Tire Stores and the Cost of Wheel Alignment

A low cost of wheel alignment is yet another great service that tire stores should offer, so you get out the door with more value. The cost of a wheel alignment could be much less than the cost of other repairs that could result from not performing this simple regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as helping your tires last longer, so replacement is not needed as often. You can also maximize your suspension system.

How do you know if you need a wheel alignment?
If your vehicle pulls to the right or the left when the steering wheel is in straight ahead position, a wheel alignment adjustment may be necessary. Another indicator for needing an alignment check is if uneven tire wear is identified or you’ve hit that dreaded pothole on the road.

Every vehicle should have an alignment done every 12 months, or every 12,000 miles as a rule. Your vehicle's suspension is made of a number of sophisticated components and systems that all need to be working together and in perfect alignment. Normal tire wear from driving can and bad roads can throw your suspension out of alignment over time could cause excessive tire wear and other problems. One way to make sure your suspension stays in good working order is to make sure your tires are aligned correctly.

Wheel alignments and rotation services are critical to the extended wear of your tires and fuel savings. To get the most out of your tires, the two most important things you can do are keep them properly inflated and get your alignment checked at least twice a year. To put it in perspective tires that are under-inflated by 20% can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 10% and reduce tread life by up to 15%. If your vehicle isn't properly aligned, your fuel economy could be reduced by up to an additional 5%. And this all adds up... up to 15% less mileage out of each gallon of gas you put in your car, and the cost to replace tires that wear out long before they should.

How Tire Stores Can Help.
ASE certified technicians can perform a state-of-the-art computerized alignment using state of the art alignment equipment. The car is set in place and all four wheels are set parallel and your steering wheel is centered. Sensors are attached to each wheel and data is fed into a computer that notifies the technician of the adjustments that need to be made. Four wheel alignments help increase the life of your steering system, suspension and tires. Once your tires are aligned properly, you'll also get better handling and improved gas mileage.

If you are concerned with the cost of wheel alignment by a professional, many tire stores offer free alignment checks that will tell you if you’re in need of an alignment. After any pothole mishap or every twelve months or 12,000 miles, you may be in need of an alignment. You’ll not only maximize your tire performance/fuel economy and suspension system, you’ll also save money down the road because you won’t have to replace your tires as often. ASE Certified Technicians at most discount tire stores have the training, tools and state-of-the-art computerized equipment to keep your cost of wheel alignment affordable.

About Belle Tire
Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire was founded in 1922 when it opened the first Belle Tire location in Detroit, Mich. Today, the company has expanded to 80 locations across Michigan and Ohio. Belle Tire offers discount tires and variety of car care needs, ranging from auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts, exhaust system repair, batteries, and oil changes. For more information about Belle Tire, visit http://www.belletire.com/. Join the Belle Tire Advantage today, http://belletireadvantage.com/.

Tire Stores Provide Mobile Tire Coupons and More

Building loyalty is important in any business. When it comes to buying tires, tire stores are faced with the fact that the average consumer doesn’t really want to buy tires and it is very low frequency purchase for many car owners. Even so, a tire store wants customers to come back and become fans of the business vs. becoming fans of the competition. Providing the best customer service is really the main way to accomplish this strong relationship with all customers to keep them coming back but there are many ways to incentivize consumers to choose your business over competitors.
Recent Research Findings on Mobile Coupons

According to Yankee Group, research and analysis shows that 73 percent of consumers want to receive a mobile coupon. In addition, the number of mobile coupons redeemed in the United States is set to increase more than tenfold in 2010, followed by triple-digit increases in both 2011 and 2012.

Tire Stores Go Mobile
Tire stores running mobile campaigns to beef up a mobile database can easily build loyalty programs to reward most loyal consumers. A more mainstream tire retailer, providing solid credibility by building a mobile user database of consumers who opt in knows the importance to build loyalty and fans. These fans of the business have chosen to be a part of the club and many times will choose to return to the business and possibly share the message with friends, family and other consumers looking for tires and auto care services.

Customers Opt In To Loyalty Advantage Programs
According information shared on a recent Mobile Marketer webinar, a major tire store retailer saw a 55 percent opt-in rate for its Mobile Advantage club after offering consumers $20 off its products for participating. Moreover, 55% who heard radio spots and were offered a $20 coupon opted to receive the coupon.

