DOUBLE TIRE REBATES FROM CAROLINA TIRE

REBATES GONE WILD

Michelin – Buy any set of 4 Michelin brand passenger or light truck tires and we’ll DOUBLE your $70.00 rebate to a $140.00 Rebate

Continental – Buy any set of 4 Continental brand passengeror light truck tires and you’ll get a FREE Garmin GPS AND a $75.00 Rebate.

Offer good only through November 15^th, 2011 and only at Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville, NC. 

704-553-9800 or www.carolina-tire.com

No carry outs, installation required. Hurry before this deal ends on November 15th, 2011

Not from Discount Tire, not from Tire Kingdom, not from Firestone, not from anyone BUT Carolina Tire & Auto.

Buy 1 Tire, Get 1 FREE at Carolina Tire

Buy 1 Tire, Get 1 Free comes to Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville.

When it comes to buying anything in Charlotte, North Carolina we always want the best deal. It's no different when it comes to tires.
Announcing a very special limited engagement from Carolina Tire. While supplies last, BUY 1 TIRE, GET 1 FREE*
Need 4 tires? Double down on this deal get all 4 tires for the price of 2 tires.
What kind of tires? Only the Best for you Charlotte.

Buy1 get 1 FREE tire sale valid on purchase of a set of two in stock General Altimax RT and HP (up to 15 inch), Continental ProContact (up to 15 inch and select 16 inch), Capital H Rated (up to 16 inch) brand tires and all Kumho KR21 T Rated tires with purchase of a premium tire installation package with Roadside Assistance for each tire and a one year wheel alignment policy on same vehicle at time of purchase from October 31st, 2011 Through November 30th, 2011. No carryouts. Not valid with any other tire discount or offer. While supplies last. See store for details. No cash value.

Matt Seidel Photography is Open for Business

St. Louis Wedding Photographer

St. Louis Photography

This blog has nothing to do with auto repair, but we just wanted to get some props out to our nephew Matt Seidel who just opened his own small business, Matt Seidel Photography. 


Below is an excerpt from Matt's website:


Matt Seidel Photography, specializing in wedding and portrait photography in St. Louis, Missouri. Inside you'll discover what makes St. Louis Photography by Matt Seidel so unique and special. Matt is a young, yet serious expert in professional photography in the St. Louis, Mo area. Click on the Seidel Gallery to see a sample of Matt's photographic work. Or read about Matt and how he'll make a perfect fit for your St. Louis wedding, portrait work, business outing or meeting in the St. Louis area. Click on our pricing to see the photography packages we can offer your budget. If you don't see a photography package that fits you and your budget, Matt will make one especially for you that does fit your photography budget.


Below is some of Matt's beautiful work. If you live in the St. Louis area and are in need of a hot new photographer, then Matt Seidel is your man. Call him today at 636-578-8575 or e-mail him at matt@mattseidel.com 

  

Great job Matt! Good luck !

Carolina Tire Keeps up Angie's List Accolades

Earning an Angie's List "Super Service Award" is a prestigious honor that Carolina Tire & Auto won for 2010. This is a true achievement in superior service and one that we work hard at everyday to keep on earning as the highest rated tire & auto repair center in all of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Now it's 2011 and how is Carolina Tire & Auto performing for Angie's List?

We have made the Angie's List Honor Roll for our many "A" ratings we received from our customers. Only 9 companies in the Charlotte market receives this honor and we were one of them to earn it.

Who is Carolina Tire & Auto and what do we do?

We are #1 in auto repair and tires and 12 minutes from everywhere in South Charlotte:

So if you live in Charlotte, NC and need car repair, auto repair, auto service, repairs, service in Charlotte, NC or Mecklenburg County, automobile, air conditioning, battery, batteries, brake, brakes, coolant system, timing belt, water pump, tune up, engine diagnostics, nationwide warranty, state inspections, North Carolina, OE scheduled maintenance, shuttle service, struts, shocks, auto suspension, alignments, alignment, tires, towing, commercial fleet services or Continental tires then you need Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville or Fort Mill, SC.

