NETSA Community

Read the NHTSA Response 11/22/11

2011-11-26T07:37:00.000-05:00

NETSA's Response 10/14/10

2011-11-26T07:27:00.003-05:00

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law 10/11/10

Hi Kevin: 10/14/10
Thank you for emailing us the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DOT, Final Rule establishing a new Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) requiring installation of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) capable of detecting when one or more of a vehicle’s tires is significantly under-inflated. I spent about 4 ½ hours reading the entire 222 pages of this document so I would hopefully understand what it is saying and meaning.
NETSA believes the answer to the question “Can we install a set of winter tires and steel rims without the TPMS?” is clearly “NO” unless the vehicle they are being installed on is pre TPMS. All vehicles with TPMS should have tire/rim sensors that are operational and functional with that vehicle.
Our Reasons: #1 The TPMS Malfunction Indicator is required to work at all times on vehicles equipped with this TPMS System.
“the final rule requires the TPMS to include a malfunction indicator….that would alert the driver in situations in which the TPMS is unable to detect low tire pressure. This malfunction indicator is required to detect incompatible replacement tires, as well as other system faults.” (see page 10). The “significant real world population of TPMSs suggests that TPMSs will continue to work with replacement tires in the vast majority of cases. (see page 98) “However, to date, it has not been possible to develop an appropriate performance measure that would reliably identify those anomalous tires that would prevent proper TPMS functioning.” (see page 99) Thus “After considering these comments related to TPMS functionality with replacement tires, we have decided to adopt the approach presented in the NPRM to require the TPMS-equipped vehicle to be certified with the tires originally installed on the vehicle at the time of initial vehicle sale. We emphasize that it would not be permissible for dealers to install tires on a new vehicle that would take it out of compliance with the TPMS standard, and to do so would violate the prohibition on manufacturing, selling, and importing noncomplying motor vehicles and equipment in 49 U.S.C. 30112.” (see page 97) “Because no one is certain which tires, either produced now or in the future, will cause various TPMSs to malfunction, it is not practicable to require vehicle manufacturers to certify that the TPMS will continue to function properly with all replacement tires.” (see page 100) “Furthermore, by including a requirement for a TPMS malfunction indicator, we expect that the TPMS will be able to continue to provide low tire pressure warnings even after the vehicle’s original tires are replaced. The TPMS malfunction indicator will also alert the consumer as to when the system is unavailable to detect low tire pressure and is potentially in need of repair. (see page 189) #
#2 A business or tech may not knowingly make inoperative any part of the TPMS System. If they discover they unknowingly caused the system to become inoperative, upon illumination of the TPMS light inside the vehicle etc, they must immediately notify the consumer (owner) to make the system functional. If they knowingly cause the system to be inoperative, they have violated the law i.e. install a tire(s) onto a rim(s) that doesn’t have a TPMS sensor(s) that they reasonably know is going to be installed onto a vehicle with TPMS, or mounting tires/rims onto a vehicle that has TPMS with tires/rims that are substantially of a different size etc than the vehicle came with as O.E., or disabling the MIL, or not replacing a defective sensor(s) etc..
“We also disagree with commenters who suggested that the TPMS MIL should not be required to signal when the vehicle is equipped with alternative or replacement tires that prevent continued proper functioning of the TPMS. That requirement is key to the long-term functionality of the TPMS, and unless such a warning is provided, some drivers may lose the benefits of the system entirely. It is plainly forseeable that most vehicles will outlast their original set of tires, so this requirement is necessary to ensure consumers continue to receive the TPMS’s important information related to low tire pressure.” (see page 66) “We do not believe it is appropriate to permit disablement of the MIL when aftermarket tires and rims are installed on the vehicle that are not compatible with the continued proper functioning of the TPMS.” (Requirement for owner’s manuals on September 1, 2007.) “TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternative tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction indicator after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternative tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.” (see pages 126 & 127) “We do not believe that the final rule will have a significant impact upon the service industry in terms of aftermarket sales or repair. First, the agency has already stated that we do not consider installation of an aftermarket or replacement tire or rim that is not compatible with the TPMS to be a “make inoperative” situation under 49 U.S.C. 30122, provided that the business entity does not disable the TPMS MIL (see section IV.C.4(a). In such situations, once the TPMS MIL illuminates, the consumer is put on notice that the aftermarket motor vehicle equipment in question is not compatible with the TPMS. From this point, it is within the consumer’s power to substitute other tire or rims that permit continued proper TPMS functionality,” (see page 161) “As noted previously, vehicle manufacturers, tire manufacturers, and other businesses may not know, or reasonably be able to know, exactly which of the many aftermarket or replacement tire and rims would prevent the TPMS from continuing to function properly. There are many tire and rim choices for a given vehicle, and a variety of businesses are involved in tire and rim installation and repair. In such cases, these businesses may only come to know of a problem once the TPMS MIL illuminates, Furthermore, because some TPMSs must be driven for a period of time in order to detect a malfunction, it is quite possible that the consumer would have driven away from such business before the MIL illuminates. After the time of first sale, our primary goal for the TPMS MIL is to provide information and a warning to the consumer in order to ensure long-term operability of the TPMS. In the tire-related situations described above, the TPMS MIL has arguably served its purpose; the consumer has been warned of the compatibility problem, and the consumer and installer are able to work together to resolve the problem. The intention is not to penalize the business for accidentally installing one of a very small number of incompatible tires that are difficult to identify. We note that this result might be different where it can be shown that the installer knew of the incompatibility beforehand or took some other action to disable a functioning TPMS unit.” (see page 104)

