Atlanta Commercial Tire adds alloy wheel polishing

ATLANTA — Atlanta Commercial Tire has upgraded its wheel-service business with the installation of a pair of automated wheel-polishing machines for aluminum wheels from Vehicle Inspection Systems Inc. (VIS)

The dealership, which operates nine commercial tire service locations and three Bandag-system retread plants, installed the VIS Polish machines at its Forest Park, Ga., plant and anticipates adding one more soon.

Being able to offer a professional aluminum wheel-polishing option will allow Atlanta Commercial Tire to target new business and expand business with existing customers, according to Larry Faulkner, vice president of sales and marketing for the Atlanta-based commercial tire dealer and retreader.

VIS promotes the automated wheel-polishing system both for its aesthetics and its contribution to safety. The Orlando, Fla.-based company notes that polishing aluminum wheels can reveal hidden damage, such as cracks between the bolt holes, that can be detrimental to the safety of wheel rims.

The system can handle a range of standard wheel sizes — 19.5-, 22.5- and 24.5-inch rim diameters — as well as super singles and wide-base steers, both with the tire mounted or just the wheel itself.

The polishing process takes about 30 to 60 minutes per wheel in an enclosed cabinet, reducing worker exposure to noise and chemicals.

The system also includes a bead-cleaning cycle, which can improve tire-to-rim bead seating.

VIS describes itself as a leader in brake and undercarriage inspection and wheel/rim safety in the trucking and transportation industry.