I’ve heard that it’s not very safe to drive on a plugged tire. Is that true? Why is repairing or replacing a damaged tire a better option than plugging a tire? What are the dangers of driving on a plugged tire?

We’ve all been there before. You wake up or walk to your car after work, only to look down and see a flat tire and a nail sticking out. You don’t have time to take your vehicle into an auto shop and need a quick fix. It’s a small nail, so you plug your tire and go on with your life.

You only meant for the plug to be a temporary solution until you could get the tire replaced. Then life happens, and it’s a few days before you can get a new tire. Those few days turn into months, which can quickly turn into a year. You may start to ask yourself if it’s really safe to drive on a plugged tire.

It turns out that installing a plug can have a serious impact on the life and integrity of your tire. That is if it’s safe to plug your tire at all. Here is what you need to know about plugged tires and how safe it really is to drive on one.

You Can Only Plug Your Tire in Certain Circumstances

The first thing you should consider when plugging a tire is if it’s safe to install a plug in the first place. There are specific cases when it’s safe to use a plug. Outside of these scenarios, driving on a plugged tire could be dangerous to you and other drivers.

Depending on the size of the puncture, the extent of the damage, and the tread of your tire, you may not be able to repair the tire with a plug. The size of the hole must be no larger than 0.25 inches and must be located on the tread of your tire. If the puncture is on the shoulder or sidewall, then you will need to replace the tire.

The angle of the puncture also makes a big difference in the effectiveness of a plug. Ideally, the nail or object that punctured your tire went straight in. This would make a repair fairly straightforward. However, if the tire was punctured at an angle, the plug will have a hard time completely sealing the punctured area. Take note of how the nail or screw looks and the angle that it entered the tire.

The age and quality of your tire is also an important factor in whether or not it can be plugged. If the tread on your tire has been worn below 2/32 of an inch, then your tread is too far gone to be plugged. If you’re wondering how you can measure this, 2/32 of an inch is the amount measured by the classic penny test. Make sure your tire passes the penny test before you even thinking of plugging it. If it doesn’t pass the test, then it’s probably time for a new set of tires anyway.

If you have to ask yourself whether or not your tire can be repaired, that may be a sign that it’s time to move on. A TIA-certified tire technician can inspect your tire and let you know for certain if it’s safe.

An Improper Repair May Void Your Tire Warranty

Another thing to think about when it comes to driving on a plugged tire is how your repair may impact the manufacturer’s warranty on your tire. Improper repair and maintenance is a surefire way to void your warranty. Think twice the next time you consider opting for a DIY approach on your next tire repair.

When it comes to the safety of your vehicle, it’s always best to leave things to the experts. By having your tire repaired by a certified professional, you can be confident your repair is performed properly, and your manufacturer warranty is still “good.”

A Plug May Do More Harm Than Good

The biggest problem with driving on a plugged tire is that you still have a hole in your tire! While it may be a temporary fix, it’s important to recognize that there is still a structural failure in your tire that needs to be addressed.

It only makes sense that a plugged tire cannot handle the same level of stress and strain as a tire in good condition. This is especially true when you start reaching higher speeds on the highway. The manufacturer won’t support a tire’s speed rating once it has been repaired. So, if you plan on racing, off-roading, or just want to go fast, a plugged tire isn’t going to work.

Over time, it’s possible for that small puncture to slowly get larger. This results in a greater loss of air while also increasing your chances of a blowout on a road. Furthermore, the plug itself may fail while you are driving, putting you back where you started.

You’re Better Off Replacing The Tire

In the event of a flat tire from a nail or screw, the best course of action is always to replace the tire. A plug or patch for your tire may help tide you over until you can have it replaced, but it’s important to remember that a plug is meant to be a temporary fix.

While it may be tempting to see how far you can get with a five-dollar repair, the consequences of a plugged tire failing will be much worse than if you had replaced the tire in the first place.

If you just purchased a tire or recently bought a set of expensive tires, it can be a frustrating experience. If this is the case and you hope the tire can be saved, it may be worth it to have it inspected by a professional.

The TIA-certified tire experts at Tread Connection know how to properly diagnose, inspect, and repair flat tires. When you work with Tread Connection for your flat repair, the tire will be removed from the wheel and carefully inspected inside and out. This helps us ensure whether or not it can be safely repaired.

If the tire can be repaired, our team will take care of it for you. In the event that your tire cannot be safely repaired, our team will recommend a replacement from our wide range of tires to find the right one for your needs, and your budget.

Contact Tread Connection for New Tires On Your Schedule

It’s never worth it to gamble when it comes to the safety of you and your vehicle. Don’t try to see how long you can drive on that plugged tire. Have your tire inspected and repaired the right way by the TIA-certified tire experts at Tread Connection.

We bring the tire shop to you and can repair your flat or replace your tire at your home and on your schedule. Schedule your tire service with Tread Connection today!

