October - Autosphere.ca

Volume 5 / Number 6 / Octobre 2008 / $4.95
By the Sea 2008
Tire Dealers Association
of Canada Convention
Hall of Fame inductees Eric Gilbert, Jean-Marc Bernard, Gerald Robinson, and Don Blythe
PM 40014105
Share in our drive to succeed
GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A BOOST, JOIN THE TIREMAX TEAM
ƒ An outstanding line of products and services
ƒ Quick access to our 400,000 sq.ft distribution centre
ƒ Improved profitability
ƒ Leading marketing and promotional campaigns
ƒ Protected territories
Contact us now:
Pierre Germain,
Manager, Dealer Operations
Telephone: 450.449.0362 (Montreal area)
Toll Free: 1 888 449.3534
[email protected]
tiremax.ca
TIREMAX, modeled after the industry-leading UNIPNEU network
133 locations in Québec, New Brunswick and Ontario
Contents
October 2008
14
Calendar
24
By the Sea 2008
Moving Your Business
Forward
NASCAR in Montreal
Tires Save
the Show
F e at u r e s
October 2008
Be Car Care Aware - Auto Safety Month
12
Job Safety—It’s No Accident
33
Getting the Safety Message Out
28
Industry Events
36
Private Brands
29
38
Tire Pyrolysis
Important Fall Update
40
Special Report
October 29-31
2008 Rubber Recycling Symposium
Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver, BC
F www.rubberassociation.ca
November 2008
November 4
AIA Canada - Canada Night 2008
Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, NV
F Thérèse Santostefano 1-800-808-2920, ext. 225
F [email protected]
F www.aiacanada.com
November 4-6
SEMA
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
F www.semashow.com
Ecological Obstacle Course in
Edmundston
Quebec’s Mandatory Winter
Tire Matter
30
Age: Good for Wine, Bad for Tires
32
TPMS: A Money-maker or a Money-loser
AAPEX
Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA
F www.aapexshow.com
November 4-7
Employees Who Can’t Work Will
Cost You the Most
Care-Van Project Gets the Point to
the Public
What Are They?
Overheating Warning
O.K. Tire Ranked First
Know the “Birthdays” of the
Tires in Your Stock
Customer Education Will Make
All the Difference
Regulars
Editorial 4
Friend and Customer
Industry News Commercial Tires 18 to 23
Trucks Tires
6, 8
Not All Light Trucks Use Passenger Tires
Specific Commercial Tires
New Products 10, 11
Tire Recycling
26
Ontario Directs a New Tire Recycling Program
Waste Diversion Ontario Must Develop
a Program to Recycle Tires
The Right Tire for Hard Working Vehicles
Wheels
A Huge Market
Light Truck Tires Abound
34, 35
Steel or Alloy Wheels
Winter Can Be Rough on Your Wheels
Unusual Tires
Choosing the Right Off-road Tire
Advertisers
October 2008
46
tn
Tire News
3
Editorial
Rémy L. Rousseau
[email protected]
Publisher
Rémy L. Rousseau
Friend and Customer
Contributing Editors
Raynald Bouchard, Shirley Brown, François
Charron, Éric Descarries, Frédéric Desjardins,
Jack Kazmierski, Jil McIntosh
Succeeding in today’s competitive market takes more than a quality product
Copy Editor
Shirley Brown [email protected]
and a good price. In order to rise to the top, you need to take the time to build
relationships.
O
ne of the most famous books ever
other tire shop. Why not go the extra mile
Circulation Manager
Sylvain Gendron [email protected]
written about success in business is
and get involved with the community so
How to Win Friends and Influence People.
that you stand apart from the competi-
Written many years ago by sales and
tion?
Administration
Wendy Allain [email protected]
Nancy Belleville [email protected]
known book has long been used as a
Suppliers
guide to excellence by some of the most
Don’t limit relationship building to cus-
Advertising
Nathalie Plouffe
416-925-5665
successful sales and business people in
tomers. Include your suppliers too. True,
the world.
you won’t be able to sell them tires, but
relationship guru Dale Carnegie, this well-
they can help you sell to your customers.
[email protected]
Luc Champagne
514-945-1299
[email protected]
Réjean A. Rousseau
450-649-9007
What’s interesting about this book is the
Your suppliers can offer you invaluable
fact that it has to do with winning friends.
advice—information that can help you
Carnegie realized that success in business
better run your business.
Subscription
1 year: $19.95 2 years: $34.95 3 years: $49.95
Your suppliers also have friends—friends
Published by
is all about building relationships and cultivating friendships. Do you?
[email protected]
they might recommend your services to…
Customers
just as long as you treat your suppliers
Carnegie wasn’t saying that we need to
become buddy-buddy with every cus-
right.
Publications Rousseau
2938, terrasse Abénaquis
Longueuil QC, J4M 2B3
T: 450-448-2220
F: 450-448-1041
[email protected]
tomer who walks through the door to buy
Employees
a set of tires. But we do want to cultivate
And don’t forget to be a friend to your
relationships that will make our customers
employees. Treat them right and they’ll be
feel like they know us and can depend on
more than happy to recommend your shop
us for their tire needs.
to friends and family. Treat them badly or
take advantage of them, and they’ll tell
The simple truth is that people tend to
their friend, family members, neighbours,
do business with people they recognize
and anyone else who will listen not to shop
and feel comfortable with. That’s why it’s
at your store.
a good idea to get involved with your local
Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business
interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published seven
times a year by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc., 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 Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc.
that belong to a local sports team, club,
Publications Mail Agreement 40014105. Return
undelivrable Canadian addresses to Publications
Rousseau / Circulation Department, 2938 terrasse
Abenaquis, suite 110, Longueuil, QC J4M 2B3
Have you thought of joining the local
or association? If so, why not ask if there’s
ISSN 1710-4211
chamber of commerce, sponsoring a local
a way you can get involved. It’s a great
PRINTED IN CANADA
baseball or hockey team, or hosting a
way to put your best foot forward with
getting-to-know-you event where local
the community, and a great way to build
residents can stop by for a free hot dog
relationships.
community.
And do any of your employees have kids
tn
or hamburger and a closer look at your
store?
Although you advertise in the local paper
and in the yellow pages, so does every
4
Production
Olivier Rhême [email protected]
Valérie St-Cyr [email protected]
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Rémy L. Rousseau
NO, WE’RE NOT KIDDING. ONCE YOU TRY THE NEW CORGHI ARTIGLIO 50,
YOU WON’T WANT TO WORK WITH ANY OTHER MACHINE. HERE’S WHY!
DOES YOUR CURRENT TIRE CHANGER HANDLE WHEELS UP TO 30”?
The Corghi Artiglio 50 handles car, 4WD, and light truck wheels from 12” to 30” inches.
DO YOU STRUGGLE WHEN REPLACING LOW PROFILE & RUN FLAT TIRES?
The Corghi Artiglio 50 easily handles low profile and run flat tires and only requires
ONE operator.
HAVE YOU EVER DAMAGED EXPENSIVE, SPECIALTY WHEELS?
The Corghi Artiglio 50 eliminates the use of conventional bead breakers and tire levers
to easily and safely handle expensive alloys.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY?
The Corghi Artiglio 50 is 50% faster than other tire changers thanks to its new single
arm bead breaker and dual rotation speed.
DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY MANIPULATING HEAVY WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLIES?
The Corghi Artiglio 50 is ergonomically designed, is user friendly, and includes an
automatic lifting cradle for heavy tire/wheel assemblies.
ARTIGLIO 50
30
th
y
an niversa r
Importer of CORGHI products in Canada
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MR. ERIC LANDRY
800-663-0814
i n dus t r y
NEWS
:
The Future Canadian
Automotive Business Portal
Bridgestone to Expand
Mexican Plant for UHP Tires
A well-kept secret, but rumours are raging like
the wind!
Bridgestone Corp. announced it will invest
some $90 million to expand its Bridgestone
Firestone De Mexico S.A. de C.V. tire plant in
Cuernavaca in order to build more UHP tires.
The plant already employs 850 workers and it
will create another 200 jobs with the expansion.
According to the company, the new capacity will
produce UHP tires for 16- to 22-inch wheels.
Though Bridgestone has another plant in Mexico at Monterrey—with its automated BIRD, or
Bridgestone Innovative and Rational Development, manufacturing system—it will soon be
closing its older light and medium-duty truck tire
plant in Mexico City.
A b2b portal, the only bilingual multisegment
web site will soon be accessible. autosphere.ca’s
flagship segments will be: auto maintenance &
repair, collision repair, tires, and fleets.
It’s intended mainly for shop owners, their associates and staff, manufacturers, wholesalers,
distributors, and chain stores. It applies equally
to Canadian automotive professionals and management across the land.
At autosphere.ca, you’ll find current events,
scoops, interviews, profiles, exclusive issues, surveys, information assets on the industry, etc.
autosphere.ca. Coming this fall!
Tire Country Adopts
Titan Tires
Western Canada’s Tire Country recently announced that it has become a primary distributor of the Titan Tire brand. Titan Tire is North
America’s third largest manufacturer of off-Highway tires. It also supplies OEMs, including John
Deere, Case, New Holland, and Kubota.
NASCAR Will Control the
Grand-Am Racing Series
NASCAR has indicated that it would control the
Grand-Am racing series in North America, while
both organizations will continue to sanction their
race event independently. This will include the
Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series for prototypes
that will race with the NASCAR Nationwide race
in Montreal next August and the Grand-Am Koni
Challenge for race-prepared street cars. Note
that Pirelli is the official spec tire for the Rolex
Series, while Hoosier is the supplier for the Koni
Challenge.
Amtel-Vredestein/SiburRussian Tyre Deal Is Off…
for Now
According to a company filing at the London
Stock Exchange, the Amtel-Vredestein/SiburRussian Tyres deal has been called off. These
two companies were supposed to merge in order
to create a $2 billion a year tire company that
would have had more than 30 percent of the
domestic market, and that would have helped
the Russian tiremaker have access to Vredestein’s
performance technology and European market.
The reason given for the failure is the lack of
credit to meet the financial terms and conditions.
Nonetheless, Amtel-Vredestein has announced it
had not given up on the deal yet.
Chrysler Will Eliminate
Lead Wheel Weights
Chrysler announced its program is completed
to eliminate the use of lead wheel weights from
its vehicles, switching to more eco-friendly substitutes worldwide.
The move puts Chrysler in full compliance with
a voluntary program announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Detroit August
29. The National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative calls for elimination of lead wheel weights in
vehicles by the end of 2011.
The Grand Am Rolex series that raced Pirelli tires in
Montreal will be under control of NASCAR. (photo: Éric
Descarries)
6
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Wheel weights can sometimes be dislodged on
rough roads. Being made of lead—effective and
low cost—has raised concerns about lead entering the environment. Chrysler’s wheel weights
are now made of steel and zinc.
TIA Releases a Basic
Earthmover Tire Service
Program
The Tire Industry Association recently released
a new training program for OTR (off-the-road)
and earthmover tire service in order to educate technicians on the proper safety procedures.
Basic Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) explains the
minimum skills and safety guidelines for servicing
one-piece, three-piece, five-piece, and double
gutter OTR assemblies. The ETS is designed as an
in-house training program including a 3.5-hour
video and a 350-page workbook. Technicians
who will successfully complete the final exam
and skills demonstration will get a TIA Certificate
of Completion. For ordering instructions, visit
www.tireindustry.org.
Bridgestone Opens an
OTR Unit in Peru
Since large scale investment in Peru’s mining industry is growing rapidly, Bridgestone has
decided to establish a sales company there—the
Bridgestone Off-The-Road Tire Peru S.A.C. in
Lima, which will specialize in tires for mining and
construction equipment.
Continental continues
CanAm sponsorship
Continental Tire Canada has announced its
ongoing relationship with the Porsche Club of
America in the upper Canadian region for 2009.
It is the second year in a row that Continental has been an official sponsor of the CanAm
Challenge, which offers Canadian and American
members of the Porsche Club and registered
car enthusiasts the chance to race at Ontario’s
Mosport, one of the fastest and most challenging
tracks in North America. Held on the first weekend in August, the CanAm Challenge includes a
Test & Tune day, three days of club racing, and
sprint and enduro races.
Continental is one of the main suppliers to
Porsche. “We are very pleased to sponsor this
event,” said Guy Hardiman, general manager of
Continental Tire Canada. “Porsche and Continental, both German-based companies, are for their
expertise in engineering known worldwide. Due
to our strong OE heritage, it’s a great fit for us.”
