com/
have achieved it without compromis-
mpgtest.
ing traction thanks to the introduction
Purchasing LRR tires
of new tread compounds, tire designs
When asked if these new tires were sell-
and weight optimizing manufacturing
ing well, Rastetter replied, “It’s a trend
processes.
that is growing. Certainly last summer
Environmentally-focused
development
“Low rolling resistance tires represent
with the high fuel costs, we found there
the most environmentally-focused de-
CAFÉ standards
velopment in tire technology today,” says
According to newly passed U.S. govern-
fluence tires would have on a vehicle’s
Rastetter. “Every gallon of gasoline saved
mental Corporate Average Fuel Economy
fuel economy. In the U.S., the state of
not only reduces each driver’s personal
(CAFÉ) standards, new vehicles will need
California’s Tire Efficiency Information
fuel costs and America’s dependence on
to achieve 35.5 miles per gallon (56.8 km
Program and the Department of
foreign oil, but it also releases 20 fewer
per litre) by 2016. As automakers reevalu-
Transportation’s Tire Efficiency Program
was more and more interest in the in-
pounds of CO2 gas into the atmosphere
ate every aspect of their vehicles in order
both went from simple law to implemen-
from the tailpipe. Our tests proved that
to increase fuel efficiency, fitting their new
tation, and this brought about more
vehicles equipped with these tires are able
vehicles with LRR tires seems like an easy
awareness that tires did play a role. We
to achieve better fuel economy.”
first step.
at Tire Rack see this as sort of the entry
point became when the tire manufacturers began introducing a number of replacement tire lines that were targeted
to addressing this issue.”
As you can see from the information
above and the charts that have been included with this summary, Tire Rack has
certainly done its homework well. Even
though this information comes from the
United States, we here in Canada must
take notice of this as these tires will be
coming into our country shortly as well.
We think of it as ‘need to know’ information and valuable to the tire dealer as
well as consumers.
www.tirerack.com
16
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
SIGNATURE FAMILY
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YOUR SOURCE FOR DUNLOP TIRES
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MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
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140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL (416) 292-8202
FAX (416) 292-8177
TOLL FREE NUMBERS AVAILABLE
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
1
Tires at SEMA
A Brave New World
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Las Vegas, Nevada. Every year, the SEMA Show includes a pavilion dedicated to the tire industry. In the past, most major tire manufacturers made it a point to be at SEMA, but this year,
the economic situation in the U.S. made many tire makers pull out of the event, though quite a
few other ones took advantage of the situation. If Pirelli, Mickey Thompson, Cooper, Hercules,
and Hankook attended the show, the spaces made empty by other manufacturers gave the opportunity to many foreign (read: Chinese) manufacturers to go from the basement of the AAPEX
show to the main floor of the TIA pavilion.
2
3
4
5
6
18
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
Photos: Éric Descarries
14
13
1. The TIA building at SEMA
11. Greenball had quite an array of products to offer.
2. Nexen had an outstanding booth at SEMA.
12. This booth introduced visitors to efficient tire rack systems.
3. This could very well be the next fad in wheels—doesn’t that single branch
remind you of a Citroen steering wheel?
13. Wheels, as usual, were all over the place at SEMA.
4. Daewoo had an big booth at SEMA.
15. Hankook was part of the SEMA show.
5. Daewoo has many types of tires to offer.
6. Chinese tire manufacturer Triangle finally had its stand at SEMA.
7. Dutch tire maker Vredestein came back to SEMA
with an attractive booth.
16. How about an original name brand, Lucy’s Tires!
17. The TIA also had its own both and reception room at SEMA.
18. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tire was launched at SEMA.
8. This brand new tool powered by an air gun makes truck tire dismounting easier.
9. A totally new product, a wheel light for night illumination.
10. Chinese tire manufacturer Nankang had a remarkable booth at SEMA.
16
14. Hercules Tires had a great looking stand at SEMA.
19. Marco Zambianchi and Robert Thibodeau from Pirelli Canada were proud of the
new Scorpion Verde launched at SEMA.
