SEMA News—July 2018
WTC Looking to Expand Its Wheel Measurement Database
 A truck underwent a thorough examination during a measuring session held at the SEMA Garage. | |
SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) plans to collaborate with the SEMA Garage to strengthen its wheel measurement database.
The WTC technology subcommittee met during the recent long-range planning meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, and left the meeting with an interest in re-evaluating the wheel measurement database. After identifying the data points most conducive to its members, the group compared the new list to the current database and concluded that more information needed to be captured.
After members of WTC met with the SEMA Garage team, they developed a future plan that includes educating the members of the council on how to utilize the technology available at the SEMA Garage. The WTC will work with the SEMA Garage to gather the following data:
- Tire size
- Bolt pattern
- Offset or rear spacing
- How far brake caliper protrudes past the mounting surface plane
- Gross vehicle weight (general placard information)
“This will provide our members with more data points if they are unable to attend a SEMA measuring session,” said Gavin Horlick, WTC technology subcommittee chair.
 An enthusiastic crowd gathered outside the SEMA Garage, awaiting its turn to measure a vehicle during a recent measuring session. | |
The Tech Transfer program and measuring sessions currently allow for access to CAD OEM data to develop high-quality parts quickly and cost-effectively. The WTC believes that providing some information from those programs to its members will help some of them avoid unnecessary costs, such as travel, and make the database an even more valuable resource.
“It is always nice to work with our councils to find out the needs of our members and how we can help,” said Gary Pis, SEMA vehicle data manager.
If you are a WTC member and require additional information beyond that provided in the database, attending a measuring session or joining Tech Transfer is a great way to capture more data. The SEMA Garage offers on- and off-site domestic and international vehicle measuring sessions. Upon request, non-U.S. vehicles can be delivered to a member’s place of business for private measuring sessions and R&D purposes.
For more information regarding the SEMA Garage’s Tech Transfer program, visit www.semagarage.com/techtransfer.
WTC “Wheel Care Guide” Available to Members
 The “Wheel Care Guide” covers proper cleaning and maintenance techniques for various categories of wheels and tires. | |
The WTC’s “Wheel Care Guide” serves as a valuable resource for manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike. The guide covers proper cleaning and maintenance techniques for various categories of wheels and tires.
The guide is available for manufacturers to place in their packaging, whether shipping direct to consumer or to a distributor or retailer. Retailers are able to place copies of the guide on their counters as a free resource to their customers—a standout customer-service component.
The WTC continues to take on new initiatives and create valuable resources for its membership.
To access the “Wheel Care Guide,” along with all of the WTC resources, visit www.sema.org/wtc.