WINTER’S BEST FRIENDS
WINTER REBATES
50 - 210 SOTTOZERO/SNOWSPORT
$30 - WINTER CARVING/EDGE
$40 - SCORPION ICE & SNOW
$
CONSUMER MAIL-IN REBATES VALID WITH THE PURCHASE OF 4 TIRES FROM SEPTEMBER 1st TO DECEMBER 31st, 2008.
i n dus t r y
NEWS
Playground Falls Cushioned
by Recycled Tires
B.C. Educators from East Kootenay School District
No. 5 unveiled an innovative approach to physical
education with the official opening of three unusual
playgrounds at elementary schools in the communities of Fernie, Sparwood, and Elkford. Each of the
play areas features a five-inch thick “pour in place”
rubber surface made from B.C. scrap tires that cushions falls, creates fun, and makes the playground
accessible to people of all ages and levels of ability.
Unlike traditional playground surfaces of pea gravel or wood chips, the solid crumb-rubber surface is
completely wheelchair and walker accessible.
“When you set foot on one of these surfaces, it feels
as if you are standing on a firm mattress,” says Frank
Lento, the retired educator who facilitated the design
and development of the three playgrounds. “The
children find the cushioning effect so much fun they
flock to the playground at every opportunity. These
facilities will advance the quality of our physical education program and assist us in achieving the goal of 30
minutes of exercise for each pupil each day.”
The recycled tire granule surface was chosen because it provides superior safety and accessibility.
“Also, pupils confined to wheelchairs or who use
crutches now have complete access, which means
they can participate fully in play and experience the
joy of physical activity and exercise.”
The surface is also very durable—it’s highly resistant to cold and heat and has a longer life span than
gravel or mulch. The surface is also easier to clean
and maintain.
Those interested in learning more about recycled
tire products and Tire Stewardship B.C. can do so by
visiting www.tirestewardshipbc.ca.
Heart-in-One Video!
As part of UNIPNEU dealers’ 2008 fall meeting,
held at Mont-Tremblant’s Le Diable golf course,
golfers raised $8770 to be donated to four charities: The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec, MIRA, The Canadian Cancer Society, and The
Quebec Breakfast Club.
Participating golfers were also in for a surprise—when you visit http://deficoupdecoeur.
unipneu.com/foursome25/index.html, specially
created by UNIPNEU, you can watch quite a
video-clip…
Filmed on location, the clip itself is well worth an
evening at a movie theatre. So why not take the
opportunity, while you’re on the site, to make a
online donation equal to the value of such an evening for the benefit of one of the four organizations
whose links appear? That will allow you to multiply
the amounts received while being entertained.
BFGoodrich Chooses Quinn
Lakes Trail as a 2008
Outstanding Trail
In late August, BFGoodrich presented an award
and a grant to the Ottawa Valley Off Roaders
for its Quinn Lakes Trail close to Ottawa. The
grant is to be used to preserve the trail system
that is located between Calabogie and Ompah.
BFGoodrich, working in conjunction with Tread Lightly! and United Four Wheel Drive Associations
(UFWDA), chose the Quinn Lakes Trail because
it provides driving opportunities for many skills
on varied terrain—rock, mud, dirt, and hills. To
learn more about this trail and others rewarded
by BFG, visit www.bfgoodrichtires.com/outstandingtrails.
The Heart-in-One Challenge is a Pneus Unimax
initiative made possible by Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli, Toyo, and Yokohama.
JK and Tornel Tires
Coming to Canada
According to Tire Business, India’s JK Tyre &
Industries, the new owner of Mexico’s Compania
Hulera Tornel S.A. de C.V., is looking into selling its JK and Tornel brands of tires in Canada
starting in 2009. JK Tyre is the world’s 23rd
largest tire maker. According to the American
publication, the tire maker has not yet named
any possible distributors or discussed any marketing plans.
Ottawa Valley Off Roaders was awarded a grant to
preserve its Quinn Lake Trail.
Our strength … exclusive and private brands
Our commitment … quick and no-hassle service!
More than 200,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space...
in Montréal, Sherbrooke, Moncton, St. John’s, and Toronto
• Passenger/Light Truck, TBR, Off-road and Industrial
• Free transactional site
• Territories available (contact Denis Monette, 514-457-0155 or [email protected])
21500 Transcanadienne I Baie D’Urfé, QC H9X 4B7 I 1-800-364-9466
www.cdatire.com
DM-Z3
LM-18
LM-22
LM-25
W965
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE TIRES
WEST
EAST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
TEL:
(905) 670-9791
FAX: (905) 670-0581
140 McLEVIN AVE., #6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
&
TEL: (416) 292-8202
FAX: (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
WS-60
New
P roduc t s
Yokohama Introduces Three
New Medium Truck Tires
Yokohama recently introduced three new medium truck tires that feature high mileage, long
casing life, and low rolling resistance, all using the
new process Yokohama calls Z.environment.
703ZL
501ZA
103ZR
New FS560 PLUS Urban
Steer Tire Sizes
Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions
is launching six new sizes in its
lineup of Firestone FS560 PLUS
steer tires designed for long
wear and low cost per mile of
pick-up and delivery and local hauling applications. The
sizes include 9R22.5 and
10R22.5 in F load range,
10R22.5 in G load range, and
255/70R22.5, 275/70R22.5,
and 215/75R17.5 low profile sizes in H load range. The
215/75R17.5 size will be available
later this year. This tire has four full
Firestone
steel belts, an all-steel casing ply and
FS560 PLUS
a special two-layer tread with a slow
wearing top compound and a layer beneath that
helps insulate the casing from damaging heat.
New FD690 Drive
Axle Tire Sizes
Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions just added
two new sizes to its FD690 PLUS deep drive axle
tires, the 225/70R19.5 and the 245/70R19.5,
engineered to fight irregular wear while its aggressive design adds stability. The middle
blocs are tied by rubber bridges,
which increase stability and
fight heel and toe wear.
These three tires are the 703ZL, a new premium
drive tire for long haul, the 103ZR, a premium
regional rib tire, and the 510ZA, a premium on/
off highway tire. Other than the highly specialized
deep-tread low resistance design, this new line of
tires utilizes a new mixing process that creates a
more pliable rubber that offers a long casing life
to reduce heat build-up, add durability and extend
retreading cycles.
Michelin’s New X One XDN2
Late last August, Michelin unveiled its very latest
X One Super Single tire—the X One XDN2 onhighway drive tire—at the 2008 Great American
Trucking Show. The XDN2 is the first X One that
uses the Michelin Durable Technology that delivers,
according to the manufacturer, increased tire life,
uncompromised traction, and the fuel efficiency
gains of the X One single tire. The XDN2 tread
pattern incorporates Matrix Siping Technology
corrugated grooves in the tread block that provide
a zigzag appearance. These grooves lock the tread
block as it moves through the contact patch. It
thus provides tread block rigidity and exceptional
traction while resisting scrubbing. Note the open
shoulder tread design for more traction. Available
to end-users in November 2008, the XDN2 will
be available in a 445/50R22.5 size equivalent
to a 275/80 R22.5 size, while the 455/55R22.5
equivalent to an 11R22.5 size will be available in
December. The new X One XDN2 will replace the X
One XDA-HT Plus tire.
Yokohama Adds the AVID
Touring-S to Lineup
The AVID Touring-S is said to
offer exceptional ride quality,
stability, safety, and durability for a wide range of
cars, SUVs, and minivans,
including Ford Focus,
Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Altima, Honda CRV,
Chevy Uplander, Dodge
Caravan, and Toyota
Sienna.
P ro d u c t h i g h l i g h t s
of the AVID Touring-S include a twin stability rib for
better handling and reduced
noise; luxury sidewall construction that utilizes
a hard rubber insert to help absorb bumps and
vibrations; tapered rain channels that accelerate
water into the outer grooves for optimal wet traction; cross traction sipes that improve handling in
adverse conditions; and a tri-plex compound for
increased tread life and traction on slick surfaces.
It will be offered in 19 sizes.
Heat Buster
This is a unique polymer gel that will create a
heat barrier and protect adjacent property from
welding flames and heat. It’s an easily applied gel
that prevents heat damage to sensitive areas when
undertaking repairs involving high temperatures,
such as in welding operations.
Heat Buster helps prevent damages to adjacent
areas when welding repair
sections into damaged
vehicles, eliminates heat
distortion, and prevents
welding splatter adhering
to surfaces.
It saves time by eliminating the costly disassembly of valves or other
components before brazing, soldering, or welding,
and reduces danger of fire
to surrounding surfaces
such as wood studs, drywall, insulation, glass, and
plastic.
The sticky gel will adhere to most surfaces, so
vertical and horizontal surfaces will be protected,
and it’s safe for skin, is non-toxic, non-corrosive,
and is a biodegradable product.
Firestone
FD690 PLUS
10
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Talk to your Auto-Chem representative or call
450-654-9292.
Unibit Cobalt Step Drill
IRWIN introduces the Unibit cobalt step drill
bit, made of M35 grade cobalt high-speed steel.
IRWIN claims it lasts up to six times longer than
the competition. Contrary to other step drills,
the latest IRWIN innovation allows professionals
to drill through the toughest of materials such
as cast iron, carbon steel, alloyed steel, and 16
gauge stainless steel.
Ride on the strength of Hercules
In addition, the IRWIN drill replaces an entire
twist drill set with just one bit. With just one drill,
tradesmen can drill up to 13 different hole sizes
without ever changing chucks.
Every Unibit step drill is engineered with a
single, radial concave flute to provide the greatest control while drilling
the truest, most round
holes in various materials.
Laser-marked sizes, 3-flatted shanks, minimal vibration and patented Speedpoint tips are features built
into all Unibit step drills.
For more information
about IRWIN’s line of hand
tools and power tool accessories, call 1-800-GO IRWIN
or visit www.irwin.com.
Dorman Tech Trays
Don’t be stuck at the end of a long week with
a job that you can’t complete because a small
part broke and you don’t have it on hand. With
Dorman Tech Tray, you have all the small parts
needed to help with any last minute problems.
The Tech Tray offering makes sure you have the
specific part for a variety of applications.
The Engine Splash Shield Hardware Tech Tray
contains the most popular Skid Plate/Splash
Shield fasteners. The Heat Shrink Tech Tray has
heat shrink tubing in the most commonly used
sizes and gauges. Keep the Copper Lug/Butt
Connector Tech Tray around for battery hook ups
and higher amp connections.
O rd e r t h e m to d ay a n d b e p re p a re d fo r
tomorrow—call Dorman Customer Service at
1-800-523-2492 or go to
www.DormanProducts.com.
Hercules Avalanche line-up
X-TREME I PASSENGER / SUV / LIGHT TRUCK
For information on Hercules Tire
visit www.herculestire.ca
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Job Safety—It’s No Accident
Employees Who Can’t Work
Will Cost You the Most
Who’s the costliest employee in your shop? Don’t look at salaries, because it’s a trick question: it’s the one
who’s off work because of injury.
E
veryone knows that repair shops are
pressed air for practical jokes is unaccept-
While back belts are popular in many
dangerous, and that it’s essential to
able, but think it’s fine as a cleanup tool.
industries, several medical studies found
train employees in proper procedures,
The air hose should never be used to blow
that they made no difference. In some
maintain a safe working environment, and
off clothes or work surfaces.
cases, they provide a false sense of secu-
have a comprehensive Health & Safety
rity, leading workers to try to lift more.
plan in place. But it’s also important to
Blasting clothing with air won’t result
identify potential hazards you may not
in bloodstream air embolisms, as some
A device that does make sense is hearing
have considered.
believe, but it can force metal filings or
protection. Auto shops are noisy, and our
dirt into the skin, or blow them up into
ears don’t “build up” tolerance; if noise
Cages: essential for truck tires
the eyes. There’s also a risk of accidentally
doesn’t bother you like it once did, it’s
When you’re working with truck tires, an
pointing the hose at an eye or ear, which
because your hearing is damaged, and
inflation cage is a “must.” A tire rupture at
can have serious consequences.
unlike other injuries, it will never heal or
reverse itself. Ear protection should be
these high pressures can be deadly, and
multi-piece rims should never be inflated
Using the air hose to sweep off a work
readily available, and comfortable enough
without one.
surface can send material flying, with the
that people will wear it.
risk of eye damage. Use a brush or broom
It’s equally important to ensure that it’s
installed correctly and that technicians
instead.
know how to use it. The cage must be
Back injuries: all too common
free-standing and at least three feet (one
It’s estimated that eight out of ten people
metre) away from other objects; under no
will suffer a back injury at some time
circumstances should it be bolted to the
in their lives; it’s almost impossible to
floor or placed too close to a wall. The
find a repair shop that hasn’t had an
cage absorbs the energy of the rupturing
employee out at some time with back or
tire, and can deform if it’s bolted down.
knee injuries. Reasons for the prevalence
of these injuries include worker inexperi-
It also doesn’t do much good if someone
ence, underestimating an object’s weight,
is reaching in to inflate the tire. A clip-
lifting improperly, or wanting to “get the
on chuck with an in-line valve must be
job done,” without waiting for others to
used, with enough air hose so that the
help or getting a mechanical device such
technician can stand a safe distance away.
as a dolly.
