Auto Repair 101 by Carolina Tire and Auto Repair in Charlotte North Carolina

When you do Business with Tire Kingdom You Need to Know

2012-01-27T10:26:00.003-05:00

The TBC Corporation, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida was a publicly traded corporation from 1983 to its purchase by the Sumitomo Corporation in 2005. During the corporation's short independent existence, it acquired a number of businesses related to automobile parts and tires.^[1] After its acquisition of National Tire and Battery in 2003, TBC chief executive Larry Day claimed it would be the largest independent tire dealer in the USA.

So you say to yourself, what does this mean to me? I live in Charlotte, NC.

I have just a few points to make and it's fundamental on how and where you spend your hard earned dollars on tires and auto repair for your vehicles.

Buffalo Tire & Car Care was a local and family owned tire & service center in the Charlotte and Jacksonville, NC markets for decades. Many of you may not know that they were sold recently to TBC Corporation. Who is TBC Corporation? TBC is wholly owned by Sumitomo Corporation (住友商事, Sumitomo Shōji) TYO: is one of the largest worldwide trading companies Sogo shosha, and is a diversified corporation. Sumitomo is headquartered in the Harumi Island Triton Square Office Tower Y in Chūō, Tokyo, Japan.

In 2005 before TBC was bought by Sumitomo Corp, then President & CEO, Larry Day earned over $1,392,478. Just recently Sumitomo Corp said at its shareholders' meeting that its three top executives received more than ¥100 million in compensation in the business year through March. Two of the three were President Susumu Kato, who received ¥186 million, and Chairman Motoyuki Oka, pictured below received ¥183 million.

Let's get back to your car in your Charlotte driveway. It's time for new tires and Tire Kingdom has some big buy 2 tires, get 2 tires free deal. It gets you in their door. Only to find out that they are going to offer you many add on services that just buying the 4 tires would have been cheaper. What brands will they offer you? Multi-Mile, Cordovan, Sigme and Vanderbilt are all brands exclusive for TBC Corp. Where are these tires made? Most are made in China. Isn't interesting the the FDA won't allow Chinese baby formula to enter this country, but the government will allow your babies to ride in cars with tires on them that are made in China. I'm not here to bash the Japanese or the Chinese, they are perfectly fine people that make many fine products like the iPhone.

Our point is, that you have a choice in where you take your car to spend your money. You may take your cars to the former Buffalo Tire store that is now a Tire Kingdom and support one of the largest global corporations in the world headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. At the same time, buy tires from Tire Kingdom that also support Chinese companies, Chinese workers and the Chinese government.

You have that choice as an American. We are free to choose with whom we want to do business with in this country.

The TBC response may be that they employ Americans and invest in America. That may be true, but remember, those profits will all eventually make their may back to Chinese and Japanese banks to pay Japanese and Chinese shareholders dividends they received from profits derived from your America wallet.

Final note - Every former Buffalo Tire employee at their Pineville location has either quit or has been fired.

Where can you go to avoid all the corporate conglomerates and foreign owned auto centers? Check out your local and truly independent automotive service centers. There are many in Charlotte that do a great job and are not owned by a giant foreign corporation but they are owned by a local family that lives here, works here and raises their kids here.

Carolina Tire & Auto
Steele Creek Tire
Case Automotive
Griffin Tire

** This article was written based on facts and personal opinions, it does not represent anyone or any corporation. It is also not intended to sway you away from doing business with Tire King or any of the TBC brands, feel free to honor them with your hard earned money.

If you want to go to a Charlotte Tire Kingdom, check out some of their local reviews:

http://charlotte.citysearch.com/profile/40064446/charlotte_nc/tire_kingdom.html

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?pq=griffin+tire&hl=en&sugexp=pfwl&tok=NpB7BLEgPG9bG1qfGyhaiA&cp=6&gs_id=o&xhr=t&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=869&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=tire+kingdom&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tire+kingdom&hnear=0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164,Charlotte,+NC&cid=15383803301328225839&ei=P78iT6PpCMbItgeT8vGGBg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=9&sqi=2&ved=0CHkQ4gkwCA

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=869&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=tire+kingdom&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tire+kingdom&hnear=0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164,Charlotte,+NC&cid=17538129558274625872&ei=ub8iT4qsIJGgtwe2ou2iCw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=8&ved=0CI4BEOIJMAc

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=869&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=tire+kingdom&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tire+kingdom&hnear=0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164,Charlotte,+NC&cid=11789147817898137298&ei=ub8iT4qsIJGgtwe2ou2iCw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=1&ved=0CEEQ4gkwAA

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=869&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=tire+kingdom&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tire+kingdom&hnear=0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164,Charlotte,+NC&cid=4870396904783005601&ei=ub8iT4qsIJGgtwe2ou2iCw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=3&ved=0CFkQ4gkwAg

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&gs_upl=1618l3438l0l3632l10l4l0l6l6l0l61l225l4l10l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=869&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=tire+kingdom+pineville&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tire+kingdom&hnear=0x88569c8bbd005ca3:0xbc7e05a36298d802,Pineville,+NC&cid=13804338911232786112&ei=QsAiT6zBPIi9tweo6NiVBw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=1&ved=0CDsQ4gkwAA

Carolina Tire to Open New Store in Uptown Charlotte

2012-01-16T18:28:00.003-05:00

Family-owned and operated Carolina Tire & Auto Service Centers, based in Fort Mill, SC, has opened a new full service auto repair facility in Uptown Charlotte near Myers Park and CMC Main.

The company has grown to two locations throughout the Charlotte metro area. The South Charlotte store is located on Pineville, NC near Ballantyne. The new store is in the Myers Park/Randolph Rd area on Monroe Rd near Uptown Charlotte. The building is the former Buffalo Tire center and has a large swanky waiting area with wood floors, refreshments, Wi-Fi, leather couch and HD-TV.

The facility boasts 5,500 square feet of floor space with eight full service repair bays featuring state of the art equipment, including environmentally friendly lifts, and will offer all of Carolina Tire’s current selection of tire brands like Continental and Michelin and services, according to the business.

“We have a passion for service and go out of our way to serve all of our customer’s automotive needs,” said company President Jim Seidel, who is also known as Charlotte's Tire King. “We are proud to provide the Seidel standard of professional tire and auto service, and are excited to bring this quality automotive care to the Uptown Charlotte, NC, area.”

The new address is:

Carolina Tire & Auto
3325 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205
980-219-8500

I'm not Playing Any More

2011-11-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

Think I Can Keep Track of all These Tires?

How Can You?

You know when you call all the airlines for prices and the next day they are cheaper or worse yet, more expensive? When I tell you that the giant tire retailers also do this, I'm totally serious. I don't have a team of marketing whiz's watching the ups and downs of tire prices, inventory overages or shortages and raw material costs like a stock market to adjust the price accordingly to make those most out of their investment. Because at the end of the day, a tire is an investment to these tire giants. How can I buy at the lowest price and sell at the highest price? They could be selling oranges, they just happen to sell tires, it's a commodity. A commodity that everyone needs if you own or drive a car.

Switch over to Carolina Tire & Auto with 1 store versus Discount Tire with over 700 or TBC Corp (Tire Kingdom, Merchant's, NTB, etc) with well over 1,000, Firestone and so on.

Carolina Tire & Auto doesn't look at a tire as an investment for our company. It's an investment for you, our customers. We truly want you to have the best tire that fits your needs, driving habits and budget. Not the best tire that fits my P & L. As a company we no longer will participate in the "gimmicks" that other choose to play or better yet prey upon you.

Carolina Tire & Auto will still try to give you the best prices we can world class tires like Continental and Michelin tires. However, if you get a better price quote installed, we'll match it. It's that easy. Because I don't want my treasured customers to think they have to "go somewhere else" because I was inadvertently priced to high on the day that Discount Tire decided to lower their tire prices.

Here's my "catch" if you will. Please give me the opportunity to show you what I believe is the best tire option for you. Remember, I can choose from over 40 tire brands and 1,000,000 tires in stock. I'm going to choose the best tire for you, your driving habits and budget. If you can convince me that your tire option quoted to you by Walmart, Discount Tire, Tire Buyer, Tire Rack or whomever is better for you, your driving habits and your budget then I'll match it exactly, get you the tires you were quoted and then hand you $20 bucks cash out of my pocket for your efforts.

Because at the end of the day, buying tires shouldn't be this hard on you and all this calling around. I want to focus my efforts on keeping our relationship alive and well and vibrant while maintaining your whole car, truck or SUV for all your maintenance, service and repairs.

So now that my tire prices are exactly the same as Tire Kingdom, Discount Tire, Walmart, Tire Rack, Tire Buyer, Firestone, Goodyear or anybody, you can go back to living your normal life getting the best service in South Charlotte on your vehicle only at Carolina Tire & Auto.

I feel better now, don't you?

Safe driving,

Jim

Try as I Might to Sell Tires

2011-11-10T09:26:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was an interesting time for me as I worked the front sales counter all day at Carolina Tire & Auto. I have a new tire sales program going on with a Buy 1 Tire, Get 1 Free and Double Rebates on manufacturers rebates. Believe me, it's a lot to try to jam all that in on a phone conversation with someone shopping for tires. Major tire retailers, and you know who you are, are the absolute worst at making the general public believe that you have to have the cheapest set of tires to make it "a deal."

Let me side bar here for a moment, tires are the most important safety auto part on your car, truck or SUV. Yes I said auto part. Your car is made up of hundreds of integrate parts and tires are the most important when it comes to safety.

Back to the giant tire retailers, none of whom have a headquarters in Charlotte, NC, live here or are raising a family here are trying to sell you the cheapest tires with cute gimmicks. Worst of all, they started to drag me down that same evil path and yes I said evil path. Let me explain, it'll all make sense soon.