Kevin, we believe there is a misinterpretation of this Rule by TIA, and we’ve tried to explain why we feel this way. Hopefully TIA will revisit the entire Rule and let us know your thoughts, so that NETSA & TIA can both have the same understanding of this Rule.
Thanks,
Dick Cole – NETSA Executive Director

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law 10/11/10

2011-11-26T07:25:00.002-05:00

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law 10/11/10
By Kevin Rohlwing
It’s a question that we get 1,000 times a year during training classes, especially from tire dealers in New England and anywhere else where it snows a lot, “Can we install a set of winter tires and steel rims without the TPMS?” The most simple answer is “yes,” but rather than try to explain it, I thought I would copy and paste a few lines out of the NHTSA’s Final Rule on TPMS.
Under 49 U.S.C. 30122(b), “A manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business may not knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter [49 USC §§ 30101 et seq.] unless the manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or repair business reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used (except for testing or a similar purpose during maintenance or repair) when the device or element is inoperative.” As a general matter, malfunction indicators can alert consumers when one of the above entities has made a vehicle modification that has rendered a functioning system inoperative.
In situations where the TPMS MIL is detecting aftermarket or replacement tires or rims that prevent the continued proper functioning of the TPMS, such equipment arguably has not damaged the TPMS itself, but instead has hindered its low tire pressure detection capability. (Arguably, the tires themselves meet the requirements of the relevant FMVSSs related to tires and would be suitable for safe vehicle operation, absent the TPMS problem.) Once the TPMS MIL illuminates, the consumer would be warned that the equipment has caused a TPMS malfunction, and the consumer could substitute other equipment that would permit the TPMS to resume normal functioning.
After the time of first sale, our primary goal for the TPMS MIL is to provide information and a warning to the consumer in order to ensure long-term operability of the TPMS. In the tire-related situations described above, the TPMS MIL has arguably served its purpose; the consumer has been warned of the compatibility problem, and the consumer and the installer are able to work together to resolve that problem.
We understand that vehicle inspections in Vermont and Maine currently require an operational TPMS, so vehicle owners in those states do not have a choice when it comes to winter tires and new sensors. However, the rest of New England has a choice and many of them will choose to drive around all winter with TPMS MIL blinking away. Based on this information, it appears they won’t be breaking any laws and neither will the tire dealer.
However, New England still has lawyers so it would be wise to at least have some form of documentation that the customer must sign to indicate they decided not to purchase TPMS sensors or pay for the additional labor and supplies to transfer the OE sensors to the winter assemblies. They must understand that the TPMS light will be on all winter and the tire pressure will not be monitored until the summer tires and wheels with the sensors are installed.

Winter Tires and TPMS, Know the Law

2011-11-26T07:25:00.001-05:00

Important Right to Repair Hearing

2011-06-20T10:58:00.001-04:00

From MA Right to Repair Coalition 6/18/2011

Please be advised that the Public Hearing for the Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation, H. 102 and S. 104, will be heard before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House, Room A-2. We will plan to meet at the Gen. Hooker Statue entrance at 12:30 p.m. to allow for everyone to pass through security.

We expect the hearing to last the better part of the afternoon.

It is imperative that we have a big turnout for this hearing from all Coalition members. We also encourage you to spread the message to your vendors and customers where appropriate.

Over the next 20 days until the hearing, please contact me with expected attendees from your respective organizations.

Do not hesitate to contact me with questions, and we will be in touch on further details in the coming days.

Thanks,
Art Kinsman
781-635-6912

National Tire Safety Week June 5-11, 2011.

2011-06-10T06:06:00.005-04:00

Get involved in the Rubber Manufacturers Association tenth annual National Tire Safety Week. June 5-11, 2011, get the tire care and safety conversation going with your customers. Although some of out tech's don't agree, we know that checking the air is s the right thing to do because we're the professionals. Right?

