Tire Kickers: The plan to train and employ 18,000 returning veterans

January 29, 2015February 3, 2015 / tirekickers / 1 Comment

In the ten years since the US entered Iraq 2.5 million service men and woman have been deployed to the Middle East, many were deployed multiple times (400,000 of which have served three or more tours)¹. 1.6 million of these military personnel have transitioned back to civilian life, but the transition is not always a smooth one.Tire Kickers is Veteran owned and employs returning veterans as inspectors, but can they do more? The answer is yes. Currently, 40% of Tire Kickers inspectors are veterans and they intend increase that percentage to 80% as Tire Kickers goes nationwide.
The Demand:

With 43 million used cars sold each year in the US, and a single inspector able to inspect six to eight cars a day, the total demand for inspectors is over 20,600. Realistically, Tire Kickers might not inspect all of the cars for sale, but based on the 80% response at Hackomotive 2014, Tire Kickers feels they could need over 16,500 inspectors.

In order to fill those positions with veterans, Tire Kickers has developed a 40 hour training course which it plans to offer to veterans at cost. This training prepares an inspector to standards much higher than standard mechanical certification. If Tire Kickers can secure a government grant to offset those training costs for veterans, training could be free.

Lobbying for the cause:

Tire Kickers is actively writing state governments across America to encourage them to get on board with us. If all 50 states required third party inspection the training received at Tire Kickers could employ a full 20,000 veterans at a better than living wage. Car inspection also has built in opportunities for partially disabled veterans such as the ability to work part time or set their own schedule.

The thing about Tire Kickers is that they don’t have to personally employ every auto inspector in America in order to throw themselves into making this happen. They are so passionate about creating a world in which every vehicle rolling down the road has been safety checked, every auto buyer pays what a vehicle is really worth based on current condition, and as many transitioning veterans have employment that they are willing to virtually create this industry from the ground up.

Can Tire Kickers get 20,000 veterans better than living wage careers? I wouldn’t bet against them.
1. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/03/14/185880/millions-went-to-war-in-iraq-afghanistan.html
2. http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/auto-sales-reach-six-year-high-demand-peaked-article-1.1567645

The Kicker Issue #1: Impaired Driving

January 13, 2015January 13, 2015 / tirekickers / Leave a comment

The Kicker is a monthly, free-of-charge, newsletter dedicated to informing the public about vehicle safety.

Now you don’t have to be an expert to have confidence in your car buying choice.

Welcome to The Kicker
Issue #1
Welcome to “The Kicker,” a vehicle owner’s newsletter sponsored by Tire Kickers, the premier independent 3rd party inspection service. If you own something with two, three, or four wheels and a motor read on to learn important information you’ll find interesting. The Kicker comes to you monthly free of charge and chock full of information on the topics of interest to anyone who likes, owns, or operates a vehicle. The Kicker is fully compliant with Can Spam standards and if at any time you decide you’re not interested you’ll find an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each issue.

What’s ahead in this issue?
1) This one little known fact about your vehicle could cost you thousands, or worse!
2) In The Spotlight: An Interview with the owner of Tire Kickers
3) 1 minute habit that could save a life
4) Impaired Driving: More impaired than you might think

The Kicker_white About our Sponsor:

Some companies make money finding you cars, some make money financing you, there’re even companies that make car shopping simple and fast, but Tire Kickers is uniquely different. As the premiere independent (3rd party) inspection company, Tire Kickers works for you, providing the information you need to decide with confidence.

“I always took my dad car shopping with me, but he passed away in 2003. Before finding Tire Kickers I dreaded having to replace a vehicle. I’d like to think I could avoid a lemon on my own but…Thanks for being in my corner, Tire Kickers!”

-Andy B. of Vancouver.

Tire Kickers will help by establishing a more accurate value of a vehicle before you buy it. Even more important, they’ll help you know the car you’re considering is safe for you and your family to ride in. When it comes to getting what you pay for with your next vehicle, ignorance is not bliss. For more information check out http://www.TireKickers.biz

Impaired Driving: More impaired than you might think!

Recently, a section of Andreson Road not far from our office was closed due to an accident. This accident resulted from a driver so impaired that other drivers spotted him/her on the 205 freeway and followed while reporting concerns to 911. After exiting the freeway, the erratic driving continued as the car approached a construction site. Drivers honked their horns, attempting to alert workers, but one worker was struck and killed.

