Volume 5 / Number 6 / Octobre 2008 / $4.95
By the Sea 2008
Tire Dealers Association PM 40014105 of Canada Convention Hall of Fame inductees Eric Gilbert, Jean-Marc Bernard, Gerald Robinson, and Don Blythe Share in our drive to succeed GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A BOOST, JOIN THE TIREMAX TEAM
An outstanding line of products and services Contact us now: Quick access to our 400,000 sq.ft distribution centre Pierre Germain, Manager, Dealer Operations Improved profitability Telephone: 450.449.0362 (Montreal area) Toll Free: 1 888 449.3534 Leading marketing and promotional campaigns [email protected] Protected territories tiremax.ca
TIREMAX, modeled after the industry-leading UNIPNEU network 133 locations in Québec, New Brunswick and Ontario
DATE CONCEPT. INFOGR. DIR. PROD. # dossier : 1502_00_UNPN_Magazines_Specialises Nom du fichier : Unpn_0002_02a_REV1.ai 14/05/2008 MT Format : 8,125 x 10,875 po ÉPREUVE RELECT. C. PROJET CLIENT Impression : cmyk 1a Contents October 2008
By the Sea 2008 NASCAR in Montreal Moving Your Business Tires Save 14 Forward 24 the Show
Calendar Features
October 2008 12 Job Safety—It’s No Accident 33 Getting the Safety Message Out Be Car Care Aware - Auto Safety Month Employees Who Can’t Work Will Care-Van Project Gets the Point to Cost You the Most the Public October 29-31 2008 Rubber Recycling Symposium Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver, BC F www.rubberassociation.ca 28 Industry Events 36 Private Brands Ecological Obstacle Course in What Are They? November 2008 Edmundston 38 Tire Pyrolysis November 4 AIA Canada - Canada Night 2008 29 Important Fall Update Overheating Warning Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, NV Quebec’s Mandatory Winter F Thérèse Santostefano 1-800-808-2920, ext. 225 Tire Matter F [email protected] 40 Special Report F www.aiacanada.com O.K. Tire Ranked First 30 Age: Good for Wine, Bad for Tires November 4-6 AAPEX Know the “Birthdays” of the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA Tires in Your Stock F www.aapexshow.com
November 4-7 32 TPMS: A Money-maker or a Money-loser SEMA Customer Education Will Make Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV All the Difference F www.semashow.com
Regulars
Editorial 4 Commercial Tires 18 to 23 Tire Recycling 26 Friend and Customer Trucks Tires Ontario Directs a New Tire Recycling Program Industry News 6, 8 Not All Light Trucks Use Passenger Tires Waste Diversion Ontario Must Develop Specific CommercialT ires a Program to Recycle Tires The Right Tire for Hard Working Vehicles New Products 10, 11 A Huge Market Wheels 34, 35 Light Truck Tires Abound Steel or Alloy Wheels Unusual Tires Winter Can Be Rough on Your Wheels Choosing the Right Off-road Tire Advertisers 46
October 2008 tn Tire News 3 Editorial Rémy L. Rousseau [email protected]
Publisher Rémy L. Rousseau Contributing Editors Raynald Bouchard, Shirley Brown, François Charron, Éric Descarries, Frédéric Desjardins, Friend and Customer 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 Production relationships. Olivier Rhême [email protected] Valérie St-Cyr [email protected] Circulation Manager ne of the most famous books ever other tire shop. Why not go the extra mile Sylvain Gendron [email protected] O written about success in business is and get involved with the community so Administration How to Win Friends and Influence People. that you stand apart from the competi- Wendy Allain [email protected] Written many years ago by sales and tion? Nancy Belleville [email protected] relationship guru Dale Carnegie, this well- Advertising Nathalie Plouffe known book has long been used as a Suppliers 416-925-5665 guide to excellence by some of the most Don’t limit relationship building to cus- [email protected] successful sales and business people in tomers. Include your suppliers too. True, Luc Champagne the world. you won’t be able to sell them tires, but 514-945-1299 [email protected] they can help you sell to your customers. Réjean A. Rousseau What’s interesting about this book is the Your suppliers can offer you invaluable 450-649-9007 fact that it has to do with winning friends. advice—information that can help you [email protected] Carnegie realized that success in business better run your business. Subscription is all about building relationships and cul- 1 year: $19.95 2 years: $34.95 3 years: $49.95 tivating friendships. Do you? Your suppliers also have friends—friends Published by Publications Rousseau they might recommend your services to… 2938, terrasse Abénaquis Customers just as long as you treat your suppliers Longueuil QC, J4M 2B3 T: 450-448-2220 Carnegie wasn’t saying that we need to right. F: 450-448-1041 become buddy-buddy with every cus- [email protected] tomer who walks through the door to buy Employees Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published seven a set of tires. But we do want to cultivate And don’t forget to be a friend to your times a year by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc., a relationships that will make our customers employees. Treat them right and they’ll be member of AIA Canada. feel like they know us and can depend on more than happy to recommend your shop Material in Tire News Magazine may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher. The us for their tire needs. to friends and family. Treat them badly or publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and take advantage of them, and they’ll tell disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, The simple truth is that people tend to their friend, family members, neighbours, opinions and statements appearing within this publication not are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are do business with people they recognize and anyone else who will listen to shop in no way to be construed as statements, positions or and feel comfortable with. That’s why it’s at your store. endorsements by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc. a good idea to get involved with your local Publications Mail Agreement 40014105. Return undelivrable Canadian addresses to Publications community. And do any of your employees have kids Rousseau / Circulation Department, 2938 terrasse that belong to a local sports team, club, 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. 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 Rémy L. Rousseau