Carolina Tire & Auto did not become Charlotte's # 1 South Charlotte Dealership Alternative, an Angie's List Super Service Award Winner or the highest rated auto repair center on Google and the Internet in all of Charlotte because we went cheap on your cars. We pay more for highly trained mechanics, we pay more for quality auto parts, we pay more for the best equipment, we pay more for one of the best showrooms in all of Charlotte, NC.

So now I found myself getting into this buy 1 get 1 free promotion to match Tire Kingdom. What was I thinking?? I don't know. Here's how this program works at Tire Kingdom:

Buying 2 tires:

Tire costs you = $100 - buy 1 tire at $100 and get a $100 tire for free.

You must buy their "premium installation package" which is $59.95. For that you get lifetime rotation and balance, free roadside assistance and their road hazard for their tires.

Next you must buy their 1 year alignment program at $129.95. You get alignments all year long for 1 price.

So here's your big deal buy 1 tire get 1 tire free - $59.95 x 2 = $119.90 + $129.95 = $249.85 + $100 (1 tire) = $349.85.

Want to know what these 2 tires would have cost you at the regular installation price? $230.00 How? Two tires at $100.00 a piece and $15.00 per tire to install = $230.00.

So if you really wanted just 2 tires and bought this deal, you'd have paid $119.85 MORE for the same tires. Now the tires you may choose from are only selected brands of Yokohama, Pirelli, Cooper and Nitto. All fine tire manufacturers, not the top manufacturers but just ok in my opinion. Then the brands to choose from these manufacturers are their "value line" or in other words, the cheap ones.

Let me circle back around and close this piece out. My customers at Carolina Tire & Auto have trust in me and my business that I will make their cars run safely, smoothly and that I'm not putting some cheapo part on so I can make more money. I never want you to think that I ever "got one over on you". I'm sorry, in my opinion, Tire Kingdom's buy 1 get 1 free, Discount Tire's "$20" tires or Firestone's buy 3 get 1 free deal are all sham's to make you think they they have the best deals in town. Again, in my opinion they are trying to fool you into a sale and I have never, nor will I look at any customer as just a sale. I live with you people. you are my neighbors and my friends, not a sale.

Therefore Carolina Tire & Auto is pulling our Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion and going back to promoting the best, safest and in our opinion, the coolest tires on the planet like Continental and Michelin tires.

Safe driving,

Jim

DOUBLE TIRE REBATES FROM CAROLINA TIRE

2011-11-02T15:33:00.000-04:00

REBATES GONE WILD

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

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

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

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

No carry outs, installation required. Hurry before this dealends 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

2011-10-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

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 GeneralAltimax RT and HP (up to 15 inch), Continental ProContact (up to 15 inch andselect 16 inch), Capital H Rated (up to 16 inch) brand tires and all Kumho KR21T Rated tires with purchase of a premium tire installation package withRoadside Assistance for each tire and a one year wheel alignment policy on samevehicle 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

2011-10-13T17:47:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-13T14:17:00.004-04:00

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

2011-09-01T09:03:00.001-04:00

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

2011-08-31T17:10:00.002-04:00

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

2011-08-26T07:49:00.002-04:00

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.

GM says bankruptcy excuses it from Impala repairs

2011-08-23T07:52:00.001-04:00

General Motors Co (GM.N) is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit over a suspension problem on more than 400,000 Chevrolet Impalas from the 2007 and 2008 model years, saying it should not be responsible for repairs because the flaw predated its bankruptcy.

The lawsuit, filed on June 29 by Donna Trusky of Blakely, Pennsylvania, contended that her Impala suffered from faulty rear spindle rods, causing her rear tires to wear out after just 6,000 miles. [ID:nN1E7650CT]

Seeking class-action status and alleging breach of warranty, the lawsuit demands that GM fix the rods, saying that it had done so on Impala police vehicles.

But in a recent filing with the U.S. District Court in Detroit, GM noted that the cars were made by its predecessor General Motors Corp, now called Motors Liquidation Co or "Old GM," before its 2009 bankruptcy and federal bailout.

The current company, called "New GM," said it did not assume responsibility under the reorganization to fix the Impala problem, but only to make repairs "subject to conditions and limitations" in express written warranties. In essence, the automaker said, Trusky sued the wrong entity.

"New GM's warranty obligations for vehicles sold by Old GM are limited to the express terms and conditions in the Old GM written warranties on a going-forward basis," wrote Benjamin Jeffers, a lawyer for GM. "New GM did not assume responsibility for Old GM's design choices, conduct, or alleged breaches of liability under the warranty."

David Fink, Trusky's lawyer, declined to comment.

John Penn, a former president of the American Bankruptcy Institute who is not involved in the case, said the question of "successor liability" is common for manufacturing companies that go through bankruptcy.

"The fact it comes up now is not a surprise, as this type of issue was widely discussed during GM's bankruptcy," said Penn, now a partner at Haynes and Boone in Fort Worth, Texas. "The court will need to evaluate the claims to see if they fit within any cubbyhole of liability that New GM assumed."

GM said an argument similar to Trusky's failed this year in a case involving its OnStar security and navigation product.

"There are no specific factual allegations that New GM -- as opposed to Old GM -- did anything at all in relation to her vehicle," Jeffers wrote. "Plaintiff here is trying to saddle new GM with the alleged liability and conduct of old GM."

In late afternoon trading, GM shares were down $1.62 at $21.98 on the New York Stock Exchange.

The case is Trusky v. General Motors Co, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, No. 11-12815.

Five Warning Lights That Keep Your Car Running

2011-08-22T20:31:00.003-04:00

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!

2011-08-04T10:58:00.002-04:00

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."

Who's Looking in on your Web Page?

2011-08-02T12:26:00.002-04:00

It's interesting who comes looking at your web pages. Google Analytics for example shows you exactly who came to your website, when, how many pages and for how long.

We think it's quite interesting that the following companies are checking us out:

American Honda Motor Corporation
Hendrick Automotive
General Motors Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation
Sonic Automotive
Hendrick Motorsports

On another similar line, our top mobile devices are:

Android
iphone
ipad
Blackberry

Makes sense I guess..

Anyway, for Charlotte's # 1 online rated auto repair company, look to none other than Carolina Tire & Auto.

Spark Plugs

2011-07-29T15:52:00.001-04:00

In Pineville NC, the days when you changed your spark plugs every couple of years has ended. Back in the day, spark plugs really did wear out that often. A couple of things are different now…

First, spark plugs are made of better materials that last longer and they’re designed better. The second reason why spark plugs used to have to be changed in pickups and other autos was that they were fouled up with carbon deposits. The deposits built up when fuel wasn’t burned completely. With modern engine management controls that just doesn’t happen as often.

Engine control computers precisely time when fuel is injected into the engine and when spark plugs fire. Unless something’s wrong, spark plugs just don’t foul like they used to.

Electricity from the battery goes into a coil that allows power to build up to anywhere from 12,000 to 45,000 volts, depending on the vehicle. The engine management computer tells the coil when to release the power to the spark plug. The electricity travels through a wire from the coil to the spark plug. At the tip of the plug, a spark jumps between two electrodes and ignites the gas in the combustion chamber.

Some engines have more than one coil. Coils wear out and need to be replaced occasionally. Also, spark plug wires can wear out and need to be replaced.

Modern engines used around Pineville are delivering more power and better fuel economy all the time. That’s largely credited to fast engine control computers, advanced sensors, electronic ignition and improvements to the lowly spark plug.

It’ll be interesting to see where future developments take us. One last thought: it’s critically important to have theright kind of spark plug for your vehicle. Because engines are designed to run with different internal temperatures, spark plugs have different designs to work properly within those temperatures. Your Pineville NC service advisor at Carolina Tire & Auto will be able to get the right plugs for your vehicle. And he’ll be able to advise you on when you should replace your spark plugs as well.

At Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville NC we install quality NAPA replacement parts. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

You can reach us in Pineville NC at: 704.553.9800, or online at http://www.carolina-tire.com/.

On-Board Diagnostics in Pineville NC

2011-07-29T15:47:00.002-04:00

Some people in Pineville NC are confused by charges for diagnostic services for a vehicle repair, even though many other services in life include diagnostic fees – things like computer service and appliance repair in Pineville.

Even when we go into the doctor for a medical problem, we’re paying her to diagnose our ailment and of course for the tests that go along with it. So receiving a diagnostic charge for a tricky automotive problem shouldn’t be a surprise.

Automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your brakes, a quick visual check is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you’re having an intermittent problem with your engine, diagnosis may be much more involved.

Some think that when the check engine light comes on, the engine computer tells the technician exactly what the problem is. The reality is much different. The trouble code just tells your Pineville technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what’s causing it. Your Pineville technician at Carolina Tire & Auto needs to determine the underlying problem that’s causing the symptom.

As you can imagine, some automotive diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved and difficult. Of course, we at Carolina Tire & Auto want to figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Give us a call:

Carolina Tire & Auto
10822 Pineville Rd
Pineville, NC 28134
704.553.9800

At Carolina Tire & Auto we install quality NAPA replacement parts. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visitwww.NAPAAutoCare.com.

ICE

2011-07-29T15:44:00.001-04:00

Sometimes the unthinkable happens here in Pineville… A terrible accident and those involved aren’t able to provide our local Charlotte rescuers with emergency contact information. There are people who must be contacted to arrange help, give consent to treatment, inform paramedics of medical conditions, allergies or medications.

Too often, Charlotte police and rescue workers must sift through pockets, glove compartments, wallets, purses and cell phone directories for clues – often wasting precious time.

A brilliantly simple solution is now spreading around the globe: ICE. ICE – standing for ‘In Case of Emergency’, is a way of identifying emergency contacts in your cell phone directory.

