Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/714120
MTD August 2016 Wheel weights "e soer metals help reduce rim scratches during installation and they can be removed more easily when you have a repeat customer bringing their vehicle back for a rebalance," he says. Consumer tastes are also influencing the wheel weight market. "We all love our cars and of course appearance is very important," says St-Onge. "Millions of cars on the road today have custom wheels and that trend will continue as most every car manufacturer installs the lighter aluminum alloy. "Consumers do not like the appearance of a clip style wheel weight on their nice looking custom wheels," according to St-Onge, "erefore, they opt for the adhesive weight that is placed on the inside of the wheel. ere are many wheels that come in different colors such as chrome and especially black. We are also experiencing a growing category in colored adhesive weights, primarily black and chrome." Test non-lead options Both St-Onge and Parker expect the lead-free movement to continue. ey urge tire dealers to investigate all non-lead options. "Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had a formal hearing to discuss banning lead wheel weights. Wheel weight manufacturers, national retailers, environmental groups, states that have already passed legisla- tion, and others participated. All parties agree that a lead wheel weight ban should be enacted at the federal level," says St-Onge. Despite the input from the parties at the hearing, EPA has no plans to move forward with legislation at the federal level, according to St-Onge. "Our advice is to discontinue the use of lead wheel weights. ere are products available that are less expensive, readily available, and non-toxic." She says it is a best business practice to use non-lead wheel weights. "ere is absolutely no reason why lead wheel weights should not be banned. Non-lead alternatives such as Plasteel and steel are cheaper than lead and readily available." Canada has been studying the lead wheel weight issue, but there has been no movement or consideration in recent months, according to St-Onge. "e Canadian government has made the decision to let the market dictate the use and demand of non-lead wheel weights. Our experience in the United States shows this strategy does not work." St-Onge points out that many national and large regional tire installers have not been using lead weights for quite some time. "ese companies did not wait for legislation to pass and took it upon themselves to make the change as good corporate citizens. However, as long as lead wheel weight use is permied, there will continue to be companies using lead wheel weights. It is up to us as an industry to continue to promote the use of non-lead wheel weight products." Parker advises dealers to investigate and test the non-lead options. "e number one main thing a tire dealer needs to do when considering a transition away from lead is test the options. Test them all. Don't judge on price and marketing tactics alone. Every supplier tries to steer the market towards their particular option but the only way to find the right solution for your business is to test." Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 19120 40