Customer Copy Hassle-Free Warranty! pg. 5 ASE Certification pg. 34 Join the Tire-Rama V.I.P Club! pg. 21 Time for New Tires? pg. 31 Peace of Mind. Forks in the Road We tackle common misconceptions about Tires and Car Care Internet vs. Tire-Rama .............................. Pg. 14 Big Box Store vs. Tire-Rama ....................... Pg. 22 Shade Tree Mechanic or NAPA AutoCare?...... Pg. 26 Tires 101 Anatomy of a Tire .................................... Pg. 30 Time for New Tires?.................................. Pg. 31 Learn how to know when it’s time Automotive Services Looking Up! ............................................ Pg. 16 Automotive Service Excellence ..................... Pg. 34 Explore a fundamental difference ASE Certification explained Community Involved Thank You, Veterans ................................. Pg. 10 Habitat for Humanity ................................ Pg. 32 Special Olympics ...................................... Pg. 32 Tire-Rama Managers Pitch In A decade of commitment to Montana athletes and their families About Us Tire-Rama VIP’s ....................................... Pg. 2 Tire-Rama Story........................................ Pg. 3 Join the Club! ......................................... Pg. 21 in this issue Introduction ............................................ Pg. 4 A full listing of Tire-Rama Locations can be found on the inside back cover. LOOKING UP 1 www.tirerama.com Dave Wehr President/Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Trent Fuhrman Chief Financial Officer [email protected] John Tompkins Vice President Store Operations [email protected] Greg Passon Operations Manager [email protected] Greg Hart Commercial Sales Director [email protected] Glen Korf Commercial Credit Manager [email protected] Corporate Office 1401 Industrial Avenue Billings, MT 59104-3509 1-800-828-1642 Published by Maverick Group for Tire-Rama All rights reserved. All editorial content, graphics and advertising material in this publication were created by and are the property of Maverick Group unless otherwise stated, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission. For further information: [email protected] D ear Customer, In today’s world, you have a lot of choices. So if you’re sitting in one of our waiting rooms and reading this magazine, I want to personally thank you for choosing Tire-Rama. Whether you’re here for a set of tires, tire repair, mechanical services or regular maintenance, our entire team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality products and services. I want to personally assure you that Tire-Rama cares about you and your vehicle’s needs. Tell us how we’re doing. We have built our reputation one customer at a time, and value your input. Thanks again for choosing Tire-Rama, and happy driving! Sincerely, Dave Wehr, President Tire-Rama Corporation Tire-Rama Story T “I want to take a moment to let you know how consistently pleased I am with the customer service Gallatin County Motor Pool receives at East Main Tire Rama in Bozeman. They are always friendly, knowledgeable and able to service and repair our aging fleet in a timely manner and at a competitive price... In fact, the convenience and service reliability bring many of my co-workers and me into the shop with our personal vehicles also.” —Sincerely, Wendy Facebook Like us on Facebook to keep up on the latest tips, news and special events. ire-Rama was started on June 17, 1977, with the merger of B.L.M. Tire, a multi-state company, and Hasty Tire of Rudyard and Havre, Montana. The name “TIRE-RAMA” was selected at that time as a means of identifying the new Company to the public. Tire-Rama now has 45 locations across four states: Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington. Along with a wide variety of tires for passenger cars and trucks, fleet and specialty tires for construction and agriculture, and 24/7 On-Site Tire Service, Tire-Rama stores offer a complete menu of automotive accessories and services. The management team at Tire-Rama got their start changing tires and moved up through the ranks. They know that great results start with great people, and continue to choose employees who demonstrate a strong work ethic, grounded