In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we hear firsthand stories from experienced industry professionals who’ve spent decades working in tire and wheel-end service. They share what they’ve seen over the years — from golf balls to traditional glass-bead balancing to the real-world challenges that surface at retread and disposal time.

The conversation takes a serious turn as our guests recount personal slip-and-fall incidents caused by loose glass beads on shop floors, breaking down exactly how these materials can create dangerous working conditions for technicians. We explore how internal balancing products impact cleanup, labor time, and safety when tires reach end-of-life or are prepped for retreading.

Finally, we compare those experiences to EQUAL FLEXX, discussing why its adaptive, soft-compound formula offers a safer alternative to traditional balancing beads — with less mess, easier disposal, and reduced slip hazards in busy shop environments.

Get ready for winter with a deep dive into the wheel-end issues that hit fleets the hardest when temperatures drop. In this episode, we break down why cold weather causes tire pressure loss, torque retention problems, mounting challenges, corrosion, vibration complaints, and TPMS alerts—and what fleets and shops can do to stay ahead of them.

We unpack the science behind cold-weather tire and metal behavior, why bead seating becomes tougher in freezing temperatures, and how improper stud and hub preparation can lead to wheel-off risks. You’ll also learn how to tell the difference between cold flat-spotting and true wheel-end imbalance, plus where adaptive balancing solutions like EQUAL FLEXX play a critical role in winter performance.

From real-world failures to must-do maintenance adjustments, this episode delivers practical, shop-ready insights that keep trucks safer and more consistent all winter long.

In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we break down why proper wheel mounting and concentric bead seating are essential for safety, ride quality, and tire longevity. We discuss common mounting mistakes, how small misalignments lead to vibration and wear, and why tools like stud and hub cleaner, and the TIA R.I.S.T. Method, are critical for getting it right.

You’ll also learn how proper mounting impacts balancing, torque retention, and overall wheel-end health, plus where solutions like EQUAL FLEXX fit into the process.

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.