Old habits die hard, as well as negative perceptions. Such is the case with unfavorable views of retread tires. But many fleets are choosing retreads over new tires due to improvements in product quality combined with cost savings.

Snider Fleet Solutions recently acquired 27 locations from TCI Tire Centers, which the company said makes it one of the largest commercial tire dealers in the United States.

Fleets can expect single-digit increases in tire prices soon, as several manufacturers issued price hikes set to take effect this year.

Bridgestone and Yokohama announced Feb. 2 they would be increasing the price of tires as the price of raw materials rise, following a similar announcement from Michelin.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. added two sizes to the Roadmaster RM272 commercial tire line, which is engineered to withstand the demands of drop-deck trailers, and noted tires in this application are arguably the most abused of any in the trucking industry.

The lightbulb moment came when Brandon Richardson, a former Detroit automotive engineer, had a tire go flat because it was underinflated.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. completed its purchase of a 65% interest in China-based Qingdao Ge Rui Da Rubber Co., Ltd. under terms that were previously announced, the company said.

Many fleets are using technology that monitors tire pressure or automatically adds air as a way to improve fuel efficiency, extend tire life and prevent expensive roadside service calls, but these systems also could play an important role in the industry’s efforts to curb emissions in the years ahead.