in a commitment to customer service. Tire-Rama takes great pride in the quality of its people, and will continue as the premier independent tire dealer by constantly focusing on its customers and on the goal of providing quality services and products at affordable prices. Tire-Rama V.I.P. Club Join today for immediate benefits: Loyalty Rewards, Early Notification of Sale Events, Exclusive Offers and Discounts. It’s easy and it’s free! www.tirerama.com We’ve filled our website with useful information: Find a location near you, research tire options, apply for a Tire-Rama credit card, join the V.I.P. Club and more. LOOKING UP 3 Forks in the road Forks in the Road You’ve got decisions to make about tires, auto maintenance, repairs… we call these decision points “Forks in the Road”. In the following pages we’ve laid out the pros and cons of several ‘Forks in the Road’ you may encounter in the life of your car, to help you make an informed decision: • Looking Up! The Hoist vs. the Pit • Tire-Rama’s Hassle-Free Warranty • Internet Buying vs. Local • Big Box Stores vs. Local • Choosing a Mechanic Happy Driving! 4 LOOKING UP Hassle-Free Tire Replacement Warranty We came up with the Tire-Rama Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty specifically to cover all-wheel drive tires, but we now offer this kind of peace of mind on all approved passenger and light truck tires. LOOKING UP 5 Tire-Rama Hassle-Free Warranty Doesn’t Cost ...It Pays! Think of it as an insurance policy against future replacement costs due to non-repairable damage. The Hassle-Free Warranty is available on all approved sets of four new tires purchased from Tire-Rama. Ask about it today! Tire-Rama’s Hassle-Free Warranty By the Numbers Without With Hassle-FreeHassle-Free WarrantyWarranty Initial 4 Tire Purchase $561.80 $644.56 Replace 2 Tires $275.90 $ 71.38 Replace 4 Tires $551.80 $142.76 (Includes $10 disposal Fee) Net Results: Customer with Hassle-Free Warranty saves up to $501.80 *S ave an additional 10% when you open a Tire-Rama Credit Card account, O.A.C. See store for details. 6 LOOKING UP W e developed the Tire-Rama Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty specifically to cover all-wheel drive tires, but we now offer this kind of peace of mind on all approved passenger and light truck tires. In days gone by, minor road damage to tires could often be safely repaired, but not anymore. We noticed the directive first with All-Wheel Drives, but the change has extended to many vehicles. With today’s highly engineered automobiles, it is crucial that all four tires are exactly the same size. You risk expensive damage to the drivetrain if the tire sizes are even slightly different. Tire-Rama knows; we’ve seen that kind of damage first-hand. That is why most vehicle manufacturers and reputable tire stores will not replace a single tire when one is damaged due to accident or mishap – all four tires may need to be replaced. It comes as a shock to most people, and a big expense. You don’t have to take our word for it; check your own owner’s manual to see what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Tire-Rama’s Hassle-Free Tire Replacement Warranty is designed to protect your vehicle and your wallet. For a nominal cost it covers replacement of all four tires for failure due to workmanship or materials or a nonrepairable road hazard for 3 years from the date of purchase or down to 3/32nds of an inch of remaining tread, whichever comes first. Of course, if tires can be safely repaired according to current Rubber Manufacturer’s Association guidelines, Tire-Rama will do so. Please ask to see the guidelines if you have any questions about tire repairs. Add peace of mind for just pennies on the dollar. Purchase the Tire-Rama Hassle-Free Tire Replacement Warranty for your new tires today. You don’t have to take our word for it; check your own owner’s manual to see what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. “Just wanted to let you know and say thank you to Roy and the tire person (sorry didn’t get his name) that helped us with our tire issue. Last Saturday we had our 2nd flat tire on our trailer. It was 4:00 and the store was closing. Roy and his tire person stayed over an hour after closing to wait for us to get there and replace our tire. It restores my view that there are still good people in this world. If asked I will be telling people that they should buy their tires at Tire-Rama. Thanks for choosing good employees. Their attitudes reflect back on your Corporation.” —Teri & Bob LOOKING UP 7 BUY 3 OIL CHANGES GET 1 FREE! For the location near you, visit www.tirerama.com Some restrictions apply. 