Simply put ‘ICE’ before a contact name, like ‘ICE – Dad’, ‘ICE – Nancy’, or ‘ICE – Doctor Roberts’. Rescuers will be able to quickly identify your emergency contacts, saving valuable time.

It’s easy and just takes a few minutes to designate some ICE contacts in your cell phone. Remember to keep the listings current.

From your friends at Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville NC, we’d like you to be as safe as possible while out on the road. Give us a call any time for great automotive advice:

Carolina Tire & Auto
10822 Pineville Rd
Pineville, NC 28134
704.553.9800

At Carolina Tire & Auto we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Your Water Pump - What is it?

2011-07-23T09:20:00.000-04:00

Let’s talk water pumps for autos in Pineville NC. The engine is cooled by coolant/antifreeze mixed with water. This mixture circulates around the engine, absorbing some of the heat. The coolant then flows through the radiator where air cools it down for the return trip back through the engine. Your pickup’s water pump is what drives this process.

Cooling system problems are the number-one mechanical failure in Pineville. So the water pump plays a pretty important role. You can’t get very far in NC without a water pump.

After all those miles and years of pumping coolant, water pumps just wear out. You might notice a whining or grinding sound coming from the water pump. Or maybe see coolant leaking from the pump itself.

The precise location of the water pump varies depending on the vehicle. Some have the water pump attached to the outside of the engine where you can see it. With these, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt.

Some have the water pump driven by the timing belt. The timing belt cover often hides the water pump with this setup, so you can’t see the pump without removing the cover.

When you have Carolina Tire & Auto replace the water pump on one of these, you really should replace the timing belt at the same time. We’ve already gotten things taken apart and besides, the belt’s likely been contaminated by coolant. And timing belts usually need to be replaced every 60 to 90,000 miles anyway so it just makes sense to do both jobs at once.

The opposite is true too; when you change the timing belt on this type of engine, replace the water pump while you’re at it. The water pump will eventually fail and getting to it is an expensive project. For not that much more you can take care of both the timing belt and the water pump at the same time.

At Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville NC we install quality NAPA replacement parts. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Making Your Vehicle Last With Regular Service

2011-07-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

A lot of people in NC have older vehicles. They’re good commuters, grocery-getters or toy-haulers. They enjoy that fact that they’re paid off, or soon will be. They would gladly like to keep their vehicles for 200,000 miles or more – as long as it’s economical to do so.

There are plenty of people in Pineville whose vehicles are running after 150,000 or 200,000 miles. We can learn from what they’re doing to keep our own cars on the road.

A common denominator is that they never skip an oil change. That may sound a bit unsophisticated, but it’s really not. First off, oil is the life blood of your engine and it needs to be clean to properly lubricate. Skipping oil changes leads to clogged oil filters and sludge that can damage your engine. Enough said.

There’s another reason why the scheduled oil change is so important. It’s simple – a Carolina Tire & Auto professional is going to be looking at your car. All of your fluid levels will be inspected and topped off so they won’t get so low that damage can be done. If there is a significant fluid loss, let’s use brake fluid as an example, your Pineville technician can look for the cause of the loss and find the problem before it leads to an accident or costly repair.

Your Pineville service technician will also visually inspect the vehicle for worn belts and hoses, uneven tire wear, leaking shock absorbers and more. Problems get addressed before they lead to repairs that cost more than the car’s worth. And your Pineville service advisor will be able to remind you of other services that the factory recommends you get done.

Just think of that oil change the same way as you do about going to the dentist for your six month cleaning and checkup. Don’t skip it.

Of course, good maintenance costs money, but it’s far cheaper than new car payments.

Give us a call to schedule your next oil change today. You can find us online at Carolina Tire & Auto, or you can find us in Pineville, NC 28134 at 10822 Pineville Rd. Or simply give us a call at 704.553.9800. At Carolina Tire & Auto we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

Failure to Check Tires Causes Wrecks in Hot Weather

2011-06-21T22:34:00.004-04:00

Six out of 10 motorists wash their cars at least once per month, but only one in seven properly checks their tire pressure, a recent survey by the Carolina Tire & Auto reports.

And as the summer days turn into Charlotte scorchers, that lack of tire care can be deadly, especially with large trucks, cars and van or hauling summer luggage, says Jim Seidel, president of Carolina Tire & Auto of Pineville, NC.

“Excessive heat is a key trigger for tire failures,” says Seidel, whose company replaces thousands of tires per year.

“Tires are engineered to support the high amount of friction that occurs when trucks are traveling at high speeds. But couple that with very high outdoor temperatures, and you’ve got a serious safety hazard on your hands.”

That’s because hot weather can cause tires to heat up beyond their design specifications, Seidel explains. Also, trucks carrying loads exceeding their approved weight limit or whose tires are underinflated can lead to fatal blowouts, the tire expert says.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,400 people were killed in tire-related crashes in the United States between 2005 and 2009. An additional 116,000 were injured in wrecks caused by tire problems.

While some blowouts are nobody’s fault, others occur due to negligence on the part of driver. People sometimes just pay less attention to tire maintenance.

“The the heat, coupled with the air pressure and load that you may be carrying makes it even more important that Charlotte drivers do simple things like check tire pressure,” Seidel says. Or come on in to Carolina Tire & Auto and have them professionally inspected for free.

For your free tire check up in Charlotte; contact the best tire company in town at Carolina Tire & Auto - Charlotte's # 1 online rated tire & auto repair company.

704-553-9800

www.carolina-tire.com

Luxury Cars That Don't Guzzle Gas

2011-06-20T22:37:00.002-04:00

The terms “luxurious” and “economical” needn’t be mutually exclusive. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or are just tired of having your pocket picked at the pump, there’s a growing number of top-shelf models on the market that boast top fuel efficiency. And we’re not talking about oddball six-figure hybrids that save a few mpg for the sake of environmental street cred among one’s peers – these are mainstream luxury cars that get at least 30 mpg and give up little in terms of either performance or comfort. So at Carolina Tire & Auto we decided to put our list together for you to help you save money at the pump and still look cool.

For instance, the BMW 528i is not only one of the most pleasurable-to-drive midsize luxury cars, it’s also among the most fuel-efficient. A manual transmission is standard for enthusiasts with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission available at no extra cost for the clutch-averse. Cutting-edge amenities like a rearview camera with top-down side-view perspectives for easier parking and an infrared Night Vision system make it one of the best-selling luxury cars on the road. It’s base-priced at around $45,500 and is rated at 22/32 mpg.

For those looking to buy American, the Lincoln MKZ hybrid (Lincoln’s version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid) treats its occupants to a luxurious interior while presenting onlookers with a fierce and edgy facade. The car can run at speeds up to 47 mph solely on battery power. Best of all, the MKZ is the only hybrid that’s priced on a par with its gasoline-powered equivalent at about $35,000. It’s rated at 41/36 mpg.

Whoever came up with the moniker “gas guzzler” may have to rethink how they define SUVs thanks to the Lexus RX 450h’s 32/28 mpg rating. Available in front- and all-wheel-drive versions, the stylish midsize hybrid luxury crossover SUV is quicker and gets better mileage than its gasoline powered equivalent. Starting at around $44,000, it remains both practical and a pleasure to drive, with a spacious and comfortable wood-trimmed five-passenger cabin that includes 10 airbags.

Here are more examples of luxury cars that won't nickel-and-dime you at the pump according to Carolina Tire & Auto.

BMW 335d

The "clean diesel" version of the acclaimed 3 Series sedan is both efficient and sporty, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline-six-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower with a whopping 425 pound-feet of torque that ensures quick launches. Driving the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine can take the 335d to 60 mph in just under seven seconds, which is roughly on a par with the 335i gasoline version. Superior suspension and steering systems enable adept cornering abilities that reward a skilled driver at every turn, while an available M Sport package turns the 335d into an even racier package. Priced at around $44,500, it's rated at 23/36 mpg.

Lexus HS 250h

Lexus' midsize five-passenger hybrid-powered luxury sedan is more handsomely styled than its cousin at Toyota, the Prius. Though it can't match that model's fuel economy, it's more refined and delivers more luxury-car-like comfort and performance. A 2.4-liter gas/electric powertrain produces 187 horsepower, with comfort-tuned ride and handling characteristics. In a nod to the car's "green" nature, around 30 percent of its cabin and trunk materials are so-called bioplastics that are responsible for 20 percent less carbon dioxide emissions. It starts at around $36,000 and is rated at 35/34 mpg.

Lexus RX 450h

Available in front- and all-wheel-drive versions, the stylish midsize RX 450h hybrid luxury crossover SUV is quicker and gets better mileage than its gasoline powered equivalent with its 295-horsepower electrified 3.5-liter V-6 powertrain. It remains both practical and a pleasure to drive, with a spacious and comfortable wood-trimmed five-passenger cabin that includes 10 airbags. Starting at around $44,000, high-tech options include a head-up display that projects pertinent data onto the windshield in the driver's line of sight. It's rated at 32/28 mpg.

Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln's version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid features formal chrome-capped styling, and treats its occupants to a more luxurious interior. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor generate a V6-like 191 horsepower, and the car can run at speeds up to 47 mph solely on battery power. A novel dashboard display helps motorists maximize their fuel efficiency. It comes with a long list of standard convenience features that includes heated and cooled front seats. Best of all, the MKZ is the only hybrid that's priced on a par with its gasoline-powered equivalent at about $35,000. It's rated at 41/36 mpg.

Mercedes E350 BlueTEC

This is the most-efficient version of Mercedes' elegant and accommodating midsize E-Class sedan, and it leverages its 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 engine for V-8-grade off-the-line acceleration with 210 horsepower and a generous 400 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. Buyers can upgrade the base comfort-oriented suspension to a sport package for improved handling and specific upgrades at no difference in price, which starts at just over $51,000. It's rated at 22/33 mpg.