20. Pirelli had a big booth where one could see this unique
P Zero Nero 315/25R23 tire.
17
18
19
20
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
19
22
25
21
23
24
28
26
27
21. Falken introduced its new A/T SUV tire at SEMA.
26. Visitors were plentiful at the SEMA-TIA pavilion.
22. Mickey Thompson had this massive 19.5/54-20LT tire at its booth.
27. Chinese tire manufacturer Double Coin was quite visible at SEMA.
23. The Mickey Thompson booth was as colourful and interesting as ever.
28. Double Coin had the biggest tire at SEMA, a 49-inch OTR tire.
24. Kenda had a place of choice at SEMA.
25. The Konig wheel stand was simply superb.
“Focus on your business,
...not your insurance”
PBL Insurance Limited and The Economical Insurance Group® (TEIG®) have custom-built a
comprehensive insurance package to cover the special needs of Tire Dealers.
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Ontario for their comprehensive and competitive garage insurance programs. The brokers at PBL are not
generalists—we specialize in the garage business. As brokers, we know the tire business and how to protect it.
“We recognize that securing your investment properly is important to you. We also recognize that controlling your
costs is important, too. We work closely with you to balance coverage and cost realizing that both are critical to you.
“We are easy to deal with and we make it a point to deal in person. Give us a try—we can properly cover your
garage operations, your property, automobiles, pollution risks, business interruptions, employee tools, and more.
“You’ll like the way we personally work with you.”
Doug Searle
Director of Business Development
PBL Insurance Limited
1-888-254-8294
PBL Insurance Limited
www.pblinsurance.com
Member of the OTDA
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Business Succession
How Will You “Re-Tire”?
Planning ahead can protect you and your business.
Y
ou know that in order for your
viable plan includes discussions with key
Are you in the 11%?
business to be successful, you’ve
people, such as partners, employees, your
According to the Royal Bank of Canada
got to have a long-term plan. You
accountant and lawyer, and members of
(RBC), one out of every four business
your family.
owners in Canada right now is considering
know what your company will need to do
in order to thrive into next week, next
People and plans can change
yond that. But how much thought have
All of these aspects of your plan should be
(34%) plan to sell the business to a third
you given into what will happen when
updated whenever necessary. Pull them
party, while 29% will pass it to one or
you’re no longer involved?
out on a regular basis and look them over
more people within the family. Beyond
to see if anything’s changed. Again, don’t
that, 15% plan to sell to their employ-
There will come a day when you, or any
just focus on what’s written on paper.
ees or managers, 11% will sell to their
partners you have, will no longer be part of
People change: a son or daughter who
partners, and 1% will close the company
the company—preferably through retire-
was eager to succeed you at the helm of
entirely.
ment, although health or changes in life
your business five years ago might have
circumstances can also play a major role.
gone in another direction, or a key part-
Surprisingly, a whopping 11% have no
If you don’t have a succession plan that’s
ner’s health or life circumstances might
idea what they intend to do when the
designed to move your company smoothly
have changed. Your business changes,
time comes. If you don’t, even if you’re not
to its next step, the effect on your busi-
too: it might be worth substantially more
planning on “packing it in” in the next little
ness could potentially be catastrophic.
or less than when you last looked at your
while, you should consider taking the time
succession plan, and that could have a
to chart your future.
Mapping your future plans
Quite simply, a succession plan maps out
the way ownership of your business will
22
getting out of his or her company within
month, next year, and probably well be-
significant effect on what will happen in
the future.
the next five years. The majority of them
Three basic steps to a plan
RBC suggests there are three basic
be transferred. It includes legal docu-
Taking the right road
ments, such as wills, tax plans, and pow-
It’s very helpful if you think in terms of
First, you need to examine your current
ers of attorney, and it names the people
“mapping out” your plan. Consider what
situation, including determining how
who will succeed you in the business. It
you do when you travel: you select a
much your business is worth, how much
should include the value of your business,
destination, and then you look at a road
income you require, your role with the
which is far more than just the walls and
map to see what streets you should take.
