Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 28, 1994 TAG: 9406300041
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: C8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MELISSA CURTIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But Don Stegall, owner of Blue Ridge Truck Tire, intends to let them know.
With the help of a large interstate sign and a silver blimp flying above his Williamson Road used-tire business, Stegall hopes to attract customers to the only used-tire business in Roanoke.
"If Goodyear can be No. 1 in tires in the United States, we can be No.1 in used tires in Southwest Virginia," he said.
Stegall, who has been selling and repairing used truck tires for three years, recently started selling used tires for pickup trucks and cars.
Used tires can be a bargain. Manager Michael Richards said a set of used tires costs about one-third the price of a set of new tires.
A used truck tire sells for $85 to $150 at Blue Ridge Truck Tire, compared to $300 to $500 for a new tire, Stegall said.
His used tires are guaranteed. He promises to replace, free, a car or pickup truck tire that fails for any reason up to 30 days after it's purchased. His truck tires are sold with warranties that protect against defective workmanship and materials.
"Millions and millions of dollars are wasted in tires every year," but recycling your tires can save you a lot of money, he said.
Stegall charges $45 to repair a used truck tire, and the repaired spot is just as strong as the rest of the tire, he said.
Blue Ridge Truck Tire's location is "probably one of the best in Roanoke" for the tire business, Stegall said. "Truckers coming up [Interstate] 581 can get off at Exit 6 and drive two blocks to get here."
Stegall, who has 39 years of experience working with truck tires, said he has about 3,000 tires - "more used tires under one roof than any other place in Southwest Virginia."
And business has improved considerably since he expanded. "There is such a demand for what we're doing," he said.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***