Modern Tire Dealer - Performance Handbook 2013

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Handbook 2013 Editorial

Charting High Performance tires over the years Even UHP tires are no longer a niche | Page 4 Features

From 50 years ago to 25 years ago to now Once a niche, high and ultra-high performance tire sales make up a signifcant portion of your business. Are you keeping up with the wants and needs of your customers? | Page 6

Mounting and balancing equipment and tips How to support your HP/UHP business | Page 14

An installer’s guide to wheel offset When dealing with custom wheels, this is one case where it’s better to be negative than positive | Page 24

Reading, writing and ’rithmetic The sidewall says it all when it comes to selling high performance tires | Page 32

D E PA R T M E N T S 35-58 Performance Showcase 58-60 Performance Directory 61-64 Performance Datafle 65 Quik-Link 66 Marketplace

Modern Tire Dealer is a proud member of: TRIB

TIRE RETREAD & REPAIR INFORMATION BUREAU

Member An Industry Association

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Editorial

Charting High Performance tires over the years Even UHP tires are no longer a niche

C

an a segment that represents one-third of the total market be considered a niche?

How about one-sixth?

The High Performance tire market, defned broadly, makes up 65 million tires in the aftermarket, or 33.7% of the total replacement passenger tire market. That number of units has increased every year since 1994.

If you divide the High Performance market into its two most common parts — high performance (lower case) and ultra-high performance (UHP) — each segment represents about half of the High Performance market, and one-sixth of the total market. Over the last 18 years, those two well-defned segments have grown 194% and 900%, respectively!

original equipment level. There also are plenty of brands from which to choose. Just look at the UHP chart on this page. The Hankook, Kumho and Nexen Korean brands were unknown in the United States in 1994. The Nitto and GT Radial brands didn’t make their mark until the turn of the century. Eldorado was a broad-line tire before it added the Velozza line.

HIGH/UHP TIRE MARKET SHARE

BY COMPANY (based on 65 million units)

Others 51.7% Goodyear 18.4%

HIGH/ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE MARKET SHARE BY BRAND High performance (based on 33 million units)

Michelin 17.8% Bridgestone 12.1%

Ultra-high performance (based on 32 million units) Source: Modern Tire Dealer

Brand Goodyear Michelin Bridgestone Yokohama Falken Hankook Kumho BFGoodrich Nexen Continental Pirelli Toyo Cooper Dunlop Firestone General Nitto GT Radial Kelly Sumitomo Others

2012 14.5% 12.0% 8.0% 8.0% 6.0% 6.0% 6.0% 5.0% 5.0% 4.0% 4.0% 4.0% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 3.0%

Brand Goodyear Michelin Bridgestone Falken Hankook Continental Pirelli Yokohama BFGoodrich Kumho Nexen Toyo Dunlop Firestone Cooper Delinte Nitto Sumitomo General GT Radial Eldorado Others

2012 14.5% 14.0% 10.0% 8.5% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 5.0% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5% 4.0% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 2.0%

The growth has occurred with the three largest tire manufacturers in the world losing market share during that span. What is the secret?

Demand is the key, some of it created at the 4

Those are just a few examples based on the chart. The Vredestein Ultrac Vorti was launched last year. Del-Nat Tire Corp.’s new Sentinel UN33 tire was introduced earlier this year. And before the end of the year, you may see the Petlas Velox Sport — a Turkish UHP tire!

Think that’s the end of it? With the tariff on consumer tire imports from China a thing of the past, you can expect to see even more low-cost UHP brands new to you.

Thanks to ever-advancing technology, today’s high and ultra-high performance tires are on their way to becoming tomorrow’s broad-line tires. Their defnitions are changing as a result (for a look at the evolution of high and ultrahigh performance tires, see “From 50 years ago to 25 years go to now,” starting on page 6).

There are not only all-season UHP tires, but also winter UHP tires!

It’s all good, in my opinion. The more options available to you, the better. It means you control your own destiny, even in niche markets.

Or former niche markets. — Bob Ulrich If you have any questions or comments, please email me at bob.ulrich@bobit.com.

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Feature

From 50 years ago to 25 years ago to now Once a niche, high and ultra-high performance tire sales make up a signifcant portion of your business. Are you keeping up with the wants and needs of your customers?

By Bob Ulrich

A

couple of guys riding around in a Corvette stop at a tire dealership and tell the dealer they need new tires. When asked what kind, the driver says, “Nylon premiums, the best.” The dealer replies, “That’ll run you $45 apiece.” Unconcerned, the driver agrees to the sales price. Nylon tires for a Corvette? High performance, premium tires that cost only $45 apiece? What year is this?

It’s a 1962 scenario. At that time, nylon premiums were bias tires considered top of the line. Few consumers had even heard of radial tires, and only tire company engineers were talking about bias-belted tires.

More than 50 years later, the defnition of “performance tire” continues to evolve. Long gone is the cosmetic performance tire, which was little more than aesthetically pleasing. In 1962, there was no such thing as an “ultra-high” performance tire.

On its way out is the defnition of performance based solely on speed ratings. Size and ftment are becoming equally as important when determining a performance category. In addition, it won’t be long before H-rated tires become the base line for broad-line.

Already “in” is the fne-tuning of the old ultrahigh performance category, which now includes “max” performance (a term created by The Tire Rack) and “extreme” performance tires.

Twenty-fve years ago, UHP summer tires were defned as V- and Z-rated tires in 55-series and lower sizes (think BFGoodrich Comp T/A or Pirelli P700). High performance tires were primarily H-rated tires in 70-, 65- and 60-series sizes.

The high performance segment was much larger than its ultra-high performance counterpart. But even combined, they remained a niche in the overall replacement passenger tire market.

Not anymore. In 2012, UHP tires accounted for 32 million of the 192.7 million replacement 6

passenger tires shipped domestically, or 16.6%.

When you add high performance tire shipments into the mix, roughly one-third of all the replacement tires sold in the United States last year — 65 million tires — were at least H-rated, 70-series or lower (see shipments chart on page 10).

So, what is the makeup of the average high and ultra-high performance tire buyer? Modern Tire Dealer decided to survey independent tire dealers to fnd out. The results will give you a benchmark against which to compare your goals.

Buying habits Based on data from our “2013 High Performance Tire Survey,” the average high performance tire buyer is: • • • • •

a male between the ages of 25 and 49, who needs an H-rated, 17-inch tire, but does not specify brand when he comes into your shop, and is • more than likely price-conscious.

For purposes of this survey, we defned a high performance tire broadly: at least H-rated and higher, 70-series and lower. UHP (V-rated through Y-rated) tires are included in that defnition.

Here are the results, with commentary.

Q. In what percentage of high performance tire sales do the following situations apply?

• Customer specifes brand and buys that brand: 25.4%.

• Customer specifes brand, but you help him/ her make a different choice: 30.6%.

• Customer does not specify brand: 44.0%.

The meaning of the results to this question is clear. Tire dealers directly infuence the fnal high performance tire sale nearly 75% of the time.

In our “1987 High Performance Tire Survey,” 71% of the respondents helped the tire buyer make the purchase, even though only 39% of the customers specifed the brand name (compared to 56% in 2012).

When asked, “What percent of your high performance tire buyers replace their original equipment high performance tires with the same brand?” the respondents to our 2013 survey said their customers do so 35% of the time. That corroborates the tire dealer’s infuence.

No specifc brand request: 44.0% Dealer infuences brand: 30.6% Buy specifc brand: 25.4%

The tire size on the 1962 Corvette was 6.70-15, which would translate into size P215/70R15 today.

The Corvette was owned by astronaut Alan Shepard (center), who is picutred with William Mitchell (left), president of General Motors Styling, and Edward Cole, Chevrolet general manager (photo courtesy of General Motors Corp.).

Q. Please indicate what percent of your high performance tire sales each size wheel diameter represents.

Seventeen-inch tires represented more of the high performance unit sales than any other size: 29.7%. That compares to close to zero percent in 1987!

The second most popular size was 16 inches at 23.7%, followed by 18 inches (16.2%), 20 inches (10.3%) and 15 inches (9.5%).

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Feature In 1987, 15-inch high performance tires made up 53.2% of high performance tire sales at the dealership (the three most popular sizes were 215/65R15, 225/70R15 and 195/60R15). In 2012, 15-inch tires made up 9.5% of the average dealer’s high performance tire sales, according to our latest survey.

