TraXtion rolled out a tool on Thursday to help dealerships get more traction with their customers who might need new tires.

The company highlighted TireSpec is an artificial intelligence-powered website and smartphone solution that works without the need for additional hardware.

TireSpec can enable tire shoppers to transform a simple smartphone photo into an instant replacement tire quote without downloading an app, manually entering tire information, or leaving the dealership’s website.

Embedded directly into a dealer’s existing website, TireSpec is designed so consumers can tap a button, photograph their tire with their smartphone, and receive replacement tire recommendations and pricing in seconds. It can be accessed anywhere on an existing website, on both mobile devices and even desktops via QR code scanning or by clicking a button.

According to a news release, there is no app to download, no tire size to manually enter, and no need to know the vehicle’s trim level, VIN, or tire specifications.

The list of benefits generated by TireSpec includes:

—Embeds directly into dealership and repair facility websites, no new hardware needed

—No mobile app or software download required

—AI-powered tire sidewall recognition using a smartphone camera

—Automatically identifies tire make, model, size, and other key sidewall information

—Integrates with leading tire distribution and inventory software platforms for real-time inventory, pricing, and product availability

—Generates instant replacement single or multi-tire comparisons

—Eliminates manual tire size entry

—Mobile-first experience designed for today’s consumers

—Keeps shoppers on the dealership, tire retailer or repair facility website

—Reduces website abandonment during the tire buying process

—Converts website traffic into qualified tire sales opportunities and service appointments

Using advanced artificial intelligence, computer vision, and a proprietary optical character recognition (OCR), the TireSpec website widget can read the tire sidewall directly from a smartphone photo and instantly identifies the tire specifications needed to generate accurate replacement recommendations and pricing.

“Dealerships, tire retailers and facilities spend thousands of dollars every month driving consumers to their websites through search, advertising, and digital marketing,” TraXtion president and CEO Brad Kokesh said. “TireSpec helps them capitalize on that investment by removing the biggest obstacle in online tire shopping. Instead of asking customers to figure out their year, make, model and tire size, we simply ask them to take a picture.

“Within seconds they’re viewing replacement options and pricing, all without leaving the website. It’s as easy as point, snap, quote.”

Unlike traditional online tire search tools, Kokesh pointed out that TireSpec lets the tire become the search engine. Consumers no longer need to decipher sidewall markings, search through multiple menus, or enter confusing alphanumeric tire sizes.

Instead, Kokesh said a single image becomes the starting point for the entire purchasing process.

“For years, the automotive industry has focused on improving how we sell vehicles online, while one of the most common service purchases and retention drivers has remained unnecessarily difficult,” Kokesh said. “TireSpec changes that. We created a solution that removes friction from the tire buying process, keeps consumers engaged on the dealership or repair facility’s website, and turns a simple smartphone photo into an opportunity to earn or retain a customer’s business.”

The technology behind TireSpec is the subject of two U.S. patent-pending applications covering key elements of its AI-driven workflow, image-capture process, and consumer tire-identification experience.

“The filings reflect TraXtion’s continued investment in proprietary technology that simplifies automotive service while helping retailers capture more business online,” the company said.

Kokesh also was a guest on the Auto Remarketing Podcast originating from the Live Stage, sponsored by SYCN Auto Logistics, during the Used Car Industry Summit in Miami this spring.

Kokesh explored how dealers can bridge the transparency gap without sacrificing profitability, the psychology of the modern seller and why “blind” estimates are becoming a requirement, not an option.

Listen to the episode in the window below.

To learn more or to get TireSpec, visit www.traxtion.com.