Wheel End Wisdom

IMI
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Business

Welcome to Wheel End Wisdom, where we break down what really drives tire and wheel-end performance in the trucking industry.  Each episode explores real-world challenges that impact safety, uptime, and performance, from everyday maintenance practices to the latest trends shaping the industry. We focus on what matters most in the shop and on the road, and explore how IMI's solutions help reduce risk, improve efficiency, and keep operations running smoothly.  Whether you’re a technician, fleet professional, or industry enthusiast, Wheel End Wisdom delivers practical insight, with just a touch of questionable humor along the way!

  1. Jun 18

    The Tool That Fixed What Wire Brushes Couldn’t

    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 story behind the WHEEL TEQ Stud & Hub Cleaner; a patented, American-made product developed after seeing firsthand how outdated wire brushes were creating unnecessary problems in the shop.   Brock explains how fleets and techs are using the tool to improve procedures, increase consistency, and build greater confidence in torque results.  Visit www.shop.imiproducts.com to purchase the Stud Cleaner and subscribe to our channel for more Wheel End Wisdom content!

    20 min

  2. Jun 10

    Shop Safety Secrets: Let's Talk "Shop Glitter"

    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 accidents  - The “penguin walk” and “old man shuffle” - What leadership can do right now to build a true safety culture - Why switching to FLEXX saves money in the long run - How fleets are investing in safety, and why a simple product switch matters  Whether you’re a manger of a fleet, run a commercial shop, or work in the bays daily, this conversation is for you. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation!

    21 min

  3. May 19

    Roadside Service Safety Week: The Highway Danger No One Talks About

    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, roadside technicians face serious hazards every day. Kevin shares real-world insights, industry safety concerns, and why proper training, awareness, and procedures are critical for protecting the people who keep trucks moving. Listen now!

    28 min

  4. May 5

    Wheel Corrosion vs. Bad Refinishing: The Real Cause of Wheel Corrosion

    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 wrong. You’ll learn: How to identify true wheel corrosion vs. refinishing defects The most common misdiagnoses in wheel inspections Key visual indicators every technician should know The real root causes of corrosion (environmental vs. maintenance) Where inspection processes break down—and how to fix them How solutions like MILCURE help address corrosion at the source If you're a fleet manager, technician, or commercial tire dealer, this episode will help you make more accurate decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and extend wheel life.

    33 min

  5. Apr 2

    Stop Leaving Tire Life & Fuel Savings on the Table

    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 extending tire and component life, this conversation connects real-world challenges to practical, long-term solutions for fleets.

    25 min

  6. Feb 20

    From Highways to the Outback: Stories about Tire Balancing in Global Trucking

    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, longer haul distances, and unique truck configurations create distinct challenges for tire wear, balance, and maintenance.  Learn more about EQUAL FLEXX: https://www.imiproducts.com/our-solutions/imi-flexx/

    41 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Decades in the Tire Shop: How Balancing Methods Have Evolved

    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 personal slip-and-fall incidents caused by loose glass beads on shop floors, breaking down exactly how these materials can create dangerous working conditions for technicians. We explore how internal balancing products impact cleanup, labor time, and safety when tires reach end-of-life or are prepped for retreading. Finally, we compare those experiences to EQUAL FLEXX, discussing why its adaptive, soft-compound formula offers a safer alternative to traditional balancing beads — with less mess, easier disposal, and reduced slip hazards in busy shop environments.

    30 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    The Winter Wheel-End Playbook How to Prevent Wheel-end Failures in Freezing Temps

    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 behavior, why bead seating becomes tougher in freezing temperatures, and how improper stud and hub preparation can lead to wheel-off risks. You’ll also learn how to tell the difference between cold flat-spotting and true wheel-end imbalance, plus where adaptive balancing solutions like EQUAL FLEXX play a critical role in winter performance. From real-world failures to must-do maintenance adjustments, this episode delivers practical, shop-ready insights that keep trucks safer and more consistent all winter long.

    28 min
See All (29)

About

Welcome to Wheel End Wisdom, where we break down what really drives tire and wheel-end performance in the trucking industry.  Each episode explores real-world challenges that impact safety, uptime, and performance, from everyday maintenance practices to the latest trends shaping the industry. We focus on what matters most in the shop and on the road, and explore how IMI's solutions help reduce risk, improve efficiency, and keep operations running smoothly.  Whether you’re a technician, fleet professional, or industry enthusiast, Wheel End Wisdom delivers practical insight, with just a touch of questionable humor along the way!

Information

  • Creator
    IMI
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wheel End Wisdom
  • Show Website
    Wheel End Wisdom