LAS VEGAS — The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has developed a pair of training programs, for automotive and commercial tires, designed for industry professionals who do not service tires but need introductory training into tire and wheel service.
"There are a lot of people in the tire industry who need an introduction to passenger and light truck tire service even though they do not change tires," TIA President Brian Rigney said during a press conference held at the recent SEMA Show, where TIA was an exhibitor.
"Intro to ATS gives them the background information they need to understand the basic guidelines and procedures for servicing automotive tire assemblies."
The new 100-Level programs — Intro to Automotive Tire Service (ATS) and Commercial Tire Service Program — are available through the association's On-Line University for $50 a year per location, unlimited access.
Intro to ATS comprises five modules: passenger and light truck tires; passenger and light truck rims, wheels and hubs; passenger and light truck tire service; tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); and sales.
Each module provides an overview of the subject without going into the detailed step-by-step procedures that technicians need, TIA said. The sales module, for example, provides students with tips that will help them when working with prospective customers.
The goal is to help non-technicians get a better understanding of passenger and light truck tire service and improve closing rates, TIA said.
"We've noticed an educational gap in the industry where promises made at the sales counter cannot be fulfilled in the shop," Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training, said.
"Intro to ATS bridges that gap so sales and office personnel have the same foundational training as technicians, which ultimately will result in better customer service and increased productivity."
Intro to CTS — designed for industry professionals dealing with medium truck, earthmover, farm and industrial tire and wheel assemblies — comprises six modules: truck tires; single/multi-piece rims; truck tire service; off-road tires; off-road wheels and rims; and off-road service.
"The commercial tire industry encompasses a lot more than truck tires, so Intro to CTS provides an overview of the different types of assemblies typically serviced by truck tire dealers," Mr. Rigney said.
Initially, TIA intended to focus Intro to CTS on truck tires alone, but decided after much discussion at the board level to include earthmover, farm and industrial tires, Mr. Rohlwing said.
Licensing agreements also are available for companies with their own online learning platforms, TIA said.