Carolina Tire & Auto Earns Angie's List Super Service Award 4th Year in a Row

Carolina Tire & Auto has been awarded the prestigious 2012 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 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, we couldn’t be happier being this is our 4th year in a row winning the award”, the company officially announced. "It's our customers in Charlotte that are the real winners in all this", the company stated.

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 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Carolina Tire & Auto (www.carolina-tire.com) are auto repair and tire centers located in South Charlotte as well as Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. With 20 service bay garages and over 12,000 sq feet of retail space to perform auto repair on European cars like Mercedes (www. (http://www.carolinamotorwerks.com/)carolinamotorwerks.com)

, BMW repair, 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.

Carolina Tire Services Cars with Extended Warranties

Yes, Carolina Tire can service your vehicle if you have an extended warranty. We work with 99% of the extended warranty companies, and we take care of all the details for you. There's no need to return to the dealer. If you don't have an extended warranty and you're planning to keep your vehicle well beyond its factory warranty period, you may want to consider an extended warranty. An extended warranty can deliver peace of mind while literally saving you thousands of dollars. We see these policies pay off every day for our customers. While Carolina Tire does not endorse any warranty company; here are some of the companies we have dealt with: Luxury Care; Secure Care; Xtra Care; Power Shield; Easy Care; CarMax; Max Care: Extended Car Warranty; Warranty Direct; Auto Warranty; CNA Warranty Co.; CNA National Warranty; Fidelity Easy Care; Continental Warranty; Old Republic; Direct Buy Warranty; AA Auto Protection; Car Guard: Associates Underwriting Limited; AVL Corp.; US Direct Protect; Direct Buy Warranty; The Warranty Group; Protective Asset Protection and Auto Warranty Agency.

Before you buy, here are some words of wisdom: The best time to buy a policy is typically before the factory warranty expires, often around 3 years or 36,000 miles. Vehicles meeting these criteria qualify for a "new car policy," which offers more extensive coverage at a better price than "used car coverage." You do not need to buy the service contract when you buy the car. Many companies sell excellent warranties independent of dealerships and car lots. Consumers often buy a policy with their new car because they can roll the cost into the monthly car payment. Otherwise, there is no overwhelming benefit. For the best protection, choose a warranty with "exclusionary" coverage. This is the most common type of policy, and it covers all components except for a few clearly stated exceptions. Conversely, non-exclusionary coverage specifies which components are covered. If a failed part isn't listed, it isn't covered. Always purchase a policy that permits you to use the repair facility of your choice when extended warranty work is needed. A few policies require buyers to return to the selling dealership. Some policies limit the amount per hour they will pay for labor. A few pay a maximum of $60 per hour, which is substantially below the per-hour average in most areas. Look for a policy that does not cap the labor costs or for one that pays $100 or more per hour. Choose a service contract that charges one deductible per claim, not per procedure. For example, if you have a $50 deductible per claim and you're addressing three warranty repairs in one service visit, you will pay $50 for the claim. If your deductible is charged per procedure, you will pay $150. Keep in mind that extended warranties are not designed to cover all repair costs in all situations. For example, diagnostic procedures are not always covered and are rarely covered in their entirety. In the case of a noise caused by a faulty wheel bearing, the warranty company will cover the labor and parts for replacing the wheel bearing. But the company may not cover the time required to diagnose the condition. Even though you can still expect some out-of-pocket costs, they will be minimal compared to paying for the repair on your own. It is smart to perform some due diligence on the underwriting company. Not all of them are solvent, and some consumers have been left without coverage even after paying for it.

Summer Clearance Sale on all Tires in Charlotte, NC

All tires are on Summer clearance starting at just $40 bucks. It doesn't get any cheaper any where in the world. Call now for multiple locations in Charlotte and Ballantyne. 704-553-9800

Tires in Charlotte, NC are the cheapest ever starting right now. Call now, Lines are open. 

Book SAME DAY Appointments Online Now


Tires for Charlotte, Tires for the World.

South Charlotte Location

8 Minutes from Ballantyne Country Club

4 Minutes from Carolina Place Mall

8 Minutes from Carrowinds

12 Minutes from downtown Fort Mill

Uptown Location:

2 Minutes from Bo Jangles Area

8 Minutes from the heart of Uptown

5 Minutes from Dilworth

Elizabeth area

PLUS, roll back prices on all auto repairs - Honda, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, GMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Porsche, Volvo, Saab. 

