Too-old casings
I am general manager of a commercial tire center in Macon, Ga. We are a Goodyear dealer.
My concern today is with casing supply. The demand for casings greatly exceeds the supply of available quality casings. In an attempt to salvage as much business as possible, I find retreaders in my area retreading casings as old as 13 to 14 years old. I have seen this first hand.
The consequences this subjects us to appear to be limitless—from possible lawsuits to endangering lives. This practice of using really old casings would have been unthinkable in the past. The higher cost of new tires is obviously the driving force.
Many questions come to mind. Is this wise? How many more tire failures are occurring due to this practice? How long before this results in accidents or even deaths?
I would like to hear if this is happening in other parts of our country and how other dealers feel about this.
As an industry, if we don't regulate ourselves with proper discipline, our government will. Beware—when we push the envelope, it may just push back.
Gregg Lewis
General manager
Raffield Tire Master Inc.
Macon, Ga.
Good 'evolution' column
Sometimes we in the tire industry just go about our business taking our jobs and industry for granted, going through the day-to-day motions.
Regardless of how long it takes for me to get around to reading articles and responding to them, I wanted to thank Peggy Fisher and express my enjoyment of her article on the tire “Repair Evolution” that appeared in the March 18 issue of Tire Business.
This was well written and very informative for the technicians who are new to the industry. In fact, I shouldn't limit it to the new tech because it is good information for the old dogs as well! Please keep them coming, as I enjoy your articles.
Philip Nigh
General manager, sales
Elgi Rubber Co.
Luling, Texas