Ray Buchmann, president of Buchmann tire & Retreading Inc. in Cullman, Ala., knows a good idea when he reads about it.
After seeing in Modern Tire Dealer that Massillon, Ohio-based Ziegler Tire & Oil Co. was providing vehicle maintenance and repair services for unemployed people -- some at no charge -- he decided to adapt the idea to his three Peoples Tires, Brake & Alignment Centers in north Alabama (see "Ziegler offers auto services to the unemployed").
In Buchmann's neck of the woods, the military has a strong presence. For example, the Redstone Arsenal is located in Huntsville, also the home of one of his retail stores (the others are in Cullman and Tuscumbia).
So beginning today (Nov. 16), Buchmann decided to offer free Castrol oil changes to dependents of deployed soldiers, with a limit of two per family. "We call it, the 'Salute to the Troops,'" he says.
In addition, Peoples Tires will top off the fluids, rotate the tires "if they need it," and inspect the vehicles free of charge. To qualify, drivers must show a copy of the orders proving they are dependents, plus provide the vehicle's registration.
The promotion will last through the end of the year.
"People ask me, 'How many are you going to do?'" says Buchmann. "I don't know... maybe one an hour. We think it's going to be well received.
"We're going to try to do it by appointment, so no one gets mad at us."
Peoples Tires partnered with local news media, a billboard company, BP Lubricants USA Inc. and Advance Auto Parts Inc. to make the offer a reality. For "Salute the Troops" terms and conditions, visit the Peoples Tires Web site at www.peoplestires.com.