Ford Repair, Toyota Repair, Honda Repair, Aston Martin 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, Buffalo Tire Building on Monroe Rd, Ford Taurus Repair, Woodie, NAPA, Napa Auto Care Center, Volkswagen Jetta Repair, BMW 325i Repair, Ford Explorer Repair, Ford Escort Repair, Brembo brakes, Honda shop, Garage, Swedish, Euro Car Repair, Bimmer Shop, 

Need A Suspension Inspection At Carolina Tire& Auto In Charlotte?

Need A Suspension Inspection At Carolina Tire& Auto In Charlotte?

Your suspension system keeps your car up off the road. From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride around Charlotte. It also keeps your sedan wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves on Charlotte roads and interstates.

Your suspension system has many critical parts that do a big job. They should be inspected for damage and excessive wear at least once a year. A good time would be when you get your alignment check in Charlotte.

Here are some warning signs of suspension problems: the sedan pulls to one side, wandering, erratic steering, uneven tire wear, leaning, shocks bottom out, poor ride or handling, oil leaking from shocks, and excessive bouncing.

Now sedan suspension parts just wear out over time. Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your ride. If you’re in an accident, your sedan suspension can be damaged or knocked out of alignment. Even a minor accident, like hitting a curb, pothole or large rock can mess things up.
If you suspect suspension problems, ask for an inspection and let the Super Service Agents technicians at Carolina Tire & Auto in Charlotte set things right.

Give us a call

Carolina Tire & Auto
980-219-8500 Uptown
704-553-9800 Ballantyne



3325 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205

At Carolina Tire & Auto in Charlotte NC (28205) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 980-219-8500. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.carolina-tire.com

When to replace your tires?

A great question from a Carolina Tire & Auto customer...


Q: My father is notoriously frugal, and I tell him he should replace his old dry-rotted tires even though they still have plenty of tread. Can you please explain why I'm right? 


A: I think our dads might be brothers. Tire replacement is pretty straightforward to the cost-conscious: when the tread wears down or a hole can't be patched. The reality is more nuanced than that. Tires are complex components that undergo amazing stresses during even the most mundane of drives. It took the better part of 50 years and a world war before motorists could depend on reaching a far-away destination without fixing one or two flats. As rubber technology and steel-belting techniques improved, tires became a very reliable part of the car—we just don't expect blowouts and punctures. 

Tires do degrade over time, though, and that process is called dry rot. Oils and chemicals in the rubber compound start to evaporate or break down because of UV exposure. The rubber loses its flexibility and begins to crack at the surface, and the structure becomes more and more brittle (think of a really old rubber band), leading to sidewall damage and eventual failure. And we're not talking "Oh, I'll just fill it up and drive on it"; this is a complete loss of function. You might even see tread start to separate. It's good practice to replace tires as soon as you see signs of dry rot, to prevent blowouts and the subsequent loss of vehicle control. Even if there are no signs of rot, the industry standard is to swap out tires before they hit 10 years old, and some tire companies recommend replacement as early as six years after manufacture.

Tire King Hits Pinterest Boards

Social media is the fast and furious when it comes to getting your advertising word out. Here at Carolina Tire & Auto we hang our hat or better yet our crown on Charlotte's Tire King to get our word out on us. Call him our mascot if you will, either way what's not to like. A big guy carrying around a big tire on his shoulder. Kind of like that old Duracell commercial, telling you to try to knock it off his shoulder.

Our next big step today was stepping into Pinterest. When we sat down to "pin" all our marketing collateral of the Tire King together we discovered that he's been literally all over our Universe. Here are just a few of the places that the Tire King has been sighted.

• The Moon
• Buckingham Palace
• Pakistan
• Charlotte, NC
• On every US Airways airplane in their fleet
• Green Bay's Lambeau Field
• Chicago's Soldier Field
• in a Simpson's cartoon
• In the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band photo shoot
• People Magazine
• At the White House with Ronald Reagan, George Bush (Bush I), Barack Obama and John Boehner
• In the Smurf Movie
• Having Christmas dinner with the band Simplified and Chevy Chase
• Skiing in the ocean with great white sharks
• In his pizza parlor
• In Mexico
• In the movie Wall Street
• Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin
• At Charlotte Harris Teeter grocery stores
• Billboards in Charlotte, NC
• In CBS's Two and a Half Men
• In ABC's Modern Family
• On the Death Star with Darth Vader
• And all around various hot spots in Charlotte, NC

Whew!

When you add it all up and see it at once, it's a lot. We love the fun our friends, family and customers have with the Tire King. If you have a place that you'd like to see him, let us know and we'll send him out on a voyage.