business following your retirement, your
inventory—there’s worth in your licenses,
You don’t pick roads that will take you
personal and business insurance, who
employee training, customer databases,
the wrong way. Likewise, if you know
has a stake in your business, and how it
and even customer goodwill. It can also
exactly what’s going to happen with your
would run if something unexpected hap-
include items of a more personal nature,
company when you retire, you have a des-
pened to you.
such as a list of your business or personal
tination, and every move you make in your
goals, and the timetable you may want to
business should be along the “right road”
Next, set out your goals. These include
set for each step of your company’s suc-
to get there. If your plan is to eventually
how much money you want from your
cession to its next owners.
sell the business entirely, you’ll probably
business, the lifestyle you want following
take a different path than if you intend to
your retirement, and any role your family
Certain aspects of your succession plan
step back from the day-to-day operations,
will play.
won’t necessarily even be on paper. A
but still keep your name on the door.
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
steps to setting up a succession plan.
Don’t break your
company’s chain
of operations…
plan ahead!
Finally, set up the “advisory team” that
delivery, a steady flow of customers, and a
provides tax-free supplemental income
will help you make the transition. This can
recognized brand name on the door, your
through tax-exempt life insurance; and a
include family members, lawyers, account-
business will obviously have more value
Retirement Compensation Arrangement,
ants, a business broker, financial advisor,
on the market.
which is similar to an IPP, and is used for
the retirement of key employees. Each
your company’s management team, and a
It’s also possible that you’ve set too high
plan has advantages and disadvantages,
a price on your business, in which case
and you should weigh them carefully be-
That last person on the list could be the
a valuator will bring you “back down to
fore making any decisions.
key element in your transition. Many
earth.” This can be an opportunity to see
owners don’t know exactly what their
what you can do to enhance its value.
business valuator.
business is worth, because they haven’t
Of course, you can’t forget the person
who’s always an essential part of your
considered everything that adds value. As
Business retirement plans
I mentioned earlier, your company is more
A financial advisor can help you get the
it: the taxman. Setting up your succession
than just stock and sales. Factors that
most out of your company for your per-
plan well in advance can help to minimize
affect your company’s worth include your
sonal retirement. RBC says there are
his share, especially if unexpected circum-
company’s reputation, trademarks, con-
several retirement plans available to busi-
stances force a change ahead of schedule.
tracts, future earnings potential, location,
ness owners, above and beyond the trad-
customer relations, supplier relationships,
itional plans. These include an Individual
By starting early, planning well into the
and the reliability of your supply chain. If
Pension Plan (IPP), which typically has the
future, and knowing where you’re going,
a buyer could just pick up from where you
company making contributions into your
your retirement can easily be as successful
left off, with a guarantee of timely product
plan; an Insured Retirement Plan, which
as your business is.
company from the first day you opened
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
23
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Succession Planning
Will You Be Ready When
the Time Comes?
Who will take on your company when you’re finally ready to retire?
No matter how far in the future it may be, there will come a day when you’re ready
to leave your business. If all goes well, it will be on your terms, but you should also
have a plan in place if something happens to you, your family, or your business
partners. It’s never too early to start thinking about your last day of work—whenever
it arrives.
What if your family wants your business?
What if you’re going to sell?
According to RBC, the majority of business owners sell to a
Most owners sell to a third party, but that doesn’t mean it’s a
third party, but close behind are those who pass the company
simple process. It can take a year or more to sell your company,
along to family members. If you are planning on passing or sell-
so be prepared—and be cautious. Putting your business on the
ing it to family members, there can be many questions you’ll
market can present several challenges; be aware of them, and
need to ask yourself, including these:
consider how you will deal with them:
• Does my successor really want to run the business, or is
he taking it on just to “keep it in the family?” If so, does he
• Your day-to-day operations can be interrupted by potential
buyers coming through to examine your store.
really have the know-how to keep it healthy? Can he afford
to buy the business?