Common Autos that we repair:

Ford Repair, Toyota Repair, Honda Repair, Chevrolet Repair, Dodge Repair, BMW Auto Repair, Acura Repair, Nissan Repair, Volkswagen Repair, Chrysler Repair, Common Car Models, Honda Accord Repair, Toyota Camry Repair, Honda Civic Repair, Acura TL Repair, Audi Repair, Toyota Corolla Repair, Ford Taurus Repair, Volkswagen Jetta Repair, BMW 325i Repair, Ford Explorer Repair, Ford Escort Repair,

Common Auto Repairs

Engine Oil and Filter Change, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Timing Belt Replacement, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Drive Belt Replacement, Water Pump Replacement, Head Gasket Replacement, Check Engine Light,

World Class Tires in Charlotte, NC

To my customers of Charlotte: I can put on any tire I want on my family's car. I have a beautiful wife and two young precious daughters. I trust our very own locally headquartered Continental tire for my family's safety when it comes to tires and we believe that you should too.

At Carolina Tire & Auto, we know a lot about tires. Call us so we can help you make a better informed tire buying decision.

704-553-9800 - Tire Buyer Hotline

Hail in Charlotte and Signs to Look For

Summer time is the season for storms, and many times this means hail. While the average hail storm lasts about six minutes, the National Weather Service estimates that hail causes roughly $1 billion in damages each year. Many people know that hail can severely damage the roof and siding of homes and businesses, but not everyone considers their vehicles to be at risk. Hailstones can shatter windshields, side view mirrors and headlights and leave noticeable damage to the body of a vehicle.

To safeguard your car during hail season, Carolina Tire suggests the following:

Before the hail storm:

• Learn to recognize the weather conditions that spark hailstorms.
• As a precaution, if weather forecasters are predicting a hailstorm, pull cars, boats, and RVs into a garage, covered parking lot or other substantial covering.
• If your only choice is to leave your parked car exposed to the elements, you may want to cover the hood, roof and trunk with thick blankets as protection against possible hail.

During a hail storm:

• Once hail has begun to fall, do not go out into the storm to protect your vehicle or other property! You could be injured.
• If you are driving, and a safe place (like inside a garage, under an overpass or a service station awning) is in view, drive there as soon as possible.
• If you cannot find a sheltered area, carefully pull completely off the highway to the side of the road. Keep head and face away from windows.
• Do not leave the vehicle until after it stops hailing to avoid personal injury.

After the hail storm:

• Assess the damage. Check your car for dents and broken or cracked glass and headlights.
• If there is broken glass in your car, take action to prevent rain damage to the interior. Remove the glass to prevent cuts to you or your passengers.

If your car sustained hail damage:

• Your car insurance policy will cover hail damage if you have comprehensive coverage. Call your insurance agent or company immediately to report the damage and discuss how to proceed with repairs.
• After an insurance adjuster has surveyed your vehicle’s hail damage, you will need to find a reputable auto body shop to make repairs. Ask your insurance company if it has a preferred auto body shop.
• If you choose a repair shop on your own, contact the Better Business Bureau or get referrals from friends.
• Talk to experts at the body shop. Hail damage to sheet metal may need to be hammered and painted. Or technicians may recommend paintless dent removal (PDR), which involves using specially-molded metal tools on the underside of a damaged part that will not disturb the factory finish.
• Your insurance company will be able to determine the severity of your damage and consult with you and the body shop on which repair method makes the most sense for your vehicle.
• Find out how long the repair will take. If many cars were damaged in your area, it may take awhile to schedule the repair.
• Make sure your vehicle is repaired to your satisfaction. Check for any remaining dents before driving your vehicle home.
• Get guarantee and contact information from Carolina Tire in writing. If you notice a flaw in your vehicle's repair, you should be able to have it fixed at no additional charge.

The Best Used Cars

It’s a decision that’s nearly as old as the auto business itself — should you buy a new car or a used one? While buying a new car carries an immeasurable degree of cachet for many consumers, buying a used model is typically a better deal. And this is even with used-car prices on the rise — they’ve jumped by around four percent over the last 12 months according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index.

Still, factory-fresh vehicles carry substantially higher price tags than same-make-and-model used ones and tend to take a larger hit in depreciation over the first few years of ownership. A new car can lose 50 percent or more of its resale value within just three years — that makes a three-year-old model at least half the cost of an average new one, which today is priced at nearly $30,000 according to TrueCar.com, an industry research and forecasting company.

We’ve identified what we feel are currently the industry’s best used cars, based largely on results from the latest J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study of three-year-old models.

One caveat: Buying any used car involves a measure of risk. Always have a used car under your consideration checked out by a trusted mechanic before signing on the proverbial dotted line to ensure that it’s in top operating condition. Also run its vehicle identification number (VIN) through a title-search service like carfax.com to make sure it hasn’t been previously flood-damaged or wrecked and subsequently salvaged.