Q. What percent of your total high performance tire sales does each of the following speed rating categories represent?

Z-rated tires used to apply to any speed greater than 149 miles per hour; however, how much greater was open-ended.

“As vehicles have increased their top speeds into Autobahn-only ranges, the tire speed ratings have evolved to better identify the tire’s capability, allowing drivers to match the speed of their tires with the top speed of their vehicle,” says The Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com).

Although speed ratings have expanded, the Z rating is still used, often in conjunction with W- and Y-rated sizes.

“While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size designation of these tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifes a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h; the W in the service description indicates the tire’s 168 mph, 270 km/h maximum speed.”

The Tire Rack adds that when the Y-rating in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), “the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h.”

Q. What is the percent of males vs. females of high performance tire buyers at your dealership?

Y-rated 6.8%

W-rated 12.0%

Z-rated 17.9%

Females 31.9% Males 68.1%

V-rated 24.2%

H-rated 39.1%

And the survey says...

MTD breaks down wheel sales

The vast majority of independent tire dealers sell custom wheels – nearly 86%, according to our 2013 Custom Wheel Survey.

That is much higher than in 2007, when 63% of our survey respondents sold custom wheels.

When asked what wheel-related accessories they carry, the tire dealers who said they sell custom wheels answered as follows:

100

80

60

40

20

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custom wheel lug nuts: 89.8%; custom wheel valve stems: 83.1%. custom wheel weights: 79.7%. locking lug nuts: 62.7%. waxes, polishes, cleaners: 33.9%.

9.

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0

• • • • •

We didn’t track the male/female split in 1987. In our 2007 survey, however, the breakdown was 74% males, 26% females. Five years earlier, it was 77% males versus 23% females.

The increase in female high performance tire buyers isn’t surprising, given the rise in women tire buyers in general.

According to Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC research, women are “actively involved” in their car

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Feature maintenance and purchasing decisions 90% of the time.

Q. What is the percent by age group of high performance tire buyers at your dealership?

tire buyer was 30.1 years old. The average age in our 2013 survey ranges from an unrealistic minimum of 31.6 (if all the percentages in each age group applied to the youngest age, in our case 16, 25, 35 and 50, respectively) to at least 40.2 (there is no limit to the fnal age group; we multiplied 50 by 19.7%, but logically, there are older buyers in that category).

Accidental buyers

Ages 50+: 19.7% Ages 35-49: 31.8% Ages 25-34: 31.8% Ages 16-24: 16.7%

High and ultra-high performance tire shipments (as a percentage of total replacement passenger tire units shipped; units in millions) Year 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

HP 33.0 32.0 31.9 29.6 27.8

UHP 32.0 29.7 26.0 22.6 19.8

Total 65.0 61.7 57.9 52.2 47.6

When asked, “Does the average non-sports car owner know the speed rating on his/her OE tires?” an overwhelming 97.6% of the dealers said no. And that’s where sticker shock comes into play. It also helps explain why only 35% of your high performance tire buyers replace their original equipment high performance tires with the same brand. With so many options in the aftermarket, price is often a factor.

Close to 72% of the respondents to our most recent survey described the average high performance tire buyer as price conscious. Keep that in mind when 2010 base-model Toyota Camry owners need their P215/60R16 V-rated tires replaced.

More results from our 2013 survey Q. How many brands of custom wheels do you sell each year?

A. 75% of the respondents sell between one and 10 brands.

Q. What percent of your custom wheel customers ask for a specifc brand?

A. 17.9%.

Q.What percent of your high performance tire buyers also purchase wheels at the same time?

A. 11.1%.

% of market 33.7% 31.4% 29.1% 28.3% 24.4%

Source: Modern Tire Dealer

Wonder why most television programming aims for the coveted 18-48 age demographic?

Because that is what advertisers want. A young audience isn’t burdened with, say, brand loyalty.

Ah, but conventional wisdom would say the older you are, the more money you have to spend. If that is true, then high performance tire buyers are trending positively for tire dealers.

In 1987, the average age of a high performance 10

In our 2013 survey, 57.3% of the dealers said they charged more for mounting and balancing a high performance tire and wheel. In our 2007 survey, 67% said they charged more. ■

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Feature

Yet another ’Vette There are two Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP tires unique to the 2014 Corvette Stingray models. The standard sizes are 245/40ZR18 on the front and 285/35ZR19 on the rear. The Z51 Performance Package sizes are 245/35ZR19 on the front and 245/35ZR20 on the rear (photo courtesy of General Motors Corp.).

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The latest Chevy model changes brands, not size In 1962, there were 66 million registered automobiles in the United States.

Gas was 31 cents a gallon.

And the tire size on a new Corvette was 6.70-15.

In 2011, the most recent year the United States Department of Transportation collected the data, there were an estimated 125.7 million registered autos. Gas was $3.53 a gallon ($3.60 in 2012).

And the tire sizes on the Corvette C6 Coupe were 245/40ZR18 on the front, 285/35ZR19 on the back (both Y-rated).

The cost of a Corvette tire in 1962 was $45. To

replace the original equipment tires on the 2012 Corvette, owners will have to shell out more than $300 each (with the rear tires being more expensive).

Standard tire sizes on the Corvette are a good example of how ultra-high performance summer tires have evolved.

The 2011-2013 ’Vettes were ftted with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-2 EMT run-fat tires.

The tire sizes on the 2014 Corvette Stingray remain the same. However, the brand is different. For the frst time, Michelin tires are the exclusive OE tires. The

Y-rated Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP run-fat tire was co-developed by Michelin North America Inc. and General Motors Corp.

However, when it comes time to replace those tires, in addition to the OE tires, there are 16 max performance tire options available to the tire buyer, according to The Tire Rack.

Evidently, Corvettes, and by implication, tire dealers, are going to be around for a long time. In the 2009 “Star Trek” movie, a young James T. Kirk is seen driving a 280-year-old Corvette.

The year is 2245.

Bob Ulrich

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Feature

Mounting and balancing equipment and tips How to support your HP/UHP business

By Ann Neal

T

Hunter says its new Road Force Touch balancer, introduced in 2012, performs a balance and a diagnostic Road Force test faster than a traditional wheel balancer performs only a balance.

The Coats EL-X Express Lane Infation System can be added to the Coats Rim Clamp tire changer, allowing infation to be carried out off the tire changer. The company says the EL-X System boosts productivity by 20% versus infating tires on a conventional tire changer.

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oday’s uni-body vehicles are considerably lighter and have much stiffer suspension systems than they did just 10 years ago, says Kevin Keefe, vice president of marketing for Hennessy Industries Inc. “Gone are the generous cushions and dampeners that typifed the suspensions of yesteryear. Today’s vehicles are more sensitive to vibration than they used to be. But in response to overwhelming demand and proft opportunity, the industry continues to equip these vehicles with bigger, heavier and stiffer UHP tire and wheel assemblies. The result is a dramatic increase in road feel and unsprung weight, that is, weight that is not supported by the vehicle’s suspension system. Aside from various effects on vehicle performance, unsprung weight can lead to a harsher ride.”

Just when you think passenger car, light truck and SUV wheels can’t get any bigger, they do, says Keefe. Although not commonplace, 28-inch diameter wheels and tires to match have made headway in the aftermarket. Many OEs are offering UHP tire and wheel upgrade packages, many up to 22 inches in diameter. “You’re dealing with a fxed amount of wheel well space; as the wheels get bigger, the aspect ratios of the accompanying tires get smaller. This means thicker, stiffer sidewalls that are more challenging and time-consuming to mount and demount, and more prone to vibration.”

When evaluating a wheel balancer for UHP needs, Keefe suggests looking at how each balancer deals with static imbalance. “Some balancers will eliminate static imbalance at the expense of a large dynamic residual. Others pay no special attention to static at all, focusing solely on dynamic imbalance. And there are those that deliver the best of both worlds — simultaneous minimization of static and dynamic imbalances.

For UHP applications, which are more prone to vibration by nature, your balancing process cannot afford trade-offs.”

Keefe advises dealers to consider a diagnostic balancer. “These machines deliver the balancing features required by today’s ‘power users’ like direct adhesive weight placement,

behind-the-spoke balancing, on-board infation, and real-time graphics and on-board training.

They also diagnose other vibration generators common to tire and wheel assemblies such as excess radial runout, excess lateral runout, and excess residual imbalance. Although responsible for about 10% of vibration-related comebacks in general, these conditions are especially troublesome on large, low-profle UHP assemblies.”

