Automotive technology is advancing on a wide variety of fronts and at an accelerating pace. For our industry, these advancements represent both hurdles and opportunities.

New data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that outdoor recreation generated $862 billion in economic output and 4.5 million jobs in 2021.

“The study of tread wear is as important to a mechanic as the study of fingerprints to a detective.” So wrote SAE engineer Ed Packer to open a February 1959 Hot Rod technical article about interpreting tire tread wear. By “watching your treads,” Packer stated, “you can keep your roadster or family...