This week, check the spare and make sure the valve caps are on every vehicle that comes through your store. Even if they're just buying wipers, make sure every vehicle gets proper air pressure, Audit your techs and put your foot down!

If you didn't do National Tire Safety Week this year, sign up for 2012. They send you the point of sale kit free and public relations, events and promotional too.

NETSA Trade Show 2011

2011-03-28T17:26:00.009-04:00

Going to the SHOW 2011? See you there.

Great news for Right to Repair in Massachusetts

2010-02-12T08:03:00.002-05:00

The Committee on Consumer Protection will report our bill (H. 228, as amended, filed by Rep. Garrett Bradley) out of their committee with a favorable recommendation.

The two major amendments offered by the automobile manufacturers were rejected.

Rep. James O'Day offered a myriad of amendments to his bill, H. 282, however Senate Chairman Michael Morrissey recommended that Rep. O'Day take up any of his amendments on the House floor, and that the Bradley version be reported. Rep. O'Day asked for, and was granted a poll of committee-- a choice between our (Bradley's) and O'Day's version of the bill. The poll will close at 5 p.m. today.

Rep. O'Day's bill differs from Rep. Bradley's bill in that it essentially grants ownership of all the vehicle's technology, software, computer systems to the consumer. Bradley's bill does not ask for ownership of this technology, just the right to information necessary to repair the vehicle. Rep. Bill Bowles (D-Attleboro) made a compelling argument for Garrett Bradley's bill, and suggested that Rep. O'Day's bill, though well-intentioned, goes too far into the intellectual property and trade secrets area.

Our understanding is that we have the votes on the committee to prevail, including both Chairmen, who clearly supported our version. Chairman Morrissey also expressed his intent to put the bill out into the Senate.

Thank you all for your indispensable help over the past several days. This is shaping up to be a great day for independent repairers and consumers alike.

Art Kinsman - Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition

To All Independent Repairers and Consumers

2010-02-01T16:50:00.001-05:00

We need your help moving Right to Repair legislation in Massachusetts along. Right now we need to catalog more specific instances where an independent repairer had to send a customer back to the dealer to complete a repair due to being denied repair codes and information..........

What is Right to Repair Exactly?

2010-01-21T07:19:00.001-05:00

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition is advocating for passage of Right to Repair legislation to guarantee repairers and consumers unrestricted access to independent automotive service, repairs and parts.

The legislation would prohibit the current practice of automobile manufacturers restricting access to repair information utilized by independent repairers. The legislation would ensure complete access to diagnostic repair information to independent repairers and to the benefit of automobile consumers. Without complete repair information independent repairers will increasingly be forced to send consumers to new car repair facilities. Consumers should have a choice as to who does their car repairs. The Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation would ensure your right of choice is protected.

Read the January eNEWSLETTERIt's Your Right to Repair

A rift over repairs - The Boston Globe

2010-01-21T07:16:00.001-05:00

A rift over repairs - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

You Are What You Publish

2010-01-15T08:01:00.007-05:00

How to Help Your Boss Succeed

2009-12-01T07:18:00.001-05:00

A key to your success is to help your boss succeed. This sounds like brown nosing, but it really just recognizes the symbiotic relationship you (hopefully) share with your boss........

Car Care Guide

2009-11-24T08:11:00.002-05:00

The famous Car Care Guide by the independent Car Care Council is now available in a FREE E-BOOK.

AAPEX & SEMA shows

2009-11-10T15:09:00.002-05:00

My day started with a 730am seminar "reving up your internet sales" This was put on by EBAY MOTORS and The Aftermarket Club. Great info on internet sales, EBAY seams to do a lot for a small retailer to use their site to sell. Might be something to use soon. The next was "The Nordstrom way to Customer Excellence". It appears that some of the stories I have heard that they have done are true. They are low base salary with a lot of performance rewards. Back to AAPEX for a briefing of the Shop of Tomorrow. This based on every tool and equipment running wireless and working with one server to move info and services into the customers profile or invoice. The alignment machine talks to the scan tool and the correct services then gets billed. Not so far fetched I guess. Had a evening reception with 2 tire companies, can not ever get enough free shrimp. Drinks are good too. I even got to stop at the pedestian overpass near the Beliago to watch their water show and then watch the pirates at TI. It is amazing to look down the strip at night with all lights blinking. Sensortory overload. Drinking helps!
Thanks
Stan Morin