A machine’s incremental cycle time for diagnostics can vary greatly between manufacturers.

“Quicker diagnostic cycle times not only protect your productivity, but also ensure that your technicians actually use the diagnostic process on every balance, rather than turn it off for the sake of speed, which would defeat the purpose of your investment.”

Choosing the right tire changer and wheel balancer to support your HP/UHP business can be a daunting task, according to Keefe. “Do some basic spec comparisons and you’ll fnd that you have a wide range of options.”

Here’s a look at new equipment to consider when making a purchase to support UP/UHP mounting and balancing needs.

Hennessy Industries recently introduced a leverless tire changer, the Coats 70X, that eliminates the use of manual tire tools and helps improve productivity. An exclusive swing armlocking mechanism greatly reduces the operator effort required to change even the most challenging applications, according to Keefe.

“The 70X Leverless was designed to maximize capability and effciency across a broad range of tire and wheel ftments, while maintaining Coats’ rugged durability, familiarity and ease of use. The leverless system also delivers increased productivity compared to traditional mount/ demount systems.” In addition, Coats introduced an upgrade option for all its tire changers.

Designed to reduce bay times, the EL-X Express Lane Infation System provides time savings of 20% or more on a four-tire ticket compared to the conventional infation process. In addition to the productivity improvements, the EL-X system is highly accurate, infating tires to +/- 0.5 psi of desired pressure in order to reduce TPMSrelated comebacks, says Keefe.

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Feature A new centering system is available from Hunter Engineering Co., according to Greg Meyer, wheel balancer product manager.

“BullsEye collets are a new product that is useful

The low taper of the new BullsEye collet from Hunter ensures a better ft that improves tire balancing. The graphic shows the differences in collet designs.

The Hunter Auto34 tire changer features leverless operation, which reduces tension on the bead and eliminates metal-on-metal contact with the rim.

in mounting custom wheels. The low taper ensures proper centering, and the taper is ‘split’ to prevent the collet from protruding too far into the wheel and causing damage to trim ring holes or plastic cladding. The new kit consists of 10 collets that handle the smallest wheels up to LT applications.

Flange plates, or fnger plates, are also valuable in handling custom wheels as they prevent adaptors from contacting the fnished surface of the wheel when mounted on the balancer. The Hunter fange plate can handle any rim up to a 160 mm bolt circle and can be set up to handle three to eight lug wheels.”

For mounting and demounting low profle or UHP tires, Pete Liebetreu, tire changer product manager at Hunter, suggests Hunter’s Auto34 and Auto28 tire changers. “The mount/demount head is leverless but also very thin so it doesn’t stress the tire leading to tire damage, machine stalling or wheel damage. In fact, no metal parts get near the wheel at any time during wheel service for the ultimate in wheel protection. It is a center clamping arrangement, so it handles an incredible variety of wheel sizes without special adaptors. Additionally, it uses a rubber-coated cam plate for clamping reverse wheels, so fange plates are not necessary if only servicing occasional reverse mount wheels.”

There is a new class of “premium” tire changers specifcally designed for low profle tires and wheels, according to Michael Alusick, worldwide product manager, undercar products at Snap-on Equipment Division of Snap-on Inc. He suggests looking for these fve key design elements to identify premium class tire changers.

1. Some type of wheel lifting. The weight and overall diameter of tire and wheel assemblies, especially with larger SUVs and pickup trucks,

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can make these wheels diffcult to lift and position properly without damage (scratching).

2. Center pilot hole clamping. Instead of a traditional turntable with clamping jaws to the rim edge, the wheel is installed through the center pilot hole.

3. Bead breaking using rotating discs.

Instead of the traditional single position side bead breaker, the new premium class tire changers use rotating bead breaker discs that engage the top and bottom of the bead when the assembly is rotating. This type of bead breaking is very controlled and less prone to damage the bead or wheel.

4. Bead removal without the use of a standard tire lever. The premium machines use a mechanical “fnger” or disc to lift the bead free of the rim edge. No contact of the rim edge during lifting means less chance to damage the bead or rim edge.

5. Topside assist for infation. A non-traditional turntable with bead seating jets allows a topside air blast nozzle to infate the tire.

Traditional tire changers are not obsolete, says Alusick. “Quite the contrary, these are still the most popular machines used every day. A good technician can use additional accessories to change high dollar tire and wheel assemblies without damage. It just takes a bit of care.

“There are protectors for the clamping jaws, bead breaker shovel, rim edge, demount tool.

There are composite mount/demount heads to replace the traditional steel versions. Some conventional tire changers also have auxiliary handling adapters to press the tire bead pneumatically into the drop center. These devices are especially helpful in mounting low aspect and run-fat tires.

“All these protective devices and special tools allow for safe handling of custom and low profle wheels.”

New equipment also is available for wheel mounting, better identifed as wheel tooling, according to Alusick.

“The traditional back cone mounting methods are quite precise for many wheel styles. For today’s high dollar wheels and a new class of wheels called clad wheels, there is special tooling to position the wheel in the rear pilot and also hold the wheel from the front side via pin plates or precision speed plates. These tooling systems achieve precision mounting for successful balance. These mounting systems also guarantee the wheel can be installed on a wheel balancer with no possibility to damage the cosmetic wheel face.”

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Feature

Tips to prevent comebacks “It’s important to consider road force with all wheels and tires, but especially when dealing with custom assemblies. Road force measurement is required to ensure that all possible causes of vibration have been addressed,” said Hunter’s Meyer. He shares these tips for successful balancing.

• Always “cone” from the back of the wheel whenever possible for best centering results.

• Use collets to achieve optimal centering.

• Use fange plates to prevent damage to the fnished portion of the wheel.

• Ensure assemblies are centered on the balancer shaft; on Hunter balancers, the CenteringCheck feature verifes the wheel assembly is mounted correctly.

• Measure road force to eliminate any nonbalance wheel/tire vibrations.

Hunter’s Liebetreu says to consider a wheel lift when servicing custom rims and tires. As these assemblies are usually very heavy, injury and fatigue can play a factor in safe servicing.

He offers several tips for mounting performance tires and custom wheels.

• Don’t internally clamp, ever.

• Make sure the mount head is clean and free of rust and dirt that might get embedded in the new wheel. The best changers don’t run this risk because of the head design. For traditional changers, make sure the head inserts are in good condition.

• Use a changer with multiple press aids.

One pusher arm is not suffcient to mount most custom assemblies.

• Learn the difference between reverse drop center and standard wheels. It can sometimes be diffcult to tell, but knowing will make all the difference when servicing these wheels.

According to Snap-On Equipment’s Alusick, much of the equipment in shops is old but quite serviceable for the majority of tires and wheels. “Consider investing in a new generation tire changer and possibly even a high-end diagnostic type wheel balancer. If not these options, research clad wheels for sure. These wheels are becoming the OEM standard. Without proper equipment or accessories you will damage a clad wheel. Consider the cost of replacing a clad wheel, and you will discover you can quickly justify the proper tooling investment.” Alusick’s tips to improve mounting and balancing of UHP tires include having: • equipment capable of mounting and balancing low profle aftermarket and OEM specialty wheels; • proper protective accessories for the tire changer; and • proper tooling for the wheel balancer.

“Look at the wheel and determine if it is steel, cast, chrome or chrome clad before you begin,” he adds.

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Feature Hennessy’s Keefe says the best tire service equipment on the market today cannot overcome improper mounting and balancing work methods. He provides these tips.

• Use suffcient lubrication. Insuffcient lubrication can result in bead distortion or other tire damage. Conversely, excessive lube or an improper mixture could result in tire slippage.

Using the proper amount and type of lubricant for UHP applications is a key factor in reducing variations in the mounting process.

Be sure to apply it to the tire bead and to the bead seat and drop-center areas of the rim.

• Take your time when servicing UHP tires.

Check for TPMS sensors. Let the top bead relax a little during the mounting process. Use all the helper devices at your disposal. The result will be

Has this happened to you? 10 common mounting and balancing problems What stands in the way of mounting and balancing custom wheels and tires effciently, quickly, and safely?

The long answer is a variety of challenges that boil down to greater risk of sidewall and bead distortion, damage-prone wheel designs and fnishes, traditional versus road force balancing, and the heavy weight of tire and wheel assemblies. Many of these challenges are rooted in consumer demands and manufacturing processes.

