Working with cars can be a passion, but it’s not always easy to find a job in the industry.

Dream jobs don’t come around every day, but you have every reason to believe there is one waiting for you. All you have to do is find it.

Simple enough, right?

Though countless Americans have a passion for cars and engineering, it can be tough to find the right fit in the automobile industry. But with proactive planning and a thorough self-understanding, you can carve out a spot of your own.

So how do you find your niche in the automobile industry? Try answering a few of the following questions.

What Is Your Passion?

Though it may seem simple, many people begin their careers without first — or ever — truly considering what motivates them. It can be difficult to pinpoint a passion, especially one worth making more than a hobby.

In the automobile industry, there might be several areas to fill someone’s passion.

A lot of people love cars. But do you truly feel a passion for working around them? Would working in auto shops motivate you and energize you each day? Do you enjoy cars but prefer to stay on the business side of the operation?

A passion may seem insignificant. This is a job, after all. But it is important to find what inspires you so that you have the drive to succeed in your career.

What Are Your Skills?

It sounds similar, but your passion doesn’t always equate to or reflect your full skillset.

Your passion may lead you in a certain direction, and it can certainly help visualize your end goal. Defining your skills, however, is the way you reach those targets.

Everyone brings something to the table. You may be great at analyzing numbers. Maybe you have a way with people or the magic touch under the hood of a car. Whatever your skill set, you have something to offer an employer or offer a customer base if you are going out on your own.

Where in the Industry Can You Apply Them?

When you identify the areas of the automobile industry that spark your passion — and once you hone the skills to make it happen — the next step is to find how to best put them to use.

Whether you are first entering the auto industry, or already have a foot in the door, make a dedicated effort to analyze the market around you. Every business needs to solve a particular problem. Your goal should be to find the problems that you can solve better than your competition.

Are there any areas where your company is falling short, specifically in the particular space where you hope to one day thrive? Expand that evaluation to your company’s competitors as well. Are they failing to meet an opportunity on which you can help your business capitalize?

In general, think of yourself as your own brand. Find a consumer need – or need of a company – that is not being met. Ask yourself how you can focus your skillset on those issues. Having a clear understanding of the value you offer, and the strengths you possess can set you apart as you build your own foothold in the automobile industry.

At some point, that foot in the door could bust open opportunities few others took the time to realize.

Think About Franchising

For those more advanced in their careers, franchising can offer a unique opportunity to further carve out your own niche in the automobile industry. Whether building your own business or buying into another brand’s franchise model, there are countless ways to stand out in the industry through franchising.

Tread Connection, for example, provides mobile tire sales and services to consumers who want a simpler, more time-efficient experience while also offering a profitable business model to its franchisees. In both of those areas, the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated the needs Tread Connection had already been meeting.

It sounds impossible to find a niche in the automobile industry that fulfills your passion, utilizes your skillset, and meets the needs of both the consumer and your business — all at once. But opportunities are available for those who put in the effort and research to make it happen.

Learn more about finding your own fit with Tread Connection by visiting https://www.ownatreadconnection.com/.

New tires don’t have to cost a fortune, but they need to be reliable and long-lasting. Here are the top 10 affordable tires on the market.

Tire shopping can be a hassle.

Beyond the specifications, such as tread patterns and rubber compounds that can make most everyday drivers dizzy, one of the key factors will always be price. But much like shopping for any other product, consumers want to find the best bang for their buck. Drivers want better tires for less money.

That is especially the case as 2021 hopefully begins a transitional period out of the pandemic-related economic downturn. Consumers have to be careful with their money, making the continued demand for more affordable tires one of the big trends to watch this year.

Thankfully for drivers, there are several cost-effective options on the market. Here are 10 economy tires that have received positive reviews from multiple outlets for their value at an economical price point.

Cooper CS5 Grand Touring

Made specifically for the needs of family drivers, the CS5 Grand Touring provides well-rounded performance for everyday use. This model’s calling card is the quiet, comfortable ride that accompanies safety on both dry and wet surfaces. Additionally, the 80,000-mile warranty gives the CS5 Grand Touring plenty of added value at its price point.

Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus

Though branded as making tires for luxury vehicles, Pirelli provides high performance in its tires for less cost than you might imagine. With impressive performance and comfort in nearly every condition the casual driver may encounter, the P4 Four Seasons Plus offers excellent value considering its 90,000-mile treadwear warranty. Pirelli also boasts fuel savings thanks to this tire’s high silica compound and optimized tread design.