• Knowing the company’s for sale can make employees concerned about their future with the business, while custom-
• What’s the best way to handle the succession, so taxes are
minimized?
ers may be cautious about buying expensive products if
they don’t know how warranties and other plans may be
handled by the new owners.
• If only one of my children want to take it on, what will
I do for the rest of them? If one or more of my children
• Get legal advice about what you’re required to provide to
want to stay actively involved, are they capable of working
potential buyers. If the deal doesn’t close, they can have
together?
“inside information” on your company that they could use
to their advantage as a competitor.
• Have I sat down with them and told them my intentions?
Do I know as much about their future plans as I do about
my own?
• If my children take on the business but later change their
minds, what’s the next step for my company?
24
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
What’s your business worth?
What about your employees?
Many shop owners grossly underestimate the value of their
If you’re not selling to your children, give some consideration to
businesses, because they don’t realize how much their intan-
your employees or partners. There are benefits to selling your
gibles are worth. Your company is much more than just a build-
business to the people already helping you to run it, including
ing and the inventory you carry. When you’re evaluating your
these:
company, don’t forget the monetary value in these:
• Minimal disruption to your business—you won’t have to
• The level of training your employees have received.
advertise your company or try to find a buyer, and you
How much would it cost someone starting from scratch to
won’t have strangers touring your premise and upsetting
teach his employees what yours already know? Do all the
your store’s daily routine.
best techs and counter staff in the area already work for
you, making it difficult for a new shop to hire employees to
• Because your buyers are already part of the store’s oper-
meet your store’s level of expertise?
ations, the transition will probably be seamless to your
customers.
• The relationship you have with your suppliers, and the
reliability of your supplier chain. What’s it worth to your
• It may take far less time to complete the operation than if
customers to know that if you don’t have a part in stock, it
you sold to an outside party.
will arrive at your store within a few hours, whereas they
might wait a week somewhere else?
• If you’re not planning to retire for several years, you and
your buyers could set up an ownership plan that could let
• Your company’s name and reputation. Do your custom-
them gradually buy into the business.
ers recommend you to their friends?
Of course, where there are benefits, there are also disadvanta• Your location, and the “face” your company shows to
ges, so consider these as well before you make your decision:
the street. Is your store on a busy street, and is it easy
for customers to get in from any direction? Does your
• You will have to identify the employees/managers/partners
store have appeal that would make a potential customer
who will be best able to carry the business forward. This
stop in? If so, your company will be more valuable than
could mean excluding employees who are eager to be
one on a lonely side street, cut off from customers by high-
“part of it,” but who aren’t suited for the job of running the
ways or difficult access, or hidden by other businesses.
company.
• Future plans for your neighbourhood. Will that new
• If you finance all or part of the transition, will the new
planned subdivision provide you with new customers?
owners be able to keep the company’s momentum and pay
Will the train stop or subway line going in nearby give you
back your investment?
the chance to woo customers who can drop off their cars
before commuting to work? If your company’s in a rapidly-
• Will elevating certain employees cause friction with other
changing neighbourhood, it could be worth more than one
workers? Will everyone in the shop be able to function
in an established area where the number of potential new
under the new ownership?
customers is smaller.
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
25
Wheel Weights
Getting the Lead Out!
There’s a very strong chance of lead-free legislation of some kind happening and this will impact on the businesses of the wheel and tire dealers. This will happen in the United States
first, and Canada won’t be far behind.
A
s a dealer, you will need
precision wheel balancing that
to plan ahead and do
naturally improves ride com-
your homework. You are
fort and stability, you get more
advised to ease into this transi-
fuel efficiency and tire wear is
tion and to do this as soon as
reduced. The results are an all-
possible. You need to be as en-
in-one, cut-to-fit precision wheel
vironmentally responsible with
balancing system. Needless to
lead wheel weights as you are
say, this system is far better for
now with used oil and scrap
the environment than lead—
tires. Lead has already been
fewer parts are required for in-
taken out of many products i.e.
ventory and therefore takes up
children’s toys and paint and
less floor space. In addition,
coatings, so it’s just a matter of
installation is easy. This type of
time as to the removal of lead
system has many benefits for
wheel weights in order to help
the industry.
protect the environment.