Modern Tire Dealer asked several equipment manufacturers to share their perspectives on the most common problems related to servicing HP/UHP applications. Admittedly, it’s a broad question with subjective criteria as problems mean different things to different people, especially in an exacting, labor-intensive process like tire and custom wheel mounting and balancing. Greg Meyer, wheel balancer product manager at Hunter Engineering Co., Pete Liebetreu, tire changer product manager at Hunter Engineering Co., Michael Alusick, worldwide product manager, undercar products at Snap-on Equipment Division of Snap-on Inc., and Kevin Keefe, vice president of marketing for Hennessy Industries Inc., participated in our informal poll. MTD compiled and distilled their responses down to the 10 most common problems.

1. Most new wheel designs no longer support outer plane clip weights. This requires the use of tape weights, making the weight planes closer together and balancing trickier.

2. Large bore truck wheels often require special adaptors, such as straight-cut discs, to center them.

3. Rims with protruding features on their front face require the mount head to be placed away from the rim, 20

which is a struggle for traditional tire changers. If the protruding features are on a reverse wheel, it is impossible to service safely with tabletop tire changers.

4. Not enough press arms. A single press arm machine can’t even service some 17-inch UHP assemblies without the operator having to use a tire lever as a mounting aid. As the wheel gets larger, the circumference increases and so does the number of bars.

The equipment operators only have two arms, so having more on the tire changer is an important feature.

The John Bean ATC 900 tire changer, which includes a dual-disc bead breaker, center clamp system and automatic demounting tool, is one of a new class of “premium” tire changers, according to Snap-on Equipment.

5. Deep drop center wheels can present challenges for mounting and demounting if there is not enough power in the press systems. Some wheels, such as EH2 wheels, are designed with a deep drop center because they are used with run-fat tires. Other wheels are designed with deep drop centers for styling reasons alone.

6. The weight of very large tires on smaller custom rims (such as those used on off-road or raised vehicles)

combined with the thick beads can present diffcult challenges for traditional levered tire changers.

The best higher-end tire changers have leverless systems and lower lifting systems that take the weight of these assemblies out of the picture and allow them to be serviced normally.

7. When using side shovel fxed bead breaker type conventional tire changers, care needs to be taken to position the tire during bead breaking to avoid damaging the TPMS sensor.

8. Premium type tire changers normally hold the tire through the pilot center and offer protection for the clamping nut to avoid metal-tometal contact during clamping. This capability is especially important for custom painted wheels to avoid any chipping. For clad wheels an additional adapter may be recommended for holding the wheel in place.

9. There is a greater risk of sidewall damage and bead distortion when mounting/demounting UHP tires. Articulating powered helper devices designed to keep the bead in the drop center (a critical requirement in the mount/demount process) are virtually required to service UHP applications. They are critical when mounting low-profle UHP tires on custom wheels that have shallow and/or gently sloping drop centers.

10. The torque generated by a tire changer’s motor (specifcally the start-up torque) will determine the likelihood of stalling or jamming the machine when attempting to mount a very stiff top bead, and the ability to successfully back out of it if it happens. Using adequate lubrication as well as allowing the bead to relax during the mounting process will prevent most of these occurrences.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15110

Feature

Photo by Neal Weingart

consistent output of quality work, and less variation in your tire service process. And if you’ve invested in a tire changer with a wheel lift, use it.

A wheel lift simply gives more control to the operator, further decreasing the chance of damage to the wheel or tire.

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“I can hear it already, ‘I’m faster than that lift! My technicians should be able to lift the assembly onto the machine.’ OK, let’s suppose that’s all true. Research shows that most wheel damage occurs while mounting the wheel on the machine. Encouraging, if not enforcing, the use of your wheel lift will save you money on damaged wheels, avoid embarrassing customer situations, and help error-proof your mount/ demount process. Plus, it will leave your technicians fresher toward the end of the day, which should improve your productivity.”

Vibration-free rides begin at the balancer, says Keefe. The tire and wheel assembly must be mounted on the balancer in the exact same manner it will be mounted back on the vehicle.

“Consider this mathematical fact: A 16-inch diameter, 7-inch wide wheel mounted and balanced just .010-inch off-center on the balancer shaft will result in a .85-ounce static vibration when mounted back on the vehicle. And the balancer, which can only assume that you’ve centered it properly, will gleefully show you zeros. Process errors such as this one are easy to make and

are responsible for upwards of 60% of vibrationrelated tire service comebacks.” The good news, says Keefe, is that vibration-related comebacks are easy to avoid.

First, monitor the condition of your mounting cones and replace them when they begin to appear nicked or worn. “This will remove cone condition as a source of process variation.”

Second, invest in a set of mounting adapters such as pin (fange) plates or fxed fnger plates.

These adapters engage the wheel in its lug holes, and when used with mounting cones provide an almost error-free method for mounting.

For hub-centric wheels (nearly all OE wheels are hub-centric), the adapters distribute the clamping pressure of the balancer’s hub nut equally around the center hole just like the lugs and lug nuts do on the vehicle and ensure the wheel is centered on the cone. For lug-centric wheels (most aftermarket wheels are lug-centric) the wheels precenter on the cone, and as you exert clamping force via the hub nut, fnal centering is achieved on the fngers of the adapter.

“The wheel will be balanced in the same orientation in which it will be mounted back on the vehicle,” says Keefe. “More importantly, it establishes a consistent, reliable process for mounting most any wheel on your balancer.” ■

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15111

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15112

Feature

An installer’s guide to wheel offset When dealing with custom wheels, this is one case where it’s better to be negative than positive

By Sean Phillips

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ne of the most common modifcations your customers make to their cars is to replace the wheels. It’s easy to see why — there is really no faster, more effective way to customize a car’s look or feel than by

3. Perhaps the most important factor in choosing and installing new wheels is the proper handling of wheel offset. Offset also can be one of the most diffcult factors to get right when replacing wheels. It’s a concept that is often very diffcult for customers to understand, and can be an enormously diffcult concept for service professionals to explain.

However, it is important to get it right, because getting the offset wrong risks badly damaging the replacement wheels and tires as well as suspension components, and can put the driver at serious risk of a blowout.

Any of these factors, if mishandled, can severely affect your reputation, not to mention cut down on repeat business!

What is offset?

This is a 45mm offset.

It is often, but obviously not always, accompanied by an “ET” marking.

changing the wheels. Whether your customers are upsizing to 18-inch high-performance wheels for a “sporty” look and feel, going all out with those 20-inch or larger “bling” wheels, or downsizing to smaller wheels for a set of snow tires, there are three factors that consumers and service professionals must take into account when choosing and installing a different size of wheel.

1. There is the question of tire size. When you are changing the size of the wheels, the overall diameter of the tire and wheel assembly must remain the same to keep the proper speedometer and odometer settings. For example, when you mount and balance wheels that are an inch larger than the originals, the profle of the new tires must be an inch smaller in order to keep the same diameter, and vice versa for downsizing. This process is known as “plus-one” or “minus-one” sizing.

2. The wheel must be the correct and approved width for the size of tire that it will carry. The chart of approved wheel widths for tire sizes is available in the “Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide” and the “Tire Guide,” and online in many places.

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Put as simply as possible, wheel offset is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the mounting plate — the surface of the wheel that mates against the rotor when installed — and the centerline of the wheel — the line running around the wheel’s barrel, which determines the center of its width.

Positive offset means that the mounting plate is in the outside half of the wheel, toward the wheel face. Most OEM wheels, and most wheels in general, will have a positive offset.

Negative offset means the mounting plate is on the other side of the wheel’s centerline, farther toward the suspension. Negative offset is generally seen in very deep-dish or deep convex aftermarket wheels.

The particular offset, therefore, determines how the wheel will sit in the car’s wheel well, and how much of the barrel will extend toward the suspension. While most aftermarket wheels are made in multiple offsets, most OEM wheels only come in the offset that is correct for the specifc car for which they are made.

Closely related to offset is the concept of backspacing. Offset and backspacing are often spoken of as if they are the same thing, but they are very different. Backspacing is defned as the distance between the mounting plate and the inner fange of the wheel. Backspacing is, therefore, the

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Feature

Positive offset means that the mounting plate is in the outside half of the wheel, toward the wheel face. Negative offset means the mounting plate is on the other side of the wheel’s centerline, farther toward the suspension.

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combination of the offset and the wheel width.

This comes into play if the new wheels are wider than the old, as the offset may need to change to compensate for the greater width.