Honda Fit

Even as a three-year old model, the subcompact Honda Fit is a perfect car for the times. It performs well, is reliable and gets good fuel economy at 28-city/34-highway. Best of all it’s an inexpensive car that doesn’t feel cheap. Its 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine nets just 109 horsepower, but that’s sufficient to get this small car up to speed, especially if you find one that’s equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is also available. The Honda Fit’s handling is sharper than with most small cars, which makes it a good choice for driving enthusiasts as an economical commuter. It’s roomier on the inside than its diminutive exterior might otherwise indicate and its rear-seat folds flat into the floor to create a voluminous cargo hold. A Sport model includes larger wheels and tires (for a slightly smoother ride), steering-wheel paddle shifters and a few extra features, though the base model should suit most buyers.

Scion xB

Remaining current in the generation that debuted for the 2008 model year, the quirky Scion xB remains both boxy and muscular-looking. Then as now, the xB comes adequately powered by a 158 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine it originally shared with the Toyota Camry. A five-speed manual was the standard transmission, but we found it a bit too notchy shifting for our tastes; instead look for models that come with the four-speed automatic. While no sports car, the Scion xB delivers athletic handling abilities even a casual motorist can appreciate. You’ll find used xBs generously equipped with standard vehicle stability control, front-side and side-curtain airbags, keyless entry and a premium audio system with full iPod integration. A roomy interior can transport four six-footers in complete comfort, which is why xBs of this generation are often used as taxicabs. With the back seat folded flat its cargo volume rivals many midsize SUVs.

Ford Fusion / Mercury Milan / Lincoln MKZ

This trio of attractive midsize sedans delivers agreeable performance, comfort and utility. Each offers its own distinct styling, with the LincolnMKZ being the handsomest choice, though it commands a higher price. The 2008 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan came standard with a just-sufficient 160-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission; look instead for one that’s fitted with the optional 221-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the Lincoln MKZ packed a quicker 263-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and the six-speed gearbox. The cars’ ride and handling characteristics are reasonably well balanced, with the Lincoln delivering a slightly plusher ride. Those subject to harsh winters should seek out a model that was equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system for added traction. The sedans’ five-passenger interiors are sufficiently roomy and come trimmed in premium materials. If you’re a techie, look for a model that comes with Ford’s Sync voice-activated multimedia control system.

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge midsize crossover SUV debuted for 2008 and isn’t drastically different than the current generation that came out for 2011. The five-passenger Edge affords a quiet and comfortable interior, with head- and legroom that’s sufficient for four tall passengers, with a fifth being able to squeeze in as needed. A 3.5-liter V6 engine nets a brisk 265 horsepower and is nicely paired with a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. Handling is about average among midsize people movers, though the optional “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system improves its cornering abilities a bit on dry pavement in addition to boosting its wet-road traction. You’ll find all versions equipped with stability control and six airbags; options to look for include the nifty Sync multimedia control system, a power-operated hatchback, rear-proximity parking alarm, heated front seats and a back-seat DVD entertainment system.

Honda CR-V

With the exception of a few tweaks and updates, the 2008 version of the Honda CR-V compact crossover remain current. It’s styling is neither too expressive nor too conservative and remains fresh. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generates a sufficient 166 horsepower and is mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission; fuel economy is rated at a decent 20-city/27-highway mpg. The Honda CR-V’s ride and handling qualities are on a par with most comparably sized passenger cars; seek out one that’s equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system for added traction under inclement conditions. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, front-side airbags and side-curtain airbags that automatically deploy if a sensor determines the vehicle is about to rollover. Noteworthy features to look for include a navigation system with an integrated backup camera display for easier and safer parking.

Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX was the first luxury crossover to be sold in the U.S. and quickly became not only the best-seller in Lexus’ lineup but also the most popular luxury SUV in the industry. It was last redesigned for the 2010 model year, but the previous version still looks current and delivers similar performance. Then as now, the RX 350 comes powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates a brisk 270 horsepower; for 2008 it was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and you’ll find some used models further equipped with a manual-shift feature. All-wheel-drive was optional, with seven airbags (including one at knee-height for the driver) and stability control standard. The Lexus RX 350 features a comfortable wood- and leather-trimmed interior with convenient storage bins scattered throughout the cabin. A long list of amenities includes a standard power-operated tailgate and a CD changer. Some models can be found with a full array of high-tech gizmos like adaptive headlamps that illuminate the road around turns; a voice-activated GPS navigation system, a rear-view back-up camera and an adaptive cruise-control system that can automatically maintain a preset distance between the vehicle ahead.