Finally, the technician should always wear
safety glasses or a face shield, and inspect
Technicians should be taught the right
the tire to ensure it’s seated before it’s
way to lift: squatting with the feet apart,
removed from the cage.
hugging the load to the body, lifting with
Treat compressed air with respect
Most people know that playing with com-
12
Tire News
tn
October 2008
the legs, and turning the whole body to
change direction, not just twisting at the
waist.
Your employees are both among your
greatest assets and your biggest expenses; their safety should be among your
primary concerns. tn
Features
Features&&Benefits
Benefits
improved
improvedtread
treadpattern:
pattern:
Parallel
Parallelcentral
centralribs
ribstotoimprove
improvevehicle
vehiclehandling
handling
Stable
Stableshoulder
shoulderblocks
blockswith
withForce
ForceTransmission
TransmissionLinks
Linkstotoincrease
increaseperformance
performance
Circumferential
Circumferentialcentral
centralgroove
groovefor
forfast
fastdrainage,
drainage,slush
slushexpulsion
expulsionand
andbetter
betterself
selfcleaning
cleaning
increased
increasedsipe
sipedensity
densityand
and3D
3DDrop
Dropsipes:
sipes:
More
Moregrip
gripedges
edgesfor
forbetter
bettersnow
snowhandling
handlingperformance
performance
nordic
nordicsilica
silicacompound:
compound:
Innovative
Innovativewinter
wintergrip
grippolymer
polymerfor
forimproved
improvedsnow
snowtraction,
traction,performance
performanceand
andice
icegrip
grip
SIZES
SIZESAVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
Nordfrost
Nordfrost55
13
13inch
inch
175/70R13
175/70R1382T
82TSL
SL
155/80R13
155/80R1379T
79TSL
SL
14
14inch
inch
175/65R14
175/65R1482T
82TSL
SL
185/65R14
185/65R1486T
86TSL
SL
175/70R14
175/70R1484T
84TSL
SL
185/70R14
185/70R1488T
88TSL
SL
195/70R14
195/70R1491T
91TSL
SL
15
15inch
inch
215/70R15
215/70R1598T
98T
185/65R15
185/65R1588T
88T
195/65R15
195/65R1591T
91T
205/65R15
205/65R1594T
94T
185/60R15
185/60R1588T
88TXL
XL
195/60R15
195/60R1588T
88T
195/55R15
195/55R1589T
89TXL
XL
16
16inch
inch
225/70R16
225/70R16102T
102TSL
SL
215/65R16
215/65R1698T
98TXL
XL
205/60R16
205/60R1696T
96TXL
XL
215/60R16
215/60R1695T
95T
225/60R16
225/60R16XL
XL102T
102T
205/55R16
205/55R1694T
94TXL
XL
215/55R16
215/55R1697T
97TXL
XL
225/55R16
225/55R16XL
XL99T
99T
17
17inch
inch
235/65R17
235/65R17108T
108TXL
XL
235/55R17
235/55R17XL
XL103T
103T
205/50R17
205/50R1793T
93TXL
XL
225/50R17
225/50R17XL
XL98T
98T
225/45R17
225/45R1794T
94TXL
XL
18
18inch
inch
245/40R18
245/40R1897T
97TXL
XL
NEW
NEWSIZES
SIZESFOR
FOR2008
2008
By the Sea 2008
Advertorial
Shirley Brown
[email protected]
By the Sea 2008
Moving Your Business
Forward
By the Sea—this year’s Tire Dealers Association of Canada
Convention—was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The goal of the
event was “moving your business forward.”
T
he Tire Dealers Association
Needless to say, a Golf Tournament was the
of
(TDAC)
kickoff to the Convention on Wednesday
Conference really was ‘By the
and attendees were given entertainment
Sea.’ Halifax, Nova Scotia is es-
options for that evening. Meetings and
pecially beautiful in the sum-
seminars were on the agenda Thursday
Canada
mertime and the venues for
with luncheon guest speaker, Peggy Fisher,
the various events were spread
president of TireStamp and current TIA
throughout the city and nearby
president, giving an interesting talk on
sites. Seminars and speakers
products, marketing, and training.
were many and varied but all had
a theme—the opportunity for tire
dealers to move their business forward in
the coming years.
A reception at Pier 21 finished off
the day.
Great seminars, great speakers
“The whole event was awesome,” stated Eric Gilbert current TDAC president and
The next day brought forth Market Trends
owner of Ericway Tire in Beamsville, Ontario. “I talked to a lot of dealers and suppli-
presented by Marc Brazeau, president
ers that were present and they thought everything went very well. As well, because of
of the Automotive Industries Association
some issues that needed to be discussed, I’ve talked with people since the TDAC and
of Canada, followed by Trends in Scrap
their feedback was tremendous. This is unusual because usually when the event is over,
Management, a subject well geared to to-
there is no further communication, so it was great to be able to hear people from across
day’s environmental issues. Then keynote
Canada praising the event afterward.
speaker Jacques Demers took over. As
successful of the NHL hockey coaches…
events—there were a great number of independent tire dealers in attendance. The
although he could neither read nor write.
seminars were of good quality—that’s what the feedback was—and there weren’t a
Demers coached in both Canada and the
great many of them, which can be overwhelming. I give a lot of credit to the organizing
United States and was the last coach to
committee who gave us the quality speakers and seminars—they were well attended.
help the Montreal Canadiens to a Stanley
Cup victory. After he stopped coaching,
“Halifax was a great place to be—when you combine all the offerings of the East coast,
he went on to have a new career—as a
the friendly atmosphere, the hotels and the piers being right on the waterfront—it was
television sports commentator and he was
pretty incredible. We learned something from it… we need to hold all our conventions
most interesting to hear at the TDAC. His
in a ‘tourist’ location. Many attendees brought their family and came early and had a
biography was published in 2005.
little holiday or stayed afterward to enjoy the scenery.
It was a double-barrel day for famous peo“All in all I felt the TDAC was a big success!”
14
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Photos: Marie-Josée Rousseau [email protected]
you all recall, Demers was one of the most
“Another thing that stood out was that we surpassed attendance numbers of former
Moving Your Business Forward
ple as the luncheon speaker was Mario
Don Blythe, executive director, Western Canada Tire Dealers (WCTD) was enthusiastic
Andretti, regarded as the greatest racecar
about the program. “I thought the Conference Committee did a great job of putting
driver of all time. He had a 36-year career
everything together. Most of the speakers were first-rate. The two sessions by Kevin
and was a very versatile driver; in fact, he
Rohlwing were excellent, especially the session about what you must do as a tire dealer
competed in and won every discipline he
(or retailer) that has been legislated by Canadian law… training, certification, etc. In fact,
entered—midget, sprint cars, dirt track,
he told about things that I didn’t know and I’ve been in the business for over 50 years!
stock cars, Champ cars, Formula One,
Overall, I believe the committee did an outstanding job.”
Formula 500, and sports cars. Throughout
his career, Mario won 111 major events!
SYSDRO. Which specialized in assembling
shop and on the farm. In 1969, Gerald
He brought a great message to TDAC.
components and supplying tires and rims
took over as manager of the O.K. Tire
on an OE basis. This company was sold to
Stores of PEI and the business grew quick-
cousins in 2004. Eventually, Jean-Marc
ly. He also operated his own tire business-
became vice president of TDAC.
es—Parkdale Tire Sales and maintained
Hall of Fame inductees
The Hall of Fame was well done and the
the BFGoodrich warehouse for PEI. He
inductees certainly were worthy of their
nominations. Jean-Marc Bernard has
Gerald Robinson of Prince Edward Island
worked in the United States and Paris,
was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.
France in the transportation business. His
Robinson and his brother Virden started
Born in Newfoundland, Eric Gilbert was
father had started the Bernard family’s
Robinson’s Tire Service in 1952, and
another inductee. He left Newfoundland
automotive product and service outlets
a year later, they got involved with OK
for Ontario at the age of 17 and became
in Quebec in 1943, and by 1975 Jean-
Rubber Welders—now O.K. Tire Stores.
a Tire Tech with Glendale Tire in Toronto.
Marc and his brother-in-law took over
Gerald farmed for some years but when
In 1984, Eric started his own tire deal-
the leadership of the five Bernard Tire
his brother’s tire shop burned down, he
ership in Beamsville, Ontario—Ericway
shops. He finally founded and operated
helped him rebuild, working at the tire
Tire. He loved to sponsor and work with u
retired in 1994.
The rat pack—Jean-Marc Bernard, Gerald Robinson, Don Blythe, and Eric Gilbert
October 2008
tn
Tire News
15
By the Sea 2008
“I think the key to any of the conventions, regional or national, is to bring pertinent
From a supplier’s perspective, Dave
information and value to make it worthwhile for attendees to partake in these events,”
Lottridge, president of the supplier’s
stated Jim Schmidt, general manager, Consumer Products, Bridgestone Firestone
Council and president of PREMA Canada
Canada. “The time of year, Convention’s venue and the socializing was well done. The
thought, “The venues were excellent
Hall of Fame was a highlight and I thought the speakers were good. They were people
and the meals were great. I thought the
outside the realm of our direct industry and it was good to hear sessions about things
organizing committee did a fantastic job
other than tires.
—everything was just first class. I didn’t
hear many speakers but it was neat to
“The conventions are more than just a time for socializing, they’re a time to get together
hear that Mario Andretti first touched
with your peers in the industry and you always learn something. Jacques Demers
the shores of North America not far
was very good, and Bridgestone Firestone Canada sponsored Mario Andretti and he
from the place we were in quite a few
brought a good message as well. Again, two speakers from outside the tire industry.
years ago! I also thought the trade show
The Industry Leaders’ Breakfast was one of the most informative sessions of the TDAC.
was good although we were expect-
We heard different topics about our industry from five or six business leaders and that
ing to see more people go through it.”
was a pretty good cross section of information.
Lottridge was at the trade show with
tire supplies—balancing weights, valve
“The trade show sector of the TDAC was good for the insurance, the wheels, the equip-
hardware, ice studs, tools, lubricants,
ment, some of the aspects of the business that support the tire industry. It does more
etc.—every day supplies to maintain
for them than it does for the tire manufacturers.”
and service tires.
Eric is president of the Tire Dealers
Association of Canada.
Don Blythe, currently the executive director of Western Canada Tire Dealers,
was the fourth inductee in the Tire Hall
of Fame. Don was born in Lethbridge,
Alberta and joined Goodyear Tire &
Rubber after high school, working at the
order desk and as a tire adjuster. He
held several Goodyear sales positions in
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, B.C, and the
Yukon. For two years, he managed Hub
Tire & Battery in North Battlefield. Don
finally joined O.K. Tire Stores Canada as
regional manager, working out of Calgary.
He later returned to Vancouver as general
manager of O.K. Tire Stores. Five years
later, he opened his own O.K Tire retail
stores. Later he would be voted on to
Dave Lottridge, president of the supplier’s Council and president of PREMA Canada, hands a $30,000
contribution to Corey Miller for the organization of By the Sea 2008.
16
the O.K. Tire Board of Directors and then
return to the Head Office as Managing
director, then as president. Don retired
children’s sports teams, so obtained his
point. Eric was awarded a medal on be-
in 2003 from O.K. Tire Stores and has
coaching certificate through the national
half of Queen Elizabeth for outstanding
spent his time relaxing by holding down
Coaching Certification Program and
community service. He was on the Board
the positions of executive director of the
became a hockey coach. He also spent
of directors of the Ontario Tire Dealer
Western Canada Tire Dealers, director of
many years with the local Chamber of
Association for 20 years, including a
the Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Corporation,
Commerce and was president at one
two-year stint as president. Currently,
and chair of Tire Stewardship B.C.
Tire News
tn
October 2008
tn
Moving Your Business Forward
Mario Andretti and Jacques Demers, speakers at By the Sea 2008
Corey Miller, of Miller Tire Service, Fleet Retreading Services Limited, and Conference
chair, believed “the Conference was extraordinarily received. We had about 300
people there and that was a pretty good turnout. The visiting delegates from Canada
and the U.S. gave us enormous positive feedback. They loved the venues and were
complimentary about the trade show. The people liked the speakers. They liked Mario
Andretti who told us he had been to Halifax some years ago—this was the port at
which he and his family landed when they came to America! This was pretty incredible in my mind.
“He took the time to sign autographs and have his picture taken. Jacques Demers did
the same thing—they were very gracious. It was a momentous occasion and on top of
that, the weather was just perfect!
“It was also quite touching to have the Hall of Fame inductees there in front of us.
They are still active and are great people in our industry. It’s wonderful to see them
still involved.”
Commercial Tires
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Trucks Tires
Not All Light Trucks
Use Passenger Tires
According to the latest reports, light truck sales have been slipping in
North America. But still, the number one overall vehicle in sales remains
the same pick-up we have seen up there for the past 30 years. Does that
Light trucks don’t always
have P-metric tires as original
equipment. (photo: Ford)
mean that light truck tire sales will slow down too? No! As a matter
of fact, you should expect them to rise since actual light truck owners
will keep their ride longer and that means they will need replacement
This Bridgestone Dueler A/T
light truck tire is available in
the P-Metric and LT format.