8 LOOKING UP Because life happens • 10% OFF FIRST PURCHASE charged to your NEW Tire-Rama Card!* • Extended terms on qualifying purchases! • Online account management. • Stress-free financing with every purchase. • Low monthly payments! • No annual fee. * See store for details. WE ARE DRIVEN MAVERICK GROUP LOOKING UP 1 9 Thank You for 10 LOOKING UP Your Service! FREE Oil Change for Active Duty Military & Veterans* ONE DAY ONLY! Thursday, July 11, 2013 • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Pass it on! Only at Select * First come/first served. One oil change per person. Present Military ID or other proof of military service. S peaking in Spokane, Washington, John Tompkins, Vice President of Store Operations for Tire-Rama Corporation said, “Our Business Development Group wanted something we could do on a local level to honor our servicemen and women. The idea of a free oil change just sort of grew over time, and Tire-Rama is proud to have been a part of this event.” In total twenty-four automotive service facilities, including twelve Tire-Rama locations, gave away 486 free oil changes for military personnel Thank you for your service. in Spokane and the surrounding area during a two hour time period. LOOKING UP 11 ALIGNMENT BATTERIES HOSES MAIN WIPER BLADES•OIL CHANGES•SHOCK STRUTS•BELTS•HOSES•BRAKE SERVI AUTO REPAIR•ALIGNMENT•BATTERIES MAINTENANCE•WIPER BLADES•MAIN OIL CHANGES•SHOCKS•STRUTS•BELT BELTS•HOSES•BRAKE SERVICE•AUTO BATTERIES•MAINTENANCE•OIL CHAN BRAKE SERVICE•AUTO REPAIR•WIPER ALIGNMENT•BATTERIES•HOSES•MAIN WIPER BLADES•OIL CHANGES•SHOCK STRUTS•BELTS•HOSES•BRAKE SERVI AUTO REPAIR•ALIGNMENT•BATTERIES MAINTENANCE•WIPER BLADES•MAIN OIL CHANGES•SHOCKS•STRUTS•BELT BRAKE SERVICE•AUTO REPAIR•WIPER ALIGNMENT•BATTERIES•HOSES•MAIN WIPER BLADES•OIL CHANGES•SHOCK STRUTS•BELTS•HOSES•BRAKE SERVI AUTO REPAIR•ALIGNMENT•BATTERIES WIPER BLADES•OIL CHANGES•SHOCK We do: 12 LOOKING UP NTENANCE KS•STRUTS ICE•WIPER BLADES S•BELTS NTENANCE TS•HOSES O REPAIR NGES•BELTS R BLADES NTENANCE KS•OIL CHANGES ICE•SHOCKS S•HOSES NTENANCE TS•HOSES R BLADES NTENANCE KS•STRUTS ICE•WIPER BLADES S•BELTS KS•STRUTS LOOKING UP 13 Thinking of Buying Tires Over the Internet? Some shoppers may be tempted by what they think are low online tire prices—but are they really a smart purchase? 14 LOOKING UP If you’re like most folks, the cost of new tires has gone up along with everything else. Many of today’s vehicles call for tires that are bigger and wider than what you remember from years gone by. Maybe the manufacturer recommends high performance or a specific tire style. Some shoppers may be tempted by what they think are low online tire prices—but are they really a smart purchase? First, tires are heavy—about thirty pounds apiece. Don’t forget to factor in shipping and handling charges when you’re checking prices. And those big heavy things are going to be delivered to your doorstep… are you prepared to pick them up and load them into your rig when they arrive? Now let’s talk mounting and balancing— putting the tires on the rims and properly balancing them so that the tire rotates smoothly. You’ll have to bring them into a local shop and pay for that. And now someone has to put the wheels on your car, using the proper amount of torque so as not to damage the lug bolts. It’s serious business, and you shouldn’t trust it to just anyone. What about tire rotation per the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure even tire wear? Who will handle flat tires and other repairs? You’re into your car for the long haul. It’s an expensive, high tech machine. Buy from your local Tire-Rama and you can take advantage of added services, like free rotations and flat repairs for the life of the tire. You see it’s not really about price. It’s about value. Think