4 Tire News tn October 2008 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 0th anniversaryanniversary33
Importer of CORGHI products in Canada
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MR. ERIC LANDRY 800-663-0814 industry NEWS
:
The Future Canadian Bridgestone to Expand TIA Releases a Basic Automotive Business Portal Mexican Plant for UHP Tires Earthmover Tire Service A well-kept secret, but rumours are raging like Bridgestone Corp. announced it will invest Program the wind! some $90 million to expand its Bridgestone The Tire Industry Association recently released A b2b portal, the only bilingual multisegment Firestone De Mexico S.A. de C.V. tire plant in a new training program for OTR (off-the-road) web site will soon be accessible. autosphere.ca’s Cuernavaca in order to build more UHP tires. and earthmover tire service in order to edu- flagship segments will be: auto maintenance & The plant already employs 850 workers and it cate technicians on the proper safety procedures. repair, collision repair, tires, and fleets. will create another 200 jobs with the expansion. Basic Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) explains the According to the company, the new capacity will It’s intended mainly for shop owners, their as- minimum skills and safety guidelines for servicing produce UHP tires for 16- to 22-inch wheels. sociates and staff, manufacturers, wholesalers, one-piece, three-piece, five-piece, and double Though Bridgestone has another plant in Mex- distributors, and chain stores. It applies equally gutter OTR assemblies. The ETS is designed as an ico at Monterrey—with its automated BIRD, or to Canadian automotive professionals and man- in-house training program including a 3.5-hour Bridgestone Innovative and Rational Develop- agement across the land. video and a 350-page workbook. Technicians ment, manufacturing system—it will soon be At autosphere.ca, you’ll find current events, who will successfully complete the final exam closing its older light and medium-duty truck tire scoops, interviews, profiles, exclusive issues, sur- and skills demonstration will get a TIA Certificate plant in Mexico City. veys, information assets on the industry, etc. of Completion. For ordering instructions, visit autosphere.ca. Coming this fall! Amtel-Vredestein/Sibur- www.tireindustry.org. Tire Country Adopts Russian Tyre Deal Is Off… Bridgestone Opens an Titan Tires for Now OTR Unit in Peru Western Canada’s Tire Country recently an- According to a company filing at the London Since large scale investment in Peru’s min- nounced that it has become a primary distribu- Stock Exchange, the Amtel-Vredestein/Sibur- ing industry is growing rapidly, Bridgestone has tor of the Titan Tire brand. Titan Tire is North Russian Tyres deal has been called off. These decided to establish a sales company there—the America’s third largest manufacturer of off-High- two companies were supposed to merge in order Bridgestone Off-The-Road Tire Peru S.A.C. in way tires. It also supplies OEMs, including John to create a $2 billion a year tire company that Lima, which will specialize in tires for mining and Deere, Case, New Holland, and Kubota. would have had more than 30 percent of the construction equipment. domestic market, and that would have helped NASCAR Will Control the the Russian tiremaker have access to Vredestein’s Grand-Am Racing Series performance technology and European market. The reason given for the failure is the lack of NASCAR has indicated that it would control the credit to meet the financial terms and conditions. Continental continues Grand-Am racing series in North America, while Nonetheless, Amtel-Vredestein has announced it both organizations will continue to sanction their CanAm sponsorship had not given up on the deal yet. race event independently. This will include the Continental Tire Canada has announced its Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series for prototypes ongoing relationship with the Porsche Club of that will race with the NASCAR Nationwide race Chrysler Will Eliminate America in the upper Canadian region for 2009. in Montreal next August and the Grand-Am Koni Lead Wheel Weights It is the second year in a row that Continen- Challenge for race-prepared street cars. Note Chrysler announced its program is completed tal has been an official sponsor of the CanAm that Pirelli is the official spec tire for the Rolex to eliminate the use of lead wheel weights from Challenge, which offers Canadian and American Series, while Hoosier is the supplier for the Koni its vehicles, switching to more eco-friendly subs- members of the Porsche Club and registered Challenge. titutes worldwide. car enthusiasts the chance to race at Ontario’s The move puts Chrysler in full compliance with Mosport, one of the fastest and most challenging a voluntary program announced by the U.S. En- tracks in North America. Held on the first week- vironmental Protection Agency in Detroit August end in August, the CanAm Challenge includes a 29. The National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initia- Test & Tune day, three days of club racing, and tive calls for elimination of lead wheel weights in sprint and enduro races. vehicles by the end of 2011. Continental is one of the main suppliers to Wheel weights can sometimes be dislodged on Porsche. “We are very pleased to sponsor this rough roads. Being made of lead—effective and event,” said Guy Hardiman, general manager of low cost—has raised concerns about lead ente- Continental Tire Canada. “Porsche and Continen- The Grand Am Rolex series that raced Pirelli tires in ring the environment. Chrysler’s wheel weights tal, both German-based companies, are for their Montreal will be under control of NASCAR. (photo: Éric are now made of steel and zinc. expertise in engineering known worldwide. Due Descarries) to our strong OE heritage, it’s a great fit for us.”
