Wheel End Wisdom

In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, host Tim Gillespie sits down with guests Brandon Fehn, our North Central Territory Manager, and Northeast Territory Manager, Bill Wildermuth, to tackle one of the biggest challenges hitting commercial fleets today – overloaded shops, technician shortages, and the hidden costs of emergency breakdowns. Whether you’re a shop owner, a fleet manager, or an industry...

In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, host Tim Gillespie sits down with guests Brock Hetherington and Tim Stover to talk about the challenges happening in wheel-end maintenance today. From stud prep and the R.I.S.T. method, to why proper cleaning before reassembly matters, this conversation dives into the details that impact safety, consistency, and performance every day. Tim Stover shares the stor...

In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, host Tim Gillespie sits down with Eddie Steffes and Bob Bortner to talk about one of the most overlooked hazards in commercial tire shops: slip hazards, messy bays, and what we call “shop glitter” or balancing beads.  Together, they break down: - How to spot a safe vs. unsafe shop the moment you walk in - Why a fast-paced environment is the #1 driver of shop ac...

In this episode of Wheel End Wisdom, we sit down with Kevin Rohlwing from the Tire Industry Association, a 44-year veteran of the tire business and 30-year member of TIA, to discuss one of the most dangerous yet often overlooked risks in the trucking industry: roadside tire service. From limited visibility and high-speed traffic to the constant pressure of getting drivers safely back on the road,...

Is that wheel corrosion… or a bad refinishing job? In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we break down one of the most misunderstood issues in commercial wheel maintenance: wheel surface corrosion vs. improper refinishing. Joined by industry experts Bob Bortner and David Calzada, we dig into what’s really happening when wheels start to show signs of damage—and why so many fleets and dealers get it...

Recorded live at TMC 2026, this episode dives into the fundamentals of wheel-end maintenance and why balance matters more than most fleets realize. Featuring insights from industry experts Gerry Mead and Brock Hetherington, we break down common misconceptions, overlooked maintenance practices, and how adaptive internal balancing with EQUAL FLEXX is changing the game. From reducing vibration to ext...

How does tire balancing differ between trucking fleets in the United States and Australia, and why does it matter for tire life, fuel efficiency, and fleet performance? In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom, we explore the key differences in trucking operations across the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand, from highway freight routes to extreme remote road train applications. Australia’s rugged terrain...

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 person...

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...

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 im...

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 accide...

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...

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 cul...

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 balancin...

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...

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 measu...

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 simp...

Ever seen a tire break up with a truck at 70 MPH? We kick things off with a Wheel-End WTF?! that shows just that—one wheel’s wild journey down the highway. Then Jared and Bill get into how to stop the madness with the ultimate wheel-end tag team: WHEEL TEQ Stud Cleaner and LUG LINX. From better torque to smarter inspections, this episode shows how two simple tools can keep your wheels where they b...

In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom , we kick things off with a Wheel End WTF?! moment featuring a wild video that shows just how bad things can get when balance goes out the door...literally. Then we dive into the headaches tire dealers face with light-duty tires like 17.5s and 19.5s. From expensive equipment and labor shortages to costly comebacks, balancing these tires are no joke. But there’s...

When it comes to powder coating, curing isn’t just a step—it’s the make-or-break moment for performance and durability. In this episode, we explore the science behind proper curing, what really happens inside the oven, and how shortcuts in the process lead to costly failures. From overloaded ovens to uneven airflow, we unpack the field issues that are fueling poor finishes. Plus, a not-so-subtle r...

Think retreads can’t look brand new? Think again. In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom , Tim sits down with Bill, IMI’s North East Territory Manager, to bust some common myths about retreads and reveal how the right tire paint can make all the difference. They dig into why NEW LOOK VENEER stands out—offering better coverage, faster dry times, and a safer, matte finish that solves real-world issues...

What if a $40 investment could extend your tire life by up to 40%? In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom , Tim chats with Jared about EQUAL FLEXX , IMI’s internal adaptive balancing solution for commercial trucks. They explore why tire balance matters, how FLEXX works differently from traditional methods, and how it can cut costs while improving safety and ride quality. Whether you run a single truc...

Every fleet knows the risks of wheel-offs—but what if one simple tool could help stop them in their tracks? In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom , we sit down with Jared to explore LUG LINX —a powerful lug nut retention and indicator system designed to keep wheels where they belong. From shocking wheel separation stats to real-world fleet success stories, we break down how LUG LINX improves safety,...

When it comes to wheel safety, the difference between roadworthy and out-of-service can cost you big. In this episode of Wheel-End Wisdom , David joins us to break down the most critical Out-of-Service (OOS) conditions for steel and aluminum wheels. From cracks and corrosion to bent flanges and missing DOT stamps, we cover what to look for, why it matters, and how to stay compliant with FMCSA, CVS...