Bridgestone US Retail Outlets Now Hybrid-Ready

Bridgestone’s BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC), owner and operator of the world’s largest number of automotive retail outlets, has announced that selected Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, ExpertTire and Wheel Works centres in the US are now equipped for the servicing of hybrid vehicles.

“Almost 40 per cent of our stores are now approved to service hybrids,” said Darrell Rowe, BFRC manager of Education & Development. “We’re committed to providing our store teammates with the most current training and information available to ensure that our customers have a positive experience every time they visit one of our locations. In order to service hybrid vehicles, a store must complete a comprehensive training programme.”

As part of the hybrid training programme, each retail location must complete several educational requirements. After a retail location meets these requirements, it receives specific safety equipment required to service hybrid vehicles. Once “hybrid-compliant”, the location can then begin providing basic repairs and maintenance services for hybrid vehicles.

Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, ExpertTire and Wheel Works locations can provide a variety of hybrid services, including oil change, filter replacement, tyre service, battery service, coolant replacement, brake service, wheel alignment and transmission service.

BFRC states that protecting the environment is a top priority for the company, adding that its outlets were the first in the US automotive repair industry to commit to using steel wheel eights instead of traditional lead wheel weights. Throughout the country, BFRC store locations recycle tyres, car batteries, oil and oil filters, antifreeze, air conditioning refrigerant and many other automotive products. Community members also have the opportunity to bring used oil and automotive batteries from do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to BFRC store locations for correct recycling at no cost to the consumer.