Trends 2404 - December Issue by Ontario Tire Dealers Association

Editor: Adam Moffatt

President: Charley Kriksic

President’s Message

Charley Kriksic

E: amoffatt@otda.com (General) E: accounting@otda.com (Accounting) W: www.otda.com

Dundas St.

1H5

P: 519-537-5596

F: 519-537-8209

E: info@barneyprinting.com W: www.barneyprinting.com

“YOUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR NUMBERS”

The OTDA is recognized by industry and government as the representative body of the Independent Tire Dealers of Ontario.

Charley Kriksic, President Consumers Tire

Charmaine Carvalho, Vice President Chloride Canada

Rejean Murray, Secretary O.K Tire Service (Val-Rita)

Alexa Labrecque Provincial Tire Distributors

Bruce Barnim Tirecraft Ontario

Dan Bender Tire Discounter Group

Eric Gilbert Ericway Tire

Erik Fielding Fielding Tire and Auto

Glenn Warnica OTDA

Harold Boake Steelcase Tire

Jeremy Hanford Hanford's Tire & Service

Adam Moffatt, Executive Director OTDA Ifyou're not receiving regular OTDA emails, make sure we have your current email address!

Member Benefits

Preferred Vendor Programs

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Automotive Tire Service – essential training on tire safety, repair, and installation, equipping technicians with the skills and knowledge for industry-leading service.

MEMBER RESOURCES

Industry Advocacy – Representing members' interests at the provincial and national levels.

Networking Opportunities – Access to exclusive events, workshops, and annual conferences.

Industry News & Updates – Email communications and newsletters with insights on regulations, market trends, and industry best practices.

Discount Programs – Savings on products and services through partner discounts and group purchasing power.

Marketing & Promotion – Featuring member businesses on the OTDA website, social media, or other OTDA publications.

Sponsorship & Advertising – Opportunities to sponsor OTDA events or advertise through association channels.

Federated Insurance

Tailored insurance programs designed speciﬁcally for tire dealers.

Just Quote Me Elavon

Flexible credit and debit processing with no long-term contracts.

Esso Mobile

Enjoy savings at the pump with exclusive fuel discounts.

Marks Commercial Save on workwear and in-store essentials.

Hertz

Exclusive savings on car and truck rentals.

Staples

Affordable prices on business essentials and ofﬁce supplies.

Events

OTDA Winter Conference – bringing the industry together for insightful panels, networking opportunities, and a showcase of the latest trends and innovations in the tire and automotive sectors.

OTDA Golf Classic - a fun, networking event that brings members together for a day of golf and industry connections.

FCA Canada

Special offers on Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles.

Deluxe Canada

Savings on payroll, printing, and other business needs.

Sophie Niehaus

Lucas Townsend

Advertise With Us!

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Although not mandatory in Canada, tire dealers should still feel an obligation to their customers to ensure TPMS systems are in working order before they leave the shop.

Sometimes, this is easier said than done, especially if the customer refuses to have the work completed or if you don’t have a properly trained tire technician who understands TPMS.

For shops not currently offering TPMS service work, this is an untapped revenue stream that should be considered. It still boggles my mind that a tire shop would send a customer to a competitor's location to perform TPMS service! In any event, a tire shop and technicians need to have access to current and up-to-date equipment, understand TPMS installation, and be trained on how to properly program sensors, systems and run diagnostics.

The OTDA lead Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Level 300 training course has 4 modules and hands-on training specifically covering TPMS.

Technicians can expect to learn basic TPMS knowledge, system identification, system and sensor programming, system re-learn techniques and TPMS troubleshooting.

Not sure if your techs need training, ask them one simple question. “How many functions does the TPMS dash light have, and what are they?” If they didn’t know there are 2 functions, the telltale and malfunction indicator lamp, it might be time for a TPMS re-fresher.

Since tire dealers are expected to have a higher level of tire expertise than the average consumer, it is important that we ensure our staff is not only trained, but fully understands the requirements of today's cars, trucks and equipment.

