Member Spotlight: Summy Tire
Summy Tire, located at 418 S. 36th Street, has become a one-stop shop. Of course, they carry all the major brands of tires, including Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin and others for cars, semi-tractor trailers and farm equipment, but they also can do anything automotive.
“We do oil changes to diagnostics to engine overhauls,” says Summy Tire Owner Jeff Carter. “Our guys are ASE certified and their knowledge of cars—and electronics and computers—is unbelievable. The computer in your car runs five times more operations than the computer that powered the Apollo missions. I’d bet that if you put a diagram of the wiring under a hood of a car beside a diagram of the human nervous system, that the car would have more lines,” he laughs.
Alan Summy started the tire company in 1985. Ralph Custor expanded the business to include automotive services in 1995 when he hired Carter as service manager and built the large south building on the property. Carter bought the business in 2000.
Carter says all cars should be checked a minimum of twice a year. Before and after winter and prior to a long trip are logical times for a check-up.
“Preventive services are considerably less expensive and much more convenient than fixing a major problem,” he says. “Simple things make a big difference, like getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles, having the belts and brakes checked, making sure the air pressure in your tires is at the appropriate level. Letting things go allow the problem to snowball, and then you’ve got a real problem.”
Carter sees more customers keeping their cars for a longer time and purchasing high quality pre-owned cars instead of new cars.
“We see a lot of vehicles with more than 100,000 miles on them. Of course, cars are made to last longer these days, but I think that owners are more educated about the importance of taking care of their cars. And, because the technology is so complex, they must take it to a professional instead of tinkering around at home with it.”
Carter estimates that his crew of 14 has more than 150 years of combined experience.
“We have people who come in here and request a certain mechanic,” says Carter. “That’s perfectly fine with us. Cars have quirks, no doubt about it. A consistent mechanic is able to learn the history of a vehicle, and what works and doesn’t work with certain issues. In addition, the customer will feel more comfortable asking questions and taking advice if they know that ‘their’ mechanic is giving them the straight story.”
Summy Tire is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Appointments are necessary, but if you have a concern about your vehicle, you are encouraged to stop by for a quick (and free) evaluation. Call 224-8473 or visit http://www.summytire.com for more information.