Thanks,


The Tire King
Carolina Tire & Auto

How to care for an aging car

As the U.S. economy continues to battle tough headwinds, many drivers are keeping their cars longer. The average age of a passenger vehicle in the U.S. has increased to about 11 years, according to researchers R.L. Polk. (It was only nine years back in 2000.) 

Here are some of the things you can do to help keep these vehicles stay alive and well: 

Love Your Cooling System

Hoses that carry engine coolant live a hard life. They're forced to transport high-pressure fluids that can exceed a rubber-scorching 240 F. Meanwhile, the water pump gets no respect—no respect at all—even though the engine would die without it in minutes. In retaliation, these components conspire to fail on aging cars at the worst possible times and places—extremely hot or cold days in areas with poor cell coverage are among their favorites. 

If you don't know when your old vehicle's coolant hoses were last replaced, now would be a good time to do it. Don't forget heater hoses, which carry hot coolant into the passenger compartment. As for water pumps, they often warn of their impending death by emitting an odor reminiscent of pancake syrup or by piddling green fluid on the garage floor. If you're already undertaking significant work on the engine in an older car, go ahead and replace the water pump while things are disassembled. 

Brake Time

Keeping the braking system youthful will help your vehicle live long and prosper. If you inherited or purchased an older car, bleed the brakes. With a helpful friend, the right tools, and a repair manual, brake bleeding is no harder than an oil change. 

If the brake fluid flows a clear, amber color, the system likely has been recently rebuilt and well-maintained. If the fluid spurts out dark black and is filled with bits of rubber and rust, a complete brake overhaul is your first priority. 

Brake jobs are to DIY mechanics what blue-square runs are to a snow skier: Not too challenging for those with intermediate skills.

To keep your brake system young, flush (completely replace) the brake fluid every two years. And, like we said about the cooling system, if you're already dissembling the brakes for major repairs, check on the smaller pieces while you're in there. If your car is more than seven years old, replace the rubber brake lines when major brake work is required. If the rotors or brake drums must be removed, check the wheel bearings. 

Black Gold

When you remove the engine oil-drain plug of an old car, you hope to discover a not-too-dark amber fluid. If the fluid that flows from your crankcase is jet black and contains bits of silvery flakes, you've got problems. A worse sign is if the oil struggles out like curdled milk. 

When faced with such a situation, try this high-colonic procedure: Drain the oil, replace the oil filter, fill the crankcase with synthetic oil (which acts like a solvent for sludge), and drive the car 50 or 100 miles. Repeat until the oil runs almost as clear as new. If you find little progress after three changes or suspect the previous owner was negligent on oil changes, consider having a professional mechanic remove and clean the oil pan. 

Don't DIY Everything

Cars are just like people. As they age, they require more attention from specialists, especially in the regions most critical to their ongoing survival. 

So periodically have an independent repair shop check critical steering and suspension components. Very experienced DIYers can do this work themselves, but even experts might choose to farm it out to someone who does this work every day just for the added peace of mind. If you repack your front wheel bearings can you concentrate on keeping your right foot to the floor while wondering if you'd done the job correctly?

Brake Service At Carolina Tire & Auto In Charlotte

Most Charlotte drivers know that braking means slowing or stopping a vehicle. The mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue. There’s also the power brake system and brake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.

Let’s step back. A car or truck rolls brand new off the showroom floor at a local Charlotte dealer. It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads. The brake lines and the power assist are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside. And the sedan tires are brand new, with full tread. Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance.

Now, as your drive from Charlotte to Charlotte and back, the miles start to add up. Most Charlotte car owners tend to focus on the brake pads. In the Charlotte automotive service community, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the sedan. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life – it’s not until they are worn so thin as to be out of spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.

The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the sedan. Over many miles, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail. That’s why a regular brake inspection is important. At Carolina Tire & Auto, we can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or replacing.

That leads us to brake fluid service at Carolina Tire & Auto. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the sedan fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid. Brake fluid replacement at Carolina Tire & Auto includes flushing the brake system to clean out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.

The tires are what connect the sedan to the road. The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by the tires. The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop as you drive around Charlotte.

For questions about brakes, brake pads, brake pads, Brembo braking systems, timing belts and water pumps, or tires, talk to Carolina Tire & Auto  manager Jim Seidel.

Give us a call

Carolina Tire & Auto

980-219-8500
3325 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205

704-553-9800

10822 Pineville Rd

Pineville, NC 28134

www.carolina-tire.com 

How to DePax your Honda Odyssey in Charlotte NC

2005-2009 Honda Odyssey Touring DePAX Kits from Carolina Tire & Auto

Now you can switch from Honda PAX wheels to conventional wheel and tires. Carolina Tire & Auto offers several different 16" and 17" Honda Alloy Wheels to fit your lifestyle. Please read the documentation we've provided and call us should you have any questions.