The perils of bad offset If you get the offset or backspacing wrong when you are procuring and installing new wheels for a customer, you run the very real risk of having the wheel sit too far inside the wheel well, causing the inner edge of the wheel and tire to rub against the suspension. Wheel rub is bad enough, as it will damage the inner fange of the wheel and probably the suspension components it’s rubbing against. Tire rub is even worse, as it will very quickly rip up the inside

sidewall of the tire, an area where the damage is very hard to detect until the tire blows out.

This is why that ideally, you don’t want the new offset to be more than 5 millimeters away from the old offset in either direction. However, this isn’t always possible. What you do need to keep in mind is that more negative offset, i.e., an offset that is less than the original, will push the wheel out farther from the wheel well. Usually, this will not cause a problem, although it might result in a pretty funky look.

In contrast, too much positive offset is a danger, as it will push the wheel farther in toward the suspension. Here’s an extreme example: If you have to go from a 45 mm offset to a 20 mm, the wheels will protrude from the

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15114

Feature sides of the car. But going from a 20 mm to a 45 mm offset not only may destroy the tires, but also has the potential of affecting vehicle control and injuring the customer — not an optimal customer service outcome!

How to fnd the car’s offset

How to fnd the wheel’s offset Most wheels will have their offset embossed on the back of the wheel, either on the mounting plate itself or on the back of one of the spokes.

Offset data usually, but not always, ends with the letters “ET” (which means the same thing as offset); a 45 mm offset will be printed as either ET45 or 45ET. If the offset is not printed, as with unmarked aftermarket wheels whose history is unknown, measure the offset yourself. The easiest way I know of to do this is to determine the wheel’s centerline and tape a piece of string to the inner barrel at that point.

Place the wheel on its fanges on a fat surface, and put a paperclip on the string to make it hang straight. Then place a ruler fat against the

Photo by Neal Weingart

Finding the actual offset designed into the car is key to the whole process of matching new wheels. Even when your customer is looking to put OEM wheels from a different model by the same maker onto his or her car, you cannot count on the offset being the same.

BMW in particular is notorious for having a dizzying variety of different offsets across its model lines. If you ever try to put M5 wheels on an M3, for example, you’re courting disaster.

Some cars will even have different offsets for front and rear axles; BMW again being notorious for this.

Most cars have their offset data printed in the “Tire Guide” for the car’s particular year, but you can also try a website that I recently found while researching tire size calculators.

WheelSizeCalculator.com gives you an incredible array of useful data for any make and model, including offset, hub diameter, bolt pattern and proper wheel width for each possible tire and

wheel size. The site also boasts an enormously useful Match Calculator, which will give a list of other possible wheel ftments for any given model.

Although the Match Calculator will give many matches where the offset discrepancy is clearly unacceptable, it is fantastic for determining what other OEM wheels might ft on your customer’s car, and weeding out those ftments in which the offset is wrong. It’s an amazing tool that I really wish I had known about when I was selling wheels.

Wheel offset is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the mounting plate and the centerline of the wheel.

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Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15115

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15116

Feature Photo by Neal Weingart

mounting plate and see where the string crosses the ruler. Measuring backspacing is, of course, much easier, as it only requires a ruler and a straightedge across the back edge of the wheel.

Offset spacers

The offset will usually be embossed on the back of one of the spokes.

Offset spacers are metal shims drilled with a bolt pattern designed to compensate for too much positive offset by ftting between the wheel and the rotor to push the wheel farther away from the suspension (it’s impossible to compensate for too much negative offset). It is better to

install the correct size and offset wheel in the frst place, but if you must use spacers, ensure that they are hub-centric, meaning that they ft precisely over the car’s axle hub and precisely inside the wheel hub, as it is this connection that actually holds the weight of the car. It’s also usually necessary to use longer lug bolts or lug studs to install the wheels.

Test ftting If you are at all unsure of correct offset or backspacing, it’s best to test-ft the wheels before installing. Put a wheel on the front and back axles — remember that front and rear offsets can be different — and tighten the lug nuts by hand.

You will also want to ensure that there is plenty of clearance for the tire when it goes on. At least an inch of clearance is probably best to ensure that tire fex or suspension travel doesn’t cause a problem.

It’s even better to test-ft the entire wheel and tire assembly to completely ensure proper ft, but as most new tires are not returnable once mounted, this is not always possible.

Conclusion In summary, here are a few important points to remember about wheel offset.

• If the new wheels are the same width, the new offset should ideally be within 5mm of the old offset in either direction. If offset must be substantially different, avoid using more positive offset at all costs.

• If the new wheels are wider, backspacing must be calculated. The offset on the new wheels may need to be less to counteract the extra width.

• Offset must be carefully checked even if you are putting on different OEM wheels from the same maker.

Getting the wheel offset right will not only keep your customers happy and safe, but also help to convince customers that you are careful and know what you’re talking about when it comes to their wheels. That’s good for your customers and good for your business. ■ Sean Phillips repaired, sold and installed wheels and tires for more than 10 years as the former operations manager at Rim and Wheel Works in Waltham, Mass. Read his blogs about “Tires and Wheels” on About.com.

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Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15117

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15118

Feature

Reading, writing & ’rithmetic The sidewall says it all when it comes to selling high performance tires

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tire doesn’t talk, but it still can tell you a lot about itself, especially its purpose in life. It’s all written on the sidewall.

Consider this a safety primer for the newbies learning how to sell or mount not just high performance tires but any tire. It starts with the tire size (see chart below), which includes the load index and speed rating.

A tire’s section or cross-section width is the measurement of the tire’s width from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall at the widest point, according to The Tire Rack. The measurement is made after the tire has been properly mounted.

“Because a tire’s section width is infuenced by the width of the rim upon which the tire is

P = passenger 225 = section width (in mm) 45 = aspect ratio (section height/section width) R = radial construction 17 = rim diameter (in inches) 91 = load index W = speed rating

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mounted, the correct industry assigned measuring rim width for the tire size being measured must be used.”

In our example, 225 millimeters converts to 8.8 inches.

The aspect ratio is the section height of the tire divided by its section width. Ultra-high performance tires have particularly low aspect ratios; as such, they are wider and have shorter, stiffer sidewalls.

“Low aspect ratios deliver enhanced performance attributes such as hard cornering and improved handling,” according to Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. The load index indicates the load-carrying capacity of each tire. In our example, 91 represents a load-carrying capacity of 1,356 pounds (see the load index chart on page 34). A set of four would be 5,424 pounds, which needs to take into account both vehicle and passenger weight, as well as possible load weight.

Speed ratings are based on indoor laboratory tests that relate to straightaway performance and durability on the road. They are “not applicable if tires are underinfated, overloaded, worn out, damaged or altered.”

S: maximum of 112 mph.

T: maximum of 118 mph.

H: maximum of 130 mph.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15119

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15120

Feature

Load index and equivalent loads Load index Pounds Kilograms Load index Pounds Kilograms Load index Pounds Kilograms 72 783 355 85 1,135 515 98 1,653 750 73 805 365 86 1,168 530 99 1,709 775 74 827 375 87 1,201 545 100 1,764 800 75 853 387 88 1,235 560 101 1,819 825 76 882 400 89 1,279 580 102 1,874 850 77 908 412 90 1,323 600 103 1,929 875 78 937 425 91 1,356 615 104 1,984 900 79 963 437 92 1,389 630 105 2,039 925 80 992 450 93 1,433 650 106 2,094 950 81 1,019 462 94 1,477 670 107 2,149 975 82 1,047 475 95 1,521 690 108 2,205 1000 83 1,074 487 96 1,565 710 109 2,271 1030 84 1,102 500 97 1,609 730 110 2,337 1060 Typically, the load indexes of the tires used on passenger cars and light trucks range from 70 (739 pounds) to 110.

V: maximum of 149 mph.

W: maximum of 168.

Y: maximum of 186 mph.

(Y): in excess of 186 mph.

The old Z-rating refers to speeds in excess of 149 mph. It sometimes appears in the size designation in conjunction with the less openended W and Y ratings.

“Tire speed ratings do not imply that a vehicle

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can be safely driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is rated, particularly under adverse road and weather conditions or if the vehicle has unusual characteristics,” according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

In addition, when replacing tires on high performance vehicles, speed ratings “must be equal to or greater than what is specifed by the vehicle manufacturer if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained.” ■

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15121

Performance Showcase

Spotlight on Performance Showcase!

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iscover the latest product designs and technologies on the following Performance Showcase pages!