Hankook Kinergy PT

Now a key player in the market for affordable tires, Hankook’s Kinergy PT is the company’s all-season tire designed for year-round comfort and safety. Though the focus in the Kinergy PT is placed on that comfort and a long tread life, performance in dry and wet conditions is still comparable to other models from competitors. Backed with a 90,000-mile treadwear warranty, it could be a great value purchase for drivers of coupes, family sedans, and minivans.

Yokohama Avid Touring-S

Billed as a “well-rounded tire that does it all,” the Yokohama Avid Touring-S is another standard touring all-season tire. In addition to its design for a quieter and more comfortable ride, Yokohama highlights its tapered rain channels and cross traction sipes to boost confidence in the Avid Touring-S’s performance and safety in wet or snowy conditions. Yokohama’s 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, however, is certainly one drawback in comparison to its competitors.

BFGoodrich Advantage T/A

A trusted brand in tires for decades, BFGoodrich has staked its claim to combining performance and safety, which is what they offer with the Advantage T/A grand touring all-season tire model. This model is developed for drivers of sporty touring coupes and sedans, providing responsive handling and traction in most conditions, even in some light snow. A 70,000-mile treadwear warranty could be better compared to the other affordable tires listed here, but for sportier drivers, this could be a great value option.

General Altimax RT43

This all-season touring model provides as much comfort and handling as any in the General Tire lineup. At a budget-friendly price point, the Altimax RT43 uses a high-density rubber compound to offer a longer lifespan along with its 75,000-mile treadwear warranty.

Kumho Solus TA11

Designed specifically for drivers watching their wallets, the Kumho Solus TA11 is a standard touring all-season tire that sits squarely in the middle of several categories at a low cost. Multiple expert reviews cite the Solus TA11 as handling very well in dry conditions and serviceably in wet and snowy conditions. Though it may not grab the spotlight, the cost and 75,000-mile warranty make the TA11 a great value purchase.

Michelin Defender T+H

The big brands can be budget-friendly, too. Like other cost-effective options, the Defender T+H is built to combine the various needs of everyday drivers — comfort, performance, and lifespan. Its 80,000-mile treadwear warranty is among the best at this price point, and offers expected handling in dry, wet, or light snow conditions.

General G-Max AS-05

Another model from General Tires, the G-Max AS-05 is the manufacturer’s take on ultra-high-performance all-season tires. This model boasts better responsiveness, handling, and traction for drivers of sportier coupes and sedans. While the G-MAX AS-05 may not beat the most premium tires, it certainly provides high-quality performance for its cost.

GT Radial Champiro VP1

Though offering one of the lower treadwear warranties at 40,000-miles, the GT Radial Champiro VP1 is still a perfectly acceptable tire for less. Along with its performance on dry and wet surfaces — though reviews are wary of its handling in snow — the “low rolling resistance” tread compound offers some expected fuel efficiency, making up for some of the lost value in other areas.

As always, there are multiple factors to consider when purchasing tires, especially when trying to find quality tires for less. It is important to do some detailed research to understand the type of tire you need, along with any specifications necessary for your vehicle. Of course, these could affect the price. But the options above, and even some outside this list, are proof that you can find quality, economy tires without breaking the bank.

Shopping for tires can be tough, with multiple options available that fit your vehicle. We break down each type so you can find the right tire for your needs.

Tires are an essential part of getting from Point A to Point B. They are also one of the most visible features on our vehicle. We see them every day, unlike most of the intricate inner workings of our vehicles.

And yet, for many drivers, shopping for tires is just as confusing and frustrating a process as dealing with any other automotive issue. For that reason, we often settle for the tires that come on our vehicle at the time of purchase, figuring our job is done. We don’t think about them again until we’re forced to, but by then, the stress of timing and necessity can compound the frustration.

From sizes to brands to the sheer variety of different types of tires, tire shopping can be overwhelming. So let’s break down the key areas of focus when making your decision on new tires.

What Fits Your Vehicle – We’re Talking More Than Just Size

Every car has certain specifications for each of its parts, and the tires are no different.

Of course, the size of a tire is one consideration. They need to fit on the wheels of the vehicle, getting their job done without interfering with any other functions.

Finding tires that fit on your vehicle is an obvious step to the shopping process. Going further, however, finding tires that are fit for your vehicle also matters.

Depending on how closely you’ve inspected your tires, you may have noticed numbers and letters on the sidewall. These markings aren’t simply model numbers. They actually tell you a lot about what a tire is designed to do, and yes, how they’ll affect your use.