twice before you make an online purchase you’re going to regret. Think Tire-Rama, your neighborhood tire and service center. You May be On Your Own. Before you make a costly online tire commitment, we strongly suggest you spend a few minutes on the phone with the local repair/ service shop you’d like to handle installation. Many local shops have made the decision that they will not handle tires they don’t sell. They don’t want the hassle and they sure don’t want the liability. No mounting, no balancing, no installation, no rotation, no repairs. You’re on your own. Forks in the road Think Again! Internet Purchase vs. Tire-Rama Tire-Rama. By the Numbers Internet Tire-Rama PurchasePurchase Initial 4 Tire Purchase $700.00 $800.00 Freight (average) $ 72 N/A Balance $ 80 Free Mounting $ 80 Free Brake System Inspection ? Free Alignment Inspection ? Free Initial Purchase Real Cost $932.00 $800.00* Hassle-Free Warranty** Eligible No Yes On-going Costs Rotation & Balance Puncture Repair $40/Set $25/Tire Free Free * Save an additional 10% when you open a Tire-Rama Credit Card account, O.A.C. See store for details. ** See page 6 for more Hassle-Free Warranty information LOOKING UP 15 Forks in the road Looking Up! The Hoist vs.The Pit “On Aug 7, 2013, as we traveled from Port Orchard WA. to Montana on vacation we experienced a coolant system problem which your staff quickly diagnosed as a seized up fan. We both thought that it was over and above all expectations that you sent someone to Coeur D’Alene to pick up the fans while another fella took the old part out! You had us on the road quickly & we had a great time! Thanks to you and the crew.” —Ken & Joyce You may have noticed something they call ‘the pit’ at some quick lube locations. You (or one of their service people if you’re a bit squeamish) drive your car into a service bay, straddling a cement pit where a technician walks under your car to access the drain plug and oil filter. There are reasons to service your car this way— and none of them have to do with better auto service. It has more to do with money - the cost of liability insurance, the cost of hoist equipment versus digging a pit and the ongoing inspection and maintenance of that equipment. You could argue that the pit works fine for oil changes. Matter of fact, that’s the only service these shops are designed for. Anything else is really stretching it. Even a simple task like rotating the tires is complicated if you can’t lift the car off the ground. Now compare that with a full-service auto care center like Tire-Rama. We intentionally put your car on a hoist for service. Lifting all four wheels off the ground gives our technicians the ability to inspect and observe other critical systems while they perform basic services. That list includes, but is not limited to: • • • • • Tires and Wheels Drivetrain Steering Systems Suspension Systems Exhaust Systems I guess you could continue to use separate facilities for tire service, oil changes and other mechanical repairs, but I don’t know why anyone would want to. Make Tire-Rama your ‘all service center’ and give our service technicians a chance to look out for future automotive needs by ‘looking up’. 16 LOOKING UP Make Tire-Rama your ‘all service center’ and give our service technicians a chance to look out for future automotive needs by ‘looking up’. Your One Stop for T 18 LOOKING UP Tires & Auto Repair! LOOKING UP 19 20 LOOKING UP Join the Club! The Tire-Rama V.I.P. Club! Members receive immediate benefits: V.I.P. Red C arp et Club M Preno embership tific Loy Exclu ation of M alty Rewar sive O aj ds ffers &or Sales E Disco vents unts Apply today to receive a V.I.P. Membership Kit: •Tire-Rama Cap •Gift •Membership Card • Loyalty Rewards • Early Notification of Sale Events • Exclusive Offers and Discounts • Complimentary Service Reminder • Online Appointment Scheduling It’s easy and it’s FREE! Fill out the card in this magazine, ask for an application at the Tire-Rama counter, or visit www.tirerama.com to apply today! LOOKING UP 21 Forks in the road Big Box Stores vs. Local 22 LOOKING UP Your tires are one—make that four—of the most important parts of your vehicle. In the interest of trying to save a few dollars, you