(photo: Bridgestone)
tires more than ever.
P or LT tires?
rented for only a short period of time,
light truck on which the previous owner
Light truck tires are not passenger car
that will add more weight to the rear
changed the LT tires to P tires.
tires. They have a load to sustain. Some
tires. The P-Metric tires might prove to
light trucks come equipped with sturdy
be too weak for such a situation—they
Being an expert, you should have a keen
LT (Light Truck) tires with sizes that can
will build up heat and fail.
eye for such vehicles. How can you be
interchange with passenger tire sizes.
sure of the original fitment? Have a look
Consequently, in order to save a few dol-
Used trucks with P-metric tires
lars, some owners might want to switch
Obviously, the customer who wants
the glove box, or in the owner’s manual.
to passenger car tires claiming they
P-metric tires (the P, as you know, stands
You will find the original fitment for the
never load their light truck. This might
for Passenger) is also looking for a
vehicle and if it says LT, show it to your
not be a good idea. Light truck owners
smoother ride. Indeed, an LT tire will give
customer. He might not like what he will
are known to overestimate the capacity
a harsher ride to the vehicle. But this is
see but you will have done your profes-
of their vehicle. They might never load
mostly due to stronger sidewalls that can
sional duty—and you will have shown
up their truck but it could happen that
sustain heavier loads and heat build-up.
him that you are concerned about his
they will expect their small truck to carry
Also be aware that some light truck tires
safety.
a big load, a load that passenger car
are available both in P-Metric and LT
tires are not made for. Worse even, they
formats. The surprise could be heavier
might try to pull a trailer, something they
for someone who has bought a used
at the placard in the doorjamb, inside
tn
S207
Drive all-steel radial truck. Wide and deep transversal grooves for greater driving force.
Deep tread depth for extended mileage. Reinforced bead construction and durable carcass
for excellent retreading rate.
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Specific Commercial Tires
The Right Tire for Hard
Working Vehicles
Vehicles like this Dodge Sprinter sometimes
require specific commercial tires.
Some specific vehicles require very specialised tires. In such a case,
the choice is narrowed down to just a few products.
Delivery vans
According to Goodyear, who recently intro-
customers and are bringing
Delivery vans are probably the most
duced its Unisteel G949 RSA, G947 RSS,
in specific winter tires for
used—and abused—light duty com-
G933 RSD, and G971 medium duty commer-
delivery vans and other
mercial vehicles on the market. Some
cial tires for pickups, delivery vans, and trucks
light duty commercial
come with P-Metric tires, but most are
up to 14,000 lbs, some of the most popular
vehicles. Continental of-
delivery equipped with LT tires. It is not
hard-working commercial truck tire sizes in-
fers its Vanco products
recommended to switch from LT tires to
clude: LT225/70R19.5 • LT245/70R19.5 •
in winter configuration,
P-Metric tires, but the opposite is highly
LT235/85R16 • LT225/75R16 • 8R19.5LT
which is a great help for
recommended if the vehicle owner can
• LT215/85 R16.
Dodge Sprinter owners.
BFGoodrich also has a
find the right sizes—and the replaceManufacturers include tires for such
great winter tire for com-
sizes. BFGoodrich is one of them with its
m e rc i a l ve h i c l e s, t h e
Some of the vans now come
Commercial T/A products. Uniroyal has
Commercial T/A Traction which bears the
from Europe, where tire
the Laredo HD/H and HD/T Traction, which
RMA winter logo on its sidewalls—note
companies serve them
have some of those sizes and other helpful
that it is also a very useful off-road tire. And
well. But their specific
fitments. Bridgestone has the Duravis, and
lately, Pirelli Canada has begun offering the
tire sizes are not neces-
Firestone offers the Transforce A/T products
Winter Chrono for such vehicles and this
s a r i l y ava i l a b l e eve r y -
for light commercial vehicles. Actually, there
tire can be studded.
where in Canada. This
are even a few more tires that should fit the
is where companies like
same definition. For more information, a
Keep in mind that many big RVs must also
Continental come into the
quick check with your local distributors will
rely on LT tires. Few owners will change
picture with replacement
tell you more.
their tires because they are worn out and
ment wheels.
Tire manufacturers such
as Bridgestone offer light
commercial truck tires like
this most recent Duravis.
BFGoodrich’s
Commercial T/A Traction
can be used for snow
or off-road situations.
products such as its Vanco 8 tire series.
still fewer will install winter tires on their
Slowly, other tire manufacturers, once
Winter tires
again mostly from Europe, are begin-
Winter tires are not always easy to find
shop to replace a damaged tire. This is
ning to offer products and sizes for such
for such sizes. Fortunately, more and more
where the information on this page can
vehicles.
tire manufacturers are listening to their
come in handy.
RVs. But some of them might stop at your
tn
S208
Premium all-steel steer axle radial. Reinforced bead
construction and durable carcass for excellent
retreadability. Decoupling groove for extended wear
and stress relief sipes for all weather traction.
Hercules Medium Truck Tires
Affordable, Reliable Tires Built to Perform
Visit www.herculestire.ca
Commercial Tires
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
A Huge Market
Light Truck Tires Abound
Though passenger car tires still make up the biggest part of the North American tire market, light truck
products definitely have their place. Most major tire manufacturers have quite a few products for light
trucks—LT tires, off-road tires, winter tires, and even performance tires. What follows is an overview of
what’s available.
BFGoodrich offers quite an array of
Bridgestone has a few great light-duty truck tires to offer,
specialty tires for light trucks. Most
such as its Dueler A/T Revo and its tamer Dueler H/L Alenza.
of them are targeted at off-roading
The company also has quite a few versions of its A/T, HT, and
and while many of them are good
HP tires—the latter is available in a 20-inch version for high-
for the road, some are specifically
performance light trucks. In addition, Bridgestone offers the
designed for serious off-roading.
more commercially-oriented Duravis product for some of the
Indeed, tires like the All Terrain T/A,
beefier light trucks.
Duravis R500 HD
Mud Terrain T/A, Long Trail T/A,
and Rugged Trail T/A are good for
use on the road, but the meaner
Krawler T/A is good only for serious
off-roading. BFGoodrich also
Commercial T/A
has a performance version
Continental has a large array of light truck tires to offer its
of its light truck tire, the
customers whether they need high performance products,
G Force T/A KDW, but
touring tires, winter tires, or light commercial products that
the Commercial T/A and
also fit motor homes. ContiCrossContacts come in UHP
Commercial T/A Traction
versions, but most customers will go for the ContiTracs and
are definitely aimed at
their 4x4 tires including a winter version, the Conti 4x4
heavier commercial truck
WinterContact. The commercial tire mentioned here is the
users—the latter has the
Vanco, and it has a winter version available; it is considered
winter logo on its sidewalls.
ideal for Sprinter vans.
Vanco
Cooper Tire markets its light truck tire line-up under the Discoverer brand name. This tire is available
in many shapes, including HT, touring LT, and more aggressive S/T and STT off-road products. The
Discoverer is available as a winter tire identified by its M+S logo.
Discoverer M+S
20
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Dunlop is one of Goodyear’s premium products. It pro-
Hankook’s catalogue in-
vides great high-performance products, but its catalogue
cludes light truck tires such
also includes a few light-truck tires, including its Radial
as the Dynapro ATm and
Mud Rover and Radial Rover RV/XT products mostly for
MT off-road products,
light off-road adventures.
which are also used as
touring products. For
Grandtrek SJ6
winter tires, Hankook
recently unveiled the
I*Pike RW07 and the
I*Pike RW11.
I*Pike RW11
Slowly rebuilding its line-up, Firestone has a few interesting light-truck tires to offer its customers, the Destination
A/T and the Destination M/T, the latter being a fullfledge off-road tire with, of all things, pin holes for studs.
Firestone also offers the Transforce H/T and A/T commercial
truck tires for 15- to 18-inch wheels.
Transforce H/T
Hercules Tires has a few light truck
tires in its catalogue, including the All
Country A/T and All Country LXT offroad products for 16- to 18-inch wheels.
As far as light medium duty truck tires
are concerned, we could include the
S-209 series for 17.5 to 19.5 wheels.
General Tire is going through a rejuvenation, but it still
has some traditional products for its customers. The company has a LT tire line up of different Grabber products for
high-performance, street, and off-roading as well as a more
traditional AmeriTrac TR light truck tire.
AmeriTrac
Kumho offers a few great light-truck
tires. One model, the Ecsta STX, is
mostly a high-performance product
meant more for show than for go. On
the other hand, the whole Kumho Road
Venture line of tires includes touring
Goodyear’s name is closely associated with truck
products and aggressive MT off-road
tires of all sizes. Among its star products, it offers
tires with serious tread.
the Fortera line-up for upscale pick-up trucks and
SUVs—including the Silent Armour product and the
newer TripleTred which bears the winter tire logo.
The Wrangler with Silent Armour also shows that
logo, but the Wrangler MT/R is mostly designed for
serious off-roading. Remember that Goodyear also produces a full-fledged commercial light truck tire discussed in
Wrangler MT/R
Venture MT
another article, the Unisteel G947, G949 G933, and G971.
October 2008
tn
Tire News
u
21
Commercial Tires
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Maxxis is slowly building its line up for American needs
Japanese tire manufac-
and its catalogue includes HT, MA, and off-road MT prod-
turer Toyo is busy in the
ucts. It also offers light-duty tires like its UE 168 model
light-truck segment.
for 12- to 16-inch wheels, and Marauder and Buckshot
Its catalogue shows a
products. There will probably be more to come from
great array of products
Maxxis in the future.
including the Proxes
Maxxis 760
line of performance
tires and a very exciting Open Country line of
tires including all-season
Open Country
products and real off-road
tires like the M55. Toyo also includes
Michelin has quite an array of light truck tires to offer, whether
the Open Country M606 LT tire for 16-
they be the tamer 4x4 Diamaris, popular Cross Terrain SUV,
inch wheels that could be considered a
Latitude Sport, Latitude Tour HP, or the more work-oriented
light commercial and RV tire.
LTX AT/2 or winter M/S. For winter purposes, there is the
Latitude X Ice. Michelin also has a few RV tires, such as the
17-inch XCA and the 16- and 16.5-inch XPS tires.
4x4 Diamaris
For light trucks, Uniroyal
has a good array of products known under the
Laredo brand, includ-
Better known for its winter tires, Nokian has a few
ing the popular Cross
light truck tires that might fit many customers’ needs.
country, All Season
For the now, the Hakkapeliitta LT and Hakkapeliitta 5
AWP, AWR, AWT, and
SUV tires are the best known.
Hakka Sport Utility
AWTII all-terrain tires,
Laredo AWT
and its commercial HD/D
and HD/T tires.
Pirelli has specialized in high performance light truck
tires, including the very special Scorpion Zero and
Most of Yokohama’s line-up is identi-
Zero Asymetrico, which are available up to 24 inches.
fied as Geolandar products whether
These are probably the world’s only computer-made
they are road-going H/T, off-road A/T,
tires, produced at Pirelli’s automated plant in Rome,
or the winter-designed I/T G072.
Georgia. Scorpion tires are also available in an Ice
Still, Yokohama has a few commer-
& Snow version. Let’s not forget that Pirelli has a
cially oriented products, such as
Winter Chrono tire for light commercial trucks in
the Y788 and the Y742S. If your
winter.
customer is looking for a “show”
or high-performance tire, suggest
Winter Chrono
the Parada Spec-X product from
Yokohama.
22
Tire News
tn
October 2008
tn
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Unusual Tires
Choosing the Right Off-road Tire
Customers do not exactly rush to tire shops to buy off-roading tires. We’re talking about real serious off-road
tires—the ones with huge blocks and knobs that grab into mud and sand for the best possible traction. Still,
there is a market out there for such tires.
M
ost tire manufacturers will offer
off-road tires; some of them have
even been installed as original equipment
on regular production vehicles. Indeed, in
the past, Goodyear provided its Wrangler
MT/R on Jeep’s early TJ Rubicon. Today,
it’s BFGoodrich that is the official provider
All-terrain or mud terrain tires are
good in sand if slightly deflated.
for the newer Wrangler (JK) Rubicon with
Our test Jeep Wrangler was equipped with
its OE BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A tires.
Super Swampers
are typical
extreme off-road
specialized tires.
its Mud Terrain T/A. Both tires have a
three-ply wall construction that will avoid
cinching the tire when it is deflated at a
Speciality tires
Speciality off-road tires are not always
easy to obtain. Very few distributors im-
lower pressure for off-roading activities
port tires under the brands of Mickey
(many speciality off-road tires are offered
Thompson, Dick Cepek, Swamper, Nitto,
with three-ply sidewalls). By the way, these
or Pro Comp, but there is indeed a mar-
two tires might be good in deep snow but
ket for such products. A few speed and
are not the best performing tires on ice.
specialty shops can get you those huge
A good recommendation would be to re-
tires with very aggressive tread. They
Super special
off-road tires
are good in
mud or rough
terrain, but not
so much on
the road or in
winter.
place them with “real” winter tires during
the cold season.