Toyota Sienna

Over the years the Toyota Sienna minivan has proved to be a workhorse of a family vehicle, delivering solid performance with a bevy of leading-edge features and stalwart reliability. The vehicle was just redesigned for 2011, but changes weren’t drastic over the previous generation, which came powered by a sturdy 266-horsepower 3.5-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Sienna remains the only minivan to offer all-wheel-drive, though such models may be difficult to locate in the resale market. Available with seven- or eight-passenger seating, the third row seat folds flat into floor one half at a time for maximum cargo-carrying flexibility. Six airbags are included, though antiskid stability control was standard only on select versions and optional elsewhere in the line. You’ll find some used Siennas equipped with what are still high-end features like a rear-view video camera and front/rear parking proximity warnings to facilitate parallel parking, laser-guided adaptive cruise control, a satellite navigation system and surround-sound audio.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Perhaps the best sports car value among new or used vehicles, 2008 was the last model year before the low-slung Mazda MX-5 Miata adopted its current “happy face” front end styling, which we find cloyingly cute. Otherwise it’s remained true to its roots over the years as a reasonably simple, peppy and nimble small roadster. Its two-seat interior is a snug fit, but it’s a minor tradeoff on a warm summer’s day while driving on a twisty road with the top down. Offered with either a manual cloth top or power retractable hardtop, we prefer the former for simpler and glitch-free operation. A lightweight 2.0-liter four-cylinder generates a respectable 166 horsepower, and is best mated to a manual transmission, which here can either be a five-speed or slicker-shifting short-throw six-speed version. Though sacrilegious in some circles you may find a few used Mazda MX-5 Miatas fitted with the optional six-speed automatic transmission; at least it came with steering wheel-mounted paddles for quasi-manual operation.

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Smaller than the larger and swanker CL- and SL-Class models and larger and costlier than the two-seat SLK-Class, the since-discontinued midsize Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class can be found in both sporty luxury coupe and convertible versions. It performs well and delivers ample comfort, with an attractive exterior design that still looks contemporary. A standard sports suspension gives it just enough in the way of cornering abilities without delivering a harsh ride in the process. You’ll find it as a CLK350 with a just-adequate 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, a more-pleasing 382-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 in the CLK500 or a 475-horsepower 6.3-liter V-8 in the overpriced and outrageous CLK63 AMG. As is Mercedes’ modus operandi, standard safety and vehicle-control systems and creature comforts are plentiful. Options to look for include adaptive cruise control that can automatically maintain a set speed and interval on the highway, and high-intensity Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination that can help illuminate the road at night through curves.

Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon

While casual buyers have fled the full-size SUV segment in favor of car-like crossovers, the Chevrolet Tahoe and its near-twin, the GMC Yukon remain top picks for those who require a large and powerful vehicle for hauling and towing. You may find some models in the used market equipped with the base 4.8-liter V8, but look instead for those that come with the 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 that was otherwise included in most versions across both lines; a stronger-yet 380-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 was also offered. Both the Tahoe and Yukon ride on a fully boxed frame for stout structural rigidity. A responsive suspension delivers a reasonably smooth ride with relatively easy (though not necessarily nimble) handling. Offered in either rear- or four-wheel drive models, with either two or three rows of seats and a full range of safety features included, you’ll likely find most used models on a dealer’s lot equipped with plenty of amenities.

Toyota Tundra

Often overlooked in a segment that’s dominated by domestic brand-loyal buyers, the full-size Toyota Tundra pickup truck is nevertheless rugged and reliable, and can tackle the toughest tasks. The truck is handsomely designed, with a roomy and comfortable interior and easygoing ride and handling characteristics. It was last redesigned for 2008 and remains current. As with all big pickups, used Tundras can be found in various cab sizes, bed lengths and mechanical configurations, so shop wisely and according to your specific needs. A 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 was standard in 2008, but that engine is suited only for light-duty applications; a better choice would be either of the two available V8s, a 276-hp 4.7-liter and a 381-hp 5.7-liter. While most versions included a five-speed automatic transmission, those equipped with the largest V8 came with a smoother six-speed version. Available in rear- and 4X4 versions, antilock brakes, stability control and an automatic limited-slip differential for added traction are all standard. If you intend to use the truck for towing, look for models equipped with the optional tailgate-mounted camera that helps improve visibility when hitching a trailer.

