The tire and auto service industry is undergoing a massive transformation, one driven by changing consumer behavior, agentic AI, and the digitization of even the most traditional repair shops. In this episode, Mike sits down with Jason Abrams, CEO of TireTutor, to explore how independent tire dealers can modernize their operations and prepare for the next era of customer search, scheduling, and service.
From the rise of ChatGPT and answer-engine search to AI-native shop management systems, Jason breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and how local tire shops can build a competitive edge in 2026 and beyond.
TireTutor: The First AI-Native Shop Management System
Jason grew up in the automotive business. His father ran a dealership, he launched an online tire startup in 2002, and he spent years observing how independent dealers struggled with outdated software.
TireTutor was built to solve that gap.
Today, TireTutor combines:
- AI-native shop management
- Online tire catalogs & e-commerce
- Appointment scheduling
- Point of sale
- Inventory & supply chain visibility
All in one unified, AI-structured platform designed for how customers search and how shops operate in a modern world.
The origin story came directly from dealer pain points:
“We need better software. Better digital tools. Better POS. Build something that helps us compete.”
TireTutor is that answer.
Agentic Search: The New Front Door for Tire Shops
One of the biggest insights from Jason’s interview is how agentic search (AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini) is fundamentally changing how customers find tire shops.
Consumers are no longer just Googling.
They’re asking AI:
- “What tires should I buy for my car?”
- “Who does good brake jobs near me?”
- “Where should I get tires installed today?”
Jason notes that over 60% of consumers now use conversational AI for product and service recommendations with Google seeing declining search share in certain verticals.
This shifts marketing from SEO → AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).
AI tools want structured data, not keyword stuffing.
They want your inventory, prices, services, and appointments formatted so they can respond with actual answers not just blue links.
AI doesn’t want “Visit my website.”
It wants true ability to answer the customer’s question.
This is where most dealers and most industry software are still behind.
Why Independents Benefit the Most from AI
Something Jason emphasizes throughout the conversation:
AI is not a threat to the independent tire dealer.
It’s one of the greatest opportunities they’ve ever had.
Because tires and repairs are local, installed, and relationship-driven, AI can:
- Level the playing field
- Improve visibility
- Drive more cars into bays
- Showcase independent expertise
- Automate service reminders & retention
Jason estimates only 20% of software platforms in the industry are actually building AI-native tools.
Most are weighed down by technical debt and hoping change slows down.
But the shift is accelerating and early adopters will win.
How AI Will Transform Shop Operations & Technician Workflows
This isn’t just about digital visibility. Jason explains how AI can optimize the shop floor itself.
AI as a scheduling engine
Assigning jobs based on:
- Technician strengths
- Past performance
- Efficiency
- Fitment skill
- Vehicle type
AI as a diagnostic assistant
Helping techs complete jobs faster with:
- Step-by-step repair guidance
- Pattern recognition
- Troubleshooting
- Real-time recommendations
AI as a throughput optimizer
Matching job types, bay availability, and technician expertise to reduce bottlenecks.
Jason believes this will:
- Increase technician productivity
- Reduce comebacks
- Improve shop margins
- Attract younger, tech-forward talent
“Your smartest techs will use AI to work faster and better.”
This turns tech talent scarcity into a manageable, even solvable, challenge.
The Changing Role of the Counter Salesperson
For years, 60–70% of tire-buying decisions were influenced at the counter.
Jason sees that evolving.
AI won’t replace human advice but it will replicate the knowledge of the best counter staff and give consumers the option to choose:
- Talk to a real advisor
- Use an AI agent trained with the shop’s inventory, pricing, and brand preferences
- Blend both experiences
AI becomes a second expert advisor consistent, patient, always available.
Jason’s Philosophy on Hiring: Curiosity + Grit
When asked what qualities define top performers in this new era, Jason’s answer is clear.
1. Curiosity
Curious people explore tools, ask questions, learn fast, and adapt well.
If someone hasn’t visited your website before interviewing with you?
That’s often a deal-breaker.
2. Grit
Grit beats pedigree.
In growing startups and evolving industries, persistence and execution matter more than credentials.
This mirrors emerging hiring philosophies across modern manufacturing and auto service:
gritty, curious people outperform resume-driven candidates in a fast-changing world.
Why This Conversation Matters
This interview is a roadmap for shop owners preparing for the next 3–5 years.
Here are the biggest takeaways:
1. AI will redefine how customers find your shop
Agentic search is replacing traditional search.
2. AI-native software will outperform legacy systems
Structured data, fast responses, and conversational readiness matter more than keywords.
3. Technician efficiency will be AI-augmented
More diagnostics, fewer bottlenecks, better throughput.
4. Independent shops can win big
The tech revolution levels the playing field if shops adopt early.
5. Hiring must prioritize curiosity & grit
Adaptable humans + powerful AI = unstoppable teams.