Legislation is coming
“Lead” statistics
In the U.S., the legislation is
A s we s aw i n s ta t i s t i c s f ro m t h e
wheel weights, and a polymer composite.
moving across the land as it is across the
Environmental Protection Agency, 50 mil-
These weights are being attached to the
globe, so the wheel and tire industry will
lion pounds of lead are used annually to
wheel with 3M Automotive Attachment
have to answer to legislative changes.
produce wheel weights across the world.
Tape, a company that has been producing
Lead wheel weights have been banned
In the U.S., 1.6 million pounds of lead
this type of product for thirty years to the
by the European Union since 2005; they
wheel weights are lost annually while driv-
automotive industry. The coated steel
were phased out in Japan and Korea also
ing and many of these weights are washed
and coated zinc weights are supplied as
by 2005, and the EPA’s National Lead-
into storm sewers and so end up in water-
individual parts—just like the current lead
Free Wheel Weights Initiative came out in
ways or landfills… which is very bad for
weights.
2008 and say members will transition to
lead-free alternative by 2011. So, as you
the environment!
You already know about steel and zinc, so
can see, this won’t be an immediate “hap-
we can tell you that the lead-free polymer
pening,” but experts expect legislation
Let’s look at the non-lead alternatives in
composite is made of a unique construc-
to come about maybe in a few months
the OEM wheel balancing market and
tion that is corrosion-free for the life of the
but more likely within a couple of years.
dealer service markets. At this time, the
product and keeps your clients’ wheels
So you have time to prepare and as sug-
OEMs are being very realistic about elim-
looking better longer. Of course, if the
gested, ease into non-lead alternative
inating lead wheel weights—and each
coating is damaged somehow, corrosion
wheel weights.
automaker is at a different stage of that
could occur. With the 3M lead-free wheel
process. Currently they are turning to
weight system, which you can find avail-
coated steel alternatives, coated zinc
able at www.solutions.3M.com, you have
Alternatives to lead
26
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Our thanks to 3M for the information.
Shirley Brown
[email protected]
Tire Balancing
To Balance or Not to Balance?
It seems that not balancing axle end assemblies is costing the trucking industry billions of dollars. Auburn University in the U.S. and a firm called Counteract Balancing Beads conducted a
study on the Counteract product to see if it would be efficient in improving truck fuel economy
by reducing rolling resistance. When the results were in, the phones started ringing!
B
ut let’s go back to the beginning,
assembly (axle end). In ten million appli-
effects that are ideally representative of
when a Technical Service Bulletin
cations however, there have not been any
actual long-haul travel conditions.
released by Counteract Balancing
disadvantages in using Balancing Beads.
Beads stated that “Some companies in the
The Auburn University test confirmed the
trucking industry are sacrificing drivers’
Back to the test
health in a misguided attempt to follow
So, getting back to the test—both Michelin
the past ten years that axle end balancing
the advice of their tire suppliers who claim
and Bridgestone had run the same test and
shows fuel economy improvements. The test
that it is not necessary to balance tire and
found no such fuel improvement, whereas
also confirmed that the laws of physics still
wheel assemblies.” Counteract also found
the test by Auburn and Counteract resulted
apply to the real world of trucking: a round
that some large truck fleets’ drivers in the
in a 2.2% improvement in fuel economy;
balanced object has less rolling resistance
U.S. were paying out of their own pocket
so a controversial issue ensued. A careful
than an out-of-round, out-of-balance object.
to have their steering tire balanced with
comparison of the experimental methods
Both these test results are available at www.
their product because they had heard that
by Auburn revealed much dissimilarity be-
counteractbalancing.com.
it improved the ride of the truck and re-
tween the two tests.
first-hand evidence users had reported for
Get it in writing
moved vibration from the steering wheel
as well as extending tire life by about
A Bridgestone Firestone fuel economy
Goodyear is the only major tire company
75,000 miles (120,675 km).