6 Tire News tn October 2008 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. industry NEWS
Playground Falls Cushioned by Recycled Tires B.C. Educators from East Kootenay School District Heart-in-One Video! BFGoodrich Chooses Quinn No. 5 unveiled an innovative approach to physical As part of UNIPNEU dealers’ 2008 fall meeting, Lakes Trail as a 2008 education with the official opening of three unusual held at Mont-Tremblant’s Le Diable golf course, playgrounds at elementary schools in the commun- golfers raised $8770 to be donated to four char- Outstanding Trail ities of Fernie, Sparwood, and Elkford. Each of the ities: The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Que- In late August, BFGoodrich presented an award play areas features a five-inch thick “pour in place” bec, MIRA, The Canadian Cancer Society, and The and a grant to the Ottawa Valley Off Roaders rubber surface made from B.C. scrap tires that cush- Quebec Breakfast Club. for its Quinn Lakes Trail close to Ottawa. The ions falls, creates fun, and makes the playground Participating golfers were also in for a sur- grant is to be used to preserve the trail system accessible to people of all ages and levels of ability. prise—when you visit http://deficoupdecoeur. that is located between Calabogie and Ompah. Unlike traditional playground surfaces of pea grav- unipneu.com/foursome25/index.html, specially BFGoodrich, working in conjunction with Tread Li- el or wood chips, the solid crumb-rubber surface is created by UNIPNEU, you can watch quite a ghtly! and United Four Wheel Drive Associations completely wheelchair and walker accessible. video-clip… (UFWDA), chose the Quinn Lakes Trail because it provides driving opportunities for many skills “When you set foot on one of these surfaces, it feels Filmed on location, the clip itself is well worth an on varied terrain—rock, mud, dirt, and hills. To as if you are standing on a firm mattress,” says Frank evening at a movie theatre. So why not take the learn more about this trail and others rewarded Lento, the retired educator who facilitated the design opportunity, while you’re on the site, to make a by BFG, visit www.bfgoodrichtires.com/outstan- and development of the three playgrounds. “The online donation equal to the value of such an even- dingtrails. children find the cushioning effect so much fun they ing for the benefit of one of the four organizations flock to the playground at every opportunity. These whose links appear? That will allow you to multiply facilities will advance the quality of our physical educa- the amounts received while being entertained. tion program and assist us in achieving the goal of 30 The Heart-in-One Challenge is a Pneus Unimax minutes of exercise for each pupil each day.” initiative made possible by Continental, Good- The recycled tire granule surface was chosen be- year, Pirelli, Toyo, and Yokohama. cause it provides superior safety and accessibility. “Also, pupils confined to wheelchairs or who use JK and Tornel Tires crutches now have complete access, which means Coming to Canada they can participate fully in play and experience the According to Tire Business, India’s JK Tyre & joy of physical activity and exercise.” Industries, the new owner of Mexico’s Compania The surface is also very durable—it’s highly resist- Hulera Tornel S.A. de C.V., is looking into sell- ant to cold and heat and has a longer life span than ing its JK and Tornel brands of tires in Canada gravel or mulch. The surface is also easier to clean starting in 2009. JK Tyre is the world’s 23rd and maintain. largest tire maker. According to the American Those interested in learning more about recycled publication, the tire maker has not yet named Ottawa Valley Off Roaders was awarded a grant to preserve its Quinn Lake Trail. tire products and Tire Stewardship B.C. can do so by any possible distributors or discussed any mar- www.tirestewardshipbc.ca visiting . keting plans.