Happy driving from Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville, NC or at 704-553-9800 or at www.carolina-tire.com

Used Cars to Avoid

2011-06-20T22:21:00.003-04:00

For many of cash-strapped motorists in Charlotte, NC, buying a used car or truck, rather than a brand-new one, is an option based on sheer necessity. The average transaction price of a new vehicle is nearly $30,000 according to TrueCar.com, an industry research and forecasting company–a figure far too steep to absorb for many U.S. households. Consumers can indeed save thousands of dollars selecting a pre-owned car but buyer beware: shopping for a used vehicle can be in many ways far more difficult–and certainly more perilous–than buying a new one.

As Charlotte's premiere auto repair center, Carolina Tire & Auto knows a tremendous amount of information about all makes and models of cars we service and repair. So we compiled a short list of used cars to avoid, based on data from multiple sources including reliability surveys, resale values and safety ratings, along with our own real world Carolina Tire & Auto experiences of repairing and road-testing these vehicles. However, our selections are largely based on the most recent J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study which determines the least dependable three-year-old cars. The results are based on responses from more than 43,700 original owners of 2008 model-year vehicles regarding problems experienced during the prior 12 months. All of the models on our list were rated “below average” in overall reliability, specifically powertrain performance (engine/transmission/suspension); issues with the body and interior treatments; and failures with features and accessories.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Expensive and reportedly repair-prone, with fuel economy at a thirsty 12 mpg in city driving, suffering high maintenance and repair costs and facing a steep and costly drop in resale value between the third and fifth years of ownership, the negatives tend to far outweigh the positives as regard this moderately sporty British luxury SUV. Developed as a livelier alternative to its larger non-Sport Range Rover sibling, the 2008 vintage comes powered by a relatively lackluster choice of engines rated at 300 and 390 horsepower (versus 375/510 horses for the 2011 model). Laden with gadgetry, this generation of the Range Rover Sport remains plagued by what remain among the most confusing dashboard ergonomics in the auto industry. As far as repairs and service go, they are very expensive to maintain.

Dodge Charger / Dodge Magnum

With a storied nameplate that was resurrected for the 2006 model year, the full-size Charger sedan comes wrapped in throwback exterior styling, while the Magnum was cast as an aggressive-looking station wagon. Both are related to the Chrysler 300, which boasts higher marks in the J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study for body and interior durability. Though enthusiasts may prefer the cars' rear-wheel-drive configuration for its inherently crisper handling qualities, they tend to slip and slide on wet pavement and become stuck in the snow; those fitted with the optional all-wheel-drive system fare better in that regard. A choice of V-6 engines afforded average acceleration, with a 5.7-liter V8 being the quicker, albeit fuel-thirstier, choice. The top SRT-8 model packs a wallop with a 6.1-liter V-8 but is rare and costly. Even when new these cars felt cheap and unfinished and can't possibly fare much better three years down the road, particularly if they were driven hard. It's too bad that Chrysler decided to put Goodyear tires on these cars, terrible decision as Goodyear is one of the worst performing tires on the road as far as we are concerned.

Auto Repairs on the Rise

2011-06-20T10:29:00.004-04:00

The decline in new-vehicle sales during the recession is belatedly helping the auto repair and parts business as vehicles on the road are aging.

Carolina Tire & Auto experts say sales of auto repair parts and labor flattened or fell during the recession; while people bought fewer new cars, they also tended to neglect the ones they had. Doug Faulhaber, sales manager at the Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville, N.C., recalls people coming in with brakes badly worn. "They were overdue," he said.

Now, with new-vehicle sales still well below pre-recession levels and the average vehicle on the road nationwide about a decade old, neglect is catching up with vehicle owners, says Jim Seidel, who tracks the market from the Indian Land office of XL Tire, Inc.

"For a lot of the routine maintenance that makes up the bulk of the products and services in the aftermarket, you've seen deferred maintenance taking place," Seidel said. "Now, people are circling back around, having made the decision to keep their cars a few more years."

Tom Beagan, Charlotte area manager for NAPA, said Tuesday at the Carolina Tire store that high gasoline prices have spurred sales of items that increase fuel efficiency, such as engine air cleaners. "Customers are more interested in their maintenance now," he said.

Ron Rossi, director of research for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in Bethesda, Md., says industry revenues totaled about $210 billion in 2007, stayed flat in 2008 and fell in 2009 to about $207 billion. They rose to $215 billion last year and are forcast $224 billion for this year.

AutoZone, the repair and parts chain based in Memphis, reported May 24 that its earnings rose by 12 percent in its third fiscal quarter ended May 7, to $227.4 million — exceeding analysts estimates. AutoZone has more than 4,000 locations in 48 states, including 13 on Long Island, according to its website.

In April, Atlanta-based Genuine Parts said its first-quarter profits rose 26 percent from a year earlier, to $126 million. Genuine Parts is majority owner of the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), a trade group that distributes auto parts nationwide to about 6,000 stores.

As consumers continue to invest their money into their vehicles, they are very interested in what other people say about their auto repair business. Internet search engines and websites like Google and Angie's List allow consumers to post reviews of their experiences at businesses they patronize. Seidel believes that this is the holy grail as it pertains to acquiring new customers. "Our online reputation is second to none in Charlotte for auto repair facilities, which include all the car dealerships." Seidel noted. Carolina Tire & Auto has over 200 positive reviews online and are well on their way to 300 positive reviews. They appear to have discovered the way to work together with customers to help their reviews and business grow in auto repair and tires sales in Charlotte. According to Angie's List website, Carolina Tire & Auto had a perfect score with over 20 customer reviews and is an Angie's List "Super Service Award Winner".

A Royal Story of the Tire King and his Royal Travels

2011-05-17T14:27:00.014-04:00

Once upon a time there lived a King in the land of Tire. He lived by himself at the Palace of Pneus (Pneus is French for tire). The King of Tire or better known as, "The Tire King" loved tires and especially loved helping the people of his Kingdom and other Kingdoms with their car and tire problems. Too many times the Tire King would see hard working people being taken advantage of by other so called Tire Nobles from other kingdoms. .

At first it was just the King and his Tire .

This was pleasing to the King, but the tire was heavy so he mixed it up a little and tried to balance that tire out.

The King decided that he needed to find someone worthy enough to help him buy and sell but especially hold up with him the best tires in the world for his Kingdom. So the King trekked out about his Kingdom looking for someone strong enough and worthy enough to hold the world class tire from the Kingdom of Tire.

Many people tried out for this great honor. But Try as they might, no one could hold up to the world class standards that the Tire King held for his customers in the Kingdom of Tire.

So the King tried to disguise himself and see if he could find someone amongst the people of the Kingdom that would take on this royal task. The Tire King got himself a job at at Big Jim's Pizza Den from the Kingdom of Tire. Everyone seemed more interested in eating Big Jim's Pizza than having the royal responsibility of holding up the standards of world class tires within the Kingdom of Tire.

The King thought to himself, "well if I can't find anyone by land, maybe I'll find someone by sea?

That idea may have sounded good on dry land behind the safe walls of the Palace of Pneus. However once out in the ocean, the Tire King rethought this idea.

"If I can't find someone within this planet to keep and hold up my high world class tire standards, then maybe I need to go outside this planet to find someone", the King exclaimed.

So off on a royal trip to the Moon the King rocketed.

But when the King got to the Moon, all he found there besides his fellow astronaut was once again just himself holding the royal tire and high standards.

We he returned to Earth the King was still frustrated. He was frustrated that all his royal travels had not produced anyone that would help him hold his royal tire.

So the King decided to join the American CIA and help them fight terrorism around the world. The King was very successful at his new job. However, even when taking down the biggest of bad guys, he still found himself drawn to holding up the Royal Tire. It appeared that rubber really ran through his veins. So back to his Kingdom of Tire the King went.

It was back in the Kingdom of Tire when the handsome King found that the only person wanting to help him hold up the royal tire along with his world class standards and the best tires for the Kingdom of Tire was a lovely Princess named Princess Deb.

The King married the Princess and together holding the Royal Tire, they lived happily ever after at the Palace of Pneus in the Kingdom of Tire. Better known as Carolina Tire & Auto.

The End

Rebates Rebates Rebates

2011-05-17T08:27:00.003-04:00

Most everyone hates budgeting for their car repairs or especially tires, even us so we understand. But here at Carolina Tire & Auto and in some cases ONLY at Carolina Tire & Auto you can get major rebates or even cool Maui Jim sunglasses on tires, brakes or a tune up. So let's get this cool list started:

Tires in Charlotte, NC

Continental tire $80.00 rebate on 4 tires - Buy an 4 Continental tires and get an $80.00 Visa card back in the mail. This is a deal ONLY at Carolina Tire & Auto. Not at Tire rack, not at Discount Tire, not at Griffin Brothers, not Woody's, not at Firestone and certainly not at any car dealership.
General tire $50.00 rebate on 4 tires - Buy an 4 General brand tires and get an $50.00 Visa card back in the mail.
BF Goodrich tires $50.00 rebate on 4 tires - Buy an 4 BF Goodrich tires and get an $50.00 Visa card back in the mail.