Mud, sand, rock?
A country as big as ours has many different kinds of trails available, depending on
where the off-road enthusiast is located. In
however, they can be surprising in very
deep snow—but they are still the ones
“serious” off-roaders look for. tn
A story we recently published in Tire News on
very rocky trails that might require specifbetter part of Canadian trails will be in
muddy areas that will require what are
referred to as “mud terrain” tires. They
are recognizable by large voids that clean
Kumho still
produces a
modern version
of its Road
Venture off-road
tire that is not
bad on the road.
and they might not perform well on ice—
Skid Steer OOPS
some areas, off-roading is done mostly on
ic rock-crawling capabilities. However, the
might not be the best tires on the road
themselves up very quickly in such situations. The commercially better accepted
“all-terrain” tires will do the job here, but
their tighter voids might have the tendency to clog up faster and provide less
skid steer tires has sparked a controversy, and
our editorial department has received a number
of inquiries on the subject. Since the matter
clearly needs to be explored further, Tire News
will be devoting a special Industry Report on the
subject in our April 2009 issue. This report, we
feel, will give all sides an opportunity to present
their cases, tell their stories, and let our readers
come to their own conclusions.
traction on muddy trails.
October 2008
tn
Tire News
23
NASCAR in Montreal
Tires Save the Show
The Montreal NASCAR Nationwide held at Le Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve was, once again, a spectacular and
unique event. Last year, local driver Patrick Carpentier made the show by finishing second to veteran Kevin
Harvick. This year, Carpentier once again finished second, this time to Canadian Ron Fellows,
who was driving the JR Motorsport Chevy. But Montreal’s event will go down in history as
NASCAR’s very first official race held in the rain!
I
ndeed, as the race was only a few laps old, it started
to rain. NASCAR had never raced in the rain. But its
only tire provider, Goodyear, was ready with a trailer full
of rain tires that were made almost ten years ago but
never used. Many of the drivers in the Montreal road
course event had some kind of experience in road racing
and driving in the rain. That decided Nationwide director
Joe Balash to run the first ever NASCAR race in the rain!
Taking time for a lengthy red flag, he allowed teams to
switch to rain tires. Balash’s decision was also based on
the fact there was no rain date for a next race.
The decision paid off. Almost every fan stayed to watch,
The Todd Braun Racing team serviced Jacques Villeneuve’s Camry very well. (É.D.)
very few drivers went off-course, and the event was a
real success, not only for fans, but also for NASCAR and
Goodyear who, the weekend before, had to go through
a disastrous Indianapolis race where its race tires selfdestroyed in less than seven laps. This time, Goodyear
had the right answer.
Earlier during the morning, the NASCAR Canada race
saw last year’s champ Andrew Ranger win the race with
his Tide Ford Fusion.
A Pirelli-shod Grand Am Daytona Prototype car in action. (É.D.)
Pirelli was there too
Less celebrated, on late Friday afternoon before the
Nationwide race (held on Saturday afternoon), was the
Rolex Grand Am endurance race. Last year, all teams had
to use Hoosier tires. This year, Italian tire maker Pirelli
stepped in and it was a wise choice. The Montreal race
was among the most interesting—and with one of the
biggest crowds—of the season. At the end, the Canadian
team of Brian Friselle and Mark Wilkins got to the checkered flag first, driving a Riley Ford.
tn
photos: Éric and Guillaume Descarries
24
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Pirelli was ready for any weather in the
Grand Am series. (É.D.)
Goodyear pulled out its NASCAR rain tires
for the first time. (É.D.)
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Mike Wallace (Camry No 7) was one of the
rare drivers to lose it on wet pavement. (G.D.)
OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF
PRODUCTS IN CANADA
Pirelli guests had a great spot to watch
the Grand Am race. (É.D.)
Patrick Carpentier was the star of the show. (G.D.)
Working their way in the rain. (G.D.)
Goodyear posted recommended pressures
before the race. (É.D.)
Patrick Carpentier, Jacques Villeneuve,
and eventual winner Ron Fellows at work
in the rain. (G.D.)
Andrew Ranger won the NASCAR Canada race. (É.D.)
THE LEADING SPECIALIST IN TIRE RACKING
T. 1-800-754-9432
info @mskcanada.com
Working on Jacques Villeneuve’s car. (É.D.)
www.mskcanada.com
Tire Recycling
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Ontario Directs a New Tire Recycling Program
Waste Diversion Ontario Must
Develop a Program to Recycle Tires
Although other provinces have had tire recycling stewardship plans in place for many years, Ontario has
always lagged behind, despite the efforts of tire associations and organizations to put one in place.
H
owever, in August, Minister of the
in the province. The money instead went
ticipating in the program, shall not charge
Environment John Gerretsen direct-
into the general revenue stream, and the
consumers an additional fee for the man-
ed Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) to
incoming government repealed it in 1993.
agement of tires following the removal of
develop a program intended to recycle 90
This time, the request states that no fees
the tire from the vehicle.”
percent of Ontario’s used tires by its fifth
will flow to the government.
year. In the directive, the Minister requires
Cleaning up stockpiles
a plan to clean up any existing tire stock-
Instead, in his letter, Gerretsen directs that
Gerretsen instructs that the program must
piles as quickly as possible, and to ensure
WDO either develop the program in coop-
also include a plan to clean up existing
that the program be self-funding, with an
eration with an existing Industry Funding
stockpiles of used tires across the province,
industry organization collecting program
Organization, or incorporate one, and take
and “promote the diversion of stockpiled
fees from tire producers.
on an active role as the organization devel-
tires into recycling and higher end uses
ops the program.
whenever possible, depending on the qual-
Required by December 2008
ity of the stockpiled tires. The cleanup of
The program will cover all motor vehicle
Priority is the 3 Rs
tires, including OTR, industry, and farm
The program “should place a priority on
ity under the early mandate of the pro-
vehicle tires supplied to the Ontario mar-
the diversion of used tires into higher end
gram and expedited as much as possible.
ket. In his letter, Gerretsen insists that a
uses whenever possible, based on the prin-
WDO should work with the Ministry of the
program be submitted for approval by
ciple of the 3 Rs (reduction, reuse—i.e.,
Environment staff to identify and prioritize
December 31, 2008.
retreading where feasible—and recycling),”
stockpile sites for cleanup.”
stockpiles should be considered a prior-
the letter reads. “Landfilling, the use of
WDO is a non-crown corporation that was
used tires as daily cover at landfills, or in-
According to the report, over 10 million
created in June 2002 under the Waste
cineration, shall not be part of the program
used tires need to be managed in the prov-
Diversion Act to develop, implement and
unless the 3R options are not available or
ince each year, and that currently about
operate waste diversion programs for a
not technically feasible.
half are being shipped out of the province
for use as TDF (tire-derived fuel) or are
wide range of materials, including Blue
26
being stockpiled.
Box waste, used oil material, electrical and
“The program should be consumer-focused
electronic equipment, and municipal haz-
and designed in a manner to ensure that
ardous or special waste.
the program and its return options are
The 2008 Ontario budget has also allo-
user-friendly, available across the province,
cated almost $2 million, over two years,
Ontario has had no official program for
and accessible to all Ontarians. There shall
to remove 300,000 illegally-stockpiled
used tires since 1989, when a short-lived
be a single fee paid by the stewards that
tires in the province’s Middlesex County,
$5.00 fee that was ostensibly a recycling
is associated with the program. Collectors
and to review the inventory of scrap tires
charge was levied on each new tire sold
of tires, including retailers, that are par-
in Ontario. tn
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Frédéric Desjardins
[email protected]
Industry Events
Ecological Obstacle
Course in Edmundston
Like other fields, the automotive world had to adjust to the intricacies of the ecological wave spreading across
the planet. What’s left for us to do is convince the population that the words ‘ecological’ and ‘performance’
Maritimes. “People haven’t been made
Other organizations also had booths on
conduite Avantage in Edmundston, NB
aware of these new types of vehicles. Even
site, COGERNO and the Edmundston
decided to present its traditional slalom—
if we’re green conscious, comfort and
police force to name but two. Spectators
which reached its 6th edition in 2008—in a
performance are still at the forefront. We
got to watch police chase simulations. On
different manner. On September 21, more
must find a way to curb our consumption in
a more technical note, a few participants
than 250 people showed up to watch ob-
order to reduce greenhouse gas,” explains
tested their skills at changing a flat tire in
stacle races in the Brunswick Centre’s park-
Gilles Francoeur, president and founder
the shortest time. There again, all safety
ing lot. Drivers had to go through various
of Formation de conduite Avantage and
and verification rules had to be respected
manoeuvres while respecting road signs.
spokesperson for the Maritimes Be Tire
so as not to lose points. “When a flat oc-
Challenges included 180° turns, emergency
Smart—Play your PART program.
curs, it’s always important to check your
stops, the serpentine, the dead end, and the
“final decision.”
spare tire. Some contestants didn’t think
of checking the air pressure in that tire.
Many car dealers in the Edmundston area
Inflation of all tires must be checked
School and construction zones were also
eagerly accepted the invitation to present
regularly and it’s preferabe to inflate
set up on the course thanks to real signs,
their hybrids and eco-friendly models in
them with nitrogen if possible,” added
bumps, and an authentic school bus. The
an event which combined both safety and
Francoeur.
main difference with previous courses
the environment—in the form of a game.
was the types of vehicles used during
Drivers with faults lost their licence after
The event should take place again in 2009
the day—most of them were hybrids or
crossing the finish line. To recover it, they
with other innovations, such as a demon-
environmentally friendly. This type of eco-
had to correctly answer a road safety
stration of emergency braking with new
friendly demonstration was a first in the
question live on CFAI-FM.
and used winter and all-season tires. tn
The final decision exercice required the driver to brake
rapidly in one of the three designated stop zones at the
end of the course.
Gilles Francoeur giving instructions to a participant.
Police chases were recreated within the obstacle
course at the Brunswick Centre.
28
Dealer participation
Tire News
tn
October 2008
In order to make visitors aware of the importance of being
sober when driving, the Formation de conduite Avantage
company put a damaged vehicle on display.
Participants had to change a flat tire.
photos: Frédéric Desjardins
A
nd for that reason, the Formation de
Translated from its original French by Marc-Alain Nantel.
can indeed go together.
Raynald Bouchard
Important Fall Update
[email protected]
Quebec’s
Mandatory
Winter Tire
Matter
A
Definition of a touring vehicle
Based on the Highway Safety Code definition, the MTQ will issue an administrative memo specifying what a touring vehicle must or must not be. Said definition
should soon be available on the MTQ Web
site.
tn
t press time, Quebec’s Ministère
The ASPQ deemed fit to share this information with
Canada’s tire industry and with all interested parties, be
they manufacturers, distributors, resellers, or other
concerned associations. In fact, the Canadian
government was on the verge of issuing, in 2009, the
compliance standards for winter tires throughout the
country. Those mentioned in this article apply to Quebec
and could lead the way to national regulation. Note that
this information is distributed without prejudice, since
the MTQ could still bring forth minor modifications. We
will be made aware of the content regarding the final
version of Act 55 when it is published in the Gazette
officielle du Québec in a few weeks.
des Transports (MTQ) was finalizing
certain last amendments to Acts 55 and
42, making the use of winter tires mandatory. However, these modifications do not
affect application dates already adopted,
remaining December 15 to March 15 of
each year.
During a conference call held on September
9, 2008 between the MTQ governmental
committee and representatives of numerous organizations, including the Quebec
Tire Specialists Association (ASPQ), the
matter concerning the new identification
of tire classification in particular was
among the amendments.
Pictograms and Markings
Translated from its original French by Marc-Alain Nantel.
• Two new markings—AT and Nordic—will
be added to the 7 already prescribed,
which are: ARTIC, BLIZZARD, ICE, SNOW,
STUD, WINTER, and LT with regard to the
types of tires to be considered compliant
with the definition of a tire designed specifically for winter driving.
• Prior to December 15, 2014, all tires
bearing the snowflake/mountain symbol
as well as those bearing at least one
of the nine following markings: ARTIC,
BLIZZARD, ICE, SNOW, STUD, WINTER,
NORDIC, LT, and AT will be considered
compliant with the definition of winter
tires and will be accepted according to
the the amended regulation.
• After December 15, 2014, winter tires
will have to comply with new standards
and new identification criteria which
should be adopted by the Canadian government during 2009.
• The Mud and Snow (M+S) marking will
not be considered compliant.
October 2008
tn
Tire News
29
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Age: Good for Wine, Bad for Tires
Know the “Birthdays” of the
Tires in Your Stock
When you sell your customer a new tire, is it really new? Or has it been sitting in a warehouse somewhere,
gathering dust, until someone finally got to it and added it to your order?