AAPEX & SEMA shows

2009-11-09T14:20:00.002-05:00

Well, I had told Dick Cole that I would blog from SEMA each day until I found out that the connection was $5.95 for 2 hours or $14.95 a day. Laptop stayed in it's case. Arrived Monday 11/2. If anyone knows how the strip works, there are 4 blocks to the strip but each block might be 3-4 miles long. You just cannot see that far. Walking from Treasure Island to Ceasers took close to 40 mins. The TIA reception was packed with all types of Tire dealers. Meet some new contacts. Tuesday morning started seminars at AAPEX and Sema. AAPEX this as in years pass was about new technolgey and mechincal repair stuff. SEMA spent a great effort on business seminars. Rushing back and forth was a challange. AAPEX had a good hour on upcoming oils for next group of cars. How about a 40K oil change coming soon. AAPEX & SEMA were smaller this year with a shortage of Major players missing. Booths were smaller. If you have never been to either show, start going in 2010. Just for the learning of new stuff is great.
Tomorrow I'll talk more about the seminars.
Thanks
Stan Morin

Get new Road Runner here

2009-09-21T11:29:00.004-04:00

We are extremely happy to announce the winners of the NETSA Scholarships. Due to the success of the 2008 NETSA Scholarship Golf Tournament, we were again able to match each of the eight $1000 sponsored scholarships with another $1000, to make them a total eight $2000 Scholarships......

Hole-in-one at the Scholarsip Golf Tournament!

2009-09-21T11:18:00.001-04:00

Congratulations Dick!

Dick Aronson, Century Tire Portland, Maine, on the third hole at the Blackstone Golf Club where he shot his first hole-in-one at the NETSA golf outing September 17, 2009

Right to Repair Supporters Make Their Case on Beacon Hill

2009-09-18T17:34:00.003-04:00

BOSTON MA Sept 19, 2009 - It was a "standing-room-only" crowd as a broad coalition of consumer and business groups took voiced their "Right to Repair" directly to Bay State lawmakers. Making their case before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition called for passage of House Bill 228 and Senate Bill 124 - both bills guarantee repairers and consumers unrestricted access to automotive service information and tools. The legislation prohibits the current practice of automobile manufacturers restricting access to repair information utilized by independent repairers.....more

Weather for the Golf Tournament

2009-09-14T18:09:00.003-04:00

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition

2009-09-11T16:52:00.001-04:00

Your Voice for Fairness in Automotive Repairs
Start your Engines
Massachusetts Right to Repair Hearing is Tuesday, September 15
The public hearing for RIGHT TO REPAIR is finally upon us. House Bill 228 and Senate Bill 124, will be before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (see committee listing below) on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 222 of the State House. Directions to the State House State House Floorplan
We strongly urge you to take the time to come to the hearing and wave the flag for RIGHT TO REPAIR. A few hours of your valuable time next Tuesday could pay dividends for years to come for your businesses, your customers, and for your friends and families as consumers.
This hearing is the first critical step in passing a landmark law that would ensure the unrestricted flow of automotive information to independent repair shops and protect the consumer's right to choose their own repair shops. This is our opportunity to make a stand for small business owners and consumers and send a message to the rest of the nation that Right to Repair is about fairness and choice.
For those attending, we urge you to leave plenty of time to get through Statehouse security by arriving no later than 9:15 a.m. That will assure you of getting into the hearing room to make your voice and presence heard.
Dress as you would normally dress for work. And please do not to hesitate to call me anytime with further questions.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF RIGHT TO REPAIR. WE DO APPRECIATE IT.Art Kinsman781-635-6912mailto:awkinsman@yahoo..com
Joint Committee Membership
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
SENATORS
REPRESENTATIVES
Michael Morrissey (Quincy) - Chair
Theodore Speliotis of Danvers - Chair
Gail Candaras (Wilbraham) - Vice-Chair
Marie St. Fleur of Boston- Vice-Chair
Steven Baddour (Methuen)
William Greene of Billerica
Benjamin Downing (Pittsfield)
Thomas Stanley of Waltham
Anthony Petrucelli (E. Boston)
Steven D'Amico of Seekonk
Scott Brown (Wrentham)
Angelo Puppolo of Springfield
James O'Day of West Boylston
Bill Bowles of Attleboro
Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough
Donald Humason of Westfield
Lewis Evangelidis of Holden
Take Action
To learn more about Right to Repair effort in Massachusetts and beyond visit massrightorepair.com. There you may also identify and communicate with your state legislators and join our mailing list to stay abrest of ongoing developments.