Auto Repair in Charlotte, NC

The Ultimate Tune up rebate - Get your car tuned up at Carolina Tire & Auto and you could receive up to $75.00 Visa card back from Napa.
The Perfect Brake job - Needs rotors and pads for your car, truck or SUV? Buy them and have them installed at Carolina Tire & Auto Repair and get up to $90.00 in a Visa card or $180.00 Maui Jim Award Card. Just in time for your summer vacation

So when it comes to buying tires, getting the best brakes or getting the Ultimate Tune Up you need to think only one place. The auto repair dealership with the highest online ratings, the auto repair dealership with an Angie's List Super Service Award, the auto repair dealership with nationwide warranties on parts and labor, the auto repair dealership with free roadside assistance with any tire purchase or auto repair job.. Who am I talking about? Charlotte's one, Charlotte's only, Charlotte's Carolina Tire & Auto off of South Blvd and I-485 on the Pineville side.

Let the rebate card shower your mailbox this summer as you're driving around the coolest car in town fitted with cool Continental tires, awesome brakes and an engine that NASCAR would to hear hum on the track.

See you soon at:

Carolina Tire & Auto

10822 Pineville Rd

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

Avoiding Car Emergencies With Your Senses

2011-04-10T09:59:00.002-04:00

In response to the demise of some neighborhood service stations, the car companies have installed some systems to ensure that drivers stay off the side of the road. Tire pressure monitoring is one system meant as an early warning indicator of an impending emergency. The rest of the instrumentation on your dashboard (coolant temp, oil pressure, for example) adds to the feedback available to the Charlotte motorist.

However, some potential problem areas are not monitored by your car and are best detected by alert drivers who employ all of their senses to stay out of trouble. These are the sensual warning signs:

The smell of gas. An unwritten rule at gas stations that did repairs was to never send a car on its way if it was leaking gas. The garage either resolved it or suggested that the vehicle be towed to someone who could fix it within the expectations of the customer. The threat of fire is imminent due the myriad of ignition sources under the hood of a car, which includes various electrical connections and also superheated components. An aware driver should always respond to the smell of “raw” gasoline and seek out its source with the help of Carolina Tire & Auto to diagnose it.

The noise of an axle. It is not unusual for drivers to complain about noises emanating from the axles of their cars. A clicking or clunking noise when making turns is usually the marker for a failed CV or axle shaft. A roar from the area of the wheels can be a bad wheel bearing or hub unit. The roar is sometimes accompanied a slapping or whoop sound that is uniform to the speed of the wheel.

The feel of a front-end shake. The front end that shakes badly and commands the attention of the driver to the degree that he is hesitant to drive the vehicle may be traced to a failed tire. When the belt shifts in a tire it becomes egg shaped and at any speed will create fierce shaking. There are many other suspension and steering issues that can cause the front end of a car to shake, but usually not as bad as a tire that is out of round. Be sure to bring into the # 1 rated auto center in all of Charlotte at Carolina Tire & Auto and we will give your car a thorough inspection to diagnose exactly what that noise is.

The sight of leaking fluid. Before a car runs hot, loses its brakes, or has a transmission that slips, due to fluid loss there is a window of time that the fluids involved are visible around the car. This would be prior to your car’s instrumentation detecting a problem. This is why we suggest a “walk around” your car. Antifreeze will show up in the extreme front of the car, while transmission fluid is usually further back and brake fluid will be found around the perimeter.

Not all problems can be detected by your car’s early warning system, but with an awareness of your vehicle and the use of your senses to detect problems you can avert an emergency. For a FREE 27 point inspection of your car, call or visit Carolina Tire & Auto Repair today in Charlotte, NC for all your car repairs, car maintenance, tires or just for a hot cup of coffee.

Carolina Tire & Auto Repair

10822 Pineville Rd (Near I-485 & South Blvd near CarMax)

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

www.carolina-tire.com

Carolina Tire & Auto Alert - Stolen Batteries

2011-04-06T20:38:00.002-04:00

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are starting to see a new trend in crime. It's a crime of opportunity and one that only takes minutes to execute.

Police asked us to warn you about car batteries being ripped from right under your hood.

Rufus Blackmon is tired of making trips to the auto parts store.

“Well, I had to go buy two new batteries and pray they don’t do it again,” he said.

Thieves stole the battery right from under the hood of cars parked in his driveway in northeast Charlotte twice. On a third attempt, the car alarm stopped them.

“What they did, they broke this window back here and they opened the back door,” Blackmon says. “Once they get in, they popped the front door then popped the hood.”

Sgt. Ken Schul is handling several cases where batteries were stolen.

“It’s real easy,” he said. “I think the public’s probably not aware that this type of crime is going on.”

In fact, police say they've been seeing this more and more in recent months.

“It used to be a copper issue, copper prices have gone down and now recycling plants are seeing an uptick in batteries being brought to them,” Schul says. “They can make from $20, depending on how large the battery is, to $2 to $3 a battery. You steal five or six a day and you’re making $100.”

That's why they say batteries are disappearing from cars parked at businesses, church parking lots and neighborhoods.

“It’s happening all over the city, were getting complaints from all response areas,” Schul says.

Carolina Tire & Auto says to be vigilant to avoid falling victim to car battery thieves. If you see someone nosing around a neighbor’s car, call 911. They also say that, it’s clear in this case, the alarm managed to scare off the thieves.

Carolina Tire Pros Opens in Pineville, NC

2011-04-05T21:34:00.002-04:00

You may have noticed that a national tire store chain just opened a new outlet in Pineville, NC. But did you know there’s also a new, locally-owned store in town? They’re both the same store.

The new Carolina Tire & Auto dealership at 10822 Pineville Rd Pineville, NC 28134 is both—an independent, locally-owned store—and it’s also part of a powerful, nationwide network of tire dealerships.

“It’s the best of both worlds for the people of Charlotte,” explains Jim Seidel, president & CEO of Carolina Tire & Auto (http://www.carolina-tire.com). “Our customers receive the personal service of a locally family owned store that’s been serving the Charlotte market for 14 years. But because we’re part of the nationwide Tire Pros network, our customers benefit from the chain’s tremendous buying clout. We’re able to buy major brand tires for less, so we’re able to sell them at lower prices than a stand-alone store can.”

Tire Pros is the largest network of independent tire dealers in the US. They are one of the nation’s biggest sellers of Continental, General, Michelin, Uniroyal, BF Goodrich and Bridgestone tires. For even greater savings, Tire Pros also offers their own exclusive American brand.

Jim Seidel says he chose to be part of the Tire Pros network because their dealers have real independence and are in control of their own stores. “If one of my customers ever has a question or problem, no one’s going to pass you off to a head office somewhere,” says Jim. “The buck stops right here with me.”

As part of the nationwide network, Carolina Tire & Auto is able to offer its customers nationwide tire and automotive repair warranties honored coast-to-coast at over 300 Tire Pros stores and 1,000 American Car Care Centers.

The Carolina Tire & Auto staff participates in numerous ongoing educational and training programs, so they’ll always be up-to-date on the very latest tire and automotive technologies. “I’m proud of the team we’ve put together,” explains Mr. Seidel. “They’re some of the sharpest tire and automotive professionals in the industry.”

The automotive equipment at Carolina Tire & Auto is also second to none. State-of-the-art computerized alignment ensures accuracy and reliability. Their wheel mounting and laser guided balancing equipment is the best available, enabling the staff to provide meticulous care for every kind of specialty wheel.

Mr. Seidel is confident his customers will be impressed with their performance. “Our goal is to provide such honest, expert, friendly service that once someone tries us, they’ll never consider going anywhere else for tires or automotive service & repair”.

$25.00 gets you $100.00 at Carolina Tire for Continental Tires

2011-02-26T09:30:00.004-05:00

Everyone loves a great deal right? YES! Everyone loves to buy tires right? NO! What?!

Well Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville, NC has just made buying tires very fun and very cool.

How about a HUGE discount? Yes Yes ! Ok, go to Carolina Tire & Auto's website right now and click on the Buy Now button on our website. It will take you to PayPal where you can pay the $25.00 and print out your receipt.

Now call Carolina Tire & Auto at 704-553-9800 and get a tire quote on on four (4) Continental tires. Make an appointment to get your tires installed and bring in your $100.00 coupon. It's that simple.

Want more? Yes!

We'll throw in a brand new Flip HD Video Recorder with a qualifying set of four (4) Continental tires. To qualify, your order must be for $499.00 or more which includes all labor. We'll send in your paper work and your Flip HD Video Recorder will be delivered to your house.

p.s. We are an Angie's List Super Service Award Winner for 2010 and the top rated auto center in all of Charlotte, NC.

** Offer is only good at Carolina Tire & Auto, no cash value, cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or coupon. See store for details.

Carolina Tire & Auto

10822 Pineville Rd

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

Near I-485 & South Blvd

www.carolina-tire.com

Free Flip Video Recorder with Continental Tire Purchase at Carolina Tire

2011-02-02T09:07:00.003-05:00

Let me make this as easy as possible for you. If you were thinking about buying a Flip HD Video player for yourself, I just bought one for you. How do I get my new Flip HD Video recorder from Carolina Tire & Auto? I'm glad you asked.

Just come to Carolina Tire & Auto between now and March 12th, 2011 and buy any 4 Continental tires valued at $499.00 or more (including mounting & balancing), and I'll hand you a certificate to mail in for your very own Flip HD Video recorder to be sent to your house.

It's that easy. Still not not enough for you? Ok, you twisted my arm hard enough. Carolina Tire & Auto will also throw in a $50.00 certificate to be used at a later date back at our store for auto repair service or labor. Because if you didn't know, we are the #1 ranked Charlotte auto repair center for all makes of domestic and all makes of foreign car service and repair. Still not good enough for you? Alright, I'll throw in a bottle of Mona Vie Active to boot. Deal? Great!

To find Carolina Tire & Auto on the internet, go to Google and type in "tires charlotte nc" and hit the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button.

Call us today at 704-553-9800 to place your order today or visit us at:

Carolina Tire & Auto

10822 Pineville Rd

Pineville, NC 28134

Near I-485 & South Blvd (on the south side of I-485).

www.carolina-tire.com

Warning Lights in your Car

2011-01-28T09:51:00.005-05:00

Most drivers have had a warning light come on while they are behind the wheel, but many do not know how to react.