There are all kinds of reasons why you may want to start your own business. You might have reached a point in your career where you want more freedom or a better work-life balance. Maybe you’ve spent your career working for others, and you’re ready to take the next step and be your own boss. It could also be that economic circumstances mean you must roll your sleeves up and create your own opportunity.

Whatever your reasons are, starting a business is a thrilling, and scary, time for an entrepreneur. This is doubly true during an economic recession. Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom because you’re starting a business in a recession.

In fact, there are some business models that continue to thrive, even during an economic downturn. Here are seven recession proof business models you should seriously consider to make sure you make the right choice when starting our company.

1. Repair Services

Entering the repair industry is a safe bet in weathering any economic storm as a new business. Essential services that people always need, regardless of circumstances, tend to fare well in hard times.

This is because their business model isn’t reliant on the economy. Your refrigerator doesn’t care about the economy when it decides to stop running. The same goes for your plumbing or electrical system.

Whether you’re pursuing training to become a licensed electrician or are handy enough to perform jobs that don’t require certifications, repair services can be a great way to turn a profit during a recession.

2. Food Services Built for Delivery and Drive-Thru

People always need to eat. This is true regardless of what the world looks like. However, what people eat and how they eat it changes during a recession.

The business model for a restaurant must also adapt, given the extra restrictions that come with a global pandemic. This has made drive-thru and delivery service a lifesaver for restaurants.

Fewer customers feel comfortable spending extended time in enclosed spaces, and it will likely be some time before confidence returns to normal. This has more people opting for delivery services for things they never would have thought of before.

If you’ve dreamt of opening a restaurant, it can still make sense in a recession as long as you have a drive-thru or are prepared to offer delivery for diners.

3. Mobile Tire Services

We just talked about two kinds of services that always do well in a recession: essential repairs and delivery services. What happens when you combine both of these recession proof industries into one successful business model? The result is a mobile tire service such as Tread Connection.

Spending time in a waiting room for tire service has never been fun for customers. The worries caused by coronavirus have turned an inconvenient typical tire shop visit into a stressful and harrowing experience. As a result, more customers prefer at-home tire installation to find the services they need, in a safe environment on a schedule that works for them.

A mobile tire service lets entrepreneurs bring the tire shop directly to their clients. No waiting rooms, no hassles, just convenient, quality service at your home or office. This surging reliance on at-home contactless services is a trend that is expected to continue long after the pandemic has passed. This makes a mobile tire service a strong selection among recession proof business models.

4. Sweets Businesses are a Sweet Deal

You might think that as belts tighten, sweets and snacks would be among the first things to go. Actually, the opposite is true. While other, larger purchases are put on the back burner, people still find themselves in need of small splurge from time to time. This often comes in the form of sweets and snacks.

Comfort foods are a source of reassurance and an affordable luxury that people can rely on when times are tough. While many consumers may not feel comfortable spending on that spa outing, they can easily justify a few bucks for a bar of nice chocolate.

Research shows that as of March 2020, sales of comfort foods were up nearly 50 percent compared to 2019. The same is true for specialty coffee and other relatively affordable luxury goods. Talk about a sweet deal!

5. IT Services

In a time when we’re dependent on our technology for practically everything, it makes sense that information technology (IT) services would be in high demand. The IT industry thrived during the last recession, and it makes sense that it stands to also do well during the current downturn.

COVID-19 has made the importance of technology and connectivity more apparent than ever. More employees are working from home, and businesses are exceedingly reliant on technology to keep things running.

Even companies that never needed IT services before likely need them now as they turn to virtual conferences, remote work, and more. IT professionals are well-positioned to handle the newfound needs of businesses adapting to a virtual workplace.

6.Tutoring and Teaching Businesses

The school year looks much different in 2020. Much of this is due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Because of the rise in remote learning and virtual classrooms, many students find themselves in need of additional instruction.

This has made the popularity of online and virtual tutors skyrocket as parents and students do everything they can to ensure they can keep learning. While the method through which students learn may change, the importance of learning does not. Providing students with the resources they need to succeed in the virtual classroom is a vital service that students will need both now and in the future.

7. Healthcare and Home Health Care Services

Health care is another industry that has long been considered recession proof. This is especially true for home health care workers. Even before the pandemic hit, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 36 percent growth rate between 2018 and 2028 for home health care workers.

As many hospitals and healthcare facilities fill up due to the extra strain of the pandemic, more patients are opting for in-home care to minimize hospital capacity and reduce their own potential exposure to the virus.

Combine the increased demand for in-home care with the aging Baby Boomer population, and you have a formula for a successful career that will continue for some time.

Start Your Own Franchise in a Recession Proof Industry

Obviously, there’s no such thing as any business being “recession proof.” Even so, there are still safer bets than others when it comes to striking it out on your own during a downturn.

