Page 20 - June 2022

MAINTENANCE TIP
Get the
Most Out
of Your
Whenever my customers engaged me in the debate of the expensive, longer lasting tire versus the less expensive, short-lived one, I told them this: It takes me the same amount of time to change a cheap tire as it does to change an expensive one. If the cheaper tire wears out faster, it means
18 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
you’ll be back in my shop that much sooner for another tire change. The money saved on an inferior part is lost on the labor required to change or repair it more often.
The problem right now is finding Goodyear tires. With this topsy-
turvy, COVID-crazy economy, the Goodyears have become very scarce. Michelins, however, are in good supply. It appears that Michelin is happily meeting the demand and cashing in on a good opportunity because they raised their price. At this moment, Michelins cost more than Goodyears.
Some shops have managed to keep a few Goodyears in stock. If you know you are going to need new main tires, start calling around now to see who has them. I have seen the supply of Goodyear tires ebb and flow before.
Tires
Sticker shock is rampant these days, and aircraft tires are no exception. Ten years ago, the list price on four main tires for a King Air 200 with standard gear ran $2,900 – now it’s $4,000. I am speaking specifically about Goodyear tires, which have always been my preference because they last longer than Michelins.
by Dean Benedict
Quality Counts
JUNE 2022