Seeking a nitrogen fill-up
More and more I have been coming across articles showing the benefits of nitrogen tire inflation but have yet to see an endorsement or advertisement from any of the major tire manufacturers or chain retailers.
Nitrogen inflation is widely used in Europe and South Africa in both passenger car and truck applications yet is unavailable in the U.S. at the retail level. How come, if the benefits are as good as claimed, only NASCAR, CART, NASA and other special organizations have access to these benefits here in the U.S?
Advertisers in recent issues of Tire Business clearly state that nitrogen generating units are now available from U.S. manufacturers. Why don't we see them around? Are they prohibitively expensive, unreliable, difficult to maintain? I have just put four new Michelin tires on my car and would love to try nitrogen inflation.
Perhaps you, or one of your readers, could let me know where the service is available in the South Florida area.
Scott Pimpernel
President
Harmony Hall Inc.
Margate, Fla.
Reaching out at Goodyear
In reference to your Top Newsmakers for 2003 in the Dec. 22 issue, Goodyear's Robert Keegan and Jon Rich reached out to us in an unceremonious letter canceling us as dealers.
After 75-plus years with Goodyear (most of those years 100-percent Goodyear), we feel like Goodyear has reached an all-time low.
After dutifully backing Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. over the years, we are rewarded with an illegibly signed cancellation letter. It's no wonder their blimp is deflating.
Larry Hauck
Owner
Wells Tire Co. Inc.
Alton, Ill.
Editor's Note: Mr. Hauck included the cancellation letter from Goodyear, which stated the tire maker discontinued its relationship with Wells Tire based on a failure to meet standard minimum purchase requirements and a failure to aggressively promote the Goodyear product.
Siping and warranties
In the Sept. 15 issue, you ran an article on siping that stated the tire manufacturers had told you they would not warranty tires that had been siped. This was incorrect information.
I appreciate that when you contact the rubber companies they may tell you this. However, I have worked with these firms for 20 years, and we have not had a problem with siping affecting tire warranties, assuming the siping did not cause a problem.
I have enclosed a copy of a product service bulletin from Goodyear and a copy of an interoffice memo from Bridgestone/Firestone. Both documents state that if tires are siped properly, the action will not affect the tire's warranty, unless the reason for the tire's removal from service is due to the siping.
I contacted Michelin and was told its warranty information states that if a tire is altered or siped it voids the warranty. From a practical standpoint, assuming the tire problem is not related to siping, this does not void the warranty. Michelin asked me to check with any of its dealers who perform siping noting they would agree with this. The company would not put this in writing for me but stated it was their policy.
I hope this corrects any misunderstanding resulting from the original article.
Wes Sprunk
President
Saf-Tee Siping & Grooving Inc.
Phoenix