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cp atlas bridgestone.indd 1 9/25/08 7:25:56 PM New Products
Yokohama Introduces Three Yokohama Adds the AVID New Medium Truck Tires Touring-S to Lineup Yokohama recently introduced three new me- The AVID Touring-S is said to dium truck tires that feature high mileage, long offer exceptional ride quality, casing life, and low rolling resistance, all using the stability, safety, and dura- new process Yokohama calls Z.environment. bility for a wide range of These three tires are the 703ZL, a new premium cars, SUVs, and minivans, drive tire for long haul, the 103ZR, a premium including Ford Focus, regional rib tire, and the 510ZA, a premium on/ Mitsubishi Lancer, Nis- off highway tire. Other than the highly specialized san Altima, Honda CRV, deep-tread low resistance design, this new line of Chevy Uplander, Dodge tires utilizes a new mixing process that creates a Caravan, and Toyota more pliable rubber that offers a long casing life Sienna. to reduce heat build-up, add durability and extend Product highlights 703ZL 501ZA 103ZR retreading cycles. of the AVID Touring-S in- clude a twin stability rib for better handling and reduced New FS560 PLUS Urban Michelin’s New X One XDN2 noise; luxury sidewall construction that utilizes Steer Tire Sizes Late last August, Michelin unveiled its very latest a hard rubber insert to help absorb bumps and Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions X One Super Single tire—the X One XDN2 on- vibrations; tapered rain channels that accelerate is launching six new sizes in its highway drive tire—at the 2008 Great American water into the outer grooves for optimal wet trac- lineup of Firestone FS560 PLUS Trucking Show. The XDN2 is the first X One that tion; cross traction sipes that improve handling in steer tires designed for long uses the Michelin Durable Technology that delivers, adverse conditions; and a tri-plex compound for wear and low cost per mile of according to the manufacturer, increased tire life, increased tread life and traction on slick surfaces. pick-up and delivery and lo- uncompromised traction, and the fuel efficiency It will be offered in 19 sizes. cal hauling applications. The gains of the X One single tire. The XDN2 tread sizes include 9R22.5 and pattern incorporates Matrix Siping Technology Heat Buster 10R22.5 in F load range, corrugated grooves in the tread block that provide This is a unique polymer gel that will create a 10R22.5 in G load range, and a zigzag appearance. These grooves lock the tread heat barrier and protect adjacent property from 255/70R22.5, 275/70R22.5, block as it moves through the contact patch. It welding flames and heat. It’s an easily applied gel and 215/75R17.5 low pro- thus provides tread block rigidity and exceptional that prevents heat damage to sensitive areas when file sizes in H load range. The traction while resisting scrubbing. Note the open undertaking repairs involving high temperatures, 215/75R17.5 size will be available shoulder tread design for more traction. Available such as in welding operations. later this year. This tire has four full to end-users in November 2008, the XDN2 will Heat Buster helps pre- Firestone be available in a 445/50R22.5 size equivalent FS560 PLUS steel belts, an all-steel casing ply and vent damages to adjacent a special two-layer tread with a slow to a 275/80 R22.5 size, while the 455/55R22.5 areas when welding repair wearing top compound and a layer beneath that equivalent to an 11R22.5 size will be available in sections into damaged helps insulate the casing from damaging heat. December. The new X One XDN2 will replace the X vehicles, eliminates heat One XDA-HT Plus tire. distortion, and prevents New FD690 Drive welding splatter adhering Axle Tire Sizes to surfaces. It saves time by elimi- Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions just added nating the costly disas- two new sizes to its FD690 PLUS deep drive axle sembly of valves or other tires, the 225/70R19.5 and the 245/70R19.5, components before bra- engineered to fight irregular wear while its aggres- zing, soldering, or welding, sive design adds stability. The middle and reduces danger of fire blocs are tied by rubber bridges, to surrounding surfaces which increase stability and such as wood studs, drywall, insulation, glass, and fight heel and toe wear. 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. Talk to your Auto-Chem representative or call Firestone FD690 PLUS 450-654-9292.
10 Tire News tn October 2008 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 Ride on the strength of Hercules 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. 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 grea- test control while drilling the truest, most round holes in various materials. Laser-marked sizes, 3-flat- ted shanks, minimal vibra- tion and patented Speed- point tips are features built into all Unibit step drills. For more information about IRWIN’s line of hand tools and power tool acces- sories, 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. Order them today and be prepared for 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.
veryone knows that repair shops are pressed air for practical jokes is unaccept- While back belts are popular in many E 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 these high pressures can be deadly, and reverse itself. Ear protection should be 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 instead. Your employees are both among your installed correctly and that technicians greatest assets and your biggest expens- know how to use it. The cage must be Back injuries: all too common es; their safety should be among your free-standing and at least three feet (one It’s estimated that eight out of ten people primary concerns. tn 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 the legs, and turning the whole body to Treat compressed air with respect change direction, not just twisting at the Most people know that playing with com- waist.
12 Tire News tn October 2008 FeaturesFeatures & & Benefits Benefits improvedimproved tread tread pattern: pattern: ParallelParallel central central ribs ribs to to improve improve vehicle vehicle handling handling StableStable shoulder shoulder blocks blocks with with Force Force Transmission Transmission Links Links to to increase increase performance performance CircumferentialCircumferential central central groove groove for for fast fast drainage, drainage, slush slush expulsion expulsion and and better better self self cleaning cleaning increasedincreased sipe sipe density density and and 3D 3D Drop Drop sipes: sipes: MoreMore grip grip edges edges for for better better snow snow handling handling performance performance nordicnordic silica silica compound: compound: InnovativeInnovative winter winter grip grip polymer polymer for for improved improved snow snow traction, traction, performance performance and and ice ice grip grip
SIZESSIZES AVAILABLE AVAILABLE NordfrostNordfrost 5 5 1313 inch inch 1616 inch inch 175/70R13175/70R13 82T 82T SL SL 225/70R16225/70R16 102T 102T SL SL 155/80R13155/80R13 79T 79T SL SL 215/65R16215/65R16 98T 98T XL XL 1414 inch inch 205/60R16205/60R16 96T 96T XL XL 175/65R14175/65R14 82T 82T SL SL 215/60R16 215/60R16 95T 95T 185/65R14185/65R14 86T 86T SL SL 225/60R16 225/60R16 XL XL 102T 102T 175/70R14175/70R14 84T 84T SL SL 205/55R16205/55R16 94T 94T XL XL 185/70R14185/70R14 88T 88T SL SL 215/55R16215/55R16 97T 97T XL XL 195/70R14195/70R14 91T 91T SL SL 225/55R16 225/55R16 XL XL 99T 99T 1515 inch inch 1717 inch inch 215/70R15215/70R15 98T 98T 235/65R17235/65R17 108T 108T XL XL 185/65R15185/65R15 88T 88T 235/55R17235/55R17 XL XL 103T 103T 195/65R15195/65R15 91T 91T 205/50R17 205/50R17 93T 93T XL XL 205/65R15205/65R15 94T 94T 225/50R17225/50R17 XL XL 98T 98T 185/60R15185/60R15 88T 88T XL XL 225/45R17 225/45R17 94T 94T XL XL 195/60R15195/60R15 88T 88T 1818 inch inch 195/55R15195/55R15 89T 89T XL XL 245/40R18 245/40R18 97T 97T XL XL NEWNEW SIZES SIZES FOR FOR 2008 2008 Advertorial By the Sea 2008 Moving Your Business Forward
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.”
