A recent survey conducted by Schrader International found that 46% of drivers couldn’t figure out what the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) “idiot light” on their dashboard really was. Seems consumers can’t interpret the art – that U-shaped icon with an exclamation point on the inside.

I recently received a press release from a leading chain of transmission and auto care service centers that was titled "Why Use Auto Repair Chain for Repairs?" It provides some interesting facts and figures which pertain to independent tire dealerships that compete with the chain for a share of the automotive service pie.

When a dealer says something to me like, "I hope rebate mania ends," I, of course, have to check it out. And in so doing, my respect for independent tire dealers just got hitched up a notch, again.

Barcodes allow tire manufacturers to efficiently sort tires for shipping and track tires for quality purposes and possible recalls. But do they have to be stuck on the tire bead?

Steve Case, vice president of Case Tire In Gastonia, N.C., is giving back to his community -- and having a grand time doing it. He's participating in a "Dancing for Future Stars" dance contest!

"Martin proposed to Olivia!" squealed the woman sitting next to me at the airport. She held out her cell phone so her husband could read the text message. "Wait!" the woman said. "Let me check Martin's Facebook page. It says, "Olivia said yes!"

If you've been curious about how a Chinese tire manufacturing plant operates, check out this link: http://english.cctv.com/program/bizchina/20090903/103737.shtml. It will connect you to the China Central Television (CCT) news organization. The footage was included in a news report on the imported Chinese tire tariff battle being fought in the U.S.

At one of the last tire dealerships I visited, there was a big puddle of green antifreeze shimmering in the parking lot in front of a service bay.

One of my fondest memories will always be sitting with my father by the 18th hole of the Firestone Country Club watching the great golfers finish their rounds during a NEC World Series of Golf event.

My mom said to me the other day, "'Woman suffocates in cat's litter box' is not the title I want over my obituary!" At 83, she's a little unsteady on her feet, and she revealed she almost took a header into Mr. Fluffy's toilet.