W
ine improves with aging, but tires
date. Stock rotation should depend not on
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety
definitely don’t—and if you’re not
the date you got the tire, but on the day it
Administration (NHTSA) says that it has
was manufactured.
been examining the issue since 2002, but
paying attention to the manufacturer’s
date on the sidewall, you could be pass-
will not consider regulations until it has
ing along a problem tire that could affect
A higher profile
your customer, your supplier, and your
You can expect this to take on a higher
the effects of age on new tires, and has
business.
profile with customers, especially since
studied costs and potential safety ben-
ABC News prepared a special investigative
efits.
determined an accurate test to measure
As you know, the tire manufacturer put
report earlier this year. The network called
the date the tire was made on its sidewall.
aged tires a “ticking time bomb,” even as it
Tires deteriorate over time
Everyone in your shop should be aware of
reported that some tire companies and car
Transport Canada says that it does not
the codes, know how to read them, and
manufacturers issue consumer warnings
regulate shelf life “because the depart-
understand their importance.
about using a car beyond a specified age.
ment’s investigations have not revealed a
No regulations
ABC also reported that some of its “local
by tire failure due to tire aging of the time
While there are no regulations in either
reporters” went into tire shops, looking for
of sale.” As well, “many variables come
Canada or the U.S. on the shelf life of
aged tires sold as new. While the network
into account to evaluate a tire lifetime,
didn’t say how many shops the re-
such as environment (storage conditions,
porters visited or how many
temperature, climate), the driven frequen-
tires they examined over-
cy, the composition and quality of tire,
all, they found seven
and vehicle maintenance practices (proper
years, and that all tires
tires, one at a branded
inflation pressure, wheel alignment, etc.).
should be replaced ten
tire store and the rest
As such, many experts agreed that tires
years from their date of
at Wal-Mart, made
deteriorate over time, even if they are not
manufacture.
anywhere from 1999
used or driven on.”
pattern of motor vehicle collisions caused
tires, Transport Canada recommends
that tires should not be put into
service if they have been in
storage for more than six
to 2001 and sold
If you’ve got a very
as new.
In other words, it’s up to you to regulate
your stock; just as importantly for your
full warehouse,
That’s not a lot,
business, you need to keep your customer
sible that some
but it’s seven
informed. It’s a good opportunity to build
tires might get
too many when
your goodwill by letting customers know
overlooked, espe-
it comes to
that they’re getting fresh stock, by show-
cially if they’re in
consumer con-
ing them how to read their tire codes
a slow-selling size,
fidence, and
and the importance of replacing old tires,
and could sit until
such stories
even if they’re not badly worn, and to re-
they’re close to
quickly take
place their spare tires when they get too
the recommend-
on a life of
old. Make their tires’ birthdays work for
ed expiration
their own.
them—and for you. tn
it’s entirely pos-
30
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
TPMS: A Money-maker or a Money-loser
Customer Education Will
Make All the Difference
$
By now, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are probably
hardwired into your brain. The phase-in period for their federal
mandate in the U.S. is complete, and that’s had a profound
influence on the number of cars in Canada so equipped.
B
ut that doesn’t necessarily translate
standardization for TPMS, and worse,
TPMS readouts, and mistakenly blaming
into an easy sell with your customer,
no quick, comprehensive guide. If your
the tires.
and dealers will have to focus on training,
technician doesn’t know the difference
equipment, and knowledge to remain
between a valve-mounted sensor and a
An uphill battle
profitable when it comes to TPMS. That
banded one, for example, you could be
So what’s the solution? Education,
was the message from Kevin Rohlwing,
looking at an expensive repair that will be
Rohlwing said, with OEMs and suppliers
senior vice president of Training for the
your responsibility, not the customer’s.
emphasizing the safety aspect of TPMS
Tire Industry Association (TIA), during his
to consumers; as the number of safety-
presentation at the TDAC Convention in
Communicating the importance
Halifax earlier this year.
Another problem that will affect indepen-
ket. Even so, independent shops face an
dent shops, Rohlwing said, is that the
uphill battle, as consumers become weary
The difference between making and losing
TPMS industry has not effectively com-
of paying to repair or replace components,
money is in being able to sell the value of
municated the importance of system main-
and realize that the car will still work even
maintaining the TPMS to your customer,
tenance to customers. Not only are many
if the warning light is on.
and then continuing to service the vehicle
drivers unaware of what this new warning
correctly so that it continues to monitor
light means, but they’re also likely to ignore
TIA, meanwhile, is introducing a new TPMS
the tires, he said.
it once the vehicle’s warranty has expired,
chart that will become the foundation for
or will find ways to disable it, rather than
its advanced TPMS training programs,
pay to have it repaired. That’s not the news
with relearn summaries, part numbers,
Unfortunately, there are a lot of obstacles
you want to hear when your shop is ready
and torque values for all domestic and
in your way. For consumers, there’s the
to go with expensive tools and training.
import models.
you’ve got to “sell” the customer on some-
And TPMS can even go the other way, as
And at the retail level, dealers need to
thing that can represent one-fifth the price
a new survey released by J.D. Power and
stay on top with training at all levels of
of each tire.
Associates following the TDAC convention
the shop, from the service counter to the
shows: when asked about satisfaction
shop floor, with the aim of “relearning” not
On your shop floor, you’re going to need
with their tires, vehicle owners reported
only the TPMS system, but also its owner.
tools, updates, parts, resources and scan-
nearly 20 percent more complaints about
Seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
ners, and possibly the most expensive
“slow leaks” in their tires in 2008, when
electronic stability control all had to be
of all, staff who are trained in proper
compared with 2007. The problem? J.D.
“sold” to the customer in their day, and
mounting, dismounting, testing, and cali-
Power suspects that drivers were moni-
now they’re considered essential. One
bration of the various systems. That’s not
toring subtle, non-problematic pressure
day, with the proper emphasis, TPMS will
made easier by the fact that there is no
changes or false readings on their digital
be there also. tn
Numerous obstacles
conscious drivers grows, so does the mar-
price: at approximately $50 per sensor,
32
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Getting the Safety Message Out
Care-Van Project Gets
the Point to the Public
As tire professionals, you know that consumers should take care of their rubber: maintaining pressure, checking
wear, and thinking about safety. And you also know that consumers often don’t do any of those things.
G
etting them to think about the im-
shows, and Toronto’s Canadian National
in Ontario and Quebec, and one in the
portance is the goal of the Care-Van
Exhibition and Ontario Place.
Atlantic Provinces.”
Association of Canada (RAC). Currently a
Member events
The choice of a Chevrolet Express van isn’t
pilot project operating within a 500-km
“One priority is that we’re accommodat-
random; the RAC chose it because it was
radius of the Greater Toronto Area, the
ing our members’ events,” Paquette said.
named the 2008 EnerGuide winner as
program may one day operate nationally
“We’ve been attending tire manufacturers’
the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class.
with a fleet of vehicles.
events, sales events, product launches, and
Paquette said that if the project does turn
dealer events. Dealers often do communi-
into a full program, he’d love to see the
ty-based events where the public is invited
vehicle fleet made up of hybrid SUVs.
program, a new initiative by the Rubber
Trained tire experts
“It’s a play on words,” said Gilles Paquette,
to come and visit the store. For example,
Communications manager for RAC. “It’s the
Niagara Battery & Tire did a big event
An education program
van that tells you how to properly care for
where they brought in some race cars and
The RAC has also signed a three-year
your tires. We have staffed it with trained
we were there.”
agreement with Natural Resources Canada
tire experts, people who are master com-
and, over the next three years, plans to
municators to explain the importance of
Over the years, the Be Tire Smart cam-
develop an education program. “We’re
proper tire maintenance. They don’t just
paign has educated thousands of consum-
looking at how we can target schools and
tell people about it, but they get them to
ers, but the association has found that it
partner with community police officers
commit that they will be measuring their
isn’t always enough just to tell people what
who are already going into the schools,”
tire pressure monthly.”
they should do. Instead, they’re asked to
Paquette said. “We’re looking to develop a
sign a commitment, which is surprisingly
mascot that’s a large version of Philip the
The Chevrolet Express van is shrink-
effective, according to the RAC’s research.
Tire, with an oversized tire gauge. He would
wrapped with decals, featuring the associa-
The approach is used at the Care-Van for
be like Elmer the Safety Elephant.
tion’s “Philip the Tire” mascot, along with
maximum benefit.
bilingual reminders to check tire pressure
“If we get to them when they’re young, they
monthly, and the website address for Be
“We want to use this pilot project to evalu-
can develop the correct habits, so when
Tire Smart.
ate the feasibility of this type of event
they do get their licenses and get into their
vehicle,” Paquette said. “If it’s successful,
cars and become the drivers of tomorrow,
The van has been taken to numerous
we’d love to roll this out nationally. We’re
they’ll already have the message of tire
community events, including fall fairs, car
thinking three vehicles, one out West, one
safety and tire maintenance.” tn
October 2008
tn
Tire News
33
Wheels
Éric Descarries
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
[email protected]
Steel or Alloy Wheels
Winter Can Be Rough on Your Wheels
No matter where you live in Canada, winter will be rough on wheels. If it’s not the snow and ice, it will be
the salt and potholes that might damage your customers’ wheels. What to do in such a case? This is what
we asked Dan Beaton of Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists in Ottawa, Ontario, an area that is usually hit pretty
hard by winter.
A
lloy Wheel Repair Specialists deal
What to choose—steel or alloy?
as changing tires twice a year will surely
with a lot of wheel repairs, mostly
The first question we asked Dan was
damage the original wheel. “And original
slightly bent alloy wheels for high end
concerning the choice of winter wheels.
wheels might not be as expensive as
cars and light trucks. It also deals with
Should a customer go for a generic black
first thought,” he said. “Some import
refurbishing alloy wheels. A quick look at
steel wheel, or a fancier but more vul-
car wheels are even less expensive than
its website—www.alloywheelrepair.ca—
nerable alloy wheel? “Steel wheels are
many domestic car wheels if we are
will show you more about this Ottawa
definitely less expensive,” he answered.
looking at some luxury cars. What’s
business, as it includes refurbishing,
“But other than looking bland—and in
more, they are good quality wheels—
straightening, providing, and caring for
some cases, ugly—they also add extra
sometimes a lot better than some re-
wheels.
unsprung weight to the vehicle. It is
production wheels.” In this case, a set of
not surprising that people who own
refurbished OE wheels would be a great
Winter is a season that brings a lot of
automobiles such as BMWs, Mercedes,
buy. And a simple design with less web-
business to Alloy Wheel Repair. Most
Cadillacs, and other similar products will
bing would be easier to clean.
of the time, the damage is caused by an
rather go for better-looking wheels.”
Many motorists think that a nice looking
accident or a road hazard. According to
Dan, people don’t always drive carefully
And if your customer intends to keep
aftermarket wheel will do the job, espe-
in the rain or snow, and they hit potholes
his vehicle for a while, Dan considers
cially since it will be cheaper than an ori-
and curbs. Also, Nature alone may cause
that buying an extra set of wheels, even
ginal equipment wheel. Dan has a warning
cosmetic damage to wheels.
if they are alloys, is a good investment,
concerning wheels that are not always
at par with original wheels, mostly their
finish and durability. “Aftermarket wheels
can be of a very good quality, but good
wheels are not cheap and cheap wheels
are not necessarily all good,” he added.
What to avoid
Not all aftermarket wheels are well
protected. Dan pointed out that some
their polished finish and clear coating.
But, according to him, they do not fit
our climate. Most of his customers
discover that the clear coating has
A wheel thus damaged can be considered non-repairable.
34
Tire News
tn
October 2008
peeled off after winter. The same goes
photos: Éric Descarries
aftermarket wheels look good with
1/2 Page
1)',%2-'%0
'300-7-326)4%-6
8-6)7
*0))87
autosphere.ca
Only Canadian bilingual, multisegment trade site
(mechanical, collision repair, tires and fleets)
A wheel with a slightly damaged edge can be repaired.
With such a fissure, it’s better to opt for a refurbished wheel.
their chrome coating has a tendency
CONTENTS
Repairing alloy wheels
+ Latest news and events importance of being careful with aftercleaners. Instructions should be
A quick visit to +
Alloy
Wheel
Repairs will
Exclusive
interviews,
profilesmarket
and topics
read
very carefully, as most cleaners are
teach you a lot +about
kindsresources
of dam- and
Onlinethe
surveys,
promotions
to peel. The damage might not be vis-
age that can be fixed by the Ottawa
corrosive. For example, some people
ible at first, but a deep inspection will
VISITORS’
PROFILE
business. As Dan
explained
to us, slight-
have the tendency to let the product
show the beginning of cracking and
Shop owners,
associates
and staff
sit on the wheel for more than a few
ly bent alloy+wheels
can be
repaired,
+
Manufacturers,
distributors,
wholesalers
andbefore
retail chains
minutes
washing it off. If it says
often at a reasonable cost; a wheel with
+ Fleet managers and industry professionals
with chrome finish on aftermarket alloy
wheels. Alloy wheels are flexible and
damage. And once the chrome goes,
that’s it. They cannot be rechromed or
repaired.
