I have read news stories about service people being fined for violating federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations on the handling and disposal of air conditioning coolant and antifreeze from cars and trucks. But what about the disposing of antifreeze after demounting farm tractor tires? People here put antifreeze in tractor tires to prevent the liquid ballast from freezing.
I stopped changing such tires (rather than risk being fined if the antifreeze should spill onto the ground). Am I losing this business needlessly or saving money by not risking a fine?
A.J. Horton
A.J.'s Tire Service Inc.
Gadsden, Ala.
Editor's note: According to Roy Littlefield, government relations director for the American Retreaders' Association, federal regulations prohibit draining antifreeze directly onto the ground or into a storm sewer or other drainage system where it might pollute water supplies. However, many urban communities allow the draining of antifreeze into closed, sanitary sewer systems leading to federally approved water treatment plants. Check with local regulators to determine if your area has such a system. Changing such tires in the field requires capturing and holding the antifreeze until it can be disposed of in an approved manner. Equipment is available for this purpose.
Strike intervention wrong
I am outraged the Clinton administration would intervene in a labor dispute between Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and its union workers.
Bill Clinton and (U.S. Secretary of Labor) Robert Reich (both longtime lap dogs of the union bosses) have been blasting Bridgestone while favoring the union. This is wrong.
Ray Gordon
President
Reliable Tire Sales
Baltimore, Md.
More on tire exports
Excellent special section on scrap tire disposal (Feb. 20). Please do a similar analysis on the export tire market.
Dan Bishop
T.D.I of Louisiana
Lake Charles, La.
Don't give away service
Why do independent tire dealers continue to give away service? That's our bread and butter. When is it going to stop?
Terry Moxley
Store Manager
Jensen Tire No. 9
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Largest wholesaler not sold
Congratulations on what many consider the most factually-informative tire journal.
However, I was surprised to read your Jan. 9 news item headed ``U.K.'s largest wholesaler sold'' (concerning the sale of Stapleton's Tyre Services Ltd., with annual sales of about $61.8 million, to Japan's Itochu Corp.).
I would like to point out that Tyreco Trading Ltd. (we are international tire wholesalers) had sales of $64.8 million in 1994. Therefore, the U.K.'s largest wholesaler has not been sold!
Maybe you should advise readers accordingly in case some of our American contacts might erroneously think our market position has changed.
Chris Cheneler
Tyreco Trading Ltd.
Brighton, England
Dealer management system
Excellent article on Dave Denmon of Dave's Tire and Auto Corral, Glendale, Ariz. (``Lessons in success,'' Mar. 20.) How can I order his management system?
Joe Wootton
Brakes Plus
Hobbs, N.M.
Editor's note: Write Dave Denmon at Automotive Management Systems, 5102 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302, or call him at (602) 979-2370. Fax: (602) 878-3243.