Most people do not know how to read these sidewall designations, but they are essential to finding the different types of tires that would fit your vehicle. They can tell you information such as the size, how much weight your car can handle with them, and how fast you can drive on them for an extended time without issues.

Professionals would likely be able to decipher these designations to ensure you have the right tires for your vehicle. But for those shopping themselves or online, it is crucial to understand this information.

What Kind of Driving?

When it comes to purchasing tires, one of the most important considerations are the different types of tires that are available. Beyond the specifications like size or speed rating, drivers have options based on the kind of driving they envision.

Most vehicles come with some form of all-season tires at the time of purchase. This is usually a perfectly fine option for most drivers, because all-season tires are made to perform reliably in different types of weather or road conditions.

However, some drivers live in climates that bring the expectation of extreme weather.

In these cases, they may switch between different types of tires to adapt to those conditions. Drivers in Arizona may opt for summer or all-season tires because they rarely experience the cold and snow that a driver in Minnesota can expect each year. That driver may switch to winter tires in the colder months to handle any extreme conditions.

Of course, there are other considerations for drivers of another stripe. Off-roading and mud tires are there to help the most adventurous among us to enjoy their thrills at maximum performance and safety.

It all comes down to what sort of driving you envision, and what tires will best get that job done.

How to Shop

When shopping for tires — or any automotive need, for that matter — customers often rely on the simple factor of cost.

Pricing obviously matters. However, settling for the wrong tire even at the right price point can prove to be costly down the road. Keeping all the above factors in mind can not only save you money but also bring you peace of mind. At the end of the day, you need to find tires that both fit your budget and ensure your car can safely perform at its highest potential.

It’s not always easy for the average driver to know how to thread that needle. In addition to offering mobile tire services for those needing an upgrade or simply a replacement, tire professionals at Tread Connection can help you better understand the process and get you back on the road with confidence.

There are other factors, such as treadwear warranties. It also simply comes down to comfort. You could be just as happy finding an exact replacement.

It’s no longer necessary to run a business from an office. Explore the options best for you.

The past year — particularly considering the COVID-19 outbreak — certainly put things into perspective for all aspects of our society. From who we see, where we shop, and how we work, life was so drastically different that it forced some reconsideration of what we think of as normal.

That reconsideration was essential for businesses grappling with the need to meet a brand new set of consumer demands and behaviors.

This was most evident in the struggles experienced by brick and mortar businesses in a variety of industries. The indefinite need for distance and limited interpersonal contact made restaurants, auto shops, and small businesses around the country question both their short- and long-term viability.

As business owners pivot several aspects of their business models, one of the questions going forward is whether to stay with brick and mortar locations or to join the growing trend of mobile business models.

The Trouble With Brick and Mortar

Whether creating a new business plan or altering an existing one, there are benefits and drawbacks to every decision. Beyond the many considerations brick and mortar plans require, the biggest for most prospective business owners is simple — cost.

From initial startup costs to long term factors — such as labor, rent, taxes, and utilities — there is a substantial bottom line that competes with the troubling trend of consumer behaviors. Even before the pandemic, brick and mortar locations saw dwindling foot traffic as the online marketplace continued to gain traction. Because it’s nearly impossible to run a business without an online presence, that means business owners must now balance both the physical location along with one on the web.

There are certainly strategies that creative business owners have introduced to withstand the hurdles that have been put in front of brick and mortar businesses recently. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put that often-limited success in a further bind.

Building a Mobile Business Model

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to beating the online trends, it has become essential to find alternatives to brick and mortar models. Pivoting to a mobile business model has served as a valuable option for many businesses.

Particularly during the pandemic, offering products and services without forcing employees or customers into uncomfortable proximity has proven to be an effective model.

However, there is a wealth of positivity surrounding mobile business models even when things return to normalcy. In addition to questions about which consumer behaviors will stick around, operating a mobile business remains a viable alternative for business owners wary of operating brick and mortar locations.

Mobile business models can be built to meet consumers where they are, along with the benefit of low startup and overhead costs and often reduced staffing needs. Depending on the business, that is often a recipe towards finding a beneficial profit margin to all but guarantee long term success.

These mobile options could manifest in something as small as a kiosk that allows a restaurant or small retail business to offer their limited inventory in high-traffic spaces as they get off the ground. They could be food trucks or re-purposed trailers for retail spaces.