COMMENTARY: Right-to-repair bill shifts control from dealer to owner by Glenn Wilder

2009-09-11T09:15:00.001-04:00

QUINCY - The federal “cash for clunkers” program succeeded in bringing customers back to new car lots after a long absence, but most people are still driving the car they had. Increasingly they are driving to their local mechanics to make sure those cars last even longer.....read more

Right to Repair on Channel 5

2009-09-11T09:01:00.001-04:00

BOSTON -- New rules could be down the road that aimed to save consumers money on their vehicles.Some state lawmakers say car dealers are taking car owners for a ride with overly costly repair bills. If the dealership is going to charge you more than an independent technician, you should be able to go to the more affordable spot.....read more

Golf Tournament - September 17th

2009-09-01T18:03:00.002-04:00

Filling fast, so sign up here

Beware of this scam....Stay Bless

2009-08-31T16:19:00.001-04:00

Dear Sir/Madam. This is Tyrone Eberle Jimerson and am located in Colorado and i want to order 2set of Goodyear RT Wrangler car tires in size 265 70 r 16..Go ahead and qoute me the total price of the 2set tires plus tax and as am donating this to the Royal Orphanages Home In Ghana West-Africa and I will like you to contact Fedex for the shipping cost and email me back with grand total amount so that i can send you my Payment information to you so that you can Process with my Orders and Send them on time....Bellow Is
The Shipping Address.

Gamal Saad
145 Madina High Ave..
East Legon...Accra...00233

West..Africa.and Also tell me what form of payment do you accept.Let me know immediately if you can get them for me ....I sincerely solicit your quick response in this regard .Thanks and Stay Bless. Regards Tyrone

MA Right to Repair August 2009

2009-08-27T07:41:00.001-04:00

With opinion from member Glenn Wilder of Wilder Brothers American Car Care Center in Scituate MA

Bay State tax collectors dealt a blow

2009-08-27T07:03:00.001-04:00

MANCHESTER – New Hampshire officials are delighted with yesterday's Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling that the state cannot collect taxes from a retail tire chain that sells tires to Massachusetts residents in New Hampshire......

TIA TPMS Relearn Chart

2009-08-26T07:28:00.006-04:00

It'll be the best $85 I've spent this year.

California Tire Age Bill Withdrawn

2009-08-13T09:30:00.002-04:00

Tire Business reported, in their July 20, 2008 edition, that the bill to require tire dealers to provide tire age information on sales contracts was quietly withdrawn by its sponsors the day before a California Senate committee was to hold a hearing on it.

Sean Kane, Safety Research & Strategies, Inc President based in Rehoboth, MA., blamed AB 496's withdrawel on the California legislature's need to concentrate on the state's budgetary woes. But the RMA, which opposed the bill, said it was simply the realization by the bill's supporters that they didn't have the votes for passage.

It's detractors said tire age is only one factor in tire performance, and by no means the most important one. The bill would only have made tire dealers sitting ducks for personal injury lawyers.

N.H. Governor Signs Tax Law spurred by Town Fair Tire

2009-08-09T13:52:00.002-04:00

Gov John Lynch signed into law July 9 a bill that quickly traveled through the state legislature in response to a legal battle in neighboring Massachusetts between Town Fair Tire Centers Inc. and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR). The DOR claims Town Fair's stores in New Hampshire should be collecting Massachusetts 5% sales tax - known as a use tax - from customers identified as Massachusetts residents. The new law prevents retailers from providing private consumer information to another state seeking to impose a use tax. The bill also puts the burden of proof on other states on whether a good or service purshased in New Hampshire is to be used, stored or consumed in another state.
Above is from the July 20, 2009 issue of "Tire Business".

When you replace two tires...

2009-08-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

To Maine NETSA Members

2009-07-31T12:13:00.001-04:00

On June 12, 2009, Governor Baldacci signed LD 1495, “An Act To Implement Tax Relief and Tax Reform” into law, which NETSA opposed. While the title of the new law is exciting, the details are dismal and drastically impact Mainers by taxing services, including automotive repairs, maintenance and installations by an unprecedented 5%. Car repairs join a long list of services not previously taxed including repairs on jewelry, cameras, guns, musical instruments, electronic and mechanical equipment, lawn and garden equipment, office equipment and appliances.

In addition, this new tax will be levied on admissions to amusements, theaters, movies, concerts, historical sites (not run by the government), zoos, antique shows, car and boat shows, sight seeing attractions, amusements at fairs and just about anything else that was not previously taxed.

Imagine, in this economy, when so many Maine people are struggling to make ends meet, the legislature decides to tax auto repairs and maintenance! Imagine when Maine tourism is in desperate trouble we are taxing amusements and recreational activities and increasing the meals and lodging tax from 7% to 8.5%!

The politicians will tell you that in the end you will save money because they are lowering the Maine Income Tax from a high of 8.5% to a flat tax of 6.5% with tax credits depending on where your income tax bracket falls. The fact is that most Mainers will see less than a $300 income tax reduction at the end of the year, but will pay additional sales taxes all year long.

Interestingly enough, this new law doesn’t tax boat repairs, nor does it tax ski lift tickets. Somehow that doesn’t seem equitable, now does it?

Luckily there is a signature gathering campaign going throughout Maine to repeal this untimely tax. 56,000 signatures are necessary to put this on the June 2010 ballot. These signatures need to be submitted to the Secretary of State before September 11, 2009.

