2025 Tariffs: Why Tire Shops Choose U.S.-Built Equipment

Tariffs aren’t just policy headlines anymore—they’re reshaping how shops source and service their equipment. For independent owners, dealership service managers, multi-outlet operators, and procurement directors, the cost of relying on imported tools is rising fast. Which is why American-designed and built tire shop equipment is getting a fresh, hard look in 2025. 

Whether you’re replacing a balancer, outfitting a new bay, or planning for long-term expansion, this year’s trade environment makes the case clear: now’s the time to put your trust in equipment designed and built right here in the U.S. 

 

Tariffs Are Here—and They’re Reshaping the Equipment Market 

In 2025, the U.S. introduced sweeping new tariffs on imported automotive equipment and vehicle components.  A 10% blanket tariff was followed by targeted 25–50% country-specific rates for nations like China and South Korea—though EU members such as Italy and Germany have since been exempted under a new U.S.–EU trade agreement finalized in late July.[Source]  

Even brands that market themselves as “value” players are passing on costs, with price increases and longer lead times as parts get stuck in customs or rerouted around delays. 

According to SEMA, while some country-specific tariffs were temporarily delayed until August 1, that delay was short-term, and it didn’t cover the broad baseline tariffs that took effect this spring. 

Bottom line? The days of relying on overseas-built equipment to save a few bucks are over. The tariff math – and the shop impact – just doesn’t add up. 

 

Why Equipment Designed and Built in the USA Is the Smarter Play 

At Coats, we’ve built and supported tire service gear in the U.S. for generations. Our Maxx Tire Changers and Direct Drive Wheel Balancers are proudly designed and built in the USA. And that decision matters more than ever in today’s economic climate. 

Here’s what U.S.-built equipment offers that imported gear can’t: 

Cost Certainty 

Imported products are now burdened by fluctuating duties—some as high as 50% depending on the country of origin. Domestically built equipment avoids those tariffs altogether. When you buy gear designed and built in the USA, you know what you’re paying—and when it’s shipping. 

Reliable Support and Service 

With Coats, you’re not dealing with third-party service providers or chasing down overseas shipping estimates. Our Coats Connect Service Network is staffed coast to coast by factory-trained technicians who live and work in your communities. When something breaks, we’re on it—from call to completion. 

Parts That Don’t Sit in Ports 

OEM parts for Coats equipment are stocked here in the U.S. and engineered to exacting standards. That means faster fixes, higher first-time repair rates, and less downtime. 

Built for the Bay, Not a Brochure 

Maxx Tire Changers are engineered for daily use in real-world shops. Whether you’re mounting a light truck tire or breaking down a stiff low-profile set, every tire follows the same easy process—no surprises, no wasted steps. 

Direct Drive Wheel Balancers feature direct drive technology, user-friendly interfaces, and the industry’s only 10-year warranty. Designed and built in the USA, they’re not only built to last—they’re future-ready for evolving wheel designs and service demands, from larger rim sizes to tighter clearances. 

These aren’t machines you replace every few years. They’re long-term shop assets that stand up to changing customer needs and technician turnover. 

 

Across Every Buyer Type: Why “Designed and Built in the USA” Pays Off 

For Independent Shop Owners 

You don’t have time for unexpected costs or equipment downtime. U.S.-built gear keeps things simple—faster shipping, quicker service, and no tariff surprises eating into your margins. 

For Dealership Service Managers 

CSI scores and service volume hinge on equipment that performs day in and day out. Gear from Coats meets OEM standards, helps train techs faster, and delivers a better return on your equipment spend. 

For Multi-Outlet Operators 

Standardizing across locations is tough enough—don’t let tariffs blow up your budget. U.S.-built gear ensures consistency across your network, plus reliable support and simplified procurement. 

For Procurement Leaders 

You’re balancing total cost of ownership, serviceability, and supplier risk. Coats provides a one-call solution across product categories—without import fees, without delays, and with U.S.-based accountability. 

 

Built for the Job. Backed by a U.S. Team. Ready for 2025. 

Whether you’re replacing a balancer, outfitting a new bay, or planning for long-term expansion, 2025’s tariff climate makes the case clear: it’s time to put your trust in tire shop equipment designed and built in the USA. 

At Coats, we don’t just build systems and technology, we back it with boots-on-the-ground service, U.S.-based engineering, and a nationwide support network that keeps your work flowing. We understand the shop floor because we’ve stood on it. And we build for the realities you face every day.

Explore our full line of shop equipment to find tire changers, balancers, lifts, and diagnostic systems built for uptime and serviceability.

One call. Full shop. Designed and Built in the U.S. by Coats.