In this powerful episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we’re hitting the shoulder of the highway to talk about one of the most dangerous — and essential — jobs in the trucking industry: roadside service.

Our guest, Roadside Ricky from Best One, opens up about what it’s really like to work inches from live traffic, the habits that keep him safe, and the day everything changed after a serious roadside accident. From the moment-by-moment decisions that save lives to the mental and physical recovery that followed, Ricky’s story is a raw reminder that safety isn’t just policy — it’s personal.

You might think a wheel’s finish is just about appearance — but what if it’s costing you customers, comebacks, and credibility? In this episode, we sit down with Mark from AkzoNobel to uncover how the right coating can completely change the game for commercial tire dealers.

For years, IMI and Akzo have worked side by side to engineer a powder coating built specifically for steel wheels — designed to stand up to corrosion, road salt, and the toughest fleet environments. It’s time to ask yourself: are you really offering your customers the best — or just what’s always been done?

👉 Contact us to evaluate your current powder coating process and see how it stacks up. https://www.imiproducts.com/contact-us-powder-evaluation/

In this episode, we unpack the video you’ll hear:

• Why preventative maintenance is more than a “nice to have” — it’s central to running a profitable and trusted tire shop.
• Real-world examples of how small proactive steps prevented big breakdowns and kept fleets rolling.
• Tips to measure ROI on service work, set up the right KPIs, and justify maintenance to skeptical customers.
• The role of shop culture and training in emphasizing consistency, quality, and safety.
• How tire dealers can turn maintenance from a cost center into a value-added differentiator, building long-term trust with fleet customers.

Whether you’re managing one location or a chain, this episode helps you shift from reactive repair to strategic maintenance — boosting uptime, margins, and customer loyalty.

Buckle up—this week’s Wheel-End Wisdom is all about what our Territory Managers saw out on the road this week. From strange wheel-end conditions to quick fixes gone wrong, we’re sharing the good, the bad, and the downright funny moments fleets and dealers will relate to. Plus, we swap stories about meals, sights, and the lighter side of life in the field.

Tire tariffs are driving up costs for fleets across the country in 2025 — but smart maintenance can make every mile count. In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, our sales team unpacks the real impact of rising tire prices, from replacement and retreads to long-term fleet budgets. We dive into the strategies fleets are using to stretch tire life, the risks of delaying replacements, and why balancing and puncture prevention are more important than ever.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

• The single biggest challenge fleets face is due to tariff-driven price hikes
• How fleets are adjusting tire replacement intervals, retreading decisions, and maintenance schedules
• Proven ways to maximize tire life without compromising safety
• The role of solutions like EQUAL FLEXX in reducing costs and extending tread life
• Real-world examples of fleets navigating these challenges successfully

If you’re a fleet manager, tire dealer, or anyone in commercial trucking, this episode gives you actionable advice to adapt to higher tire costs and keep your wheels — and your business — rolling strong.

This week on Wheel-End Wisdom, we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week by shining a spotlight on the men and women who keep America moving. Our Territory Managers share real conversations they’ve had with drivers — from the challenges of life on the road to the wisdom and humor that only comes from years behind the wheel.

Whether you’re a fleet manager, dealer, or driver, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a heartfelt thank you to America’s truck drivers.

In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we sit down with Stephan from Gloversville School District to talk about the real-world challenges of keeping a school bus fleet safe and reliable. From costly downtime and maintenance headaches to finding the right solution that actually delivers results, Stephan shares his candid experience on what wasn’t working, how LUG LINX changed the game, and the measurable improvements they’ve seen since. Whether you manage a school district, fleet, or shop, this conversation highlights the importance of practical, everyday solutions that improve safety, save money, and make life easier for both managers and drivers.

Mentioned in this episode:👉⁠ LUG LINX

https://shop.imiproducts.com/wheel-solutions/Lug_Linx

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Balancing small commercial tires like 17.5s and 19.5s has always been a headache for tire dealers—slow processes, frustrated customers, and costly comebacks. In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we spotlight Pete’s Road Service and how they turned things around with EQUAL FLEXX. From California’s strict lead weight rules to failed competitor solutions, Pete’s was struggling—until EQUAL FLEXX simplified installs, smoothed out rides, and restored customer satisfaction. Hear how they went from repeat complaints to 100% satisfaction, plus the lessons every dealer can take away from their journey.

Mentioned in this episode:👉⁠ EQUAL FLEXX

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