The initiative is called “Still Fed Up With Taxes”, which NETSA is a member, and you can help support them by sending a contribution ($100 would be great) to the address below.

Still Fed Up With Taxes
PO Box 24
Augusta, Maine 04333

Desperate times call for desperate measures and if the Augusta politicians are not hearing that times are desperate, then the citizens of Maine must act by repealing this tax attack!

MA Right to Repair Letter to NETSA Members

2009-07-24T17:38:00.006-04:00

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition is advocating for passage of Right to Repair legislation to guarantee repairers and consumers unrestricted access to independent automotive service, repairs and parts. The legislation would prohibit the current practice of automobile manufacturers restricting access to repair information utilized by independent repairers. The legislation would ensure complete access to diagnostic repair information to independent repairers and to the benefit of automobile consumers. Without complete repair information independent repairers will increasingly be forced to send consumers to new car repair facilities. Consumers should have a choice as to who does their car repairs. The Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation would ensure their right of choice is protected.

CT Governor Rell Veto's $3 Tire Tax along with Budget - See SB 1801

2009-07-20T16:36:00.003-04:00

Here's Sec 99 of the Bill the Governor vetoed.

Connecticut S.B. No 1801 (June 09) $3 Tire Tax

Sec. 99. (NEW) (Effective from passage) There shall be paid to the Commissioner of Revenue Services by any retailer of tires commonly used on any motor vehicle a tire fee of three dollars on the sale at retail of any such tire. Any person engaged in the sale of such tires shall register with the commissioner on forms prescribed by the commissioner. Each retailer of such tires subject to the tire fee as provided by this section shall submit a return quarterly to the commissioner, applicable with respect to the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2009, and each calendar quarter thereafter, on or before the last day of the month immediately following the end of each such calendar quarter, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, together with payment of the quarterly fee determined and payable in accordance with the provisions of this section. Whenever such fee is not paid when due, a penalty of ten per cent of the amount due or fifty dollars, whichever is greater, shall be added to the amount due and such penalty shall immediately accrue, and thereafter such fee shall bear interest at the rate of one and one-fourth per cent per month or fraction thereof until the same is paid. The commissioner shall cause copies of a form prescribed for submitting returns as required under this section to be distributed throughout the state. Failure to receive such form shall not be construed to relieve anyone subject to the fee under this section from the obligations of submitting a return, together with payment of such fee within the time required. The provisions of sections 12-548 to 12-554, inclusive, and sections 12-555a and 12-555b of the general statutes shall apply to the provisions of this section in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if the language of said sections 12-548 to 12-554, inclusive, and sections 12-555a and 12-555b had been incorporated in full into this section and had expressly referred to the fee imposed under this section, except to the extent that any such provision is inconsistent with a provision of this section and except that the term "tax" shall be read as "tire fee". Any moneys received by the state pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the General Fund.

For ALL those in Connecticut, please contact your State House Reps and Senators to alert them to this unfair tax on tires that singles out our Industry and Consumers during these tough times. Look through the entire Budget Bill (1801) and see if you find any other such Tax directed at an Industry where the money collected would go to the "General Fund". Yes, it's been vetoed (thank you Gov. Rell), but a Budget has to be passed and the $3 tire tax may well be part of a new Bill presented for a vote, if you don't act now by calling and writing.

Tire Business article on NETSA 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees

2009-07-18T10:07:00.002-04:00

The July 6, 2009 Issue of Tire Business has an article and picture of NETSA's 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees. Their website is www.tirebusiness.com

TIA Board of Directors Ballot

2009-07-08T06:59:00.002-04:00

Tire Industry Association ballots are being accepted for the 2009 Board of Directors. Ex-President Jim Melvin is on the ballot. All ballots nust be received by September 1, 2009

For more information go to http://www.tireindustry.org/

Golf Tournament Date Change

2009-07-07T11:01:00.006-04:00

Important! The date for the 2009 NETSA Scholarship Golf Tournament has been changed. The new date is Thursday, September 17th 2009.

Get the new Road Runner here

2009-07-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

Scholarship Golf Tournament

2009-07-02T10:01:00.003-04:00

Friday, September 18, 2009 - Blackstone National Golf Club, Sutton MA - All proceeds benefit the NETSA Scholarship Fund - Click here for more information

How do get Repair Information and is it enough???