Learn how you can start your own franchise with a brand that is disrupting the already recession-resistant tire industry as we know it. Start your Tread Connection franchise today and get in on the ground floor of this rapidly expanding recession proof industry.

You’ve been cooped up for months. Has there ever been a better time to find a safe way to get outside for some good, clean fun?

If you’re here, maybe your idea of fun isn’t so clean after all. For those who prefer getting off the pavement and into the mud, there is plenty of off-roading to be done. And plenty of mud tires to make your excursions as insane as you could want.

Here are some of the wildest and best mud tires on the market today.

Nitto Mud Grappler and Trail Grappler M/T

Let’s start with the most aggressive, because this is supposed to be fun. In the last several years, Nitto has provided some of the best mud tires for off-road enthusiasts.

You want extreme? Look to the Nitto Mud Grappler. The tread design and massive sidewall lugs provide for ultimate traction and mud clearance. These specific mud tires will make a statement — loud and clear.

Beyond the actual price, you may pay for that aggression in noise and comfort once you return to the pavement. But you’re here to have a good time, right?

Alternate Option

Looking for something a bit more cost-effective? Nitto’s Trail Grappler M/T is still a great option for mud tires. It’s not as crazy, but the Trail Grappler’s 3-ply sidewall offers much of the same reinforcements against punctures in rough terrain. Plus, the tread block arrangement was engineered to produce mud tires that Nitto claims are up to 36 percent quieter than the Mud Grappler.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3

It’s hard to find a brand as consistently reliable as BFGoodrich when looking for the best mud tires. The KM2 design has been popular among off-road enthusiasts, but its successor may provide even more adventure.

The KM3 features what BFGoodrich calls “Mud-Phobic Bars” in its tread, designed to release compacted mud and dirt and provide improved grip. Many of the toughest mudders wear mud on their vehicle like a badge of honor. For the rest of us, the worst part of even the best mud tires is hosing them off after you’re done. The “Mud Phobic Bars” are a terrific solution for people that thought they’d never see a self-cleaning tire!

Even beyond the mud, its Krawl-TEK compound improves grip on rocks. All in all, BFGoodrich experiments showed that, compared to the KM2, the KM3 has 5 percent better mud traction, 8 percent  better rock traction, and 27 percent tougher sidewalls.

Not too shabby for folks already loyal to the brand.

Firestone Destination M/T2

Another entry for consumers looking to get aggressive in the mud, the Firestone Destination M/T2 has proven to be one of the best-performing off-road tires available.

Like many of the other mud tires listed here, the Destination M/T2 boasts the 3-ply sidewall to resist punctures on rough terrain. But specific to the mud, Firestone added tread blocks with 23-degree angles to go with mud and stone ejectors for better traction.

As with many of the best mud tires on the market, the Destination M/T2 makes some noise when you hit the pavement, but that may not be a deal-breaker.

Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar

Is new always better? Maybe. Maybe not.

For years, the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R was one of the most popular mud tires on the market, thanks to its durability and performance. Though that specific tire model has aged out, Goodyear has evolved that fan-favorite in the last decade into the Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar.

If Kevlar sounds familiar, there’s a reason. It’s commonly used for bulletproof vests. How’s that for extreme?

Incorporating Kevlar into the sidewall design allows for 35 percent more puncture resistance. Then, there’s the unique tread design. The asymmetrical tread pattern features different angles of tread on the left and right half of the tire. This offers more handling in slick conditions and on the road. If you love to go mudding, the wraparound tread is the real dealmaker, giving you more grip on the sidewalls to climb through deep mud and on rocks.

Sometimes, age can be a beautiful thing. These may not be the newest mud tires on the market, but remain some of the most reliable.

Low-Cost Option:

If you’re looking for something less intense, Goodyear also offers the Wrangler DuraTrac. Though not specifically mud tires, these all-terrain and all-season tires can still give you a great on- and off-road experience without breaking the bank.

Make Tire Shopping Easier With Tread Connection

Are you ready to buy tires and get out in the mud? Contact a Tread Connection van in your area and ask about the best mud tires available. Tread Connection’s team of tire experts are happy to meet you at your home to simplify the process and get your adventures started!

There is a lot to consider when it comes to starting your own business. This is especially true when starting an automotive business. Embarking on your journey to entrepreneurship is an exciting time. It can also be a stressful one if you’re unprepared.

If you want to start a business in an uncertain economic climate, then an auto shop is a great place to look. Automotive repair and tire retail businesses are both thought of as recession-resistant. Even in the worst economic conditions, people still need their cars.

Pretty much everyone needs reliable transportation to commute to work, run errands, and go about their lives. Because cars are so essential to the daily lives of Americans, auto repair services historically perform well even during an economic downturn. As of 2018 there were an estimated 230,600 auto repair and maintenance shops in the United States. And the industry is expected to continue growing.