he Tire Dealers Association Needless to say, a Golf Tournament was the T o f C a n a d a ( T D A C ) 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 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 A reception at Pier 21 finished off dealers to move their business forward in the day. the coming years. 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 you all recall, Demers was one of the most “Another thing that stood out was that we surpassed attendance numbers of former 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 [email protected] 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!” Photos: Marie-Josée Rousseau
14 Tire News tn October 2008 By the Sea 2008 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- Hall of Fame inductees cousins in 2004. Eventually, Jean-Marc ly. He also operated his own tire business- The Hall of Fame was well done and the became vice president of TDAC. es—Parkdale Tire Sales and maintained inductees certainly were worthy of their the BFGoodrich warehouse for PEI. He nominations. Jean-Marc Bernard has Gerald Robinson of Prince Edward Island retired in 1994. 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
The rat pack—Jean-Marc Bernard, Gerald Robinson, Don Blythe, and Eric Gilbert
October 2008 tn Tire News 15 By the Sea 2008 Moving Your Business Forward
“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 di- rector 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 the O.K. Tire Board of Directors and then 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. 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. tn
16 Tire News tn October 2008 By the Sea 2008 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 incred- ible 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 mean that light truck tire sales will slow down too? No! As a matter equipment. (photo: Ford) 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 tires more than ever. the P-Metric and LT format. (photo: Bridgestone)
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 at the placard in the doorjamb, inside 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. tn 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
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 CommercialT ires 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. find the right sizes—and the replace- BFGoodrich also has a BFGoodrich’s Commercial T/A Traction ment wheels. Manufacturers include tires for such great winter tire for com- can be used for snow sizes. BFGoodrich is one of them with its mercial vehicles, the or off-road situations. 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 sarily available every- for light commercial vehicles. Actually, there tire can be studded. where in Canada. This are even a few more tires that should fit the Tire manufacturers such is where companies like same definition. For more information, a Keep in mind that many big RVs must also as Bridgestone offer light commercial truck tires like Continental come into the quick check with your local distributors will rely on LT tires. Few owners will change this most recent Duravis. picture with replacement tell you more. their tires because they are worn out and products such as its Vanco 8 tire series. still fewer will install winter tires on their Slowly, other tire manufacturers, once Winter tires RVs. But some of them might stop at your 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. tn
S208 Premium all-steel steer axle radial. Reinforced bead construction and durable carcass for excellent Hercules Medium Truck Tires retreadability. Decoupling groove for extended wear affordable, Reliable Tires Built to Perform and stress relief sipes for all weather traction. 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 forlight 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 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 Commercial T/A 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 interest- ing light-truck tires to offer its customers, the Destination A/T and the Destination M/T, the latter being a full- fledge off-road tire with, of all things, pin holes for studs. Firestone also offers the Transforce H/T and A/T commercial Hercules Tires has a few light truck truck tires for 15- to 18-inch wheels. Transforce H/T tires in its catalogue, including the All Country A/T and All Country LXT off- road 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 com- pany 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 pro- Wrangler MT/R duces a full-fledged commercial light truck tire discussed in another article, the Unisteel G947, G949 G933, and G971. Venture MT u
October 2008 tn Tire News 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 excit- ing 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 prod- ucts 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 Laredo AWT SUV tires are the best known. Hakka Sport Utility AWTII all-terrain tires, 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. tn
22 Tire News tn October 2008 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.
ost tire manufacturers will offer Moff-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, All-terrain or mud terrain tires are Our test Jeep Wrangler was equipped with it’s BFGoodrich that is the official provider good in sand if slightly deflated. its OE BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A tires. for the newer Wrangler (JK) Rubicon with its Mud Terrain T/A. Both tires have a Super Swampers are typical Speciality tires three-ply wall construction that will avoid extreme off-road Speciality off-road tires are not always cinching the tire when it is deflated at a specialized tires. 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 place them with “real” winter tires during Super special might not be the best tires on the road off-road tires the cold season. are good in and they might not perform well on ice— mud or rough however, they can be surprising in very terrain, but not Mud, sand, rock? so much on deep snow—but they are still the ones A country as big as ours has many differ- the road or in “serious” off-roaders look for. tn winter. ent kinds of trails available, depending on where the off-road enthusiast is located. In some areas, off-roading is done mostly on Skid Steer OOPS very rocky trails that might require specif- A story we recently published in Tire News on ic rock-crawling capabilities. However, the better part of Canadian trails will be in skid steer tires has sparked a controversy, and muddy areas that will require what are our editorial department has received a number referred to as “mud terrain” tires. They of inquiries on the subject. Since the matter are recognizable by large voids that clean clearly needs to be explored further, Tire News themselves up very quickly in such situa- will be devoting a special Industry Report on the Kumho still subject in our April 2009 issue. This report, we produces a tions. The commercially better accepted modern version “all-terrain” tires will do the job here, but feel, will give all sides an opportunity to present of its Road their cases, tell their stories, and let our readers Venture off-road their tighter voids might have the ten- tire that is not dency to clog up faster and provide less come to their own conclusions. bad on the road. traction on muddy trails.