test that was conducted recently by bal-
suggesting in writing, in their service
ancing only half of the axle end complete
manual, that all wheel assemblies should
wheel assembly (just the tire and the
be balanced. Benefits include maximized
The first method of balancing truck tires is
rim) showed no substantial fuel improve-
tire life expectancy, improved fuel econ-
axle end balancing, which is when a com-
ment. They also used conventional lead
omy, and reduced vibrations for the driv-
plete wheel assembly consisting of one
weights in the experiment, not balancing
ers and trucks. Other benefits include
or two tires and rims on a hub and brake
beads. At the Auburn University test, the
less carbon emissions and a reduction in
drum, including nuts and bearings, is bal-
complete axle end wheel assemblies were
vibration to the infrastructure.
anced as one piece on the truck.
balanced as one piece and showed a 2.2%
Two balancing methods
fuel improvement.
The second method—tire balancing—
Balancing will not affect the tire manufacturer’s warranty nor the integrity of the
entails placing a mounted and inflated
Comparison
tire-and-rim onto a balancing machine
In fairness to this comparison, it must be
in writing. If it cannot be put in writing, it
and balancing it by adding wheel weights
added that the Bridgestone Firestone test
is not worth listening to.
to counteract the heavy side of the tire
(run at only 55 mph on a virtually flat
and rim assembly.
test oval) was also conducted at a much
This article was
lower average speed in comparison to the
brought to you by
casing. If you’ve been told so, then get it
The tech bulletin of July 22, 2009 from
average speed of the Auburn University
Counteract says that because the second
test (run on a carefully selected section of
method was machine balanced on an un-
variable grade open interstate at approxi-
balanced brake drum and hub, it will still
mately 65 mph). Higher speeds are known
produce an unbalanced complete wheel
to produce more influential dynamic
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
27
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Kal Tire Gets the Lead Out
Steel Weights Replace Lead for a
Greener Environment
Environmental issues have become very important with many consumers—part of the reason
why Kal Tire has moved to steel weights in place of lead.
“
W
e moved to steel weights in June
voluntary initiative. Experts estimate that
make sure the customers understand
2009,” said Michael Kinghorn,
about 3% of the 65,000 tons of lead
what they’re getting, and why, so they
advertising coordinator for Kal
weights used in the U.S. each year fall off
know they’re getting a lead-free product
and abrade down to harmful lead dust.
because it’s better for them and for the
Tire. “I would suspect that we were one of
the first. We try very hard at Kal Tire not
environment.”
to be reactionary; we wanted to set the
Cost is not a factor
standards.”
“We feel that in Canada, the amount of
Steel weights are just part of Kal Tire’s en-
lead that gets into the environment from
vironmental initiative, which includes recyc-
wheel weights may not be significant, but
ling oil, batteries, and rubber. “If a customer
Lead weights have been banned in the
we think it’s a big factor, and our custom-
comes in with a load of tires he’d found on
European Union since 2005; they’ll
ers want this,” Kinghorn said. “The cost
his property, we’ll take them,” Kinghorn said.
be gone in California next year, and in
isn’t that much, and I think that if some-
“We have to provide the service. Canada is
Washington State in 2011. The U.S. EPA
body is interested in ‘green,’ they realize
an environmentally-conscious country, and
hasn’t banned lead, but does have a
there’s a price to pay. Our counter people
we’re going to lead the charge.”
Banned in Europe
Our Readers Write
Following our article on studded tires (Tire News, Oct, 09, p. 26), a few of our readers had very
interesting reactions and more information. Thanks, guys, for the latest information. (É.D.)
Hi Eric,
I’ve enjoyed reading your articles regarding winter tires in Tire News magazine.
Our company is the largest importer of tire studs in North America. You have provided your readers with good advice with regards to choosing the proper
winter tire solution.
There were a couple of points you should be aware of:
1) Rather than decreasing in usage, we have seen a steady increase in tire stud sales in the past 10 years. In fact, we are currently importing more than
double the number of studs into Canada than we were in 1999.