2009-06-24T11:10:00.002-04:00

Having spent my last 41 years trying to repair what is dropped onto my door, I am now running out of friendly "car dealers" that are still in business and are willing to share their wealth of Factory Information. Completing a repair is getting more diffacult each repair. We have 3 different scan tools at each store, 1 has 4. We also Flash and Reprogram 95 and newer. We still run into road blocks. We buy Dealer web site time and still the stuff that I get from car dealers is so much deeper it's crazy.
If anyone runs into stone walls I would like to hear about it with as much detail as possible. I can show what we hit to your State Rep or Senator for the real proof. Stories work the best with them as they never hear from to people who vote for them.
Thanks
Stan Morin

Replacing Passenger Tires

2009-06-19T07:01:00.000-04:00

Great video from TIA and Bridgestone

NETSA Adds To Their Hall Of Fame

2009-06-16T12:39:00.006-04:00

Date 06/15/09

The New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA) honored long time members Pat McGeoghegan and Dick Aronson during their recently sold out Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Mohegan Sun Casino & Convention Center in Uncasville, CT during the NETSA Trade Show and Convention.

The NETSA Hall of Fame award is voted on by the 27 member Board of Directors, and is based on having been active in the Tire and/or Vehicle Service Industry in New England for at least 20 years, and distinguished him or herself in our Industry and Community as a reputable and honored Leader.

Pat McGeoghegan, owner of Mohawk Rubber Sales in Hingham, MA., is a long time and well respected supplier to the retail, commercial and retread tire industry of tire equipment, tools, and supplies. Pat is well known in our industry for his fairness and reputation for developing a deep personal relationship with all his customers (friends). Accordingly, he is available at anytime to help them. Mohawk Rubber Sales not only covers all of New England, but has expanded to all 50 States and 20 Countries.

Pat was born in 1945 and attended Archbishop Williams High School and Graduated from Curry College with a BS degree in Business Administration in 1968. Pat is married to his high school sweetheart, Susan Keefe, and they are blessed with two children, Brian and Jennifer, and six grandchildren.

Pat began his work in the tire industry with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Later, Pat accepted a position in the Sullivan Tire organization. Robert Sullivan became his mentor, and Pat relishes his memories while at Sullivan Tire. Time marched on and a new mentor and friend, Michael Schwartz asked him to begin a new career with Chemi-Cure. In 1991, Pat McGeoghegan and his son Brian, purchased the Mohawk team from Bob Ahern, keeping the business a 'family affair’.

Pat has also been very active in his community, was integral in the establishment of a charitable foundation, and competed in many road races including the Boston Marathon

Dick Aronson is a long time and well respected tire retailer with 3 locations based in the Portland, Maine area. Century Tire opened in 1926, which makes it the oldest family owned tire company in New England. Dick is well known and respected in our Industry for his leadership and giving of himself to help whenever he sees a need or is asked to help.

Dick is a past president of New England Tire and Service Association, was a long term Director of the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (becoming TIA), is a “life time honorary trustee” of the Portland Boys & Girls Clubs and the Portland Public Library, a member of the Junior Achievement’s Maine Business Hall of Fame, still a Board Member at Maine Medical Center, and has chaired numerous fund raisers in Portland.

Aronson was born in Medford, MA in 1936 and spent most of his teenage years in Gloucester, MA. He was educated at Tilton School and received a BA in government in 1958 from the University of New Hampshire.

After college, he entered the Army as a 2nd Lt. in the infantry. He earned his wings as a paratrooper and ended his Army Career as a Captain. In 1959, he married Adele Silverman who went to UNH and lived in Portland, ME. At the time, Dick says “I had no idea where Portland, Maine was”. Adele’s father, Joe Silverman, had a tire company there and offered him a job, but Dick refused it as he had planned a law career. Here it is 2009 and it’s no secret Joe was very persuasive.

Dick purchased Century Tire in 1976 and attributes the success and longevity of the company to his colleagues in management and their co-workers. Dick says “it hasn’t been a cake walk, but the cream rises to the top”.

Adele and Dick have since been blessed with three sons, Andrew, Michael, and Rabbi Daniel, as well as their six grandchildren.

$39 Trial Membership

2009-06-08T07:20:00.000-04:00

The NETSA Board of Directors voted to extend a $39 trial membership to all first time members that is good for the rest of 2009. President Dale Franklin stated that one of his goals is to attain 350 members. We're at 293 and need everyone's help to accomplish this. To get an application call Dick Cole @ 207-846-0986 or e-mail him NETSAPROS@aol.com

Right to Repair on YouTube

2009-06-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3wwnvIjey4

Get the Latest RoadRunner

2009-06-02T07:01:00.000-04:00

Check out the "links" section and download (.pdf) the latest edition of NETSA's RoadRunner

From Mass. Right to Repair

2009-05-27T15:37:00.001-04:00

Hello All,

We wanted to let you know that our scheduled June 2 hearing on our Right to Repair legislation has been rescheduled for September. With such uncertainty surrounding the U.S. auto industry as it eliminates dealershi ps and jobs in Massachusetts, we were concerned that the Right to Repair issue and legislation would not get the attention that it deserves. While we certainly empathize with our colleagues in the dealer repair shops, it is more important than ever that we enact legislation that will protect the consumers’ right to choose where to have their car repaired, while also preserving the nearly 1 in 10 jobs in Massachusetts connected to the independent repair industry.

