The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is adding several modules to its Certified ETS (Earthmover Tire Service) program in 2026.
Kevin Rohlwing, TIA's chief technical officer, made the announcement during TIA's 2026 OTR Tire Conference, which is taking place this week in Orlando, Fla.
Service truck maintenance will be an area of focus, Rohlwing told attendees. "What are the basic maintenance practices that need to take place? Why do they matter?"
Additional topics, among others, will include hydraulic tool maintenance. Rim part identification also will be covered.
"A certified tech should be able to look at a rim part and refer to a rim manual and determine the appropriate part" that's needed, said Rohlwing. "That's part of the service process."
In addition, emphasis will be placed on proper job site planning. "What are the factors you have to consider before lifting? OTR service is not golf. We don't play it where it lies."
The goal of enhancing TIA's Certified ETS program "is to create a network of TIA-certified OTR technicians. It's going to raise the bar. You can't just be a tire buster in OTR. You need to be the top of the top - the best of the best."
The 2026 OTR Tire Conference runs through Feb. 20.
About the Author
Mike Manges
Editor
Mike Manges is Modern Tire Dealer’s editor. A 28-year tire industry veteran, he is a three-time International Automotive Media Association Award winner, holds a Gold Award from the Association of Automotive Publication Editors and was named a finalist for the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award, the Pulitzer Prize of business-to-business media, in 2024. He also was named Endeavor Business Media's Editor of the Year in 2024. Mike has traveled the world in pursuit of stories that will help independent tire dealers move their businesses forward. Before rejoining MTD in 2019, he held corporate communications positions at two Fortune 500 companies and served as MTD’s senior editor from 2000 to 2010.