The tire store ran another mobile campaign to beef up its mobile database and identify an ROI on traditional advertising including TV and radio and tagged existing TV and radio spots with mobile calls-to-action. The company has built a tire advantage loyalty program to reward its most loyal consumers.

Consumers were asked to text a short keyword to short code such as text TIRES to 1234. Those who texted in received a $20-off coupon for their next purchase at this tire store. Participants were then invited to join the Belle Tire Advantage program, and 77 percent opted into the club. By giving consumers a $20 bill, it incentivizes consumers to choose this tire store instead of one of their competitors.

Mobile Surveys, Reminders, and Rewards to Super Fans
Tire stores and businesses are looking for new ways to more effectively reach their target audience to drive more traffic to their stores.

* With the convenience of mobile surveys, reaching consumers when they're in the moment - online or on the go is important.
* Consumers who opt in can have reminders sent to a mobile phone so they never forget an oil change or tire rotation.
* Mobile loyalty and rewards services expand on their existing loyalty program to make it easier for their customers to get offers.

The time is here for mobile tire coupons to be integrated into a tire stores marketing plan. The efficiency is pretty straight forward and consumers are waiting for their tire coupons to be sent to their mobile phones. Give them what they want and what they deserve; the best price possible and an overall best customer service and value that your customers can't beat.

About Belle Tire
Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire was founded in 1922 when it opened the first Belle Tire location in Detroit, Mich. Today, the company has expanded to 80 locations across Michigan and Ohio. Belle Tire offers discount tires and variety of car care needs, ranging from auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts, exhaust system repair, batteries, and oil changes. For more information about Belle Tire, visit http://www.belletire.com/. Join the Belle Tire Advantage today, http://belletireadvantage.com/.

Big Tire Discount With Michelin Tire Rebate And Belle Tire Advantage

ALLEN PARK, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Buy any set of four new Michelin brand passenger or light truck tires at Belle Tire between April 29th and May 31st, 2010 and get a $70 prepaid Mastercard card. Consumers can get an additional $20 off by joining the Belle Tire Advantage for a total savings of $90 after proper submission of Michelin rebate redemption form. The Michelin rebate form must be completed by 6/30/2010 to receive the $70 Michelin rebate.

"Consumers can really benefit from big savings by joining the Belle Tire Advantage and using great manufacture rebates such as this $70 Michelin Mastercard offer," said Don Barnes III, Belle Tire Operations and Marketing Manager. "We take pride in helping our customers with getting the lowest tire prices. We do this every day but manufacture rebates certainly add to the discount and value delivered to our customers."

Monthly savings coupons give Belle Tire Advantage members access to special tire discounts as well as savings on auto parts and services at local Belle Tire locations. Belle Tire Advantage coupons are delivered right to members' inboxes every month along with all of the other exclusive email offers. Members also take advantage of car care tips from Belle Tire professionals and participate in special contests.

Becoming a Belle Tire Advantage member is simple. Consumers can go to http://www.belletireadvantage.com/ and enter a valid name and email address to start taking advantage of the savings and exclusive email offers. Referring friends to spread the savings and other exciting promotions offered by the Belle Tire Advantage is simple too.

"You can find a wide selection of tires, rims and car care services at Belle Tire," said Barnes. "Come in to any Belle Tire, and we’ll check other stores’ prices with you, right at the counter, and prove to you that Belle Tire has the lowest tire prices."

Take advantage of this great rebate offer and come to Belle Tire to find the right Michelin tires for your vehicle. To learn more about the Michelin rebate, call 1-888-738-0166. This Michelin rebate offer valid 4/29/10 – 5/31/10 and redemption forms must be received by 6/30/10.

About Belle Tire
Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire was founded in 1922 when it opened the first Belle Tire location in Detroit, Mich. Today, the company has expanded to 80 locations across Michigan and Ohio. Belle Tire offers discount tires and variety of car care needs, ranging from auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts, exhaust system repair, batteries, and oil changes. For more information about Belle Tire, visit http://www.belletire.com/. Join the Belle Tire Advantage today, http://belletireadvantage.com/.

Quick, Affordable Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Airplanes, railway locomotives and even space shuttles have them. The earliest ones designed for automobiles where hand-cranked, then later vacuum-powered. Today they can be heated, set to operate at a variety of fixed speeds or only intermittently. Some even use optical sensors that activate them automatically and regulate their speed based on the amount of water on your windshield. No other feature of today’s automobiles, other than the headlamps and brake system, is credited with helping drivers avoid more accidents than your car’s windshield wiper system.