What does it mean?

Should I pull over?

Will my car quit running?

Is it really that important?

Can't I just ignore it?

"Warning lights are there for a reason—to let us know something is wrong with our car," said Jim Seidel, president of Carolina Tire & Auto. "In some cases, ignoring a warning light can quickly result in catastrophic damage to your car's engine, so it's important to know what each light means and what you should do if it comes on while driving."

While not all warning lights indicate disastrous consequences are about to occur, no illuminated warning indicator should ever be ignored. Carolina Tire & Auto encourages motorists to check their owner's manual for a detailed explanation of all of the warning lights in their vehicle. Some of the more common indicators found in vehicles are described below.

Oil Pressure Ligh t

The oil pressure light (usually an oil can symbol or the word "OIL") illuminates when there is a drop in engine oil pressure. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage. Unfortunately, it also allows you the shortest time in which to take action.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on, pull off the road immediately, shut off the engine and call for assistance. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle any further than is absolutely necessary. Doing so will significantly increase the extent of any engine damage—turning what might be a minor repair into a complete engine replacement.

Some drivers mistakenly believe the oil pressure warning light is an oil level indicator that tells when to add engine oil. This is not true. React quickly to this warning light to avoid costly engine damage.

Engine Temperature Light

The engine temperature light (usually a thermometer symbol or the word "TEMP") comes on when the engine temperature has exceeded the safe maximum. If the increase in temperature is not stopped, major engine damage or catastrophic failure will result. While the engine temperature light also indicates the potential for severe engine damage, it normally gives you a little more time to take action before that occurs.

If there are any signs of a cooling system leak, such as steam or liquid coolant coming from under the hood, pull off the road at the earliest safe opportunity, shut off the engine, and call Carolina Tire & Auto for assistance. Boiling coolant can cause severe burns, so be careful when opening the hood in the presence of steam, and never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

If there is no evidence of a cooling system leak, the overheating may have resulted from a temporary over load of the cooling system. This can sometimes occur in hot weather when the vehicle is heavily loaded or pulling a trailer. To help lower the engine temperature: reduce vehicle speed, turn off the air conditioning, roll down the windows, set the heater to the full hot position and operate the blower motor on its highest setting.

If the warning light does not go out within a couple miles, pull off the road at the first safe opportunity and allow the engine to cool while idling. If the temperature warning light still does not go off after a couple of minutes, shut off the engine and call Carolina Tire & Auto for assistance at 704-553-9800.

Charging System Light

The charging system light (usually a battery symbol or the word "ALT" or "GEN") illuminates when the vehicle electrical system is no longer being supplied power by the alternator. Charging system failure rarely results in serious mechanical damage, and of the "big three" warning lights, this one gives you the greatest amount of time to take appropriate action.

If the charging system light comes on: shut down all unnecessary electrical loads (radio, heater, air conditioning, etc.), then drive the vehicle to a repair facility for further inspection. Generally, you will have at least 15 minutes of daylight driving time before the battery voltage drops to the point where the ignition system will no longer function and the engine will quit.

The charging system light should not be interpreted to mean that the battery needs replacement. A charging system failure may cause the car's battery to discharge, but that does not automatically mean it needs to be replaced. The complete system should be checked by a trained technician with proper tools and equipment.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light (usually an engine symbol with the words "CHECK ENGINE SOON") comes on when there is a problem affecting the vehicle's exhaust emissions. When the check engine light is on, the vehicle may display driveability symptoms and the fuel economy will likely decrease.

If the check engine light comes on and stays on, make an appointment with an auto repair shop to have the problem checked in the near future. However, if the check engine light begins flashing repeatedly, the catalytic converter is overheating. Should this occur, drive the vehicle to a repair shop immediately for further diagnosis. Disregarding a flashing check engine light could start a fire, destroy the catalytic converter and result in necessary repairs that could easily exceed $1,000.

Brake Light

The brake light (usually a circular symbol with an exclamation point and/or the word "BRAKE") comes on when there is a loss in brake fluid pressure. However, the brake light can also illuminate to signal the emergency brake is on, so drivers should make sure that is not the case before panicking.

If there is a loss of system pressure, the driver may feel the brake pedal depress farther than usual. When the brake warning light comes on it is extremely important to take the car into a repair facility as soon as possible to have the system thoroughly inspected.

Airbag Light

The airbag light (usually a symbol of a seated person with a ball in front of their abdomen) comes on when a problem is detected with the airbag system. When the warning light is on, there is a strong likelihood that one or more of the vehicle airbags have been deactivated and will not deploy if the vehicle becomes involved in a collision. Drivers should make an appointment with a repair facility to have the system inspected as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure Light

The tire pressure monitoring system light (usually a tire cross section symbol with an exclamation point) comes on when one or more tires are significantly underinflated. This may be the result of gradual pressure leakage over time, or an object that has punctured a tire.

If the tire pressure monitoring system displays individual tire pressures, check the dash display. If the pressures are all within a few pounds of one another, the warning is probably from gradual leakage over time; check and adjust the tire pressures as soon as possible. If one pressure is significantly lower than the others, a puncture is likely. A severely deflated tire will also affect handling and may cause the vehicle to drift to one side. Pull off the road at the first available safe location and call Carolina Tire & Auto for assistance at 704-553-9800.

Where the tire pressure monitoring system does not display individual tire pressures, pull off the road at the first available safe location and check the tire pressures. If you don't have a pressure gauge, listen for leaks, feel for objects in the tire treads, and look for a tire that is obviously low on air. If a problem is apparent, call Carolina Tire & Auto for assistance. Otherwise, drive at reduced speed to the nearest gas station or repair facility to have the tires inspected and the pressures adjusted.

In most cases, the illumination of a warning light on the dashboard should result in a trip to a Carolina Tire & Auto for further inspection, Charlotte's top rated auto repair center on the internet, an "A" rating at the BBB of Charlotte and an Angie's List Super Service Award winner for 2010/2011.

Winter Driving Tips for Charlotte, NC

2011-01-13T12:16:00.002-05:00

In case the weather breaks bad on us again here in the Carolinas, Carolina Tire & Auto has come up with some driving tips for you.

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

If all else fails, call the # 1 rated auto center in all of Charlotte, NC at 704-553-9800 and we'll send someone to rescue you.

Groupon Makes Carolina Tire & Auto the Deal of the Day

2011-01-13T10:42:00.003-05:00

The internet sensation Groupon is offering up Carolina Tire & Auto as their Charlotte deal of the day. Today only you may purchase at Groupon.com up to two certificates for service work. $25.00 buys you $50.00 of service at Carolina Tire & Auto. You may purchase two certificates only.

The certificates are to be used on any service or labor items at:

Carolina Tire & Auto

10822 Pineville Rd

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

http://www.carolina-tire.com

Groupon Deal of the Day

Carolina Tire & Auto is Charlotte's most trusted auto repair center in all of Charlotte. *Based on Angie's List Super Service Award and over 200 positive reviews from customers in Charlotte.

Winter Driving

2011-01-10T08:58:00.003-05:00

The colder months of the year here in Charlotte can take their toll on your car, especially if you live up north or in the Mountains. But a few simple preventative measures will keep your car looking good and protect it from the ice and slush. Your car will thank you and you'll thank yourself when you get ready to sell it.

Here are a few tips for protecting your car from Charlotte's cold weather:

Have all your vital fluids checked. Vital fluids include; oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, your coolant and your washer fluid. Carolina Tire & Auto will perform a 27 point inspection on all these vital fluids for free. You do not want to be out in the cold and have your coolant not working below freezing or your oil level to be too low. These all can cause serious damage to your engine, not to mention strand you out in the middle of I-485 waiting for a tow truck.
Tires - Take a penny out of your pocket and put President Lincoln's head into the tread in at least 3 spots. If you CAN see his head, it's time to replace your tires. Winter in no time to fool around with trying to "stretch the tread life" out of your old tires. Your life is worth much more than saving a few hundred dollars on tires. During winter, even in Charlotte, NC it is recommended to put on winter tires or snow tires. Not because of all the snow we don't get, but the roads that continually have 42 degree weather and below can get just as slick. Winter tires have a "sticky" compound and tiny bubbles for better grip in these type of road conditions. Carolina Tire & Auto Repair recommends winter tires on most vehicles in Charlotte, NC.
Batteries: With every service performed at Carolina Tire & Auto Repair we always perform a free battery, starter and charging system check. If your battery is low or dead, you are not going anywhere. If your alternator isn't charging your battery, it may cause strange electrical problems and or kill your battery.
Bread and milk: If you have not had any of these services performed at Carolina Tire & Auto Repair, it's time to stock up on bread and milk in Charlotte as you are not going anywhere.
Driving safely: If you have had your car serviced at Carolina Tire & Auto you know that your car has been serviced professionally for these items. Be aware that snow and ice are very slippery and require you to slow down and just go slow to where you need to go. Do not jerk the steering wheel or slam on your brakes. In this case, you will get to where you're going if you go slow.

Good driving and we'll see you at Carolina Tire & Auto for all your seasonal changes to your car.

Carolina Tire & Auto Repair

10822 Pineville Road (I-485 & South Blvd)

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

Carolina Tire & Auto Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

2010-12-27T11:41:00.002-05:00

Carolina Tire & Auto has been awarded the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

“With over 200 positive online reviews, an "A" rating with the BBB of Charlotte and now a 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, we couldn't be happier”, the company officially announced.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2010 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

###

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Carolina Tire & Auto is an auto repair and tire center located in south Charlotte, North Carolina. With 12 service bay garages and over 7,000 sq feet of retail space to perform auto repair on European cars like Mercedes, BMW, Saab, Volvo, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche as well as all Japanese imports like Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Suzuki, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Nissan and of course all domestic cars and trucks like General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

One Price Car Tires Announced at Carolina Tire

2010-12-22T09:17:00.006-05:00

Want tire prices made easy? Here it is, all Capital brand tires 13 inch through 17 inch are now just $79.00 per tire, plus installation. Approximately 20 sizes to choose from.

