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Tyreman speaks out
Page 38
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With reference to your letter (CM, August 17) on availability of X2A tyres: what a weak reply from the Michelin Tyre Co! Just try asking for these sizes — 7.50-16 (777 or ZZY), 8.25-16, 10-22.5, 11-22.5, D20 (10,00-20), E20 (11.00-20) and 12.00-20 at any tyre distributors and you will be told: "Sorry — in short supply.
I would also find it very difficult to believe that the large stocking warehouses of Associated Tyre Services were empty. On the contrary, I believe they were crammed to overflowing, ready for their big sales drive after September 4 when tyres, I believe, went up 8.25 per cent.
Do the truck operators know that there are quite a few patterns from other companies like Sernperit?
If I were a truck operator and not a tyre man (22 years) I would seriously look at using other makes of tyres if my supplier could not give me the tyre I am using on my fleet.
Furthermore, I would really look at the possibilities of reducing my tyre costs. This can be done if the operator will listen to experienced tyremen — men who see many makers of tyres operating in various conditions.
Furthermore, truck operators should look at this simple -Who's Who-guide: A.T.S. (Michelin), N.T.S. (Dunlop), Tyreservice (Goodyear), Motorway (Avon) and Central Tyre Co (Pirelli) — all members of the Tyre Manufacturers Conference Ltd.
What a monopoly — no wonder the distributors do not make the profits their masters do. Wake up you operators — what happens to your old complaints? Why doesn't your tyreman fight for you, say when you send a tyre under complaint with 95 per cent tread depth and you get 40 per cent on your copy of complaint form which says (frequently) "Due to operating conditions, movement against the wheel flange."
I could go on and on about various matters in the tyre trade, but time and space do not permit.
For obvious reasons I do not want any publicity.
."THE TYREMAN,"
Bradford, West Yorkshire.