2) Your chart shows that Manitoba uses ceramic core studs. We have not ever sold a ceramic core stud in North America in 25 years. Manitoba uses studs
with a tungsten carbide pin just like everywhere else in the world.
3) All U.S. states that currently prohibit studs, as well as Ontario, allow visitors to use studs on their vehicles in the winter season.
4) The only difference in the law for studs in Northern Ontario is that the stud body be made of aluminum. This makes the stud lighter and causes very little
damage to the roads. These studs are similar to the studs used in Scandinavia.
Thanks again for making drivers aware of their winter tire options. Look forward to more of your articles. In fact, I’m renewing my subscription right now.
Regards, Jeff Smith, Bruno Wessel Ltd.
Eric,
I want to thank you for the very interesting article about studs in Tire News. I just want to help you clarify that the line of demarcation in Ontario is the French
River. Great article! I love to see that Tire News is printing more common interest articles.
Alex Moore, National Sales Manager, Myers Tire Supply
28
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Industry News
Succession Award to
Marie-Josée Rousseau
South Korean Daewoo Launches
Its Own Tire Brand
In the Lux 2009 contest, Marie-Josée Rousseau was presented
with the Succession Award, Published Work for a photo of a tire
recovery centre (using
a Nikon D-200 camera). Said photo was
part of a series on the
environment and the
automotive industry,
published in a special
edition on the environment in 2009 by Rousseau Automotive Communication.
The artistic approach
of Marie-Josée, who
recently received a
Diploma in Art History
– Photographic Concentration, and who for
the last several years
has been contributing
to the various activities
of the aforementioned
firm, is geared toward
Q u e b e c ’s i n d u s t r i a l
landscape.
The contest, where
close to 2,000 entries
were submitted by 84
photographers and illustrators, was presided over by Frédéric Metz
and Lino. The magazine Grafika dedicated a special edition to the
contest organized by Éditions Infopresse, in cooperation with L.L.
Lozeau. La Capic and AIIQ also participated in the event. www.
infopresse.com/prixlux/resultats/2009
South Korean trading company Daewoo International has developed
a line of Chinese-made, Daewoo-branded tires, which will be sold
internationally. Daewoo was at SEMA in early November to introduce
the product to North America. This line includes passenger, light
truck, and medium truck radial made by the Triangle Group. Daewoo
will first be focusing on medium truck and OTR tires.
The Audi S6 Gets a New Toyo Tire as OE
Audi A.G. chose the new Toyo Proxes T1-AO tire for its latest S6
model. Indeed, the 5.2-litre V10 powered all-wheel drive S6 will
come from the factory with the new 265/35ZR19 98Y Proxes T1AO tire that was developed in a record time by Japanese tire maker
Toyo, who assures us that its high-performance product includes
improved wet and dry handling, better braking and cornering, and
what it calls “incredibly precise” steering characteristics.
The new Audi S6 gets a new high-performance Toyo tire.
Daewoo introduced its new line of tires at SEMA.
(photo Éric Descarries)
ADVERTISERS
Atlas Tire Wholesale
www.atlastire.com
5, 11,
17, 31
Bridgestone
www.bridgestonetire.ca
2
Continental Tire
www.continentaltire.ca
7
Duret & Landry
www.duretlandry.com
9
Earth Day Canada
www.earthday.ca/scholarship
13
Kumho Tires
www.kumhotire.ca
32
PBL Insurance
www.pblinsurance.com
20
Prema Canada www.premacanada.ca 21
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | Tire News |
29
Brian Early
[email protected]
This 1999 Taurus uses an internally regulated alternator.
This externally regulated alternator is on a 2000 Neon.
Internally regulated alternator on a 2004 Chevy Silverado.
Diagnosis
Alternators and Charging Systems
Prior to the advent of alternators (a 1960’s innovation that can be attributed to Chrysler), most
vehicle charging systems utilized a DC generator. Looking much like belt-driven starter motors,
DC generators had weak low-rpm performance, and required fussy and unreliable mechanical
voltage and current regulators to control their meagre output.
