Junk flood-damaged tires?

I read one of the Tire Business articles (Oct. 24 issue) about tire manufacturers suggesting removal and disposal of tires affected by last year's hurricanes. I'm curious.

What will happen to these used tires? Will they find their way into used tire warehouses only to be resold? Is there sound scientific backing to substantiate the tire makers' reasoning, or is this another ploy to create profit? Are insurance companies going to cover writing off these tires?

I foresee trial lawyers asking why tires aren't designed to withstand salt water and other contaminates since they are subjected to these now, along with other environmental influences/conditions.

We run and service a lot of “beach” trucks that see a lot of salt water and rough conditions, and I can't remember ever seeing or suggesting a customer replace his tires because of salt water contamination.

Even so, if it holds true and becomes a factor of safety, will people replace their tires? The tread is still good!

Mark Anderson

Owner

Anderson's 5 Star Muffler & Alignment

Kenai, Alaska

Adjustment woes

How do other tire dealers handle their tire adjustments? I have done everything each distributor asks, and they still give us a hard time adjusting them.

I have had adjustments go unresolved for over a year and a few have been lost. Guess who got chewed out? Not the distributor.

If the manufacturer would give us an extra discount, we could do our own adjustments. We are already doing “policy adjustments.” Just compensate us for it.

Kevin Key

President

Bud's Grocery Inc.

Palatka, Fla.

Editor's Note: Mr. Key describes Bud's Grocery as an old-fashioned general store that has evolved over the years to also offer tires and equipment for the logging industry. The business provides road service and 24-hour tire service. It sells passenger, light truck and off-the-road tires.

Training costs too much

I don't understand why we should pay money to the Tire Industry Association (TIA) for training courses that include a book and a video.

A small amount would be OK, but it's too much to charge $300 to non-members for training that in the long run benefits the customer. It should be a free online course, or a free seminar available in all 50 states and abroad.

These courses are for safety for us and the customer. Safety shouldn't cost money.

Gregory Schwindt

Tire tech and sales

Divison Tire Inc.

Portland, Ore.

Quiz fan

I really liked your 2005 year-in-review quiz, “So you think you know everything?” (Dec. 19 issue). I answered more right than wrong.

I enjoy receiving Tire Business. Thank you. Everything in there is interesting and good to read and know. PS: I can't wait 'til the next issue!

Richard E. Mesner

President

King Tire Center Inc.

Pontiac, Mich.