These qualities also benefit franchise businesses like Tread Connection that embrace mobility. The reduced costs associated with many mobile businesses could also open doors for a wider pool of possible franchisees. That allows more hopeful entrepreneurs to jump at the opportunity to fuel the business’s growth and join in its success.

Which Is the Best Option For You?

As with every part of building a business plan, this decision should be made after performing in-depth market research. As part of that process, ask yourself the following questions:

• Depending on the service being provided, how necessary is a brick and mortar location?
• Would consumers appreciate or even prefer a mobile option?
• How would a mobile business model change the business’s capacity to meet its demand and build a sustainable profit margin?

Along with the rest of your research, finding answers to these questions could set you on a path towards deciding on a mobile business model with confidence.

COVID-19 has changed the business landscape for both the short and long run, meaning the changes brick and mortar business models have experienced in recent years have simply been accelerated. It’s better to be on the front end of change rather than lagging behind.

Contact Tread Connection today to discuss the possibilities of owning your own mobile franchise!

If you already have all-season tires, you may think you don’t need winter tires for the snow and ice. Here’s how the two differ and what you should consider in the winter.

Few purchases matter more than ones made on your vehicle. No matter the age, make, or model, it has to get you from Point A to Point B safely every day. Unfortunately, many drivers lack detailed knowledge about how to properly care for their vehicles. Without seeing a dashboard indicator or feeling something unusual, smaller problems can accumulate without knowing what to look for.

And even if we feel tires are fairly straightforward — especially compared to the intricacies of an engine or transmission — there are plenty of factors that can limit performance. After all, your tires are your connection to the road, meaning the spectrum of conditions drivers encounter make tires an essential consideration.

Unfortunately, many Americans are unaware of the options at their disposal when it comes to tires, settling for whatever was on the vehicle when they bought it. But making specific tire purchases — based on something as simple as the seasons — can have a noticeable impact on both safety and comfort.

Let’s consider the differences between winter tires with all-season options and break down whether buying specific snow tires are worth the money.

Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Much as they sound, the difference between winter tires and all-season tires comes down to the season in which they can best help performance and safety.

Winter tires are designed specifically for the elements associated with winter weather — snow, ice, slush, and cold road temperatures. Similarly, summer tires are designed for hotter temperatures.

The most distinct attributes winter tires offer include deep grooves — called “sipes” — and specialized tread patterns to provide more traction on snow-covered roads. Other tires can become stiff as temperatures drop. But snow tires are also made of softer, more flexible rubber material to maintain performance in colder temperatures.

All-season tires, which often come with a newly-bought car, are essentially a combination of the attributes boasted by winter and summer tires. Along with the sipes on the inner tire for snow and slush, it offers the outside tread commonly found in summer tires. They are made to handle both dry and wet conditions and any temperature outside of the extreme. In many circumstances, it’s the best of both worlds.

So which tires should you choose? That mostly comes down to personal preference, though geography could certainly simplify the decision.

All-season tires are common for a reason — they get the job done in most climates and at most times. But for drivers in colder climates such as New England or the Upper Midwest, changing out to winter tires may be a necessary investment to withstand extreme conditions or prolonged periods of freezing temperatures and snowy roads.

Do I Have To Get New Wheels to Use Winter Tires?

Not necessarily, but it could be the preferred option for some drivers.

Swapping out your wheels for the winter could protect your usual wheels from the elements, especially if they are extreme enough for you to consider new tires in the first place. However, making that decision means accepting a few trade-offs.

Of course, cost would be a factor. Purchasing new wheels along with winter tires could be a sizeable initial cost. If you aren’t comfortable changing out wheels yourself, plan to spend some money each winter to get them changed at a tire or auto shop. You’ll also need space to store whichever tires aren’t in use in a given season.

Lastly, consider the size of the wheels and tires you are purchasing. Most vehicles can accommodate at least a few wheel sizes. Be sure to do your research to ensure the tire and wheel sizes not only match but are also the best option for your needs.

What Are The Best Winter Tire Options?

If opting to swap out your tires in the winter, there are several good options. Many of the largest tire brands offer winter tires.

Some of the most popular include Pirelli’s Winter Sottozero 3, Bridgestone’s Blizzak WS80 or the newer WS90, and the Michelin X-Ice Xi3. Winter tires can vary in price depending on several factors, but it’s always worth spending some time to talk with the person selling them about their insights about what’s best for your car and the season.

If needing a convenient option to find tires and tire services near you, be sure to ask about the options available in your area.