Monroe Shockmobile touts value of checking, changing ride control

AKRON — Parts of North America are getting some free shock therapy this summer.

The Monroe Shockmobile — an oversized, iconic black-and-yellow Monroe shock absorber being towed around North America by an SUV — stopped by Tire Business' Akron office Aug. 2 as part of its Midwest tour.

The visit was part of Monroe's summer mobile tour, during which Tenneco Inc.'s Monroe line is touring tire and automotive shops and special events, across dozens of cities in North America, to promote its brand while educating consumers about the importance of having their vehicles' ride-control parts inspected.

"We're trying to get the word out to consumers that it's a good thing to remember the importance checking their vehicle's shocks and struts, and to replace them if they are worn," said Parker Tredwell, a University of Toledo student who is one of the brand ambassadors. He and Shawn Leinhardt, a Miami (of Ohio) University student, are representing Monroe on the three-month tour.

The Shockmobile that visited Akron, one of two that hit the road this summer, began its current tour on May 31. It already had made stops in Indianapolis, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey and Ontario. After leaving Akron, it was en route to Cleveland, then Detroit.

The mobile marketing program, in its fourth year, is designed to call attention to worn-out shocks and struts, helping to reinforce auto service providers' recommendations to replace them.

Mr. Tredwell said replacing shocks can improve a vehicle's handling, reduce treadwear and shorten stopping distances.

He said Monroe recommends inspecting ride control parts every 50,000 miles, "but it depends on the what the vehicle is used for. If you're hauling lumber or something with a lot of load weight, you should check those sooner."

In addition, this year, Tenneco is touting its "Feel the Difference" guarantee, which the firm said is a "comprehensive, risk-free trial" that enables automotive service providers to promise ride-control customers that they "will feel a positive difference in handling and overall ride quality," or they will get their money back.

The "Feel the Difference" guarantee means any consumer who isn't satisfied with his or her purchase of a Monroe shock or strut part may return the parts during a 90-day or 1,000-mile trial period for a refund of the original purchase price (less discounts and rebates), as well as reimbursement of labor costs, if performed by a service professional. Full details are at Monroe.com.

Monroe also is offering consumers a chance to win $500 with its "Feel the Difference Quote It" sweepstakes. In order to enter, consumers must have their vehicle's shocks or struts quoted for replacement, then text (or email in Canada) to Monroe a photo of the yellow "Feel the Difference" pad label.

Winners are drawn weekly; the tire or repair shop visited by the consumer receives a set of four barstools as part of the giveway.

The Shockmobile has visited hundreds of automotive service locations during the first half of the 10-week tour, including stops in California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky and Utah.

The brand ambassadors are active on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, engaging with consumers, shop owners and service technicians about their experiences.

"Our Monroe Shockmobiles are truly a summer favorite as the brand ambassadors make daily stops at shops and meet and interact with customers and consumers all summer long," said Denise Hanefeld, brand and marketing manager, North America Aftermarket, Tenneco.

"The Shockmobiles and brand ambassadors illustrate Monroe's commitment to educating consumers about the important role ride control products play in steering, stopping and stability and remind consumers to have ride-control products inspected at regular intervals."