may be tempted to go to a big box store or buying club for replacement tires. Now just because you’ve found a great place to buy muffins doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great place to buy tires. C ompare every feature, apples to apples. Start with brands. Tire-Rama carries well-known brands like Cooper, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Firestone, and other nationally recognized brands. Tire-Rama also carries specialty tires for every application from an ATV, wheelbarrow or trailer to RV, agricultural, heavy-duty and commercial uses. Compare the manufacturer’s warranty. This is usually stated in terms of lifespan or mileage. A tire built to last for 30,000 or 55,000 miles is not built the same as a tire built to last 80,000 miles or more. Be sure to ask about this important factor. Then there’s the human factor. Who, exactly, is mounting and balancing tires and answering questions at the Big Box store? Did the manager call someone in from housewares to man the phone? Your neighborhood Tire-Rama is staffed with professionals from the front counter to the hands on guys in the shop. Tire-Rama trains our teams in procedures and processes; our manufacturers provide training and product information, and many of our technicians hold ASE certifications beyond wheels and tires. Finally, consider this. The Big Box store doesn’t offer mechanical repair services. So if they strip a lug nut, break a bolt, or some other mechanical mishap occurs while your vehicle is up on the hoist, you are just out of luck. They can’t diagnose a problem and they can’t fix it. Period. Ever. We can’t tell you where to shop, of course. We can give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your next set of tires. Big Box Store Purchase vs. Tire-Rama. By the Numbers Big Box Tire-Rama PurchasePurchase Initial 4 Tire Purchase $700.00 $800.00 Balance $ 80 Free Mounting $ 80 Free Brake System Inspection ? Free Alignment Inspection ? Free Initial Purchase Real Cost $860.00 $800.00* Hassle-Free Warranty** Eligible No Yes * Save an additional 10% when you open a Tire-Rama Credit Card account, O.A.C. See store for details. ** See page 6 for more Hassle-Free Warranty information LOOKING UP 23 When we Order and Install Quality NAPA Parts you get: Up to 24 Month/24,000 Mile “Peace of Mind” Warranty Honored at 15,000 Locations Nationwide* ASE Certified Technician On-Staff Covered by Liability Insurance NAPA AutoCare Code of Ethics When You Need it Done Right! Six months same as cash by using your Tire-Rama Credit Card. *Restrictions apply. Ask for details in the store. 24 LOOKING UP Your Vehicle is Your Livelihood. Ours Too. F L E E T S E R V I C E S • Repairs ~ Maintenance ~ Tires • Fleet Pricing • National Accounts Welcome • Nationwide NAPA Guarantee www.tirerama.com Welcome Home. Ask about the Tire-Rama Credit Card and enjoy 10% off the first purchase charged to your card! More Than Just a Tire Store! www.tirerama.com AUTOCARE CENTER Home of the Hassle Free Tire Replacement Warranty. All vehicle maintenance and repairs. LOOKING UP 25 Gone are the days when any mechanic worth his salt could slide under a vehicle with two wrenches and then slide back out ten minutes later with a starter motor in his hands. 26 LOOKING UP Times have changed and so have our cars and trucks. Just lift the hood! If that doesn’t convince you, look at the price of the average new car, and the mileage you expect to get out of it. Today’s motor vehicles are carefully engineered puzzles of sensors, relays, circuits, and space age connectors that demand tools and knowledge not always readily available to yesterday’s doit-yourselfer or the neighborhood independent mechanic. Your vehicle is an expensive, high tech machine, built to travel safely at high speeds for many, many miles. Does this mean you’re stuck traveling back to the dealership for repairs and maintenance? Is there some middle ground? Tire-Rama NAPA AutoCare means quality. You don’t have to sacrifice trust and peace of mind when finding a repair center for your automobile, and you don’t have to go to the dealership. Every Tire-Rama location is also a NAPA AutoCare Center. To qualify for this nationwide designation, we are