Escalade Most Likely to Be Hit by Thieves

The Cadillac Escalade, a top pick of the rich and famous ranging from Hollywood celebrities to Wall Street executives, is also the favorite choice of thieves. The luxury SUV, which starts at more than $63,000, is the most likely vehicle to be targeted by crooks, according to a new study by Carolina Tire & Auto.

The study, based on insurance claims made for model year 2008 through 2010 vehicles, showed that the Escalade is six times more likely to be hit by thieves than the average vehicle, and its overall theft losses are more than 10 times as large.

The rankings are based on vehicles that were stolen, had parts such as stereo systems taken or had other property inside the car snatched.

Jim Seidel, president at Carolina Tire, says the Escalade gets hit more often because "It's so wildly popular as far as pop culture goes. Watching the TV you see professional athletes coming in and out of them and other celebrities too. It's a status symbol."

Carolina Tire contacted the Arlington, Va.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, then calculated the rankings based on the number of thefts per insured vehicle on the road.

The data doesn't include uninsured vehicles or those covered by the 20 percent of insurance companies that don't report their numbers to the institute.

A total of 10.8 claims were filed for every 1,000 insured Escalades, resulting in average loss payments of $10,555 per claim by insurance companies to the affected drivers, the study said.

The Escalade's ranking isn't anything new. When combined, the four versions of the SUV have ranked at the top of the list for several years, the group says.

2012 GMC Sierra Crew Cab

Pickup trucks are also a favorite of thieves, taking the next four spots in the rankings, including the Ford F-250 crew cab four-wheel drive, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab, the Ford F-450 crew cab four-wheel drive and the GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab. Crew cabs are pickups with a second row of seats.

Seidel thinks that many of the pickup theft claims resulted from equipment or other items being stolen from truck beds while the vehicles were parked at work sites.

The Chrysler 300 sedan was the sixth most likely vehicle to be targeted and the only car on the list, with 7.1 claims filed for every 1,000 insured cars and an average loss payment of $5,509, the group said.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

The vehicle least likely to be hit by thieves was the Audi A6 four-wheel drive, a luxury sedan. But its average loss payment per claim was $16,882. That's 60 percent higher than that of the Escalade, according to the study.

The A6 was followed by the Mercury Mariner, a small SUV, and the Chevrolet Equinox, a midsize SUV.

The average vehicle in the study had 1.7 claims reported per 1,000 insured vehicles and an average loss payment per claim of $6,767, the study said.

Five Warning Lights That Keep Your Car Running

Summer's a prime time for road trips, but logging hundreds of miles also means you’re more likely to encounter vehicle trouble. Warning lights can make any driver nervous, but if you know what each light means, you’ll be able to handle any problems that arise.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Imagine the sound of two pieces of steel grinding together without a lubricant. That’s the sound your car could make without enough oil. The oil pressure light doesn’t tell you when it’s time for an oil change (although some cars can do that), but it will tell you if there are low levels of oil, or if the oil pressure is low.This could be a result of a punctured oil pan, a leak or a number of problems. If your oil pressure warning light turns on, pull over safely, turn off your car immediately and add oil. If you run the engine without oil, it will seize because the metal parts won’t be able to move against each other. That kills your engine.

The cost of diagnosing and fixing an oil leak on a 2007 Honda Accord with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine can cost between $396 and $534, according to Carolina Tire. That’s a lot to dish out at once, but it’s less than replacing a seized engine, which can cost $5,000 or more.

Check Engine Warning Light

In most cars, the check engine light and the onboard diagnostics light are the same thing: They indicate that there is a problem in the engine or the emissions system. If this light is on you could have a minor problem like a loose gas cap. But you could also be facing more serious issues, like fuel leaking into the exhaust pipe. If this happens, the fuel could damage the catalytic converter, a component that helps clean your exhaust fumes and is expensive to fix. Replacing both catalytic converters in a 2009 Ford F-150 with a 4.6-liter V8 engine could cost up to $4,302, according to Carolina Tire.


Tire Pressure Warning Light

Under-inflated tires can lose traction, increase a vehicle’s stopping distance and can make blowouts more likely. Since 2006, all vehicles in the U.S. are required to have a standard tire pressure monitoring system. A standard warning light has two parts: a low tire pressure warning and a tire pressure failure warning. If a tire pressure light comes on, you can find a gas station where you can check your tire pressure and add air, pull over and replace the tire or drive your car to a maintenance shop. If you have run-flat tires, you’re in luck. Most run-flat tires can drive up to 60 miles without damaging your wheels. Carolina Tire says that run-flat tires ride rougher than traditional tires, but to most of us, peace of mind in case of a flat is more important than how your car will perform on a race track. On the other hand, driving after a tire hascompletely blown will ruin your rims, adding thousands of dollars to your repair cost.