In the interim, we will continue to organize and build our troop strength in anticipation of September. Your active support and engagement, even during the summer months, will assure us of hitting the ground running. Please be sure to have your members sign up on our website www.massrighttorepair.com and let your legislators know that passage of Right to Repair this year has never been more important.

Commitee Meeting Schedule

2009-05-18T17:52:00.001-04:00

NETSA Committee Meetings June 3, 2009

3:00PM to 4:00PM Trade Show Committee
2009 Results & Improvements for 2010-2010 Contract-2011 Contract

4:00PM to 4:30PM Scholarship Committee
2009 Scholarships-Define Scholarship Requirements

4:30PM to 5:00PM Golf Committee
2009 Golf Tourney, Fees, Sponsors etc

5:00PM to 5:30PM Website Committee
Facebook

5:30PM to 6:00PM Benefits Committee
Define Benefits Provider Requirements

6:00PM to 6:30PM Executive Committee
2009/2010 Goals-Committees & Board Members

Board of Directors Meeting

2009-05-18T17:47:00.001-04:00

Our next Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Marlborough, Massachusetts starting at 6:30 PM. We will also have 5 Committee meetings prior to the Board Meeting beginning at 3:00PM (see attached list). All Board members are welcome to attend any or all Committee meetings and help us with the important planning sessions.

Please find attached with this second reminder, the Agenda for 6/3/09, and the Board Attendance list. If you haven’t contacted me yet, please let me know if you can attend or not, by May 27th.

Trade Show 2009

2009-04-17T08:25:00.001-04:00

The NETSA trade show at Mohegan Sun is this weekend and it's shaping up to be the best ever. Dick Cole tells me that as of 4/15 our pre-registrations are 493 vs 518(08), 423(07), 426(06). We have 112 for Saturday Lunch and 191 for the Saturday Hall of Fame dinner.

Please come to the seminars on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We have focused on the independent retailer's owners and managers this year and have designed the events to be fun, educational and interactive. Our aim this year is to give you something small, something free, an idea or direction that you can take back with you to your business on Monday.

2007 Yaris Dealer Bound

2009-03-09T18:11:00.000-04:00

There was nothing I could do. A body shop installed the sensor, didn't get the id's and I've got an up to date OTC Genisys that didn't have an option to re-id the sensors. What TPMS tool can do this?

Mass. Right to Repair Update

2009-03-09T18:05:00.001-04:00

Stan Morin has been very busy and this really has a chance in 2009. It's happening now so contact your area rep and ask them to support it because it will help your business.

http://massrighttorepair.com/index.php?id=2

Trade Show Attendee Info

2009-03-09T17:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.driveusa.net/netsa_trade_show_files/2009ExhibitorRegistrationPackage-Final.pdf

Wide Whites - NOT RECOMMENDED!

2009-01-30T18:03:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkcm3rh60p0

6 Laws of Customer Experience

2009-01-07T06:26:00.000-05:00

Bradley from Customersfirst forwarded this GREAT article to us. If you only read one law, please read #6
http://experiencematters.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/the-6-laws-of-customer-experience_v7.pdf

Benefits

2009-01-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

Where can I get a complete list of the benefits available to NETSA members?

MA R2R Movement Gains Speed and Horsepower

2008-12-23T09:10:00.001-05:00

After an impressive show of strength in its first legislative session, the Right to Repair movement in Massachusetts has picked up speed and even more impressive partners as it prepares for the next legislative session. The Massachusetts R2R Coalition now includes the New England Service Station Automotive Repair Association, the Massachusetts Auto Body Association, the Massachusetts Independent Automobile Dealers Association and The New England Tire & Service Association.

The R2R bill, which seeks the equitable sharing of automotive repair information for all independent repairers, remains on the House calendar awaiting action after winning support from key legislative committees. Coalition members represent more than 1,500 independent repair shops in Massachusetts as well as related automotive parts businesses in Massachusetts.

Experience with Aramark?

2008-12-05T06:53:00.000-05:00

They want to rent me uniforms. Do any of you have experience with Aramark as a NETSA benefits provider?

Hybrid Training

2008-12-03T06:56:00.000-05:00

How many Hybrids are you seeing. Do you own 1000 volt gloves? Or do you send them to the dealer. Have you heard of Craig Van Batenberg? He's a guru in hybrid technology. http://www.auto-careers.org/index.html

Trailer Tires

2008-11-06T06:44:00.000-05:00

Do I balance trailer tires?