Don , t Delay! Book Today!

Contact Adam Moffatt

Collingwood, Ontario Blue Mountain Resort

OTDA WINTER OTDA WINTER CONFERENCE CONFERENCE

Registration Now Open! Open!

Come for the Conference the , Stay for the Weeken d ! Registration Now Open! February 6-8, 2025

Come for the Conference , Stay for the Weekend !

Family-friendly ❆ Informative Speakers ❆ Discussion Panels ❆ Industry Insights Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Welcome Reception & Cocktail Hour Friday, February 7, 2025 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am Conference DayParting Breakfast & Social Hour

Enhancing Customer Comfort: Waiting Areas in Tire Shops

1. Seating and Space

The most fundamental element of a waiting area is the seating arrangement. Investing in quality, comfortable chairs or couches can make a big difference in how your customers feel during their visit. If space allows, create zones for different customer needs—such as quiet seating areas for those who want to read or work and a kid-friendly section with toys or books to entertain families.

2. Entertainment and Wi-Fi

Long waits can feel shorter with the right distractions. Providing free Wi-Fi is almost a necessity these days, allowing customers to browse the internet, check emails, or stream content while waiting. Offering charging stations for phones and laptops is a nice touch that shows your shop is tech-friendly and thoughtful. Magazines, newspapers, Tv’s, or even local business brochures can give customers more entertainment options while they wait.

3. Cleanliness and Aesthetics

A clean and organized waiting area reflects directly on the professionalism of your shop. Regularly tidying up the space, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring there’s no clutter or debris shows that you care about your customers' comfort. Beyond cleanliness, focus on aesthetics. A fresh coat of paint, modern lighting, and subtle décor can make your waiting area feel inviting. Consider soft, calming colors and natural light to create a relaxing atmosphere.

4. Refreshments

Offering refreshments is a simple way to elevate the customer experience. A coffee machine, tea, water, and even small snacks can go a long way in making a positive impression. If possible, provide disposable cups and clean up the area regularly to maintain a hygienic environment.Some shops also take it up a notch by partnering with local cafes or restaurants to offer discounts or vouchers, which customers can use while their vehicle is being serviced.

5. Transparency and Communication

Posting educational materials or videos in the waiting area to help customers learn more about tire maintenance, the services your shop provides, and why certain repairs or replacements are necessary. This not only passes the time but builds trust in your expertise.

6. Safety and Accessibility

Finally, it’s crucial to ensure your waiting area is accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities. Make sure entrances, exits, and seating arrangements are easy to navigate. Providing hand sanitizer stations and maintaining social distancing protocols where needed also ensures a safe environment.

Conclusion

RISK INSIGHTS WINTER MAINTENANCE

Canadian winters are some of the harshest in the world, and weather conditions such as accumulated snow, extreme cold, blizzards and ice are a common occurrence. As an owner or lessee, you have responsibilities regarding the protection of your property and the safety of others. This bulletin contains advice on how to best cope with the Canadian climate and prevent any potential damage.

Snow-covered roofs

Roofs are generally built to withstand a certain amount of accumulated snow. However, it is best to avoid letting excess snow or ice accumulate, as this can damage the structure and roof covering. Excess snow and ice can also create ice dams, which prevent drainage of the roof covering. This, in turn, increases the risk of water inﬁltration.

Further, any excess snow or ice prevents control and expansion joints from working properly. These joints are designed to allow materials to contract and expand in winter.

As a general rule, it is advisable to remove snow and ice from a roof when their thickness exceeds 20 cm (8 in.). However, snow removal is not without risk. Some of the most common risks are falling from heights, electrocution and heart attacks.

Employers, owners and workers must use safe work methods when engaged in snow removal operations. Review the following list to make sure you’re prioritizing safety:

• Identify and then eliminate, or limit and control, any hazards.

• Take necessary measures to ensure the safety of people walking near the building during snow removal operations. A safety perimeter is required to keep people at a safe distance.

• Think about the location of electrical installations.

