"The customer is always right.” It’s an axiom we all have heard for a long time. For Alpio Barbara, owner of Redwood General Tire in Redwood City, Calif., that’s the only way to do business - especially when it comes to auto repair, where customers can do a great deal of research online before ever setting foot in a tire store.

Tech Tire Repairs is celebrating Tire Safety Month by offering a free tire safety pack for each shop owned by customers who spends $500 or more on Tech products.

COVID-19 oozed into every part of our lives this past year and that includes the engines in our cars. Americans have driven less during the past 12 months, but that doesn’t mean oil changes should be happening any less frequently.

AME International has unveiled a new, impact-rated turbo socket set, the 68000 Socket Bro, which features a half-inch fitting that eliminates the need to change tools during the wheel fastening process.

In our industry, we are faced with technological changes in nearly every aspect of what we do. Automotive systems are evolving and changing. How we interact with our customers is evolving and changing. It is important to recognize these changes and act upon them at the right time in order to keep our businesses thriving.  

TBC Corp. is celebrating 65 years of the Midas brand this year and says just as its founder built a business responding to the market's needs in 1956, the brand continues to do the same in 2021.

Tech Tire Repairs has named Brian Haggerty senior product manager. In his new role, Haggerty will lead product development for Tech Americas.

Dill has unveiled its 4501 Fast-N-Flator core remover and inflator, which allows for both the removal of the valve core and tire inflation.

Bridgestone Americas Inc. is launching a mobile tire and vehicle service for consumers and fleets under the Firestone Direct name. The service - currently available through Bridgestone company-owned stores in four metro markets - will offer tire installation and repair, as well as oil changes, brake work and other services. 

E-Solutions Professionals, a business-to-business software provider, says it has developed a technology that enables tire tread depth checks by smartphone.

Twice as many Americans are driving regularly compared to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index. But when it comes to tire maintenance, more vigilance is needed.

U.S. Lubricants has introduced a light-duty and heavy-duty antifreeze product line developed to meet the demands of current and future engines.  

With springtime around the corner, people’s thoughts often turn to warmer weather, vacation planning and preventive vehicle maintenance. Actually, most car owners only think about two out of the three, according to Dominic Umek, group business unit leader for Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care, a 38-location dealership based in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Hunter Engineering Co. has integrated its automated inspection systems with the Xtime Engage and Inspect products made by Cox Automotive Inc.

Bush Specialty Vehicles has opened a new, 6,500-square-foot production facility dedicated to the manufacturing and up-fitting of mobile tire service vans.

Monro Inc. recorded another double-digit drop in sales for the final three months of 2020, and the company says it was due in large part to not having enough technicians in its stores to meet market demand.