That’s why experts recommend you clean your wiper blades every time you fill your gas tank, inspect them thoroughly at least every six months, and replace them as soon as possible if you see any sign that they might be worn or damaged.

During a light rain worn or damaged wiper blades can restrict your visibility and hamper your ability to react quickly in a sudden emergency, even in everyday driving. During a sudden downpour or nighttime shower, eyestrain from poor visibility can lead to driver fatigue and practically double the chance an accident might occur. But, if you haven’t already replaced your worn wiper blades, you can now do it quickly, affordably and effortlessly the next time you visit your local tire retailer.

How do you know when your windshield wiper blades need replacement? If your car, truck or SUV has an automatic washer/wiper feature, simply activate it. The system will squirt some washer fluid over the windshield and the wiper blades will make a few quick passes. If you see any streaks, smears or areas that didn’t wipe dry, it’s probably time to replace your wiper blades.

Wiper blades basically operate like squeegees. A wiper arm sweeps the blade across the windshield and the blade clears the water away. However, all wiper blades eventually nick and crack with age. UV rays, ozone and air pollution accelerate the aging process. Road grime can build up over time. Wiper blades can become torn and damaged by snow and ice. Pressure over the length of a worn or damaged blade then becomes uneven. Streaks and smears suddenly begin to appear. In some cases the blade may even loose contact with the glass surface as it tracks over the windshield and leave excess water there instead of clearing it away.

Windshield wipers come in a variety of different styles and sizes. Some cars have only one blade, most have two. Some systems wipe in tandem, others wipe in opposition to each other. Blade length can vary anywhere from 12 to 28-inches.

Regardless of the car, truck or SUV you drive most tire retails can quickly and affordably replace your worn or damaged wiper blades. The best offer high-quality ANCO blades, the leading brand in replacement blades.

The ANCO Contour is a premium, profile-style replacement blade designed to deliver excellent all-season performance. Frameless one-piece construction resists corrosion and freezing. A designed-in spoiler helps ensure positive blade-to-windshield contact with every wipe. The blade itself is made of a patented rubber compound specially formulated to resists the damaging effects of UV rays, ozone, air pollution and road grime. It features an almost razor-sharp edge which quickly and easily clears water away.

Don’t forget, even in a light rain shower, more water accumulates over the surface area of your windshield the faster you drive. The aerodynamic design helps hold the blade tight against the glass for a clean, consistent wipe every time, even at highway speeds.

ANCO’s 31-Series wiper blade is designed to deliver consistent, streak-free wipe-after-wipe performance in rain, snow or anything in-between. A vented bridge design makes it the smart choice if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality replacement blade with a factory-true OEM appearance.

ANCO also offers a Winter Blade with an extra-thick natural wiping edge which remains flexible even in the coldest temperatures. A rugged rubber e cover also prevents the heavy-duty frame from the damaging effects of slush and snow.

Many tire retailers make it a point to check the condition of your wiper blades as part of a free multi-point vehicle inspection whenever you purchase replacement tires, have a wheel alignment or coolant check, or anytime you have regular maintenance performed.

Some also offer no appointment necessary windshield chip repair using a high-tech liquid resin and UV light system requires that virtually eliminates any waiting or drying time.

However, if you see streaks, smears or areas of your windshield that do not wipe dry, head for your local tire retailer today. Don’t wait for a sudden downpour to tell you your worn or damaged wiper blades need replacement.

Some tire retailers also offer special windshield wiper promotions, in addition to generous coupon savings. When you add them together, they can make replacing your worn or damaged wiper blades more affordable than you can imagine. Plus many tire retailers will also install your newly purchased wiper blades for Free when you purchase them at the retailer.

About Belle Tire
Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire was founded in 1922 when it opened the first Belle Tire location in Detroit, Mich. Today, the company has expanded to 80 locations across Michigan and Ohio. Belle Tire offers discount tires and variety of car care needs, ranging from auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts, exhaust system repair, batteries, and oil changes. For more information about Belle Tire, visit http://www.belletire.com/. Join the Belle Tire Advantage today, http://belletireadvantage.com/.