Support 'round-the-wheel?
Why haven't tire dealers learned after all these years that being involved in Ford Motor Co.'s Around-the-Wheel program has helped the manufacturers hurt-not help-our business.
Of course Ford has realized that over the years we, the independent tire dealers, have taken their customers for all the aftermarket sales and service. They never wanted or earned that business. They only wanted to sell new and used cars.
So now, because Michelin North America Inc., Goodyear, Continental Tire North America Inc. and the rest of our ``friends'' think they will sell more tires through this non-traditional network of dealers, they are taking away our customers.
This is not good for our business. Our traffic counts are down. Tires are lasting longer. There are more big box players. Warranties are running longer, and my fellow dealers are ``helping'' the competition by supporting this program.
What's next Akron? Tires at your local dry cleaner or drug store?
Do the manufacturers want to do to the independent what Home Depot has done to the local hardware stores? Hmmmmm.
Barry Steinberg
President
Direct Tire and Auto Service
Watertown, Mass.
Dealer still key to sales
I simply could not resist complimenting you on your Nov. 11 editorial stating that if Goodyear is to recover from its current woes, its independent tire dealers must play a major role in that happening. I am not going to ``bash'' anybody, but the only real purveyor of tires has always been, continues to be and will always be the independent tire dealer.
Sure, anybody can stock, advertise and move tires. However, the retailer who gives the best value and does not reduce such a scientifically valuable product as a tire to a commodity is still the independent tire dealer.
It is the familiar face across the counter that builds lasting relationships with the motoring public-not price, not razzle dazzle, but honest, knowledgeable caring attention to the customer.
And something else that has not changed in these mind-boggling times is the adage that you take care of the customer and the customer will take care of you!
J.A. DePaolis
Vice president, business development
DeCarolis Truck Leasing
Rochester, N.Y.
Editor's note: Mr. DePaolis is a former independent tire dealer and a past president of the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association.
And another voice heard
AMEN! Thank you for being our voice and saying it perfectly.
Charles Creighton President
Colony Tire Corp. Edenton, N.C.
Editor's note: Mr. Creighton's comments also are in response to the Nov. 11 editorial headlined ``Dealers can aid Goodyear recovery.''
Hot tire air pressure
Let's hear more about hot tire air pressure!
Most of my customers who drive in for air pressure checks do not know that a hot and cold tire have different pressures. The door stickers should have both.
If you inflate a hot tire to cold air pressure, you just underinflated by four pounds.
Ron Labrie
Service manager
C&R Tire Inc.
Scottsdale, Ariz.