There’s never been a better time to get in on the auto industry. Of course, as with any new business, prior preparation is the key to future success. Here is what you need to know about starting an automotive business and how you can set your auto shop up for success.

1. What Kind of Auto Shop are You Opening?

The first step to starting an automotive business is to lay out a clear vision for what your business does. You should know exactly what sort of auto shop you’re opening and your available services. There are all kinds of different auto shops, and each one is a little different.

It’s not uncommon for many auto shops to specialize in specific types of repair. Depending on the kind of shop you open, the necessary equipment can also change. Some of the specialty auto shops you’ll come across include the following.

Body Shops

Body shops provide auto body repair specific to your car’s exterior. These services may include fixing dents and scratches or replacing damaged body panels after a collision. A traditional auto mechanic is going to make sure everything looks great under the hood, but they might not be able to help with a new bumper.

Transmission Shops

Like the name suggests, a transmission shop focuses solely on your vehicle’s transmission. This includes transmission service, maintenance, and repair. The transmission is an indispensable and complex part of your vehicle. Because of this, there are transmission problems that a mechanic who is not a specialist may not be prepared to fix.

Tire Repair and Tire Retail Shops

Everybody eventually needs new tires. This makes tire repair and retail stores particularly popular with people starting automotive businesses. A steady stream of customers and a product that is always in demand are both great reasons to specialize in tire services.

These are only a few of the many types of auto shops available. There are many others, including those that focus on inspections or shops that specialize in auto glass repair or brake services. Take the time to research the different options and determine the kind of business you want to open.

2. Put Together a Business Plan

The next step in opening your auto shop is to have a business plan in place. Your business plan is the roadmap for the success of your business. Your business plan should clearly define the following so that anyone who reads it clearly understands the fundamentals of your company.

• What is your business?
• What does your business do?
• Who are your competitors?
• Who are your customers?
• How does your business operate?
• How do your finances work?

Building a business plan isn’t a step to take lightly. Many entrepreneurs work with a consultant to ensure their business plan covers all the bases. Once your plan is in place, you should be ready to take the next step in starting your business.

3. Decide on a Location

Now that you know what kind of business you’re starting and you have a plan, it’s time to decide where that business is going to go. Finding the right location is a fundamental element of any successful auto repair shop, it can also be one of the most expensive.

It takes time and money to find the right location, and it costs even more to maintain it. Brick and mortar locations are costly endeavors where you must pay rent, utilities, and more in addition to other overhead expenses.

As more customers want to avoid waiting rooms and the inconvenience of visiting a garage, savvy entrepreneurs are taking the tire shop directly to the customer. Tread Connection’s mobile tire service vans have a much lower overhead than traditional brick-and-mortar locations. With a wide range of customers including both retail and corporate clients, a mobile tire service is a convenient and cost-effective option for starting your automotive business.

4. Secure Financing for Your Business

You know what your business should look like. You’ve put together a comprehensive business plan. You’ve scouted potential locations. But how are you going to pay for it all? Unless you’re prepared to finance your business yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll need to be approved for a loan.

This is where that business plan comes in handy. You’ll need to present your plan to potential investors, including banks, to secure a loan to cover the cost of equipment, the location, payroll, insurance, and other expenses. Many entrepreneurs seek out Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to help get their dreams of business ownership off the ground.

5. Hire the Right Employees

Running a business is rarely a one-person show. This is especially true when it comes to an auto shop. Your business can only be as good as its people. That’s why finding and hiring the right employees is one of the most important things you can do when starting an automotive business.

Reputation is everything when it comes to the success of an auto shop. Your employees and the work they do is a representation of you as both a company and a business owner.

When customers like your employees and trust them to do good work, they’re going to come back, and they’re going to tell their friends. The same can be said for a negative experience. Make sure you thoroughly vet your employees and hire the right people to represent your business.

6. Start Marketing and Attracting Customers

Once everything in place, you’re ready to get down to business. It’s time to start marketing and bringing in customers. You’ll need a website where customers can find your business online and schedule their auto services. You’ll also need to take out advertising online and in print so that your message is being seen by the right people. After the customers start rolling in, it’s time to get down to business!

7. Skip the Steps and Start an Automotive Franchise with Tread Connection

Clearly, there’s a lot that goes into starting a successful automotive business. Between the time, money, and effort it takes to get the doors open, it’s a serious undertaking that requires a lot of work. One thing you may not have considered is purchasing an automotive franchise.

By purchasing an automotive franchise, you’re buying into a proven and established business model that will have already done much of this work for you. An auto franchise has already established the type of shop and put together a thorough business plan that details everything from how much to charge for services to where to source your parts.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this recession-resistant industry. Learn how you can start your mobile tire retail and repair franchise with Tread Connection today!