• Use wood or plastic shovels, and stop at least 10 cm (4 in.) above the ﬁnished surface of the roof covering.

• Avoid sharp tools (e.g. axes or picks). Use rubber mallets to break up ice.

• Avoid using excessive heat (e.g. welding torches), which could damage the roof covering.

• Be careful when using de-icing salt, which can accelerate corrosion of the roof’s metal components.

• Ensure there is good water drainage.

Clearly, removing snow and ice from roofs is an arduous and risky task that requires a certain level of expertise. This is why we recommend calling qualiﬁed snow and ice removal professionals. Not only will a qualiﬁed company know the proper techniques, it will have the equipment necessary to safely do the work. Don’t forget to ask the contractor to provide you with proof of insurance coverage.

Another option is to sign a contract with a qualiﬁed company to remove your snow for the entire winter season. Ideally, you should sign this contract before winter starts.

To prevent major damage, use the pre-winter period to check for common signs of trouble, such as:

• Cracks on interior or exterior walls

• Warping of interior or exterior ﬁnishes

• Doors jamming or rubbing against the frame

• Conspicuous creaking noises

• Buckling ceiling

• Any other visible physical damage

If several such signs are present, the building should be evacuated as soon as possible. Necessary measures should be taken to remove the snow, no matter how much has accumulated on the roof. If necessary, consult a structural engineer to verify whether the roof is in fact under mechanical stress caused by snow loads.

It is best to avoid letting excess snow or ice accumulate, as this can damage the structure and roof covering.

Parking lots, sidewalks, emergency exits, stairs, doors

In winter, snowfall and cold can make surfaces icy and slippery. In order to keep your premises safe and reduce the risks of slip-and-fall injuries, it is essential that a documented winter maintenance program be put in place.

Swift evacuation is vital during an emergency. For this reason, emergency exits, outdoor stairs and other doors must never be obstructed or covered with snow. This is especially important for paths leading to emergency evacuation assembly points.

What to do if snow and ice is being removed by a contractor

• Make sure to sign a written contract or service agreement that specifically defines the work to be done, as well as each party’s roles and responsibilities. Procure a certificate of insurance from the contractor and ask your dedicated insurance agent to review with you the coverage and other information, in order to confirm that the contractor’s insurance has suitable legal liability.

• The contract should clearly deﬁne the contractor’s obligation to use products such as salt to melt the snow and ice. It must specify under what conditions these products are to be applied, and to which areas. A lawyer can review the contract to make sure that it contains all relevant information.

What to do if snow and ice is being removed by an employee

• Clearly deﬁne the employee’s tasks. Carefully explain which areas are to be maintained, how often those areas are to be serviced and what equipment and materials are required. Entrances, exits and stairways should be serviced before the arrival of other staff and visitors.

• The most important message to send to employees is to always document, document, document! Keep a complete log of what has been done, at what time, by whom, and note the weather conditions at the time of snow and ice removal.

• In the event of a slip-and-fall incident, the complainant (or a witness) must complete an incident report. Copies of the report form must be kept on site. The report must include the individual’s contact information, the date when the form was completed, the signature of a manager or employee who witnessed the incident, and relevant details about the incident, including answers to the questions “what?”, “where?” and “when?” You should also take dated photos of the conditions at the scene of the incident, as well as the footwear that the injured party was wearing.

An effective winter maintenance program could serve as evidence in defending against a claim resulting from a slip-andfall.

NOTE: It’s important to keep documentation on all incidents for a period of no less than two years.

Access to emergency services

Streets, yards and routes designated for the ﬁre department must always be maintained in good condition so that they can be used at any time by ﬁre department vehicles.

Private hydrants/ﬁre department connections

In an emergency, firefighters have little time to hook up to private hydrants and fire department connections. To facilitate their work and reduce delays, this equipment must remain unobstructed from any obstacle within a radius of at least 1.5 metres (5 feet). Snow should be prevented from accumulating in these locations.

Natural gas inlet

To ensure that your natural gas appliances are safe and working properly, the gas inlet should remain unobstructed within a radius of at least 1 metre (3 feet) from bushes, plants, snow, ice and other materials.