Engine Temperature Warning Light

Keep a watchful eye on your engine temperature gauge, which tells you how hot the engine is. If your engine is overheating, a small thermometer, a picture of a radiator or the word “temp” might light up. Usually, this temperature gauge notifies the driver that there is a problem with the engine’s coolant system. If the temperature light turns on, pull over to the side of the road and wait until the gauge falls back to the halfway mark. Remember, never pour water over a hot engine, and never open the radiator cap until the engine has fully cooled. Rather than cooling the engine down, dousing hot metal with cold water can result in dangerous amounts of steam and can warp or crack the metal. Opening up the radiator while it’s still hot can release a boiling radiator fluid that can badly burn your hands or face. If you don’t take this light seriously, you could damage your vehicle’s internal parts significantly. Hoses can burst, gaskets can blow and if aluminum cylinders expand too much, the engine could seize. Get to Carolina Tire immediately, where they can diagnose and fix the problem.


Brake Warning Light

Generally, the brake warning light turns on if pressure in the brake system has changed because of leaking or overheating brake fluid. Since disc brakes are operated by hydraulics, a change in fluid pressure means that they might not function properly. Most cars have disc brakes on at least the front wheels, while older cars generally use drum brakes on all four.

If your brake light goes on while you’re driving, take your foot of the gas and switch on your warning flashers so others know there’s a problem. Try pumping your brakes to get a bit more fluid in the brake system, which may give your brakes enough capability to work. Driving on grass or gravel, like what might be found on the shoulder of a highway, can also help you slow down.

Brake fade and failure can occur on a long downhill grade, when the driver has used the brakes too much and caused them to overheat. To prevent brake fade, shift from “Drive” into a lower gear. Allowing your engine to run only in a lower gear will limit its top speed and act like a brake. This technique is called “engine braking,” and many truckers and other drivers use it on long downhill grades to preserve their brakes for when they’re really needed. If your brakes totally fail, keep your eyes out for a runaway truck ramp. These ramps are located on the side of a downhill road, are built on an incline and are usually made of deep sand or soil. They can damage your car, since the engine can get filled with sand and any large rocks in the mixture can scrape up your car, so only use a runaway truck ramp in extreme cases. Still, they’ll slow you right down and keep you safe.

Remember to check your owner’s manual if you see a light you don’t recognize, since every car is a little different. Hopefully, knowing the warning signs ahead of time will help you prevent further damage to your car, and save a little money in the process.

Even in Record Heat, Tire Care Should Be No Sweat!

55% of Vehicles Have At Least One Under Inflated Tire

CHARLOTTE, Aug. 3, 2011 -- Record-setting heat across the U.S. can add to the risk of tire failure for overloaded vehicles with under inflated tires driving at highway speeds.

"Heat is the enemy of a tire," said Jim Seidel, president of Carolina Tire & Auto. "Under inflated tires generate excess heat that, over time, can cause damage and lead to a failure."

A 2010 RMA survey found more than half of all vehicles have at least one under inflated tire. One in seven vehicles had a tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (psi).

"Tires are built to last tens of thousands of miles but they can't take unlimited abuse," Seidel said. "The air in your tires is carrying you, your family, your cargo and your car's weight. When under inflated, a tire is over-stressed because it cannot support that load. Neglect your tire pressure for too long, particularly during the hottest time of the year and you're inviting potential trouble."

Carolina Tire & Auto operates a local education program from the RMA -- Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART -- to raise awareness about the importance of tire maintenance. PART is an acronym that stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread – the four basic elements of tire care.

Pressure – Check tire pressure every month and before long trips. Check tires when cold -- before you drive. Use the correct inflation pressure that is found on a label on the driver's door or check the owner's manual.

Alignment – Misaligned wheels can cause premature tire wear. Have alignment checked periodically or if you notice your vehicle "pulling" to the left or right. Hitting a pothole or curb could affect your wheel alignment.

Rotation – Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles or check your owner's manual for a specific interval. Rotation helps tires wear evenly.

Tread – Inspect tread for damage every month when checking tire pressure. To ensure sufficient tread depth, do the penny test. Take a penny, insert upside down into tread groove. If you see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires.

"Checking tires is simple and takes just five minutes," Seidel said. "If you don't do it yourself, Carolina Tire & Auto will do it for you free of charge. There's no reason to skimp on tire care."