October 2008 tn Tire News 23 NASCAR in Montreal
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!
ndeed, as the race was only a few laps old, it started I to rain. NASCAR had never raced in the rain. But its onlyTires tire provider, Goodyear, was ready withS a trailerave full the Show 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 self- destroyed 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 check- ered flag first, driving a Riley Ford. tn
Pirelli was ready for any weather in the Goodyear pulled out its NASCAR rain tires Grand Am series. (É.D.) for the first time. (É.D.) photos: Éric and Guillaume Descarries
24 Tire News tn October 2008 Éric Descarries [email protected]
OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF Mike Wallace (Camry No 7) was one of the rare drivers to lose it on wet pavement. (G.D.)
PRODUCTS IN CANADA
Pirelli guests had a great spot to watch the Grand Am race. (É.D.)
Goodyear posted recommended pressures Patrick Carpentier was the star of the show. (G.D.) before the race. (É.D.)
Working their way in the rain. (G.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.
owever, in August, Minister of the in the province. The money instead went ticipating in the program, shall not charge H 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 stockpiles should be considered a prior- 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.” 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 wide range of materials, including Blue for use as TDF (tire-derived fuel) or are Box waste, used oil material, electrical and “The program should be consumer-focused being stockpiled. 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
26 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’ can indeed go together.
nd for that reason, the Formation de Maritimes. “People haven’t been made Other organizations also had booths on A 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 spare tire. Some contestants didn’t think “final decision.” Dealer participation 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 Translated from its original French by Marc-Alain Nantel. from its original French Translated
The final decision exercice required the driver to brake Gilles Francoeur giving instructions to a participant. rapidly in one of the three designated stop zones at the end of the course.
In order to make visitors aware of the importance of being Police chases were recreated within the obstacle sober when driving, the Formation de conduite Avantage Participants had to change a flat tire.
course at the Brunswick Centre. company put a damaged vehicle on display. Desjardins Frédéric photos:
28 Tire News tn October 2008 Raynald Bouchard Important Fall Update [email protected] Quebec’s
The ASPQ deemed fit to share this information with Mandatory Canada’s tire industry and with all interested parties, be Definition of a touring vehicle they manufacturers, distributors, resellers, or other Based on the Highway Safety Code defini- concerned associations. In fact, the Canadian Winter Tire government was on the verge of issuing, in 2009, the tion, the MTQ will issue an administra- compliance standards for winter tires throughout the tive memo specifying what a touring ve- country. Those mentioned in this article apply to Quebec and could lead the way to national regulation. Note that hicle must or must not be. Said definition this information is distributed without prejudice, since should soon be available on the MTQ Web the MTQ could still bring forth minor modifications. We Matter will be made aware of the content regarding the final site. tn version of Act 55 when it is published in the Gazette officielle du Québec in a few weeks. t press time, Quebec’s Ministère A des Transports (MTQ) was finalizing certain last amendments to Acts 55 and 42, making the use of winter tires manda- tory. 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 numer- ous 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 • 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 spe- cifically 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 gov- ernment during 2009.
• The Mud and Snow (M+S) marking will not be considered compliant. Translated from its original French by Marc-Alain Nantel. from its original French Translated
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?
ine improves with aging, but tires date. Stock rotation should depend not on The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety W 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 paying attention to the manufacturer’s was manufactured. been examining the issue since 2002, but 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 determined an accurate test to measure 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. 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 pattern of motor vehicle collisions caused 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, tires, Transport Canada recommends didn’t say how many shops the re- such as environment (storage conditions, that tires should not be put into porters visited or how many temperature, climate), the driven frequen- service if they have been in tires they examined over- cy, the composition and quality of tire, storage for more than six 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.” to 2001 and sold If you’ve got a very as new. In other words, it’s up to you to regulate full warehouse, your stock; just as importantly for your it’s entirely pos- 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
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.