Based on Honda's "recommendations" any DePAX conversions, maintenance and safety are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner. Carolina Tire is willing to supply and offer complete DePAX packages but on an "as is" basis only.

The Carolina Tire & Auto DePAX Kits: With the research you have done online you already know that you can switch from PAX wheels to a conventional wheel and tire. We offer several different 16" and 17" Honda Alloy Wheels to fit your lifestyle. You can reuse lug nuts*, tire pressure sensors^ and center caps~ from the PAX wheels or you may purchase new sets for a more "turn key" installation. Each kit priced below includes 4 wheels and a spare tire kit.

• *Different style lug nuts are required for 2005-2006 models if you choose a 2007 or newer alloy wheel design.
• ^It is highly recommended if you are reusing your sensors that your replace the valve stem assemblies. New tire pressure sensors come with valve assemblies when you order.
• ~Kit5 includes center caps that will match the wheel design and color.
• Only our spare kit includes a tire. You will be responsible for selecting an appropriate tire for your wheels from Carolina Tire & Auto Centers.

Selecting Appropriate Honda Tires: In order to buy safe tires for your Honda Odyssey Carolina Tire & Auto recommends to look for conventional tires that will most closely match the stock PAX specifications. You may match up any brand tire you wish but we have supplied our recommendations below.

Size	Tire	TreadwearRating	Traction/ Temperature	Load/ Speed	Load Rating Per Tire	Tire/ Speed	Overall Diameter
235-710R460A	Michelin PAX	500	A/B	104T	1984	118	28.0"
P235/65 R16	16" Michelin Energy LX4	500	A/B	103T	1929	118	27.9"
P235/65 R16	16" Continental ProContact +	740	A/B	103T	1929	118	28.0"
P235/60 R17	17" Michelin Energy LX4	500	A/B	102T	1874	118	28.0"
P235/60 R17	17" Continental ProContact +	740	A/B	102H	1874	130	28.1"

Proper Load Rating: To figure the tire load rating multiply the rating of the tire by 4. For example a 17" Michelin Energy LX4 has a load rating of 1874 pounds. This number multiplied by 4 gives you a total of 7496 pounds. A 2007 Touring model with PAX tires comes in at a curb weight of 4678 pounds. This will leave you with 2818 pounds of vehicle load which includes passengers, cargo and tongue weight if you are pulling a trailer. The max load limit for the 2007 Touring is 1208 pounds according to the owner's manual. That being said even at full vehicle load you would still have 1610 pounds leftover.

Touring Model Informational Display: If air pressure in a tire drops significantly on a vehicle designed to use a PAX system, a message appears on the multi-information display telling the driver it is OK to keep driving on the PAX wheel. This is because a PAX tire can be driven on even when it is significantly under inflated or flat. This message will appear even if the vehicle is subsequently outfitted with conventional wheels and tires. Therefore if this message appears after DePAXing you should treat and address the issue as you would a conventional wheel and tire setup. You will no longer be able to drive safely on severely under inflated or flat conventional tires.

Additional information about the PAX system can be found at http://www.michelinman.com/pax.

The most popular Honda wheel option is the slotted wheel: Brand new regular tires, brand new Honda wheels, reusing your old TPMS sensors and reusing your old center caps = $1,500.00 to $1,800.00 depending on your size tire and wheel. These will be 70,000 mile treadwear warranty tires.

Call today to have your Honda Oddyssey "DePaxed" in Charlotte, North Carolina. We have several different options from which you can choose from. 

Carolina Tire and Auto Centers

South Charlotte = 704-553-9800

Uptown and Dilworth Area = 980-219-8500


Carolina Tire & Auto Centers Website - Make an appointment online !

Honda Disclaimer: American Honda Motor Company will not approve and warranty any non-PAX tire/wheel assemblies regardless if you are replacing with Genuine Honda equipment as we are offering below. Their stance and we quote is the following.

"American Honda strongly recommends that you replace the original PAX tires only with new PAX tires of the same size and speed rating. Using any non-PAX tire/wheel assemblies on a vehicle originally designed for PAX tires poses significant safety concerns and is not recommended or approved by American Honda." Woodies, auto, service, repair, tires

Charlotte, Stands up for Small Business

In Charlotte in just the last five months, Buffalo Tire sold out to the Japanese and now we've read that Case Tire is shutting down after 40 years in business. My Carolina Tire & Auto friends, believe in small business. Don't buy into the large international auto chain stores and car dealerships. Carolina Tire & Auto is called Charlotte's Dealership Alternative for many reasons. We do not out on the high pressure sale like others do, we do not try to sell you things you do not need. What we do is we take care of your car like it was our own and only watch out for your best interest.