Call 704-553-9800 to get yours today. Offer ends 12/31/2010

Here's the easy math price per tire:

1 Capital tire = $79.00 + 15.00 installation = $94.00

2 Capital tires = $158.00 + 30.00 installation = $188.00

3 Capital tire = $237.00 + 45.00 installation = $282.00

4 Capital tire = $316.00 + 15.00 installation = $376.00

So you think that this deal isn't good enough? OK! You asked for it.

ADD IN:

$50.00 Service Certificate to be used at a later date
Free Alignment check
Free battery check
Free bottle of Mona Vie Active (while supplies last) $30.00 value.
$25.00 Credit from American Express when you use your AMEX card and sign up for their small business program at American Express.
Full Service Oil Change for ONLY $29.99 - (NORMALLY $39.99) This comes with FREE road side assistance.
Discounted Tire Protection Plan - $10.00 per tire for nationwide tire protection (normally $15.00 per tire) Comes with free flat repairs for the life of the tire and hazard protection.

Whew! For the best tire prices in Charlotte NC come only to Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville.

Every tire purchase comes with a FREE:

22-Point Vehicle inspection. Alignment check and Lifetime Tire Rotation!

* excludes specialty applications. Tire prices do not include local state new tire fee and/or tire disposal fees (see store for details). Tire related products and services are optional if desired. Some tires may be temporarily out of stock. Rainchecks available. Please call for availability. Some tires not available for carry out. Speed ratings vary by vehicle. Please check with the nearest store for fitment for your vehicle.

2010-12-20T10:12:00.004-05:00

Ok now this is ridiculous; Buy any 4 tires at Carolina Tire & Auto and get a $50.00 service voucher, a bottle of Mona Vie Active and $25 bucks back from American Express if you use your AMEX card by 12/31/2010 and sign up for supporting Small Business. https://enroll.amexnetwork.com/US/sbs/

You are up over $100.00 dollars worth of incentives.

What if I need my radiator flushed or my power steering fluid flushed? Transmission flush?

Invest in any of our services and your discounts grow.

$10.00 off of One
$25.00 off of two
$50.00 off of three

Carolina Tire & Auto has been ranked as the best overall in Charlotte, NC for auto repair, tires, professional staff, showroom and more. Our results are are customer driven from reviews all over the world wide web in places like Google, Repair Pal, Angie's List, Yodle, Yahoo, Bing, Insider Pages, City Search, Yellow Pages and more. We now have over 200 positive reviews combined over the web.

Serving all of the Charlotte, NC with customers coming from Pineville, Fort Mill, Charlotte, Indian Land, Sun City, Weddington, Waxhaw, Denver, Gastonia, Up Town, Ballantyne and more. Not one other repair facility, car dealer or tire shop in Charlotte has more positive reviews in so many places. It's a tribute to our employees and to our customers to be so highly rated.

If you live in Charlotte and are not happy with your auto service provider, hate the dealership high prices or are just new in town and are looking for an auto mechanic that you can trust, look no other place than Carolina Tire & Auto in Pineville and call today at 704-553-9800.

Carolina Auto Repair and Service Centers are trustworthy, ASE certified auto-car repair and service company in Charlotte and the Carolinas with over 100 combined years of experience in the Charlotte, Mecklenburg area of North Carolina

We are auto repair experts in:

BMW Service

Mercedes Service

Japanese cars

Imports

All American cars

Carolina Tire & Auto

10822 Pineville Rd (I-485 & South Blvd)

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

Come visit us for just a few of these services.

car, auto repair, auto, repair, service, Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg, automobile , air conditioning, battery, batteries, brake, brakes, coolant system, engine diagnostics, nationwide warranty, state inspections, North Carolina, OE scheduled maintenance, shuttle service, struts, shocks, auto suspension, alignments, alignment, tires, towing, commercial fleet services, Michelin tires.

100,000-Mile Maintenance Costs

2010-12-14T07:49:00.003-05:00

According to Carolina Tire & Auto data, owners are keeping their cars longer than they did two years ago, a trend that is expected to continue until the economy rebounds. As more of the nation's cars exceed 75,000 miles and approach the celebrated 100,000-mile mark, regular maintenance becomes an increasingly important way to prevent costly car repairs.

To help you coax extra miles out of your current car, we wanted to know what consumers could expect to pay to keep their cars running longer. We estimated the cost of scheduled maintenance (service at specific intervals recommended by the manufacturer) and car repairs (unanticipated fixes) for 75,000 miles of normal use for the nation's 10 best-selling vehicles. Additionally, we estimated how much you would pay in maintenance to push those odometers all the way to five zeros. The results are below.

Repair/Maintenance Costs for Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles

Make/Model	Repair to 75K Miles	Scheduled Maintenance to 75K Miles	Scheduled Maintenance to 100K Miles
Toyota Camry	$654	$2,028	$2,821
Honda Accord	$654	$1,177	$1,520
Ford F-150	$887	$1,102	$1,781
Honda Civic	$654	$1,163	$1,498
Toyota Corolla	$654	$2,008	$2,802
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	$761	$1,369	$2,336
Nissan Altima	$654	$1,093	$1,490
Honda CR-V	$654	$973	$1,610
Chevrolet Impala	$724	$997	$1,740
Ford Fusion	$752	$1,294	$1,738

2010 estimates based on 2009 year-to-date figures through 12/9/09

What the Data Shows

Five different brands have sedans in the top 10, so we compared their costs and found some interesting contrasts. In fact, through 75,000 miles of use, the Chevrolet Impala costs an estimated 51 percent ($1,031) less in scheduled maintenance than the top-selling Toyota Camry. While some might guess that this is due to foreign cars being more expensive to service generally, the Nissan Altima also costs almost half as much less to maintain — $935 — as the Camry.

Furthermore, if you drive a car for a full 100,000 miles, the Altima emerges as the overall savings winner, with an estimated 47 percent ($1,331) less in scheduled maintenance costs than the Camry. While this figure represents a little more than a penny per mile, it adds up to a substantial savings.

Reliability and Warrantees

Many people buy vehicles from Japanese manufacturers because of their reputation for long-term reliability. But is that idea born out within the top 10 best sellers? Not by much. Within the 75,000 miles that our data covers, the difference in repair costs is minimal. The Camry, Honda Accord and Altima each cost an estimated 13 percent less in car repairs over 75,000 miles than the Ford Fusion does — but that's only a $98 difference.

More importantly, should a drivetrain part fail after 60,000 miles — usually an expensive repair — Chevrolet, with its 100,000-mile drivetrain coverage, will protect you. Toyota, Honda and Nissan will not.

Warranty Coverage for Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicle Brands in Years/Miles

Make	Basic	Drivetrain	Rust/Corrosion	Roadside Assistance
Chevrolet	3/36,000	5/100,000	6/100,000	5/100,000
Ford	3/36,000	5/60,000	5/Unlimited	5/60,000
Honda	3/36,000	5/60,000	5/Unlimited	None Available
Nissan	3/36,000	5/60,000	5/Unlimited	3/36,000*
Toyota	3/36,000	5/60,000	5/Unlimited	None Available

*Nissan: Towing to nearest Nissan dealer if your vehicle is inoperative due to the failure of a warrantied part.

In fact, drivetrain reliability for the Camry and the Impala aren't so far apart. While owners of 2002 and 2003 Impalas encountered "moderate problems" with their engines, the owners of 2002-'03 Camrys encountered more "significant problems" — the worst of three possible scores, according to data provider Identifix. One can't help but wonder how many Camry drivers who drove past the 60,000-mile mark would have benefited from the Impala's more generous five-year/100,000-mile drivetrain coverage.

Of course, the cost of maintenance and repairs are only two factors in judging a car's true cost to own. Toyota still enjoys strong resale value, which figures very prominently in a vehicle's overall value. And driving your car for 75,000 or 100,000 miles — even if it costs more to maintain — is almost always a better value proposition than trading it in for a new car.

Spend Now, Save Later

Proper vehicle maintenance is clearly a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but still, tough economic times and busy lifestyles can push car maintenance down on many owners' to-do lists. Recent findings by the Car Care Council found that 38 percent of cars surveyed had low or dirty engine oil, 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection, 19 percent needed new belts and 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid — all potentially costly problems that regular maintenance can prevent.

Fortunately, the days of shelling out money for oil changes every 3,000 miles are all but gone. Forget that old rule of thumb. Only your owner's manual, which you can also find online, is the bona fide source of its maintenance schedule, from when to rotate the tires to the frequency of transmission service.

Don't rely solely on more general recommendations, and certainly not the "dealer's recommended schedule," which will cost you more than necessary. If you want to look at extending oil change intervals, you can also have your oil analyzed. Following the manufacturer's schedule carefully not only means fewer problems as a car ages; it also prevents the manufacturer from ever voiding your warranty based on "neglect."

2010-12-09T09:14:00.003-05:00

With some 250 million vehicles on America's roads, and an average age of nearly 10 years, times are good for the auto aftermarket repair chains.

Companies such as Charlotte based, Carolina Tire & Auto, Midas Inc and Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack have had a good recession as drivers patch and fix rather than buy new, and that trend should continue for a few years yet as a shaky economic recovery deters big-ticket buys.

As consumers put off buying new cars, they create more repair and maintenance work for top notch automotive repair companies like Carolina Tire & Auto.

