Q: I need to get hybrid safety gloves for work (employer does not provide). They are really expensive! But there are some stores out there that are a lot cheaper than the rest. So, what's the difference? They look the same, but cost less.
A: No pun intended: One size does not “fit” all. There is a reason that you want to make sure you get the best hybrid electrical safety gloves — your future!
The rubber safety gloves must meet the 1000V safety, ASTM D 120 Standard rating. Also, some gloves come in kits — the under glove (rubber) and the over glove (leather). Both units should always be worn in pairs to protect the first layer, delicate neoprene. (Also, there is a testing procedure that needs to be followed each time, before the items are used.)
This is definitely an item that you don't go “cheap” on. Quality and knowing the source of manufacture is very important. This is an item you want to make sure is not a counterfeit product.
(Note: Before popping the hood on any hybrid vehicle, the technician should be properly trained on the specific car or truck he/she is about to work on to prevent injury/death.)
Q: I'm opening a satellite tire shop and need more equipment — balancers, mounting machines, etc. So, I got with my local supplier and got pricing. It's about what I figured. Then, I got a flyer though the mail. The pricing was much less! So, I questioned my suppler and they said the flyer equipment was not the same quality.
A: Could be right. With all equipment and tools out there — on sale — you need to compare “apples-to-apples.” In your case, you need to find out what the warranty on parts-labor, service call pricing, service availability (time between breakdown and service call/repair) and employee training — especially on the tire mount machine — on considered equipment.
If you know someone in your area with the same type of equipment you are contemplating, ask them about their experience regarding product reliability and service. Most of all: Do your homework before purchase.
Pam Oakes is a retired, 20-year owner of nationally awarded automotive shop Pam's Motor City Automotive and Tires, an ASE-certified technician, automotive author, automotive speaker, automotive patent holder and host of "Car Care for the Clueless” Daily Edition, a syndicated radio talk show airing on dozens of stations coast-to-coast. And, yes, she still "turns wrenches"—but just for fun, nowadays.
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam Oakes? Email it to Tire Business Senior Reporter William Schertz at [email protected].