Manufacturers and distributors spotlight their latest passenger and light truck ultra-high performance, high performance and eco-friendly tires plus winter, trailer and golf cart tires — and more! Additionally, highlighted are the newest tire changers, balancers, lug nuts and wheel locks, TPMS tools and OE replacement wheel programs.

Presented are the features and benefts of the latest products to give you a

preview of what’s hot now and what to look for in the months ahead.

To request free product information by phone, call 800-687-1557, enter the extension number listed below each Performance Showcase, and you will be immediately transferred to the company you want to talk with — it takes only seconds.

To request information online, log on to www.mtdquiklink.com/ plus the corresponding Quik-Link (extension) number. You’re just a click away from receiving free information on the new products that interest you.

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

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Performance Showcase

3515 Massillon Road, Suite 350 Uniontown, Ohio 44685 (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Web site http://www.moderntiredealer.com Editor: ROBERT J. ULRICH Bob.Ulrich@bobit.com Managing Editor: LORI L. MAVRIGIAN Lori.Mavrigian@bobit.com Senior Editor: BOB BISSLER Bob.Bissler@bobit.com Associate Editor: ANN NEAL Ann.Neal@bobit.com Art Director: NEAL WEINGART Neal.Weingart@bobit.com Production Manager: KAREN RUNION Karen.Runion@bobit.com Publisher: GREG SMITH Greg.Smith@bobit.com South and Texas: GREG SMITH Greg.Smith@bobit.com (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Midwest: MICHELE VARGO Michele.Vargo@bobit.com (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 West Coast: JOHN DYAL The Dyal Company John.Dyal@bobit.com (760) 451-5026, fax (760) 451-5039 West Coast: MARIANNE DYAL The Dyal Company Marianne.Dyal@bobit.com (760) 451-9216 Automotive Aftermarket: DAN THORNTON djtinc@gmail.com (734) 676-9135, mobile (313) 410-0945 Classifed Sales: DONNA STEWART Donna_Stewart@cox.net (405) 260-1678, fax (405) 260-1684 Reprint Sales: KAREN RUNION Karen.Runion@bobit.com (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Customer/Subscription Service: (888) 239-2455, fax (888) 274-4580

Modern Tire Dealer is a Bobit Publication Executive offces: 3520 Challenger St. Torrance, CA 90503 Chairman: Edward J. Bobit CEO & President: Ty F. Bobit Chief Financial Offcer: Richard E. Johnson Vice President & COO: Cyndy Drummey

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15171

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Performance Showcase/Directory

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15172

Performance Directory

1-800EveryRim.com — OEM Wheels 9935 Beverly Blvd.

Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (800) 383-7974 or (562) 692-0109 Chase Potter, mgr.; Jose Tornero, mgr.

Products: brokers of OEM wheels; used — alloy and steel, new replica and reconditioned. www.1-800everyrim.com

American Omni Trading 15354 Park Row Houston, TX 77084 (281) 600-TIRE (8473) FAX: (281) 600-8475 Chris Brackin, v.p. of sls.

Products: PCR, UHP, LTR, MTR, OTR, industrial and farm tires. www.american-omni.com

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Atturo Tire Corp.

PO Box 302 Lake Villa, IL 60046 (888) 642-5999 or (847) 348-3455 FAX: (847) 589-8446 Products: performance, mud terrain and all terrain tires for SUV, CUV and 4X4 vehicles. www.atturo.com

Blackburn’s Hubcap & Wheel Solutions 8190 Roll and Hold Parkway Macedonia, OH 44056 (800) 981-8321 Todd Deranek, dir. of sls. and mktg.

Products: original equipment new, used and refnished alloy, steel and chrome wheels, wheel covers, center caps and TPMS sensors for import or domestic vehicles from current production year to antique and classic models. www.blackburnswheelfnder.com

Continental Tire the Americas LLC 1830 MacMillan Park Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29707 (800) 847-3349 FAX: (704) 587-6555 Jochen Etzel, CEO Products: ultra-high performance tires, passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, commercial tires, motorcycle tires, bicycle and specialty tires. www.continentaltire.com

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. 701 Lima Ave. Findlay, OH 45840 (800) 847-3777 FAX: (800) 759-5789 Products: passenger tires, performance tires, light truck tires, sport utility tires, winter tires, motorcycle tires, racing tires and commercial truck tires. www.coopertire.com

Performance Directory

Falken Tire 8656 Haven Ave. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (800)723-2553 Products: A broad offering from our Azenis UHP/HP family, to the PCR and S/T Ziex products. We also have a growing L/T product screen in the WildPeak brand, from highway to all terrain. www.falkentire.com

General Tire Continental Tire the Americas LLC 1830 MacMillan Park Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29707 (800) 847-3349 FAX: (704) 587-6555 Jochen Etzel, CEO Products: ultra-high performance tires, passenger tires, light truck tires, off-road tires, medium/heavy truck tires, commercial tires. www.generaltire.com

Greenball Corporation 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 700 Anaheim, CA 92805 (714) 782-3060 FAX: (714) 782-6026 Customer service/inside sales (800) 946-9412 Products: PCR, UHP, SUV, LT, MTR, special trailer radial/bias tires, OTR, farm, lawn and garden, golf and ATV/UTV tires, trailer wheels and accessories. www.greenball.com www.gbcmotorsports.com

Hennessy Industries Inc. 1601 J.P. Hennessy Dr. LaVergne, TN 37086 (800) 688-6359 or (615) 641-7533 FAX: (615) 641-6069 Mike Wilcox, v.p. of sls.; Kevin Keefe, v.p. of mktg.

Products: tire changers, wheel balancers, brake lathes and wheel weights. www.ammcoats.com www.steelwheelweights.com

Hunter Engineering Co. 11250 Hunter Dr. Bridgeton, MO 63044 (800) 448-6848 or (314) 731-3020 FAX: (314) 731-1776 Chris Davisson, customer service mgr.

Products: wheel alignment systems, alignment lifts, wheel balancers, tire changers, brake lathes and inspection lane equipment. www.hunter.com

Kenda USA 7095 Americana Pkwy.

Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (614) 866-9803 FAX: (614) 866-9805 Bob Phoenix, v.p. sls.; Jan Colann, sls. assist. (614) 729-7872 Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire exporter/importer. www.kendatire.com

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. 10299 6th St. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 428-3999 or (800) 445-8646 FAX: (909) 428-3994 Armand Allaire, natl. v.p. of sls.

Products: high performance tires, LT tires, medium/heavy truck tires, passenger tires, performance tires, racing tires, RV and specialty tires. www.kumhotireusa.com For information on these companies and many more, check out www.moderntiredealer.com.

Compare and research companies online that offer: • Shop and tire service equipment and various services • Products from antifreeze through wiper blades • And tires from ag to SUV!

McGard LLC 3875 California Rd. Orchard Park, NY 14127 (800) 669-6887 or (716) 662-8980 FAX: (716) 662-8985 Durham McCauley, CEO; Peter McCauley, pres.; John Mondo, v.p. sls. & mktg.; Kevin Halt, sls. mgr.; Chris Smith, sls. mgr.

Products: wheel accessories including wheel locks, lug nuts, lug bolts, spare tire locks. Vehicle security products including wheel immobilizer, tailgate locks, navigation locks and license plate locks and Jeep door locks. www.mcgard.com

Nexen Tire USA 21073 Pathfnder Rd., Suite 100 Diamond Bar, CA 91765 (800) 576-3936 FAX: (909) 923-3991 John Aben, senior v.p. of sls. & mktg.

Products: ultra-high performance tires, high performance tires, light truck/SUV tires and passenger tires. www.nexentireusa.com

Pirelli Tire North America 100 Pirelli Dr. Rome, GA 30161-3538 (800) PIRELLI FAX: (706) 368-5888 Products: ultra-high performance tires, high performance tires, touring tires, run-fat tires, UHP LT/SUV tires, LT/SUV tires, winter tires, motorsports tires, moto tires and original equipment tires. www.us.pirelli.com

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Performance Directory

Sentaida International Inc. 16000 NW 59th Ave., Suite 4 & 5 Miami Lakes, FL 33014 (305) 621-5101 Maxwell Wee, dir. of sls.

Products: ultra-high performance, ultra-high performance SUV, CUV, PCR, LTR and TBR tires. www.sentaida-international.com

TBC Wholesale 4300 TBC Way Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (866) 822-4968 Marty Krcelic, exec. v.p. sls.