required to meet a quality standard based on integrity, qualifications and expertise. When you see the NAPA AutoCare sign displayed, you can be assured that you will receive the best in class service that you deserve. From routine maintenance to major repairs, Tire-Rama has got you covered. Our ASE-certified technicians (see page 34) use high-quality NAPA parts and provide exceptional work; work that you can feel confident about, knowing it’s backed by a 24 month, 24,000 mile Nationwide Peace of Mind Warranty. Travel with confidence. As NAPA AutoCare Centers, Tire-Rama is a part of the largest network of independent mechanics in the U.S. Forks in the road Shade Tree Mechanic vs. Tire-Rama NAPA AutoCare We use quality NAPA Auto Parts! LOOKING UP 27 We value our Farm and Ag customers, whether their spread is the back yard or the back forty. From a horse trailer to your field tractor, farm truck to cattle-hauler, call Tire-Rama first for tires and mechanical services. www.tirerama.com for a location near you 28 LOOKING UP Once again I am compelled to write. I own an equestrian facility, and keeping my vehicles and tractors in operation saves me time, work and stress. Over the years I’ve had to replace tires, batteries, water pumps, hoses, tubes, etc. I always call Bill Siegel/Airway Heights and I always get the same answer. “NO PROBLEM, I’ll take care of you.” This time it was rear tires for my John Deere. Even the dealer for John Deere told me he couldn’t find replacement tires for my 15 yr old rig. One call to Bill, “No Problem, give me a few minutes to find out where I can get those tires.” Find them he did! Your boys go to extra lengths to satisfy. They just don’t sell tires, they sell perfection. Sincerely, Jeffrey Lambert, Owner Prairie Sky Equestrian Center, Spokane, WA LOOKING UP 29 Normal width of tire in millimeters U.S. DOT tire identification number Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio) Radial Rim diameter code X S MA N M+ UF EWALL 2 PLIES 2 XXX • SID X XC 0HXX CORD OR Severe snow conditions DO Tire ply composition and materials used Passenger car tire 00/00R00 P0 C0000 • TREAD 4 PLI 0 E S •2 E T MAL9 AB XX Treadwear, traction and temperature grades TIRE N AM EA ATUR PER M E si) • RADIAL • TU (00p AT BEL N P0 k ES O 0 I S• 00 SS TREADW EAR RER 000 U g ( k 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TR lbs) T OAD L M AC . AX C T AX .P M A D• RE Max. permissable inflation pressure Load index & speed symbol anatomy of a tire Tread: Ply: Size: Siping or Winter Studs: 30 LOOKING UP The primary function of tread design is to divert water from beneath the tire to improve traction. Tread pattern and styles vary by conditions— off-road tires, snow tires, rain tires, summer tires, highway tread. Tread design is the result of years of research and engineering. The number of plies indicates the number of layers making up the thickness of the tire—the higher the number, the better able that tire is to resist damage and punctures. The proper tire width and height are crucial to good handling, confident braking and driving comfort. (Think about it—you wouldn’t last long wearing the wrong size shoes either.) The sizing numbers communicate vital information; as an example: 265/75R15: The first number is the width of the tire in millimeters, in this example, about 10.43” wide. The second number is the proportion of the height of the tire from the rim to the tread to the width… or 75%. In this example, that’s about 7.8”. The last number, 15, is the rim size in inches. So this tire is 7.8” + 15” rim + 7.8” or 30.6” tall from the ground to the top. It’s a pretty tall tire for a 15” rim, so it is probably for an SUV or light truck. Depending upon state or local legislation, you may elect to have your tires ‘siped’, which adds shallow cuts in the tread to expose more surface for better traction, or have tires ‘studded’, adding metal pegs to the tread for enhanced gripping in snow and ice. So you need to buy tires? Tires are more than an accessory; your tires are the only thing that connects your vehicle to the road. When it’s time for new tires, be sure you thoroughly investigate what the vehicle manufacturer—and knowledgeable tire experts—recommend. How do you know when do you need new tires? Here are a few things to consider: 1. Performance and handling. Does the ride feel different to you than it did when the tires were new? Vibration, braking problems or loss of traction can all indicate that it’s time for new rubber. 