Our View: Replacement recovery is a promising sign Tire Business cartoon by Leo Michael The U.S. passenger, light truck and commercial replacement tire segments have had the strongest recovery of all segments a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer demand is increasing. More people are getting vaccinated, more pandemic safety protocols are being eased — which means more people are going out — and vehicle miles driven are increasing. Plus, a third round of stimulus checks has given consumers extra funds to spend. Wholesalers and tire dealers — many who kept a lean inventory last year — are trying to stock up to meet the demand.