B Y P O P U L A R D E M A N D |
 |
 We bind a reply
card into each copy of Real Answers so you can tell us what topics you’d like to see
covered in the future. In response to the first issue, the single most-mentioned topic was
“irregular wear.”
So, we’ve decided to create a regular column that deals with
irregular wear and ways you can recognize, reduce and maybe even prevent it. |
What causes irregular wear?
Irregular
wear really is like the “common cold.” Medical science can’t cure colds
because of the many, constantly mutating viruses that cause them.
As with colds, there may be dozens of reasons for irregular
wear. A single result can come from a variety of different causes. Or, a single
cause may produce many different symptoms.
And, just as preventing colds can add many days of productive
time to our lives, preventing irregular wear can add many miles of useful life to our
tires.
What can I do about it?
Knowledge is
power. To acquire it, start by assembling
your resources.
The Bridgestone video, Saving Through Reducing Irregular Wear,
covers many of the more common forms of irregular wear. And with it comes a pocket-size
“fishbone” chart to help you track down the sources of irregular wear patterns
you find.
There’s also a series of recommendations —called
“S.M.A.R.T.”— an acronym to help you reduce or even prevent irregular wear.
And, The Maintenance Council (TMC) offers its Radial Tire
Conditions Analysis Guide in both English and Spanish. It contains over 200 color
photographs and illustrations, together with recommendations for correcting tire problems.
In addition, TMC also offers a set of 31 color slides, taken from
the Guide, for use in training and presentations.
How can I get these resources?
For a copy of
the Bridgestone video and “S.M.A.R.T.” card, just fill out the business reply
card bound into this issue of Real Answers.
For more information about the TMC guide and slide sets, contact
TMC at 1-703-838-1763 (FAX: 1-703-684-4328) or the ATA at 1-800-282-5463 (FAX:
1-800-225-8382).
Then what?
Watch the
video, read the book, refer to the “fishbone” chart on the
“S.M.A.R.T.” card, ask lots of questions. And, look for future columns, where
we’ll examine individual irregular wear topics in detail. We hope to share some
useful techniques to make your tires cost less by lasting longer. |
|
|
How To Watch A Tire Technical Video
To get the
most out of a video like Saving Through Reducing Irregular Wear, you need to watch it
differently from the way you watch a movie.
Based on our experience, we suggest the following steps:
1. Use your VCR controls.
 |
PAUSE occasionally.
Take time to think about what you’ve seen. Make a note or two that will help you plan
actions you want to take. |
 |
REWIND and REVIEW
complicated sections. Keep going over the material until it’s clear. |
 |
SCAN forward to find
subjects that particularly interest you. You don’t have to watch everything every
time. |
 |
STOP occasionally,
and come back to it later. Trying to absorb an entire video at one time can strain your
brain. Use the COUNTER to keep track of where you were. Write down the number where you
left off, where you found something interesting, or where there’s something you want
to show some-body else. |
2. Keep your “SMART” card handy as you watch.
As each condition that can cause irregular wear is mentioned, pause and find it on the
fishbone chart. By associating pictures on the screen with words on the card,
you’ll strengthen your memory.
3. Review periodically.
Watch a video over and over, and each time, you’ll discover new things you
didn’t notice before. That’s because your knowledge is growing, and because your
interests change over time.
4. Share the videos with others.
Everybody can play a part in reducing irregular wear. Show the video to drivers, shop
personnel, even purchasing agents. The more people taking action to prevent it, the more
it can be prevented.
And, watch the video with your colleagues. Pause and stop
occasionally, and discuss what you’ve seen. Review important segments. Make a
plan of action.
That’s the way to make your resources work for you.
|
|
|
| << close >> |
|
|
|
