How Much is That Tire in the Window?
With the economy in a slump and rubber becoming more a luxury, tire makers are starting to hike the prices of your wheels. We blame the adult industry for using up our rubbers. But honestly, the rise and fall of tire rates is on par with the inconsistency of gasoline prices. So, who and what is to blame this time?
2009 was a slow year in…well in every industry except perhaps repo officers. Out in Ohio, Goodyear, as well as every other rubber-tire manufacturer in the world, was struggling to make it into the black. “Buy Three Get One Free” deals were filling the pages of Mr. Tire & NTB coupon mags since January. Now with 2010 on it’s way tire makers are hiking those rates.
It’s not completely their fault, either. Raw materials and rising tariffs on imported goods (up almost 35%) have forced pretty much any company receiving goods from overseas to jack up costs. Buying American is good, but the materials have to come from somewhere.
Here’s the rundown on national tire increases – Bridgestone/Firestone will increase up to 5% as of Jan. 1 2010. Yokohama is adding 6% while Nexen announced an 8% price increase. Automopedia’s favorite pick, Goodyear, added 6% on its pricing December 1 – yet another reason to switch over to the small city car – your size 14 all-weathers will cost less than a set of Dodge Ram wheels.
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