Monro Muffler Brake enjoyed 7.2 percent same-store sales growth in the year to end-March, its best in 13 years.

Consumer spending picked up a touch -- about 0.4 percent -- in October, but is far from robust. Concerns about low inflation and slow growth have seen the Federal Reserve pump more money into the economy by buying government debt.

Industry trends should remain favorable for repair and service firms for another 2-5 years, automotive market analyst at XL Tire, Inc.Jim Seidel said.

For the moment, customers seem willing to have their cars fixed, the nation's fleet is getting older, cars are more complex and credit is available.

New car sales are in a ditch, though improving slowly, and there is stubbornly high unemployment. Shuttered car dealerships are pushing more business to auto repair stores like Carolina Tire & Auto.

Midas and Monro Muffler currently trade at around 20 times next year's predicted earnings.

The risks to this scenario are that new car sales will jump as dealers offer aggressive and sustained competitive pricing, and oil prices rise sharply, pushing up gas and tire prices, depressing the number of miles driven.

Last year, just 10.4 million new cars were sold in the United States, the lowest in 27 years. For 2010, automotive forecaster J.D. Power and Associates expects 11.5 million cars and light trucks to be sold in the United States.

Aging FLEET

The availability of credit, vehicle financing and an increase in leasing are factors driving new car sales, said Jeff Schuster, Executive Director of Global Forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates, an automotive forecasting firm.

While depressed new car sales and dealership closures have helped accelerate growth at Monro Muffler and O'Reilly Automotive, long-run drivers continue to be new store growth, miles driven and the rise in vehicles' average age, said Paul Lambert of Wasatch Advisors Inc.

Seidel sees continued demand for vehicle repair in the independent aftermarket, and doesn't think rising car sales will have that big an impact.

Continental Cross Contact LX Handling Deep Snow

2010-12-07T18:04:00.003-05:00

Continental Cross Contact LX

Thanks to the open outer shoulder, this tire provides good handling and braking properties even on easy terrain. The four deep and broad circumferential grooves widen towards the opening, ensuring very good aquaplaning resistance and reducing tire damage by hindering stones from getting caught. Thanks to their rib characteristic and pronounced siping, the three circumferential block rows make for precise steering response and very good straightline performance while guaranteeing that the tire rolls very smoothly and quietly.

This tire is available exclusively at Carolina Tire & Auto, one of the largest Continental Tire dealers in Charlotte, NC. 704-553-9800

Click below to see our demo of this tire in severe winter mountain weather.

Santa Claus at Carolina Tire &Auto

2010-12-02T10:01:00.004-05:00

Looking for Santa Claus at your local car dealership? Maybe your local auto service center? Better keep looking. That is unless you go to Carolina Tire & Auto.

From now through Christmas, come see Santa Claus singing and dancing away to your favorite Christmas carols at Carolina Tire & Auto. While you're there, get a fresh, hot cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee and a hot bag of popcorn. All free, courtesy of Charlotte's #1 auto center, Carolina Tire & Auto.

If you're in the need for a set of good quality Continental tires or any set of tires, Santa is giving away $50 bucks back for you to use on your next return to Carolina Tire & Auto for any auto repair work or service labor.

Thanks as always for your support,

The Seidel family

http://www.mercedescharlottenc.com

http://www.ballantyneautorepair.com

http://www.charlotteautorepair.info

$50 Bucks Back on a Set of Tires

2010-11-29T20:58:00.002-05:00

Who couldn't use an extra $50.00 bucks to use on their car for maintenance or auto repairs in Charlotte, NC? Everyone knows that Carolina Tire & Auto is the best place in Charlotte for tires and service, but did you also know that Carolina Tire & Auto also is fast becoming the premiere place in town for auto repair? To prove it to you, they're going to give you $50.00 bucks to try them out. Buy any 4 tires from now until 12/31/2010 and you'll get a $50.00 certificate to use on any auto repair service or labor on your next visit. Need brakes? Timing belt, water pump, heating issues, or need a new radiator? Get your service quote from Carolina Tire & Auto and then bring in your $50.00 certificate. Sorry but cannot combine with other coupons or deals.

Head Gaskets

2010-11-28T19:59:00.002-05:00

The head gasket is situated between the flat surfaces of the cylinder head and the engine block. The head gasket can consist of a composite material, a multi-layer metal "sandwich" design, or a one-piece, copper-like material.

The head gasket is critical—it must contain intense combustion pressure and temperature, extremely hot engine coolant, and equally hot engine oil under pressure. The head gasket must prevent both internal and external leakage. The clamping force applied to the head gasket is extreme by design—the cylinder head and engine block must be flat and true. In addition, the cylinder head bolts must be correctly installed or "torqued" as specified. An "inline" engine design requires one head gasket. "V" and flat engine designs require two head gaskets.

Coolant and your Cooling System

2010-11-28T19:54:00.003-05:00

Coolant is a fluid which runs through the engine for the purposes of maintaining the correct operating temperature of many components, including the engine, transmission, and in some vehicles, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and fuel systems. Coolant is also used to create heated air from your climate control system. Coolant is a mixture of water, an agent that prevents freezing (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol), and a small amount of corrosion inhibitor.

Manufacturer-specified and proprietary coolant types are becoming common. Make sure to use the coolant the manufacturer recommends; the wrong coolant can damage your vehicle. Some manufacturers suggest coolant should last the vehicle’s first 100,000 miles, however checking the “specific gravity” of the coolant during regular maintenance visits is a method of verifying coolant strength for prevention of freezing. Other tests can be done to verify the strength of corrosion resistance, which, when low, can be damaging to the cooling system components.

Spark Plug Replacement

2010-11-28T19:50:00.001-05:00

Replacing the spark plugs is part of the regular maintenance schedule for any gasoline-powered vehicle. There are one or more spark plugs per cylinder. Replacing them can be labor intensive on some late model vehicles.

How to Replace the Spark Plugs

Allow the engine to cool off and remove any plastic engine cover(s)
On a transverse mounted V6 engine, you may have to remove the upper intake manifold
Remove each ignition wire or individual ignition coil to gain access to each spark plug
Using a spark plug socket, loosen each spark plug by rotating it counterclockwise
When the spark plug is completely free of its threads, lift it out of its spark plug hole
Treat the threads on the new factory specified spark plug with anti-seize thread compound
Using the spark plug socket, carefully insert each spark plug into each hole
Carefully install each spark plug by hand until they are tight
Torque each spark plug to the manufacturer's specifications
Reinstall each wire and/or coil and re-assemble the engine
Start the vehicle and let it idle to verify that the new spark plugs are working correctly

About this Repair: Spark Plug Replacement

Best Practices

To prevent ignition misfires and Check Engine Light problems, we recommend using only high-quality spark plugs, and preferably spark plugs from the OEM.
Spark plugs have different ratings and it's important that the correct type are used.
Spark plug terminals wear down over time and can lead to engine misfires. At minimum, they need to be replaced at the mileage specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Common Symptoms

Failing spark plugs can cause the engine to run rough and misfire, which can trigger the Check Engine Light. Continuing to drive under these conditions can damage the catalytic converter.

BMW Control Arm Bushing Problems

2010-11-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

Purchasers who choose a BMW recognize that reliability and style are worth every penny; quality parts are sure to keep your car on the road. The exclusive look of a luxurious BMW is the epitome of foreign expertise, form and performance. BMW is a high-end maker of sleek automobiles which feature first rate driver control and fast driving capabilities. That BMW in the garage was put together with the highest care and skill; it deserves new OEM parts of the same top level of quality.

However, the BMW control arm bushing seems to be a problem these days at Carolina Tire & Auto. The control arm bushing consists of two metal sleeves separated by a rugged rubber bushing. This prevents the control arms from directly contacting the suspension and provides a smoother ride. A broken or failing control arm will cause suspension issues and clunking sounds when you drive. Protect your car's critical systems like the engine by buying the most outstanding quality components. Whether it's the brakes and wheels or gaskets and manifolds, restoring your cherished vehicle with the best parts will pay off every single time.

If you are hearing a knocking noise from underneath your BMW or it feels like it's shaking like crazy, call Carolina Tire & Auto immediately. We are experts in replacing the suspension parts in BMW cars. We'll get your BMW back in shape quickly and at a great price.

Driving a BMW is an intelligent choice, now maintaining it in top condition is an even better idea. Sometimes the most difficult thing about fixing an older vehicle is finding a top-rated source for reliable parts. Use www.carolina-tire.com every time you need top quality automotive parts and be rewarded by our friendly service and a great price.

Carolina Tire & Auto, your BMW service headquarters.

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Escalade Most Likely to Be Hit by Thieves

GM says bankruptcy excuses it from Impala repairs

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Winter Driving Tips for Charlotte, NC

Groupon Makes Carolina Tire & Auto the Deal of the Day

Winter Driving

Carolina Tire & Auto Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

One Price Car Tires Announced at Carolina Tire

Every tire purchase comes with a FREE:

Invest in any of our services and your discounts grow.$10.00 off of One$25.00 off of two$50.00 off of three

100,000-Mile Maintenance Costs

Repair/Maintenance Costs for Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles

What the Data Shows

Reliability and Warrantees

Warranty Coverage for Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicle Brands in Years/Miles

Spend Now, Save Later

Continental Cross Contact LX Handling Deep Snow

Santa Claus at Carolina Tire &Auto

$50 Bucks Back on a Set of Tires

Head Gaskets

Coolant and your Cooling System

Spark Plug Replacement

About this Repair: Spark Plug Replacement

Best Practices

Common Symptoms

BMW Control Arm Bushing Problems

Invest in any of our services and your discounts grow.

$10.00 off of One
$25.00 off of two
$50.00 off of three