For more information on making your business safer, contact our Risk Services team at 1.833.692.4112 or visit www.federated.ca.

[3584-066-ed03E | 11.2021] | Federated Insurance Company of Canada is the insurer of Federated Insurance policies. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. See policy for details. Federated, Federated Insurance and Risk Insights are registered trademarks of Federated Mutual Insurance Company. Used under license. This Risk Insight is provided information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and wil be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information.

SAFETY SAFETY CORNER

Winter Safety

In this edition of Safety Corner, we are looking at winter safety & what you can do to protect your staff, customers, and business.

Outdoor Tech Safety Tips:

1) Wear layered clothing. Wearing multiple layers of clothing allows the worker to adjust their protection based on current temperature. Take off layers as you get too warm and put them on as it gets colder.

2) Take extra clothes. Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Dry clothing always help keep workers warm, especially when working outdoors.

Take a break. During extremely cold or windy weather, take regular breaks to warm up before continuing work.

3) Drink up. Even though it’s cold out, keep hydrated by drinking water or other warm drinks. You will still sweat when working, even in cold temperatures. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

4) Know the signs. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of frost bite and hypothermia. Get inside if you begin to experience them. If you see a co-worker showing symptoms, take them inside immediately.

5) To avoid slipping on ice, wear winter boots with a strong tread. Spread sand or rock salt on the ice to provide a rough surface for footwear to grip.

Slips, Trips and Falls: 6 Ways to Combat Winter Hazards

Ice and snow are inevitable, but injuries to your workers and customers from slips, trips and falls are not.

This means, don't wait for the snow to fall before raising employee awareness about winter hazards and check in advance if your outside contractor will clear snow and ice in an emergency.

1. Do your homework when hiring outside contractors. Don't hire a contractor based on price alone, check their qualifications and follow up with references. Ask questions such as, do they have general liability insurance and a valid WSIB certificate? Will they come out during emergency situations to ensure everything is still safe for your employees and customers?"

2. Decide how your maintenance staff and outside contractor will work together to ensure the workplace is always free of winter hazards. Responsibility for keeping stairs, floors, entranceways clear of ice and snow typically rests on the employer's own staff, but they may also have to take on the walkways and the parking lot if the contractor is absent and conditions require it. Thoroughly read and understand your contractor agreement and possible building lease agreement.

3. Raise awareness of winter hazards and solutions among all staff in advance.

For example:

• place posters in high visibility areas, such as washrooms, lunch areas, and wherever else people congregate

• encourage supervisors to add winter safety to safety talks. Possibilities include watching out for and reporting hazards, and wearing proper footwear (low heels, warm, waterproof, good ice/snow traction, etc.)

4. Identify and assess winter hazards throughout the season. Use every tool at your disposal, including daily inspections, incident reports, complaints, and one-up observations. Are snow and ice promptly cleared from walkways, parking lots and loading docks? Are they deposited in a safe place? Are entrances and exits to buildings unobstructed and overhanging snowdrifts removed? Are parking lot sight lines open? Could melting runoff turn into black ice?

5. Review the ice and snow removal process in the spring. "Identify gaps while it's fresh on everyone's mind. Talk to the joint health and safety committee and workers, then make changes before the new contract goes out for quotes in August or September."

6. Review your prevention plan on an annual basis. Are you legally still compliant? Is your program controlling winter hazards? Ask employees about near misses. Cross-reference your own records with statistics regarding the frequency and type of injuries that are occurring.

The hidden hazards of rushing at work

and the 5 tips to overcoming them

By Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Rushing has become a way of life for most of us, but when we do it at work, the chance of incidents and injuries increases substantially.

Consider the following:

• A tire technician is finishing up a job before heading off on break. They notice a spill in the garage but puts off cleaning it up until later. While on break, another worker slips and is injured when their head hits the floor.

• A manager races through a team meeting and fails to conduct a root cause analysis of an important safety issue; no corrective action is taken. Inevitably, the problem re-occurs, and someone is injured.