Products: Sumitomo, Velozza, Hify, Sailun, Mirada and Doral performance products, passenger, SUV and LT; Sumitomo and Sailun MRT; Harvest King and Power King agricultural and industrial tires. www.tbccorp.com www.sumitomotire.com www.gosailun.com

Tire Centers LLC (TCi) 310 Inglesby Pkwy.

Duncan, SC 29334 (877) 564-5562 Products: passenger tires, light truck tires and high performance tires. (Brands: Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Maxxis, Hankook, Pirelli, Omni and Greenball.) www.tirecenters.com

Get MTD’s Hotwire Receive our e-newsletters, emailed directly to you Mondays and Thursdays. Friday you will receive MTD Top News, with the week’s top fve most-read news items. Sign up online today at www.moderntiredealer.com.

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Tire Rack Wholesale 7101 Vorden Pkwy.

South Bend, IN 46628-8422 (800) 445-0179 or (574) 287-2316 FAX: (574) 236-7700 Wayne Leuthold, wholesale mgr.

Products: brake products; high performance tires, light truck tires, passenger tires and racing tires; suspension components, wheels and accessories, wiper blades. www.tirerackwholesale.com

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

5665 Plaza Dr., Suite 300 Cypress, CA 90630 (800) 442-8696 FAX: (714) 229-6184 John Hagan, sr. dir. of sls. oper.

Products: ultra-high performance tires, high performance tires, passenger, competition, LT/SUV, crossover, medium truck and TBR tires. www.toyotires.com

Vredestein Tyres North America Inc. 13 Bridge St. Metuchen, NJ 08840 (732) 549-2440 or (800) 221-3422 FAX: (732) 549-2450.

Emil Herbak, country mgr.; Rene Wolters, sls. mgr.

Products: ag/farm tires, high performance tires, lawn and garden, industrial and passenger tires. www.vredestein.com

Wheel Consultants Inc. 2537-D Pacifc Coast Hwy., #330 Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 357-7293 FAX: (310) 427-7199 Joe Findeis, pres.

Products: The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide. Contains ftments for cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. Current and vintage vehicle ftment applications. Specifcations and data for original equipment and plus sizes. Available in print and digital formats. www.plussizingguide.com

Yokohama Tire Corp.

PO Box 4550 Fullerton, CA 92834-4550 (800) 423-4544 or (714) 870-3800 FAX: (714) 870-3838 Fred Koplin, dir. of mktg. communications Products: passenger tires, high performance tires, racing tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, OTR tires and RV tires. www.yokohamatire.com

We make it easy for you to receive free product information by phone or through the Web. Each ad and product announcement includes a toll-free Quik-Link phone number and extension number. For your convenience, see the listing on page 65!

Performance Datafle

OEM factory wheels 1-800EveryRim.com stocks thousands of used, new take-off, reconditioned, and new replica alloy and steel wheels. With nationwide shipping, most California, Arizona and Nevada customers can expect next day noon delivery. Quality 24-hour reconditioning and single OEM chrome wheel replacement are the company’s strengths. Text photos to 951-RimText for quick quotes.

1-800EVERYRIM.COM — OEM WHEELS Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15180 www.mtdquiklink.com/15180

Thunderer Trac Grip M/T R405 Tough terrains are only overcome by a tire up to the challenge. Thunderer Trac Grip M/T R405 doesn’t back down to anything — and now its new arsenal of sizes are adding the 33x12.50R18, 35x12.50R18, and 35x12.50R20 sizes! This tire has been lab tested to make sure it can outperform the competition. Thunderer — Your sense of Control on the Road.

AMERICAN OMNI TRADING Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15181 www.mtdquiklink.com/15181

Atturo SUV/4X4 tires Atturo Tire is a specialty brand for SUVs and 4X4s offering performance, M/T and A/T models for both original equipment and aftermarket ftments.

Atturo is positioned as a value brand with high quality products at affordable prices. Dealers can buy factory direct or from our U.S. warehouse with online ordering. Atturo keeps performance within reach!

ATTURO TIRE CORP. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15182 www.mtdquiklink.com/15182

Continental PureContact The newest addition to Continental Tire’s lineup is a skillful balance of luxury and all-season performance designed for long wear, a comfortable ride and best-in-class wet braking. The PureContact is the perfect blend of Continental’s innovative technologies including EcoPlus technology which reduces rolling resistance for improved fuel economy and Tuned Performance Indicators that disappear when the tire is no longer tuned for optimal performance. The PureContact is available in 15-inch through 18-inch wheel diameters.

CONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS LLC Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15183 www.mtdquiklink.com/15183

Easy OEM Wheel Solution Save time and improve your bottom line the next time your customer needs an OEM replacement wheel by visiting website blackburnswheelfnder.com, Blackburn’s Hubcap & Wheel Solutions says. An easyto-navigate menu allows you to search and fnd the right wheel in seconds. Quote customers instantly, determine availability and place orders 24/7. Blackburn’s 95% fll ratio and inventory of 100,000+ parts allows for same-day shipping. Visit Blackburn’s Wheel Finder and register for a free on-line account.

BLACKBURN’S HUBCAP & WHEEL SOLUTIONS Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15184 www.mtdquiklink.com/15184

Cooper Zeon RS3-A The Cooper Zeon RS3-A is an all-season, ultra-high performance tire combining dynamic handling and control with a quiet, comfortable ride and progressive styling. The RS3-A features an advanced-technology, silica-based compound coupled with an asymmetrical design. 3-D micro-gauge sipes increase the number of biting edges, creating enhanced wet and light snow traction throughout the life of the tire. The tire was recognized as a Consumers Digest “Best Buy,” the company reports. RS3-A has 39 W-rated sizes, with 16- to 20-inch diameters.

COOPER TIRE & RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15185 www.mtdquiklink.com/15185 61

Performance Datafle

Falken Ziex ZE914 EcoRun The Ziex ZE914 EcoRun is a hybrid vehicle tire with the costsaving fuel effciency of a low rolling resistance compound, engineered with performance in mind. This tire features an asymmetric tread pattern with four straight, wide circumferential grooves for hydroplane resistance along with a dual high rigidity rib construction, allowing good wet and dry braking stability. Slots and sipes can be found throughout the tire, optimized for even tread wear with a comfortable ride while providing additional traction. With a size list ranging from 15-inch to 18-inch and speed ratings of H, V and W, the ZE914 EcoRun is a great tire for enthusiasts looking to save at the pump.

FALKEN TIRE CORP. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15186 www.mtdquiklink.com/15186

General G-MAX AS-03 The award-winning G-MAX AS-03 is specifcally engineered to provide optimum performance for sport performance vehicles in any season. The ultra-high performance tire offers a stiff tread pattern for dry performance, high void-to-tread ratio for wet traction, lateral sipe edges for snow grip, and optimal pattern stiffness for extremely long wear. Monitor Technology provides easy to read indicators including a Replacement Tire Monitor and a Visual Alignment Indicator.

The G-MAX AS-03 is available in 15-inch through 20-inch wheel diameters.

CONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS LLC Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15187 www.mtdquiklink.com/15187

Coats tire changers The Coats 70X Leverless model tire changer features a unique leverless mount/demount head that eliminates the use of manual tire tools and delivers increased productivity, and an exclusive swing arm locking mechanism that greatly reduces the operator effort required to change even the most challenging applications.

It includes all the valueadded features of the X-Series line, including Advanced Clamp Positioning and Coats’ exclusive Oil Injection System.

HENNESSY INDUSTRIES INC. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15188 www.mtdquiklink.com/15188

Kenda Vezda Eco KR 30 Kenda Tires has launched its frst ecofriendly passenger tire. The Vezda Eco KR 30 is available in 25 premium sizes ranging from 15 through 20 inches.

The advanced compound, construction and tread pattern improves rolling resistance and braking/handling performance. Coupled with a 60,000-mile warranty, the Kenda Vezda Eco not only saves consumers money, but also reduces CO2 emissions. “This is one of the most comfortable tires Kenda has produced,” the company reports.

KENDA USA Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15190 www.mtdquiklink.com/15190 62

Tow-Master summer solution Greenball’s new and improved specialty trailer tire, the Tow-Master SS, combines the timetested design and construction of the company’s fagship tire with new updated technology.

The revised rubber compound greatly improves heat dissipation, resulting in a coolerrunning tire for longer life and safer operation.

Key areas of the tire have also been updated.