ut that doesn’t necessarily translate standardization for TPMS, and worse, TPMS readouts, and mistakenly blaming B 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 conscious drivers grows, so does the mar- 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, Numerous obstacles 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. price: at approximately $50 per sensor, you’ve got to “sell” the customer on some- And TPMS can even go the other way, as And at the retail level, dealers need to thing that can represent one-fifth the price a new survey released by J.D. Power and stay on top with training at all levels of of each tire. Associates following the TDAC convention the shop, from the service counter to the shows: when asked about satisfaction shop floor, with the aim of “relearning” not On your shop floor, you’re going to need with their tires, vehicle owners reported only the TPMS system, but also its owner. tools, updates, parts, resources and scan- nearly 20 percent more complaints about Seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and ners, and possibly the most expensive “slow leaks” in their tires in 2008, when electronic stability control all had to be of all, staff who are trained in proper compared with 2007. The problem? J.D. “sold” to the customer in their day, and mounting, dismounting, testing, and cali- Power suspects that drivers were moni- now they’re considered essential. One bration of the various systems. That’s not toring subtle, non-problematic pressure day, with the proper emphasis, TPMS will made easier by the fact that there is no changes or false readings on their digital be there also. tn 32 Tire News tn October$ 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.
etting them to think about the im- shows, and Toronto’s Canadian National in Ontario and Quebec, and one in the G portance is the goal of the Care-Van Exhibition and Ontario Place. Atlantic Provinces.” program, a new initiative by the Rubber 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 Trained tire experts ty-based events where the public is invited vehicle fleet made up of hybrid SUVs. “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.
lloy Wheel Repair Specialists deal What to choose—steel or alloy? as changing tires twice a year will surely A 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.” accident or a road hazard. According to Many motorists think that a nice looking 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 aftermarket wheels look good with 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 peeled off after winter. The same goes A wheel thus damaged can be considered non-repairable. Éric Descarries photos:
34 Tire News tn October 2008 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 fl eets) A wheel with a slightly damaged edge can be repaired. With such a fissure, it’s better to opt for a refurbished wheel. CONTENTS with chrome finish on aftermarket alloy Repairing alloy wheels+ Latest news and events importance of being careful with after- wheels. Alloy wheels are flexible and A quick visit to +Alloy Exclusive Wheel interviews, Repairs willprofi lesmarket and topics cleaners. Instructions should be their chrome coating has a tendency teach you a lot +about Online the surveys, kinds resources of dam- andread promotions very carefully, as most cleaners are 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 business. As DanVISITORS’ explained PROFILE to us, slight- have the tendency to let the product show the beginning of cracking and ly bent alloy+ wheels Shop owners, can be associates repaired, and staffsit on the wheel for more than a few damage. And once the chrome goes, often at a reasonable+ Manufacturers, cost; distributors,a wheel with wholesalers minutes and before retail chains washing it off. If it says + Fleet managers and industry professionals that’s it. They cannot be rechromed or a missing part can also sometimes be ‘apply-brush-wash,’ it’s important to repaired. repaired but, once again, a refurbished abide by the instructions and wash off OE wheel will Dedicatedbe better. section to tiresthe product! as soon as possible so that There are some steel-chromed wheels the corrosive action does not stick to the on the market that will survive some Any damage that crosses over the bead wheel and mar the finish. website in construction winters, but they do not fit all needs. is considered unrepairable. And as far As a matter of fact, Launchthe company Fall he 2008as steel wheels are concerned, the com- In addition, he recommends that the 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 1/6they Page are aftermarket or not. Machine 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 of four because many models1)',%2-'%0 can be'300-7-326)4%-6 der. 8-6)7 *0))87 will not stand up to salt. Once again, this discontinued after two years. type of wheel is not autosphere.ca suggested by our Only Canadian bilingual, multisegmentRemember, trademaintenance site is the key to expert. According to Dan, Launch fully painted Fall 2008 Maintenance still is the key websitegood-looking in construction wheels, no matter what alloy wheels remain the better choice. Maintenance remains the secret to nice kind of wheel it is. tn These usually have at least three layers wheels, whether it is in summer or in 1/4of protective Page coating. winter. However, Dan mentioned the www.alloywheelrepair.ca
1)',%2-'%0 '300-7-326)4%-6 8-6)7 *0))87
autosphere.ca Only Canadian bilingual, multisegment trade site
CONTENTS VISITORS’ PROFILE + Latest news and events + Shop owners, associates and staff + Exclusive interviews, profi les and topics + Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retail chains + Online surveys, resources and promotions + Fleet managers and industry professionals
Launch Fall 2008 website in construction
October 2008 tn Tire News 35
PubAutoSphereTeaser.indd 15 9/24/08 1:51:03 PM 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?
n the past, many were leery of private to 24 months from the time the vehicle nowadays are of very good quality. Keller I 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? ing in quality and that some major brands 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 Who are the private brand customers? facturer that is still committed to private we have in America or Europe. So they are Keller says that most people who buy brands. Consequently, private brand tires using the latest technology in tire mak- private brand tires are typical consumers ing,” says Keller. who will use them as second or third fit- ment 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 Hercules Tires is among the best-known independent brand tire manufacturers in Canada.