A
lternators are actually AC gener-
that newer alternators will often have
fielding”) should cause the alternator to
ators, and their primary benefits
additional wires that allow the engine
charge as proof of function, but do not do
are much greater output—particu-
computer to alter charging rates to im-
it for long, as excessive system voltages—
larly at low rpm—higher overall efficiency,
prove fuel efficiency. Consult a wiring
and possibly damage—will result. (It is
and more compact construction.
schematic to be certain.
also possible to do this test with some
Two primary types
Thinking outside the box
While there are different internal wiring
Externally regulated alternators are less
My experience with Chrysler charging sys-
designs out there, alternators can be
common these days—unless you’re under
tems suggests that the computer seldom
generally categorized as one of two major
the hood of a Chrysler product. Many
fails—engine and chassis ground issues
types—internally regulated and externally
Fo rd s, u p u n t i l
regulated. Familiarity with both types will
the mid-nineties,
greatly aid your diagnostics, as testing
and virtually all
procedures differ between them.
Chryslers (exclud-
internally regulated alternators.)
Familiarity with both types will greatly aid your diagnostics, as testing procedures differ between them.
ing rebadged Mitsubishi models) use
are the most common electrical faults
externally regulated alternators.
when the alternator itself checks out OK.
nearly all General Motors vehicles, have
Eighties and nineties Chryslers often in-
Shared faults
used internally regulated alternators.
corporated the regulator into their fender-
Both styles of alternator have common
Particularly in older applications, these
mounted “SMEC” units, while other
failures—mechanical, such as bearings
alternators have needed only battery volt-
automakers (like Ford) used stand-alone
or loose/damaged/corroded connections
age and key-switched power connections
external regulators. Virtually all newer
(watch for loose belts, too); and internal
to operate (ground is generally provided
Chryslers have the regulator built into
electrical, like open or shorted windings,
through the housing), simplifying both wir-
their engine computers.
worn brushes, and failed diodes (required
Internal affairs
Since the 1970’s, most Asian imports, and
ing and testing. If power is present at both
to convert the AC current produced into
the main “B+” terminal and the “IGN”
Straightforward testing
trigger terminal, key on, yet the alternator
In Chryslers, diagnosis at the alternator
isn’t charging, the fault likely lies in the
is relatively straightforward; power at the
Charge lamps on while running (where
alternator.
B+, key or ASD relay-switched 12 volts at
the lamp’s circuit is actually the trigger
one of the two field terminals, and pulse-
source), unusual noises or noise levels,
Be aware, however, that many alterna-
width modulated ground at the other field
or excessive AC ripple—measured by set-
tors require 12V power at a second “B+
terminal (other manufacturers may modu-
ting your multimetre to “AC Volts” (less
Sense” terminal in order to function, that
late the positive side, but the principle is
than 0.5 VAC, measured across the bat-
the IGN feed circuit may not go through
the same).
tery terminals, is generally considered
useable DC).
the charging indicator in the dash (just
30
acceptable)—are also indicators of faulty
because the light comes on, don’t assume
Briefly grounding the negative field
alternators, and should result in their
that the IGN terminal is powered), and
terminal with the engine running (“full
replacement.
| Tire News | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
This article was originally published in the May 2009 issue of CASP Magazine.
Features & Benefits
improved tread pattern:
Parallel central ribs to improve vehicle handling
Stable shoulder blocks with Force Transmission Links to increase performance
Circumferential central groove for fast drainage, slush expulsion and better self cleaning
increased sipe density and 3D Drop sipes:
More grip edges for better snow handling performance
nordic silica compound:
Innovative winter grip polymer for improved snow traction, performance and ice grip
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NEW SIZES FOR 2009
Dealer Enquiries Welcome
Call (905) 670-7354 Ext. 270
e-mail: [email protected]
www.gislavedontario.ca
ATLAS TIRE WHOLESALE INC.
Exclusive Gislaved Distributor for Ontario