Both the inner liner and belt edge package have been re-engineered to ensure proper air pressure, easier maintenance and assured load capacity.

GREENBALL CORP. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15189 www.mtdquiklink.com/15189

Hunter Road Force Touch Hunter’s Road Force Touch diagnostic wheel balancer produces exceptional balancing results and performs a road force diagnostic test faster than a traditional wheel balancer performs a typical balance. The Road Force Touch, which features an intuitive touchscreen interface, automatically applies Hunter’s patented load roller against the wheel and tire assembly to simulate how a wheel performs under the weight of a vehicle, fnding hidden causes of vibration and vehicle pull.

HUNTER ENGINEERING CO. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15191 www.mtdquiklink.com/15191

Performance Datafle

Kumho Ecsta 4X The newly designed Ecsta 4X was developed for exceptional performance and drivability in all four seasons. Drivers will discover world-class engineering and contemporary tire technology in every detail of design and construction from sidewall to tread pattern. The Ecsta 4X is for drivers seeking the perfect balance of high performance in wet, dry and light snow conditions. The Kumho Ecsta 4X features excellent wet and dry traction driven by the company’s new asymmetric tread design. The quiet, comfortable ride experienced through variable pitch and noise canceling technology, along with improved steering response and long tread life optimized by Kumho Tire’s ESCOT casing technology, makes the 4X an all-season class leader, Kumho notes. Consumers also beneft from the Ecsta 4X 40,000-mile limited tread wear mileage warranty and road hazard coverage ensuring value and performance.

KUMHO TIRE U.S.A. INC. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15192 www.mtdquiklink.com/15192

McGard black chrome lug nuts McGard’s lug nuts with a black chrome fnish have a deep refective look that will enhance the look of any wheel. Use them on black wheels for a monochromatic look or on silver or chrome wheels for a contrasting look, the company suggests.

McGard lug nuts and SplineDrive lug nuts are guaranteed for life not to rust, chip or peel. The company’s one-piece wheel lock design is easy to use and provides “the best theft protection in the world,” says McGard. These high quality products are made in the U.S.A. MCGARD LLC Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15193 www.mtdquiklink.com/15193

Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season

Nexen N FERA SU1 N FERA SU1 is a new premium ultrahigh performance asymmetric summer tire. Its three wide longitudinal grooves maximize wet driving performance and enhance superior handling. The dry grip improves handling and braking performance. The optimum surface split siping has been applied for 3-D block design and enhanced wet/dry traction performance. Force concentrated during high speed cornering is dispersed through equal block division and enhanced block rigidity to boost cornering and steering stability. N FERA SU1 is a long-lasting tread wear tire with V, W and Y speed ratings and a variety of sizes from 15- to 20-inch diameters.

NEXEN TIRE USA Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15194 www.mtdquiklink.com/15194

Landsail LS388 all-season touring tire The new Landsail LS388 premium allseason touring tire is now available from Sentaida International Inc. The new fverib passenger radial will be introduced in 50 sizes for larger vehicles. The company will expand the line in the future.

Features include three-dimensional and circumferential main grooves to help with water evacuating ability. The grooves also enhance handling and braking performance in wet conditions, notes Sentaida.

SENTAIDA INTERNATIONAL INC. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15196 www.mtdquiklink.com/15196

The P Zero Nero All Season ultra-high performance tire from Pirelli features a combination of quiet ride, precise cornering and optimum grip in wet and dry driving conditions. An asymmetric all-season tread design offers precision handling, even at the limit. Silica compounding offers a balance of fuel effciency and wet road control. The solid center rib provides constant contact with the road providing short braking distances and quick acceleration in both dry and wet conditions. Four longitudinal and many lateral grooves minimize the risk of aquaplaning. The P Zero Nero All Season has a growing list of original equipment ftments and replacement sizes both in conventional and run-fat constructions. It has a UTQG rating of 400 AA A. PIRELLI TIRE NORTH AMERICA Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15195 www.mtdquiklink.com/15195

Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 Sumitomo’s HTR A/S P01 all-season tire is available in a large range of sizes to ft many of today’s most popular performance-oriented vehicles. The HTR A/S P01 was designed to perform in challenging weather conditions. Its fve-rib directional pattern is optimally arranged for quick and direct steering response. Four wide grooves evacuate water from the center footprint to enhance wet performance. Multiple directional grooves and sipes give more edges to optimize grip on wet and snowcovered roads. A zigzag groove wall improves lateral stability and traction in addition to ensuring water drainage. Tie-bar sipes control shoulder block stiffness and water drainage. The HTR A/S P01 is available in 58 sizes from 185/65R4 through 245/40R18 in H, V and W speed ratings.

SUMITOMO TIRE, TBC WHOLESALE Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15197 www.mtdquiklink.com/15197 63

Performance Datafle

Michelin Pilot Super Sport The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tire offered by TCi incorporates handling characteristics inspired by the same engineering that has earned Michelin 13 consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Its tread has been optimized through Variable Contact Patch 2.0 technology and a Twaron belt package for long, even wear. The tire’s bi-compound delivers optimum dry braking using a Le Mans-inspired compound on the outer shoulder and the latest generation of wet-oriented elastomers on the inner portion of the tread.

TIRE CENTERS LLC (TCI) Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15198 www.mtdquiklink.com/15198

O.Z. wheels Tire Rack Wholesale is the exclusive distributor of O.Z. wheels in North America. Since creating its frst wheels in 1971, O.Z. has established itself as a leader in the world’s light alloy wheel industry. O.Z. produces standard equipment wheels for some of the most exclusive automobiles in the world including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin and Lotus.

TIRE RACK WHOLESALE Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15199 www.mtdquiklink.com/15199

Toyo Proxes 4 Plus The all-new Toyo Proxes 4 Plus is Toyo Tires’ best-ever ultra-high performance, allseason tire. In addition to providing superior handling in both wet and dry conditions, it delivers greater tread life plus less road noise and better fuel economy for an outstanding value. Featuring a distinctive sidewall, the Proxes 4 Plus is designed for use on modern, high-horsepower sports and luxury cars. A new compound, new tread design and wider belt package helps deliver improved performance, longer wear and a quiet ride throughout the life of the tire. And when the weather calls for snow, it provides better snow braking performance for extra assurance. The Proxes 4 Plus is backed by an incredible 50,000-mile tread wear warranty plus a risk-free 500-mile “no regrets” trial offer.

TOYO TIRE U.S.A. CORP. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15200 www.mtdquiklink.com/15200

Vredestein Vorti R The Vorti R is Vredestein’s most sporty ultra-high performance summer tire to date.

Compared to the Ultrac Vorti, the emphasis with the Vorti R lies with ensuring driving precision for the most powerful cars. The Ultrac Vorti R was developed in close cooperation with the Italian design company Giugiaro, and the carbon accents on the sidewall and in the tread are a design feature unique to this tire.

VREDESTEIN TYRES NORTH AMERICA INC. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15201 www.mtdquiklink.com/15201

AVID ENVigor ZPS Yokohama’s AVID ENVigor offers an unprecedented blend of performance, fuel effciency, comfort and tread life. A tire with capabilities so far forward, it created a new category of performance — grand performance. Key sizes of AVID ENVigor are also available with Yokohama’s industry-leading ZPS run-fat technology. Equip your customers with AVID ENVigor and give them the one performance tire that does everything — except compromise.

YOKOHAMA TIRE CORP. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15202 www.mtdquiklink.com/15202 64

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1-800EveryRim.com—OEM Wheels

28

15115

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American Omni Trading Company

32

15119

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Atturo Tire Corporation

34

15121

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Blackburn’s Hubcap & Wheel Solutions

23

15112

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Continental Tire the Americas LLC

19

15109

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Cooper Tire

13

15105

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Falken Tire

21

15110

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General Tire

25

15113

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Greenball Corporation

29

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Hennessy Industries Inc.

15

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Hunter Engineering Company

18

15108

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Kenda USA

IBC

15122

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Kumho Tire USA

5

15102

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McGard LLC

30

15117

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Nexen Tire America Inc.

IFC

15101

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Pirelli Tire North America

9

15103

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Sentaida International Inc.

27

15114

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TBC Wholesale Group

31

15118

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Tire Centers LLC

OBC

15123

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Tire Rack Wholesale

33

15120

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Toyo Tires

17

15107

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Vredestein Tyres North America

22

15111

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Yokohama Tire Corporation

11

15104

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Performance Marketplace

66

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 15122

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