There are some steel-chromed wheels
a missing part can also sometimes be
‘apply-brush-wash,’ it’s important to
repaired but, once again, a refurbished
abide by the instructions and wash off
the product
as soon as possible so that
OE wheel will Dedicated
be better.
section to tires
!
the corrosive action does not stick to the
on the market that will survive some
Any damage that crosses over the bead
winters, but they do not fit all needs.
is considered unrepairable. And as far
as steel wheels are concerned, the comLaunch Fall 2008
As a matter of fact, the company he
wheel and mar the finish.
websit
e
in con
struc i
on the
In addition, he recommends tthat
represents does not recommend chrome
pany Dan represents very rarely repairs
black powder produced by the brake
wheels for winter, regardless of whether
them because it is much less expensive
pads doesn’t stay on the alloy wheel. It
they
are aftermarket or not. Machine
1/6
Page
to get a new wheel from the dealer. If it’s
too has a corrosive action and though
finished surfaces might not be very
only slight surface rust or scaled paint,
it might be only mildly corrosive, it is
durable either. These are very popular,
a do-it-yourself job is a lot better. In any
best to be quickly washed off. And, if
mostly on Japanese cars. But as their
case, when buying aftermarket wheels,
possible, install different brake pads
rough finish on the spokes will sustain
Dan suggests buying five wheels instead
that will not produce such black pow-
winter attacks, the flat machined section
der.
of four because many models
can be'300-7-326)4%-6
1)',%2-'%0
will not stand up to salt. Once again, this
discontinued after two years.
autosphere.ca
type of wheel is not suggested by our
8-6)7
*0))87
Only Canadian bilingual, multisegment
site is the key to
Remember, trade
maintenance
expert. According to Dan, fully painted
Maintenance still is the key
These usually have at least three layers
wheels, whether it is in summer or in
of protective
coating.
1/4
Page
winter. However, Dan mentioned the
Launch Fall 2008
alloy wheels remain the better choice. Maintenance remains the secret to nice
1)',%2-'%0
autosphere.ca
good-looking
wheels, no matter what
website
in construction
kind of wheel it is. tn
www.alloywheelrepair.ca
'300-7-326)4%-6
8-6)7
*0))87
Only Canadian bilingual, multisegment trade site
CONTENTS
+ Latest news and events
+ Exclusive interviews, profiles and topics
+ Online surveys, resources and promotions
VISITORS’ PROFILE
+ Shop owners, associates and staff
+ Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retail chains
+ Fleet managers and industry professionals
Launch Fall 2008
website in construction
October 2008
tn
Tire News
35
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Private Brands
What Are They?
Even if many tire outlets sell private brand tires, the segment is more or less known by many people in the
industry, and not well understood by customers. So, what are private brands?
I
n the past, many were leery of private
to 24 months from the time the vehicle
nowadays are of very good quality. Keller
brands—not knowing what they were
hits the market.
explained that Hercules tires run on the
and where they came from. Indeed, over
same carcass as the supplier’s carcasses
the years, private brands have begun
In real life, about 50% of the people who
and that the compound is no different.
mimicking most of the branded products
are in the market for a replacement tire
The only major things that differ are the
and, by doing so, gained a very good
know exactly what kind and what brand of
moulds and the tread, and sidewall de-
reputation. To know more about the mar-
tire they want. Keller calls them “pre-sold”
signs. In other words, private brand tires
ket, we spoke to a specialist: Rob Keller,
products: customers will show up and ask
are produced on the same production line
president of Hercules Tires Canada, one
for a major brand tire exactly or almost
as other tires, using the same components
of the country’s biggest private brand tire
exactly the same as the original equip-
and the same materials. Also, they must
manufacturers.
ment on their vehicle. Therefore, brands
meet the same stringent government-
like Hercules are designed for dealers,
mandated quality standards as branded
According to Keller, private brands ac-
businesses that sell products to people
tires. So private brand tires are just as
count for about 25% of the tire industry
who have a budget to respect and don’t
well made and as carefully inspected as
in Canada. And, with today’s economy,
want to pay as much as an OE tire, but still
branded tires.
he sees a growing opportunity for private
want quality. Private brands are also more
brands. In his opinion, since the market
affordable because there is less money
In case your customers are asking about
is shifting, people will be looking at the
spent on advertisement.
Chinese-made tires, Keller recommends
better deal private brand tires will offer.
that you let them know that they are gain-
What’s more, as we learned in the past
Are private brand tires as good as OEs?
few years, major tire manufacturers are
How good are private brand tires? Can
are already into China. Actually, Chinese
slowly walking away from private brands,
they stand up against OEs? Hercules
manufacturers use the same global mate-
though a few majors still have customers
Tires sources its tires globally, but most of
rials used by any other tire manufacturer
in the segment.
them come from American manufacturers,
in the world. “And their average equip-
suppliers such as Cooper Tires, a manu-
ment is at least twice as new as the ones
facturer that is still committed to private
we have in America or Europe. So they are
brands. Consequently, private brand tires
using the latest technology in tire mak-
Who are the private brand customers?
Keller says that most people who buy
private brand tires are typical consumers
ing in quality and that some major brands
ing,” says Keller.
who will use them as second or third fitment for an older car. Other customers
Keller has a final recommendation for
will choose them because they want to
dealers—never to install only two winter
save money. For others still, it’s a cure
tires on a vehicle, even if it’s rear-wheel
to the “sticker shock” that usually comes
driven. “When installing winter tires, go
with a new replacement tire. Hercules is
for four tires, that’s all!”
TN
trying to keep up to date with sizes. For
example, if a new vehicle comes out with
tires of unusual sizes, it will try to produce
a replacement tire in those sizes within 18
36
Tire News
tn
October 2008
Hercules Tires is among the best-known independent
brand tire manufacturers in Canada.
1)',%2-'%0
'300-7-326)4%-6
8-6)7
*0))87
www.autosphere.ca
autosphere.ca
Only Canadian bilingual, multisegment trade site
(mechanical, collision repair, tires and fleets)
CONTENTS
+ Latest news and events
+ Exclusive interviews, profiles and topics
+ Online surveys, resources and promotions
VISITORS’ PROFILE
+ Shop owners, associates and staff
+ Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retail chains
+ Fleet managers and industry professionals
websit
e in co
nstruc
tion
Launch Fall 2008
François Charron
[email protected]
Tire Pyrolysis
Overheating Warning
Every year in Canada, numerous people are seriously injured or die due to a tire explosion caused by
a pyrolysis phenomenon, which is the chemical breakdown of the tire brought on by excessive heat.
Tire pyrolysis begins when the temperature of the rubber that goes into the production of the tire attains
± 250°C.
Good practices
t then breaks down in a variety of chemical substances, such as methane, hy-
drogen, carbon black, and styrene. When
they make contact with the oxygen inside
the tire, these flammable vapours are set
If you suspect unusual tire overheating,
it’s better to remain at a safe distance
until the tire has cooled down.
The afore-mentioned enumeration of potentially dangerous heat sources resulting
in pyrolysis must be a guide to be memorized by you and your staff, and your work
ablaze by auto-ignition when the tempe-
processes must reflect this awareness in
rature gets to ± 430ºC, bringing on an
order to avoid potential dangers.
explosion so powerful that debris can be
Preventive training
blown 300 metres away.
According to numerous reports of serious
Origin of the explosion
accidents involving tire pyrolysis, the dan-
A report based on expert examination
gers linked to a tire blowout are overloo-
following a fatal work injury enumerates
ked in the workplace. Truckers, suppliers,
the possible heat sources of this pheno-
and technicians must be made aware of
menon:
this phenomenon, which has caused the
loss of many lives in Canada. tn
• Overheating brakes
• Poor tire condition or over/
under tire inflation
• Using a blow torch on a
wheel or near the tire
risks of pyrolysis. The heat causes the air
inside the tires to dilate and significantly
• Welding on or near the wheel
increase their pressure, bringing about the
• Automobile fire
degradation and softening of the rubber.
• Contact with high-tension
power line or lightning
phenomenon begins and an explosion can
• Presence of contaminants
inside the tire
• Absorption of flammable
liquids by the tire
• Installing and uninstalling tires
Explanation of the phenomenon
38
the vehicle is at a standstill, increasing the
If the tires are not cooled, the pyrolysis
occur at any moment within 24 hours.
Extreme caution
Whether you’re a truck driver, automotive
technician, or other, if you suspect that
a tire is unusually overheated, it’s better
to keep a safe distance for a reasonable
lapse of time until the tire has cooled. If
possible, measure the tire’s temperature
When the vehicle is in motion, the tires
with an infrared temperature sensor; it
cool down thanks to the air circulating
must be below 250°C. As soon as the si-
at high speed. If an abnormal condition
tuation is favourable (temperature around
occurs, causing the tires to overheat, the
70°C), you must deflate the tire to a mini-
cooling process is much less efficient when
mum and carry out a careful inspection.
Tire News
tn
October 2008
This picture illustrates the brake actuator and the
threaded bar to be screwed to the end in order to
compress the diaphragm spring inside, thus releasing the
pressure on air brakes. Said rod is usually stored on the
side of the actuator. It’s the only good way of neutralizing
the pressure on brake shoes and preventing brakes from
overheating.
Translated from its original French by Marc-Alain Nantel.
I
WE’RE PROUD OF OUR GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH OK TIRE AND CONGRATULATE THEM ON
BEING RANKED #1 FOR CANADIAN CUSTOMER COMMITMENT BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES.
tiresafety.com
Special Report
Measuring Success
Putting the customer first can place your company head and shoulders above the competition while
significantly boosting your bottom line.
W
hether analyzing new home pur-
scale and performs particularly well in
chases, new or used cars, service
work quality and customer orientation—
centre performance or a variety of other
two of the most important drivers of cus-
goods and services, J.D. Power has long
tomer satisfaction.
served as the litmus test of customer satisfaction. The company’s annual ranking
Petro-Canada (Certigard) follows O.K.
is used as a benchmark by consumers, bu-
Tire in the rankings with a score of 886,
siness owners, and analysts alike to deter-
while AUTOPRO ranks third overall with
mine which businesses excel in customer
881.
satisfaction, and which ones are losing or
gaining market share.
The study finds that the industry as a
“A one percentage point
increase in share of service
visits for either aftermarket or
new-car dealers can potentially
lead to a $110 million increase
in annual revenue.”
whole has improved over the past four
40
Recently, J.D. Power announced that
years, and that customer satisfaction in
O.K. Tire ranks highest in customer satis-
general has risen over the same period
faction on the J.D. Power and Associates
of time. In 2004 the industry average
2008 Canadian Customer Commitment
was 826 points, while in 2008 that num-
Index Study. O.K. Tire achieved an over-
ber rose to 850—a small increase, but
all index score of 902 on a 1,000-point
an increase nonetheless.
Tire News
tn
October 2008
– Adrian Chung, manager of
automotive syndicated research at
J.D. Power and Associates.
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
The study also finds that independent
tire specialists (up 14 percent), and ser-
recommend the shop to nearly six indi-
shops are collectively doing better than
vice stations (up 13 percent).
viduals, either family or friends.
dents weighed in with 884 points, while
J.D. Power’s findings spell out why it’s
Methodology
the franchised dealers with the highest
important to take good care of your cus-
J.D. Power measures the service satisfac-
score were Saturn/Saab and Toyota/Lexus
tomers: Among consumers who report
tion and loyalty of owners of 2- to 12-year-
(tied at 871).
being highly committed to their ser-
old vehicles. Key factors analyzed by the
vice centre, nearly 94 percent say they
study include appointment/check-in, ser-
When you compare 2008 results with
would return to the shop for service and
vice advisor, work quality, after-service and
those from 2007, new-car dealers lost
84 percent say they would definitely rec-
customer orientation.
market share. The most noteworthy drop
ommend the shop. On the other hand,
in share for new-car dealers was among
only 17 percent of customers with low
The 2008 study is based on responses
owners of 2- to 3-year-old vehicles, declin-
commitment said they would return for
from a significant sampling of the over-
ing from 75 percent in 2007 to 73 per-
service, and less than 12 percent said
all market—17,114 owners, surveyed be-
cent in 2008.
they would give a recommendation.
tween December 2007 and May 2008.
The study finds that the cost per service
How much business can a shop expect
According to the study, nearly 70 per-
visit has increased by 7 percent since 2004
to get from word-of-mouth advertising if
cent of all vehicles in Canada in 2008
with the most significant increases taking
a customer is happy? According to the
fall into the 2- to 12-year-old category.
place among quick lubes (up 19 percent),
study, highly committed customers will
Furthermore, owners of these vehicles
any franchised car dealers. The indepen-
u
Driven...
