Tire Safety Starts Here - CTS
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is excited to introduce our "Tire Safety Starts Here" campaign exclusively for TIA members with certified technicians. This campaign includes several FREE promotional tools to encourage consumers to do business with you!
It doesn't matter if it's road service on the highway or at the terminal, flat and worn-out tires are never convenient. Too many fleets just accept downtime and high tire expenses as the cost of doing business. But have you ever asked yourself about the people servicing your tires? Do they know how to spot potential problems before your vehicles hit the road? Are they looking out for the safety of your drivers, or do they just want to get the job done and move on to the next customer?
Safety First
 By employing TIA Certified Technicians, we're sending a message to our customers that safety will always be the top priority when we service your tires and wheels. Whether it's replacing steer tires or repairing a trailer tire, our technicians are trained to look for signs of damage or neglect before they result in flat tires or damaged components. We're equally committed to providing our technicians with a safe working environment by supplying them with the tools and equipment they need to follow the guidelines established by TIA's Commercial Tire Service (CTS) Program.
It is also our duty to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations when servicing your tires and wheels. Our TIA Certified Technicians know and understand the procedures outlined by 29 CFR 1910.177, and their training far exceeds the minimum OSHA requirements.
We believe that tire safety starts with a TIA Certified Technician, and that's why we support TIA. We want to ensure our customers' peace of mind, so that you know our qualified professionals are inspecting, repairing, and installing your tires and wheels. And, that our professionals are continuously updated on the latest technology, so they never have to guess when confronted with a problem.
We certify our technicians through TIA, because we are not willing to compromise the safety of our customers or our employees. So, before you make a tire purchase or service decision, ask your salesperson if the technicians who will perform the service are TIA Certified. If they are, you can rest assured that they have received the proper training to do the job right!
We Certify Our Technicians to Deliver Quality Service
 In reality, every commercial tire dealer looks the same. But those that employ technicians who are certified by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) have made education a top priority. TIA is the leader in technician training and certification, and has certified more than 18,000
industry personnel since 1997. As the recognized authority on commercial truck tire and wheel service, TIA also provides members with the latest information on the newest technology.
TIA's Certified Commercial Tire Service (CTS) Program is based on demonstrating proficiency in the classroom and in the shop. Our TIA Certified Technicians must complete an in-depth classroom training program and then perform the skills in the shop in the presence of a TIA Certified Instructor. Finally, they must pass a comprehensive written examination on all aspects of commercial truck tire and wheel service. It is not easy or inexpensive to have our technicians TIA Certified and then recertified every two years, but we believe it is worth every dollar.
 TIA Certified Technicians Present
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it legal to repair a steer tire?
A: A steer axle tire with a puncture repair in the crown area that is 3/8 inch or less in diameter can be repaired using a rubber stem and a repair unit. If the injury is larger than that or in the shoulder or sidewall, the tire can be repaired with a section repair but it cannot be returned to the steer axle.
Q: Is there an age limit to casings?
A: The simple answer is no. You cannot determine the retreadability of a casing based solely on age. Air pressure maintenance, the number of repairs, and the number of retreads also play important roles, so the age is just another component of the inspection criteria. In fact, most truck tire manufacturers have at least a five year warranty on their casings, yet it's not uncommon to see the lifespan of a well-maintained casing in the correct application(s) perform beyond that time period.
 Q: Why should I pay extra to properly repair a flat tire when plugging is so much cheaper?
A: Unless you have x-ray vision, any damage on the inside of the tire cannot be detected when plugging the tire on the rim. By removing the tire from the rim, inspecting the interior, and repairing the damage with a rubber stem and a repair unit, the integrity of the tire can be restored or potential problems can be identified. Proper tire repair also protects the casing, so the tire can either be retreaded or returned for credit.
Q: Why should I check the lug nuts 50 to 100 miles after the wheels have been installed?
A: When dual wheels are installed, the bolted joint that encompasses the stud, hub/drum, wheels, and fastener is going to flex as soon as the axle is loaded. The initial flexing results in joint settling that can cause the wheels to become loose. By checking the lug nuts after the first 50 to 100 miles of service, any joint settling that has occurred can be corrected by tightening or replacing the fasteners.
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