• Trying to squeeze a customer in to an already packed schedule, a technician rushes through a safety check. Because of this oversight, a loose bolt goes unnoticed, and the customer experiences a roadside emergency as a result.

• A worker rushes outside to start a vehicle and bring it into the service bay. He doesn’t notice an icy patch on the pavement. He slips and falls, using his arm to cushion the impact. He suffers a dislocated shoulder and must now wear a sling, attend physiotherapy, and miss work for months. For the employer, this may mean higher workers’ compensation and health care costs, as well as costs to hire a replacement worker.

• A bulk shipment of winter tires arrives. With customer appointments booked back-to-back, a decision is made to leave the tires in the waiting area of the store instead of placing them properly onto a rack in the shop. The pile becomes unstable and falls, injuring a customer.

What happens when we rush

In a society where faster is better, and demands are ever-increasing, there’s a great deal of pressure on businesses, and subsequently on managers, supervisors and workers to increase productivity. This often results in rushing.

"But when we rush, we can miss important cues, especially unexpected ones, which in turn may result in critical errors,” says WSPS Consulting Services Manager, Hamish Morgan.

Rushing can result in a greater number of injuries, increased stress, and reduced quality of goods and services. “Having to shut down work to deal with an injury or to ‘rework’ poor quality items compounds the pressure to rush.”

The key, says Hamish, is for everyone to work at a pace that’s suitable for the task at hand, to maximize safe production. Multi-tasking is not the answer. “A guiding principle in lean manufacturing is that doing one thing at a time is more time efficient than trying to do multiple things at once."

How do you stop the rush? Hamish has five suggestions:

5 tips to prevent rushing

Be clear about your expectations when it comes to productivity and safety. Ensure you have a positive safety culture that is well communicated. A positive safety culture is one where safety is the top priority for owners, managers, supervisors and workers as demonstrated through workplace policies, programs, procedures and actions. “It’s important for companies to take the time to communicate and visibly demonstrate their true beliefs and values," says Hamish, “so no one is confused.”

Encourage your workforce to work efficiently, but not rush. Hold safety talks to explain the difference and reinforce the negative outcomes of rushing.

Emphasize job preparation. Searching for missing tools or equipment wastes time and puts added pressure on workers to rush to complete jobs.

Ask for feedback. If workers are feeling too much pressure to work quickly, you need to know about it, and take appropriate steps to address the pressure, says Hamish. Likewise, workers may have constructive suggestions about what’s causing delays that lead to rushing.

Include ‘rushing’ in accident investigations and root cause analysis (RCA). “RCAs should be routinely carried out when problems arise (safety or production) to identify proper corrective actions,” says Hamish. “Spending time and money on band-aid solutions that don’t correct the problem only creates even greater pressure, resulting in rushing.” 1 2 3 4 5

OTDA Meet the Vendors

Mark’s Commercial and the OntarioTire Dealers Association have partnered together to give OTDA members a special program price on workwear.

OTDA members will receive all merchandise, including Dakota, Carhartt and Helly Hansen Industrial Workwear, FR & Hi-Vis Merchandise,Thermal Underwear, Industrial Rainwear, HealthWear, All SeasonWork Gloves, CSA & Anti-Slip Footwear, and Safety Accessories.

To receive these discounts OTDA members will be required to show their Mark’s Commercial Client Savings Cards.The discount only applies to regular priced items as listed above. In the event of an item being sale priced, the lower price will apply.

Email for more information

TIRES & WHEELS

Over 2,200,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and 2,500,000 tires in inventory!

• Fast delivery, simple & efficient service

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• Partnerships with a broad range of global manufacturers

In order to boost tire sales and increase the retention rate in your dealership, we created a contest that is entirely dedicated to your sales representatives. On October 31st we made our last winner. Congratulations to Keith & Nathan of Go

Piché, Stox Account Manager, presenting the award to Keith & Nathan of Go Partners Automotive, Nepean, Ontario.