This is a tragic tale and an important reminder for all of us as we head into to holiday season. Obviously don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, but really—what else can be done? The first key is planning ahead.

Be sure that your group of celebrators designates someone to remain sober even if you’re partying at home. Make sure that every party guest knows this person is in charge. If you don’t take keys from everyone, make certain the sober host says goodbye to each person who’s leaving. Have a budget for taking a cab home whenever you go somewhere alcohol is served.

But alcohol is not the only thing that can impair driving. Prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Lack of sleep is a serious concern. Distractions such as children, radio and cell phones kill nine people a day in the US, according to the CDC. Even driving in an extreme emotional state can be dangerous. Be sure you’re truly good to go before you start your car.

The second key is empowerment: The single most important step to reducing impaired driving accidents is taking it upon yourself to have the uncomfortable conversation with someone who’s driving that might be impaired. Simply offering an alternative like sleeping over, riding with a friend, or calling a cab can save a life. If you’re not comfortable with confrontation that’s great because you don’t need to be—keep it light but firm. Frame your questions as though you’re offering to do a favor. Offer more than once, and be willing to steal keys when someone is in the rest room. They’ll usually assume the keys are lost and start looking for another way home. Causing a scene won’t prevent drunk driving, but offering an alternative does.

Every 51 minutes someone is killed by impaired driving—never get in a car with someone who’s been drinking!

Next Article in Issue #1 Link: This one little known fact about your vehicle could cost you thousands, or worse!

Well, we hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of The Kicker. Be sure to check out our sponsor’s website and social media at the links below for up to the minute information on vehicle safety and value, and occasional special offers.

PS If the company you work for offers benefits have your HR department contact Tire Kickers to negotiate a special rate for you and your fellow employees.

Website: http://www.TireKickers.biz
Phone: 360-984-5960
Email: info@tirekickers.biz
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Copyright © 2015 *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

The Kicker Issue #1: One Minute Life Saving Habit

January 13, 2015April 7, 2023 / tirekickers / Leave a comment

The Kicker is a monthly, free-of-charge, newsletter dedicated to informing the public about vehicle safety.

Now you don’t have to be an expert to have confidence in your car buying choice.

The Kicker_white About our Sponsor:

-Andy B. of Vancouver.

1 Minute Habit that could save your life

What do pilots do pre-flight that makes flying so much safer than driving? I know we all ignored this advice in Drivers Ed, but a fast pre-drive inspection can catch potential problems that would otherwise leave you stranded alongside the road or worse. How detailed you need to be depends on the situation.

No matter how short your trip you should always do the following:

Check the back seat to make sure no one is hiding there.
Walk 360 degrees around your car and visually verify that your tires have no visible damage and adequate tread.
Bend down and look for fluid on the ground that could indicate a leak.
Once inside, check your visibility. Are the windows free of cracks? Are the mirrors set correctly?
Upon starting your car. Check your gauges.
Before shifting into gear, have you secured anything that might shift during transit? Has everyone put their seat belts on?

In addition to the above pre-drive habit, before a trip:

Check your fluids, wiper fluids, radiator coolant, brake & transmission. A complete list should be in your owner’s manual.
Check the sticker in your window to verify that you don’t need an oil change.
Consider having your battery tested, especially in winter.
Check your cabin air filter. Often you can simply bang debris out by hitting it on the palm of your hand. Then check how dark a gray it is. Remember it was bright white when installed and it’s cheap to replace.
Check your headlights and brights.
Have someone stand behind your car and verify that your brake and tail lights are working.
Inspect your windshield wiper blades for cracks or tares.
Make sure there aren’t any safety recalls on your vehicle (this information is readily available online or at a reputable mechanic or dealership)
Finally, locate your spare tire and make sure it’s inflated and that the jack works.

PS If the company you work for offers benefits have your HR department contact Tire Kickers to negotiate a special rate for you and your fellow employees.

Website: http://www.TireKickers.biz
Phone: 360-984-5960
Email: info@tirekickers.biz
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Copyright © 2015 *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Tire Kicker Issue #1 Interview with Jay Ackerland

January 13, 2015April 7, 2023 / tirekickers / Leave a comment

The Kicker is a monthly, free-of-charge, newsletter dedicated to informing the public about vehicle safety.

Now you don’t have to be an expert to have confidence in your car buying choice.