2. Depth of tread. 3. Bars are the small The old ‘Lincoln penny’ trick of inserting a Lincoln head penny upside down into the tread is one way to measure tread depth. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you’re down to 1/16” tread or less— definitely time for new tires. bridges that form between your treads. If the bars are obvious or becoming flush with the tire’s tread, it’s time for new tires. 4. Deep cracks or damage to the sidewalls. Tire tread is not the only place that indicates wear. Cracks or bulges in the sidewalls should be assessed immediately to avoid failure or blowout. LOOKING UP 31 Managers and employees from Spokane area Tire-Rama locations have come out in force to volunteer in the Deer Park Habitat project known as Hope Meadows, located in Deer Park, Washington. Habitat for Humanity-Spokane broke ground on this project in the fall of 2010 with the goal of completing 114 homes over a ten-year time span. Like other Habitat for Humanity organizations around the country, the Spokane chapter doesn’t build for people, but with them. Prospective homeowners must contribute ‘sweat equity’ to their home. Tire-Rama manager Greg Harper first got involved with Habitat for Humanity in 2012 along with a group of volunteers from Deer Park school. “We happen to live in Deer Park, so it’s easy to see what’s happening on the Hope Meadows project,” he stated recently. The Tire-Rama crews first volunteered in early spring when there was still snow on the ground, and gathered again to volunteer during the summer months. There’s an element of good-natured competition among the various Tire-Rama locations, and the teams see this volunteer project is a real team-builder. “It’s great to get together like this on a project outside the workplace,” Harper said. “It is a dream come true. We had a little yard for a garden, some fruit trees and berries. There was even a park next door. Finally, my family feels stable for the first time.” —Kaili, Habitat family Community Involved Tire-Rama continues to pledge their support to Special Olympics Montana from the Corporate Offices in Billings to the individual store locations across the state to the Tire-Rama employees who volunteer their time as coaches and at annual events and other fund-raising activities. Tire-Rama has donated a set of tires to the Annual Special Olympics Montana raffle each spring, and sells raffle tickets at each Montana Tire-Rama location. We estimate that Tire-Rama has given 500 volunteer activity hours, and sold over 5,000 raffle tickets over the past five years. Special Olympics Montana currently serves about 2200 Athletes of all ages across the state, and has set a goal of serving 3000 by the year 2020. 32 LOOKING UP LOOKING UP 33 Why ASE? Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. The ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified technicians and parts specialists can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets. 34 LOOKING UP ...& what is it? Certification Benefits Motorists ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Before taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. What’s more, because the ASE program is primarily voluntary, ASE certification becomes a self-selecting credential that weeds out the incompetent. And while ASE does not certify repair shops or police individual business practices, it stands to reason that those shop owners and managers who support their service employees’ efforts to become technically certified will be as concerned about the other aspects of their business as well. How Certification Works About 100,000 technicians take ASE tests each May and November at over 700 locations. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the two-year work experience requirement become ASE certified. Those who pass a battery of exams (and fulfill the experience requirement) earn Master Technician status. The tests, developed by industry experts with oversight from ASE’s own in-house pros, are administered by ACT, the same group known for its college entrance exams. There are specialty exams covering all major areas of repair. There are eight tests for auto technicians alone: Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/ Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions. (There are also exams for collision repair/paint technicians, damage estimators, parts specialists, and others.) ASE certification is not for life, ASE requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. All ASE credentials have expiration dates. Finding ASE-Certified Technicians Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Each ASE professional is issued personalized credentials listing his or her exact area(s) of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Technicians are also issued certificates that employers often post in the customer-service area. And employers often display the blue and white ASE sign as well. Choosing the Right Technician As with other professionals-physicians come to mind-automotive technicians often specialize. So it’s wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, say, brakes, engine repair, or air conditioning. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. This article provided by 1972-2013 National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). All rights reserved. Every Tire-Rama location has at least one ASE Certified Technician on the staff. LOOKING UP 35 Are You Ready? We Do: Snow Tires & Wheels • All Season Tires • Siping • Alignments Tune-Ups • Oil Changes • Brake Service • Free Battery Checks www.tirerama.com Over 45 Tire-Rama Locations to Serve You! 2208 Central Ave. 1429 Grand Ave. 1001 East Main 2409 4th Ave. North 2550 Gabel Rd. HWY 10 West Billings, MT Billings, MT Billings, MT Billings, MT Billings, MT Miles City, MT 59102-4645 59102-3103 59105-2543 59101-1315 59102-7330 59301-1137 (406) 656-2227 (406) 245-3161 (406) 245-2868 (406) 248-7115 (406) 652-8473 (406) 232-6587 1555 HWY 93 South 71 North Meridian Rd. 2400 West Broadway 3841 Brooks 1012 Kensington St. 1926 South Ave. 3575 West Broadway 340 West Pine St. 500 North 1st St. Kalispell, MT Kalispell, MT Missoula, MT Missoula, MT Missoula, MT Missoula, MT Missoula, MT Missoula, MT Hamilton, MT 59901-5722 59901-3845 59808 59804 59801-5627 59801-6508 59808-5675 59802-4120 59840-2148 (406) 755-4660 (406) 257-4660 (406) 543-7181 (406) 543-8318 (406) 728-2010 (406) 728-0641 (406) 728-4331 (406) 543-8341 (406) 363-2995 15 4th St. North 521 10th Ave. South 4501 10th Ave. South 1627 3rd St. Northwest 205 West 1st St. Glasgow, MT Great Falls, MT Great Falls, MT Great Falls, MT Havre, MT 59230-1858 59405-4093 59405-5630 59404-1915 59501-0650 (406) 228-2388 (406) 727-3450 (406) 453-2451 (406) 761-4200 (406) 265-4318 190 Andrea Dr. 1222 East Park St. 512 East Main 2999 West Main 1601 Cedar St. Belgrade, MT Livingston, MT Bozeman, MT Bozeman, MT Helena, MT 59714-8942 59047-2836 59715-3766 59718-9011 59601-1107 (406) 388-0001 (406) 222-2823 (406) 587-0616 (406) 586-2208 (406) 443-2115 200 West Appleway Ave. 1900 E Schneidmiller Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID Post Falls, ID 83814-9326 83854-4517 (208) 765-7777 (208) 777-7777 1918 Northwest Blvd. 7777 North Division St. 10917 West Sunset HWY 3510 North Sullivan Rd. 22117 East Country Vist Dr. 1821 North Hamilton St. 910 East Holland Ave. 11711 East Sprague Ave. 3030 East 29th Ave. 4504 North Division St. 6401 East Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA Spokane, WA Airway Heights, WA Spokane Valley, WA Liberty Lake, WA Spokane, WA Spokane, WA Spokane Valley, WA Spokane, WA Spokane, WA Spokane, WA 99205 99208-5615 99001-9719 99206-6110 99019-7566 99207-2582 99218-1282 99206-6110 99223-4814 99207-1512 99223-4814 (509) 327-7777 (509) 467-7777 (509) 570-7777 (509) 927-7778 (509) 922-7771 (509) 483-7777 (509) 466-7777 (509) 924-7777 (509) 532-7777 (509) 489-7777 (509) 523-7777 1892 Coffeen Ave. 805 L&J Court 800 West Yellowstone HWY Sheridan, WY Gillette, WY Casper, WY 82801-5712 82718 82601 (307) 672-3471 (307) 685-4755 (307) 234-5301 Corporate Office 1401 Industrial Ave. P.O. 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