36 Tire News tn October 2008 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 fl eets)
CONTENTS + Latest news and events + Exclusive interviews, profi les 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
website in construction
Launch Fall 2008
PubAutoSphereTeaser.indd 2 9/17/08 12:43:25 PM 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.
t then breaks down in a variety of che- Good practices I mical substances, such as methane, hy- If you suspect unusual tire overheating, The afore-mentioned enumeration of po- drogen, carbon black, and styrene. When tentially dangerous heat sources resulting it’s better to remain at a safe distance they make contact with the oxygen inside in pyrolysis must be a guide to be memo- the tire, these flammable vapours are set until the tire has cooled down. rized 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 blown 300 metres away. Preventive training 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 Translated from its original French by Marc-Alain Nantel. Translated • Poor tire condition or over/ under tire inflation the vehicle is at a standstill, increasing the • Using a blow torch on a risks of pyrolysis. The heat causes the air wheel or near the tire 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. If the tires are not cooled, the pyrolysis • Contact with high-tension phenomenon begins and an explosion can power line or lightning occur at any moment within 24 hours. • Presence of contaminants inside the tire Extreme caution • Absorption of flammable Whether you’re a truck driver, automotive liquids by the tire technician, or other, if you suspect that a tire is unusually overheated, it’s better • Installing and uninstalling tires to keep a safe distance for a reasonable lapse of time until the tire has cooled. If Explanation of the phenomenon possible, measure the tire’s temperature This picture illustrates the brake actuator and the When the vehicle is in motion, the tires with an infrared temperature sensor; it threaded bar to be screwed to the end in order to cool down thanks to the air circulating must be below 250°C. As soon as the si- compress the diaphragm spring inside, thus releasing the at high speed. If an abnormal condition tuation is favourable (temperature around pressure on air brakes. Said rod is usually stored on the side of the actuator. It’s the only good way of neutralizing occurs, causing the tires to overheat, the 70°C), you must deflate the tire to a mini- the pressure on brake shoes and preventing brakes from cooling process is much less efficient when mum and carry out a careful inspection. overheating.
38 Tire News tn October 2008 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.
hether analyzing new home pur- scale and performs particularly well in W chases, new or used cars, service work quality and customer orientation— “A one percentage point 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. increase in share of service served as the litmus test of customer sa- tisfaction. The company’s annual ranking Petro-Canada (Certigard) follows O.K. visits for either aftermarket or is used as a benchmark by consumers, bu- Tire in the rankings with a score of 886, new-car dealers can potentially siness owners, and analysts alike to deter- while AUTOPRO ranks third overall with mine which businesses excel in customer 881. lead to a $110 million increase satisfaction, and which ones are losing or gaining market share. The study finds that the industry as a in annual revenue.” whole has improved over the past four Recently, J.D. Power announced that years, and that customer satisfaction in – Adrian Chung, manager of 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 automotive syndicated research at 2008 Canadian Customer Commitment was 826 points, while in 2008 that num- J.D. Power and Associates. 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.
40 Tire News tn October 2008 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. any franchised car dealers. The indepen- 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 u
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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 ofa 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. u revenue,” says Adrian Chung, manager of “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.
42 Tire News tn October 2008 Jack Kazmierski [email protected]
tn Special Report ‘ Rising to Europe s Tire Market Leader Salutes Everyone the Top Ranked as first by J.D. Power justifies all at O.K. Tire for Being #1 the changes and improvements O.K. Tire has in their Field. made to their organization over the past couple of years.
.D. Power and Associates recently ranked O.K. Tire Stores high- Jest in customer satisfaction on the 2008 Canadian Customer Commitment Index Study. Although O.K. Tire is thrilled to be num- ber 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 impar- tial, 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 inter- viewed 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 andde- fines 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 quality of the staff and the service. “We have a group of staff Toyo Tires on this prestigious called dealer development managers who work with our stores recognition! 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, con- ducting research on a national level and introducing tools that help each store better understand what’s happening in their par- ticular 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 all the stores are company owned. But when you have an organ- Engineered ization like O.K. Tire where each store is independently owned and operated, it can be difficult to get all owner/operators to buy into for the real world. 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 So when a consumer is dealing with one of our stores, they’re not to handle Canada’s worst driving dealing with the manager—they’re dealing with the owner. And it conditions. We also know you need tires seems that the owner has a more vested interest in making sure that will perform in one particularly that the customer is satisfied.” demanding area: the real world. So whether your customer is taking the kids The upgrades the more than 265 O.K. Tire locations have been to the ball game, or they are on the way asked to accept are major. For starters, the organization is rec- 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 Special Report Rising to the top
ommending significant change in the IT oktire.com (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 fol- low 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 recom- mended POS system is from COSTAR, as is the enterprise system, “because this will allow us to drive efficiency and time sav- ings 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 re- lationship 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.”
Facelift Å Å Å O.K. Tire is also working on improving the 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, look and feel of each store. “The woman OK Tire ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” on the J.D. Power that brings her car into an O.K. Tire store and Associates’ 2008 Canadian Customer Commitment Study. See why may have just come from a very modern 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 trad- itional automotive experience.”
To improve the retail experience, the com- pany is working with their stores to en- hance ambiance with new guidelines on signs, on store identification, and a focus ™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 on store interiors. 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 u
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 over- haul of O.K. Tire’s warehousing system. “We have sold our distri- bution centre in Langley and are building a new and larger dis- tribution centre, which will also serve as our head office in South FOR THEIR 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 J.D. POWER AWARD 100,000 sq. ft. distribution centre with room to expand another 40,000 sq. ft. if we need to.” FOR EXCEPTIONAL The new distribution centre will be used as a hub/mixing ware- house for Western Canada, with a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in CUSTOMER SERVICE. 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 be- cause 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 con- stantly be working to improve ourselves.” tn
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