Now you don’t have to be an expert to have confidence in your car buying choice.

In honor of our sponsor, this month’s featured automotive advance is independent car inspection. We’ve interviewed Tire Kickers founder, Jay Ackerland, about the car inspection business.

Jay, why would someone need a car inspection? What do you mean by saying Independent and 3^rd party?

Independent means that we aren’t secretly owned by another automotive interest. 3rd party means we don’t buy cars, we don’t sell cars, we don’t fix cars. And that sets us apart from nearly everybody else who’s going to inspect your vehicle.

What makes your inspectors special?

All of our inspectors are required to attend our rigorous 40 hour training course, as well as on-the-job training and continuing education seminars. Our training course was designed by a former U.S. Air Force mechanic with military standards as the model. We are proud to train and employ our returning veterans because we know that they will follow the inspection to a tee, every time. We train our inspectors to treat the inspection like their own family would be riding in the vehicle.

Roughly what percentage of cars your company inspects ends up having a problem?

Nearly every vehicle we inspect has some sort of minor cosmetic damage, but this is not our focus. Our focus is on finding unsafe equipment. In our experience, nearly half of the vehicles we inspect have issues with tire safety. Because the tire industry is under-regulated in our country, we find new vehicles with old tires all the time. It’s important to remember that just because a tire has enough tread doesn’t mean the tire is safe.

Entrepreneurs are always passionate about their companies, but you seem almost fanatical about establishing car safety and accurate value. What drives you?

Our biggest focus is on improving the safety for everyone on the road, whether we inspect their vehicle or not. I want to be able to drive down the road and not wonder whether or not the car next to me has 10 year old tires that are much more likely to have a catastrophic failure. From the beginning, Tire Kickers has been about helping people protect their families. As we expanded our services we have come to help protect our customer’s investments by providing a fair value for the vehicles we inspect. This value, of course, is most heavily weighted by the safety aspects of the vehicle.

Thank you for your time Jay, it was great to get to know more about what Tire Kickers stands for.

Thank you, the more people who are aware of our mission of safer streets the better!

Link to next Article: 1 minute habit that could save a life

PS If the company you work for offers benefits have your HR department contact Tire Kickers to negotiate a special rate for you and your fellow employees.

The Kicker Issue #1: Little Known Fact that Could Save Your Life

January 13, 2015January 13, 2015 / tirekickers / Leave a comment

The Kicker is a monthly, free-of-charge, newsletter dedicated to informing the public about vehicle safety.

Now you don’t have to be an expert to have confidence in your car buying choice.

The Kicker_white About our Sponsor:

-Andy B. of Vancouver.

This one little-known fact about your vehicle could cost you thousands, or worse!

Did you know…
Rubber starts degrading from the time that it’s manufactured?

Like most things you buy in the grocery store, your tires are losing lifespan even as they sit on the shelf in a tire shop waiting to be purchased by you. After only a few years, tires should be recycled. That’s right, even if you don’t drive much your tires won’t last forever. In fact they may have been old when you bought them new.

The problem…
There are very few marketable uses for worn out tires.

One reason you can find such a wide range of prices on tires is that unsold new tires from quality stores get wholesaled out to discount stores. In Japan, it’s illegal to sell tires more than 6 years old. So what happens to those tires? They’re sent to the US where no such regulations exist.
According to most car manufacturers, any tire over six years old should be replaced even if it still has plenty of tread on it.

How can you know how old your tire is? All tire manufacturers stamp the date they were made on each tire they make, but they don’t make it easy on you. Instead of a simple date, they use a 4 digit code, usually on the sidewall of your tire, not always facing out.

Here are three ways to check the age/ safety of your tires.

1. Have your car inspected by a reputable independent inspection service.

2. Ask your tire store the age the next time you go in for a repair or service.

3. Look at your tire’s sidewall and find the string of text beginning with “DOT”, the last 4 digits in the string correspond to the date the tire was manufactured.
(The first 2 numbers are the week, the second 2 are the year)

Next Article in Issue #1 Link: Impaired Driving: More impaired than you might think

PS If the company you work for offers benefits have your HR department contact Tire Kickers to negotiate a special rate for you and your fellow employees.

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Vehicle Inspection

The Kicker Issue #1: Impaired Driving

The Kicker Issue #1: One Minute Life Saving Habit

The Kicker Issue #1: Little Known Fact that Could Save Your Life