COSTAR
Shop Management Software
COSTAR
simply makes
your shop
more money.
COSTAR Shop Management
Software is designed
for Shop Owners
that are "driven"
to succeed.
Designed Specifically
for your Tire & Automotive
Repair Business.
Take your business
to a new level by increasing:
 Customer Satisfaction
 Customer Loyalty
 Average $ per Repair Order
 Gross Profit
 M.A.P. standards
 Better Performance
 Better Communication
 Business to Business
connectivity
Call 1 800-661-7126
To Order or Arrange an
Online Demo or visit
www.costar.ca
Congratulations on being # 1 O.K. Tire!
...to Succeed.
www.costar.ca
1-800-661-7126
Call for a demo CD-Rom
Shop Management Software
Special Report Measuring Success
tn
spend an average of $860 annually on
hicle owners spending an average of $860
With customer satisfaction playing such a
service and repairs. This means that even
per year, a one percentage point increase
significant role in the overall success of a
a small increase in market share can
in share of service visits for either after-
business, it certainly makes sense for shop
make a huge impact on the bottom line of
market or new-car dealers can potentially
owners to pay extra attention to the way
any service provider.
lead to a $110 million increase in annual
customers are treated.
revenue,” says Adrian Chung, manager of
42
“With more than 13 million 2- to 12-year-
automotive syndicated research at J.D.
old vehicles on the road in Canada and ve-
Power and Associates.
Tire News
tn
October 2008
u
Jack Kazmierski [email protected]
Special Report
‘
Europe s Tire Market
Rising to
the Top
Leader Salutes Everyone
at O.K. Tire for Being #1
Ranked as first by J.D. Power justifies all
in their Field.
the changes and improvements O.K. Tire has
made to their organization over the past
couple of years.
J
.D. Power and Associates recently ranked O.K. Tire Stores highest in customer satisfaction on the 2008 Canadian Customer
Commitment Index Study. Although O.K. Tire is thrilled to be number one, the truth of the matter is that the company wasn’t even
trying to outrank its competitors. In fact, the entire organization
is so busy improving the quality of their service that they almost
forgot about the annual J.D. Power Index Study.
“We were so busy that we didn’t even realize it was the time of the
year for the results of the J.D. Power Study to come out,” says Greg
Sims, president and CEO of O.K. Tire Stores. “I was travelling at the
time and was thrilled to find out we were number one. Everybody
I talked to is just thrilled—the dealers, the board of directors—and
for the same reasons: This is an outside third party, totally impartial, totally neutral confirming that our company is moving in the
right direction. When you get someone as well recognized and well
respected as J.D. Power putting you in first place, it tells us that
we’re doing the right things.”
The “right things” Sims is referring to have to do with an ambitious
overhaul and improvement strategy O.K. Tire began more than two
years ago. “We set our sights on building the quality of our stores,”
Sims says. “We have no targets about growing the number of stores.
Everything we are doing as an organization is qualitative.”
The strategy
When Sims took over as president and CEO two-and-a-half years
ago he organized town hall meetings with his dealers. “We interviewed the staff to find out what issues they’re dealing with and
what’s happening in our organization that’s holding us back,” he
says. “After getting that feedback we took the company through a
full strategic review and developed a vision for the company.”
The newly defined vision focuses the entire organization and defines the type of company O.K. Tire wants to become. No stone was
left unturned, and absolutely everything that could be overhauled
and improved, was.
The organization has been working on building the O.K. Tire brand,
attracting more consumers to their stores, and on improving the
u
Tires - Engineered in Germany.
Special Report Rising to the top
Congratulations to OK Tire from
Toyo Tires on this prestigious
recognition!
quality of the staff and the service. “We have a group of staff
called dealer development managers who work with our stores
to help them become better businesses,” Sims says, “because it’s
not enough to be a good tire and mechanical service provider. You
have to be a good business person as well.”
The organization also strives to understand the consumer, conducting research on a national level and introducing tools that
help each store better understand what’s happening in their particular area. “If you don’t understand the consumers, you won’t
know what they’re looking for, and you won’t know what services
to provide,” Sims says.
There’s also a strategy in place that is helping the organization
become as efficient as possible, with a focus on improving supply
chain management. “We need to make sure that when a consumer
is looking for something, we can get it to that store and to that
consumer in a timely fashion,” Sims says.
Independent thinking
An organizational shift of this magnitude is difficult enough when
Engineered
for the real world.
all the stores are company owned. But when you have an organization like O.K. Tire where each store is independently owned and
operated, it can be difficult to get all owner/operators to buy into
the new vision.
“The uptake is uneven because they are independent business
people,” Sims says, while pointing out that this can also be an
advantage. “If you look at the winners of the J.D. Power Study
in the last three years, they’ve all been organizations that have a
large degree of independent ownership. You had Fountain Tire two
years ago, last year it was Tirecraft, and this year it’s O.K. Tire.
At TOYO Tires, we design our tires
to handle Canada’s worst driving
conditions. We also know you need tires
that will perform in one particularly
demanding area: the real world. So
whether your customer is taking the kids
to the ball game, or they are on the way
to a meeting TOYO has the perfect tire to
match their driving needs.
Contact a TOYO Regional manager for
details on how you can get involved
in an upcoming TOYO campaign or to
become a TOYO Tire dealer.
44
Tire News
tn
October 2008
So when a consumer is dealing with one of our stores, they’re not
dealing with the manager—they’re dealing with the owner. And it
seems that the owner has a more vested interest in making sure
that the customer is satisfied.”
The upgrades the more than 265 O.K. Tire locations have been
asked to accept are major. For starters, the organization is rec-
oktire.com
ommending significant change in the IT
(Information Technology) structure. “We
have a recommended POS system that we
suggest our stores should have,” Sims says.
“Because they’re independents, they make
the final decision, but we feel that in order
to be successful and in order to be able to
manage your time and really be able to follow the complexity of the transactions, you
need to have a modern POS system.”
O.K. Tire is in the process of switching over
to a new enterprise system. The recommended POS system is from COSTAR, as
is the enterprise system, “because this will
allow us to drive efficiency and time savings to the stores,” Sims says. “That means
if our stores are not wasting time finding
tires and parts then they’ll have more time
to spend with customers. They can follow
up better and do better with customer relationship management.”
The company also offers an online training
program, dubbed e-University, with online
courses available 24/7. This will give store
staff the knowledge they need to provide
top-notch service and increase customer
satisfaction.
“It’s all driven by the market,” Sims says.
“If you’re going to be successful you need
to understand your customers, understand
their needs and how to satisfy them.”
ÅÅŁ
Facelift
O.K. Tire is also working on improving the
look and feel of each store. “The woman
that brings her car into an O.K. Tire store
may have just come from a very modern
Whether it’s advice on winter tires or getting your car ready for cold
weather driving, you’re in good hands. Among auto service providers,
OK Tire ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” on the J.D. Power
and Associates’ 2008 Canadian Customer Commitment Study. See why
we’re different – for the location near you, visit oktire.com.
grocery store or a clothing store, or any
number of retail experiences,” Sims says.
“And she’s looking for a retail experience
that’s more on that level vs. the old traditional automotive experience.”
To improve the retail experience, the company is working with their stores to enhance ambiance with new guidelines on
signs, on store identification, and a focus
on store interiors.
u
™The OK Tire mark is a trademark of O.K. Tire Stores Inc.
OK Tire Stores received the highest numercial score among service providers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Canadian
Commitment StudySM. Study based on responses from 17,114 consumers measuring 38 providers and measures opinions of consumers who
had their vehicle serviced at the dealership or after-market facilities. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of
consumers surveyed December 2007 and May 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com
October 2008
tn
Tire News
45
Special Report Rising to the top
PIRELLI WARMLY SALUTES
Warehousing
The customer-focused vision of excellence also includes an overhaul of O.K. Tire’s warehousing system. “We have sold our distribution centre in Langley and are building a new and larger dis-
FOR THEIR
J.D. POWER AWARD
FOR EXCEPTIONAL
CUSTOMER SERVICE.
tribution centre, which will also serve as our head office in South
Surrey,” Sims says. “That’s a definite part of our supply chain
improvements. We’re going from a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse to a
100,000 sq. ft. distribution centre with room to expand another
40,000 sq. ft. if we need to.”
The new distribution centre will be used as a hub/mixing warehouse for Western Canada, with a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in
Mississauga servicing Eastern Canada. “The containers we bring
in from Asia, for example, will come into Vancouver, we’ll be able
to mix the product, and ship it directly to other Western Canada
distribution centres,” Sims says. “That means we should be able to
reduce the amount of inventory, make the inventory more shallow,
and increase the breadth of our inventory because we can refresh
it whenever we need out of Vancouver rather than out of Asia because that part of the supply chain takes three to four months.”
Encouraged by the number one ranking from J.D. Power, O.K. Tire
has set their sights even higher, and everyone is eager to stay on
top. “We’re two years into a trip that will never end,” Sims says.
“We have a focus now, we know what we’re doing and we will constantly be working to improve ourselves.”
tn
Advertisers
www.atlastire.com
www.autosphere.ca
www.bridgestone-firestone.ca
www.cdatire.com
www.continentaltire.ca
www.costar.ca
www.federated.ca
www.herculestire.ca
www.kumhotire.ca
www.kyb.com
www.mskcanada.com
www.oktire.com
www.pirelli.ca
www.premaproducts.com
Atlas Tire Wholesale
9, 13, 47
autosphere.ca
35, 37
Bridgestone Firestone Canada
39
Canada Supply & Tire
8
Continental Tire
43, 48
Costar
41
Duret & Landry
5
Federated Insurance
40
Hercules Tires
11, 18, 19
Kumho Tires
27
KYB
31
MSK Canada
25
O.K. Tire
45
Pirelli
7, 46
PREMA
29
www.tiremax.ca
TIREMAX
2
www.tcstire.com
Tire Company Solutions
17
www.toyotires.ca
Toyo Canada
44
Energize your
Business with
TirePower
Software
Point-of-Sale
Inventory
Accounting
Mgmt. Tools
Real Time
eCommerce
Take a FREE Test
Drive Today!
tcstirepower.com
888.449.8473
POTENZA G019 GRID All Season Performance
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
Silica to boost wet grip
Wider footprint to improve cornering
Advanced directional tread pattern for rapid water evacuation
Sophisticated and sporty looks
Veri-pitch design for a quiet ride
Uni-T Technology
80,000 Kilometer Treadwear Limited Warranty
Limited Treadwear Warranty
Limited duration replacement with comparable new Bridgestone tire at pro-rated cost if
warranted kilometers not attained; actual tread life may vary. Certain limitations and
restrictions apply. See authorised retailer for full warranty details before you purchase.
IDEAL FITMENT FOR:
Subaru
Acura
Mazda
Honda
Nissan
Toyota
CAR DEALERS:
Purchase via your Car Manufacturer / Bridgestone National Account Programs
TIRE DEALERS:
Competitive prices on direct billing.
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT & RUN-FLAT TIRES:
We maintain a large and comprehensive inventory to meet all your requirements.
NATIONWIDE SERVICE:
Competitive shipping across Canada. E-mail us for our freight policy and toll free
contact numbers.
B2B WEBSITE - VIEW INVENTORY AND PLACE ORDERS:
Visit www.tiredistribution.com and register today.
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
S A M P LE S IZ ES
P 1 8 5 /6 5 R 1 5
86H
P 1 9 5 /6 5 R 1 5
89H
P 2 0 5 /6 5 R 1 5
92H
P 1 9 5 /6 0 R 1 5
87H
P 2 0 5 /6 0 R 1 5
90H
P 2 0 5 /6 0 R 1 6
91H
P 2 0 5 /6 0 R 1 6
91V
P 2 1 5 /6 0 R 1 6
94V
2 0 5 /5 5 R 1 6
91H
2 1 5 /5 5 R 1 7
94V
2 0 5 /5 0 R 1 7
89V
2 1 5 /5 0 R 1 7 X L 9 5 V
2 2 5 /5 0 R 1 7
94V
2 0 5 /4 5 R 1 7
84V
2 1 5 /4 5 R 1 7 X L 9 1 H
2 2 5 /4 5 R 1 7
91H
2 3 5 /4 5 R 1 7
94H
Additional Sizes Available
YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE
WEST
EAST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL (905) 670-9791
FAX (905) 670-0581
TEL (416) 292-8202
FAX (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
Your car can only brake
as well as your tires.
So: For your own safety, switch now to winter tires by Continental –
the pioneer in the development of safe tires and innovative braking systems.
Winter tires
35 m
Summer tires
43 m
Measurement at a speed of 50 km/h on snow.
The stopping distance data and comparison between summer and winter tires shown here were obtained using standard vehicles. The
displayed image is for illustrative purpose only. The stopping distance of any individual vehicle depends on the vehicle type, the brakes,
the tires, the load, the temperature and the road surface. (Source: Continental AG)
Tires - Engineered in Germany.