We know times are tough, that's why Charlotte, NC needs an independently owned place like Carolina Tire & Auto where you actually see and know the owner. That we will look you in your eyes and shake your hand and tell you the God's honest truth about your car's health. "Sometimes people don't like to hear that their car was diagnosed with a particular issue", said Carolina Tire president, Jim Seidel. "But that why we train each associate at Carolina Tire to talk to the customer and take care of the customer's cars like it was their mother's car", added Seidel. We don't set quotas on cars like a Tire Kingdom may do. If your car is alright and just needs oil, then that's what it is. But if it really needs brakes or there's a check engine light on, we're going to inform you about those issues.

Carolina Tire & Auto is an Angie's List Super Service Award Winner for 2010 and 2011. Carolina Tire & Auto is also one of the highest rated auto centers in all of Charlotte on places like Google and CitySearch and Judy's Book. Carolina Tire & Auto has car dealership mechanics and technicians that perform professional repairs, service and maintenance on cars like Mercedes, BMW, Ford, Honda, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Jaguar, BMW, Chrylser, Dodge, Chevy, GMC, Lincoln, Mercury, Buick, Toyota, Kia, Lexus, Infiniti and more. "Many people don't even know that we have the exact same tools, electronic equipment and mechanics as the dealerships do", noted Mr. Seidel. "We're doing the same work, putting on parts right out of the same box that the dealership is using and putting the same replacement repair warranty". "The only thing Carolina Tire & Auto isn't doing is charging the car dealership rates", add Seidel.

Spread the word on Carolina Tire & Auto Charlotte. Show Charlotte that you stand united with small business, this country's and this economy's life blood.


Carolina Tire & Auto has two great locations for Charlotte:

Carolina Tire & Auto (Uptown, Myers Park & Dilworth)
3325 Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28205
980-219-8500


Carolina Tire & Auto (South Charlotte)
10822 Pineville Rd
Pineville, NC 28134
704-553-9800

www.carolina-tire.com - Book your auto repair and tire appointments online.

Carolina Tire & Auto to Give Back $17 Million Dollars to Charlotte Drivers

Gas prices continued an upward climb today, settling at an average price of $3.59 a gallon, the U.S. Energy Information Administration announced today.

In some places, Charlotte consumers are already seeing gas prices over $4. Today's weekly gas price average was up 40 cents from a year ago, and up by seven cents from last week.

"I'm expecting the national average to float dangerously close to $4 a gallon," Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com's senior petroleum analyst, recently told ABC News. DeHaan said that following last week's average price per gallon of $3.53, gas prices are very close to "that psychological $4 mark."

So how is Carolina Tire & Auto going to give Charlotte, North Carolina back $17,000,000.00 dollars in gas savings? "Simple math" says Jim Seidel, president of Carolina Tire & Auto.

There are over 1.7 million people living in Charlotte, NC. For every person that comes to a Carolina Tire & Auto location with a paid gas receipt of at least $10 bucks, they give you $10 bucks back. What's the catch? There isn't one really. If you drive a car you need services performed to it. Services like oil changes that save you on gas. Products like Continental tires that manufacture fuel saving tires. So the next time you need an oil change, tires or any auto repair service or general maintenance that totals at least $40.00 at any Carolina Tire & Auto location and you give us your gas receipt, we'll give you $10.00 bucks off your bill right there on the spot.

"We have over 25,000 current customer right now and we'll start with them", added Mr. Seidel. That's $250,000.00 back to just the customers at Carolina Tire & Auto. This promo will stay up as long as gas prices are above $3.00 per gallon or supplies run out.

Auto Repair Charlotte, NC

Carolina Tire & Auto is a locally owned and family run auto repair and service company with locations in South Charlotte and Dilworth/Myers Park/Uptown. Carolina Tire & Auto has consistently been one of the highest rated auto centers in Charlotte, NC as well as an Angie's List Super Service Award Winner two years in a row. Carolina Tire & Auto has also been South Charlotte's Dealership Alternative. Employing ASE Certified technicians and having dealership electronics and diagnostic equipment. From the basic Honda and Ford, to Steve Smith's Bentley Flying Spur. They service all European cars under their Carolina MotorWerks division, including Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari.

Carolina Tire & Auto / Carolina MotorWerks

10822 Pineville Rd

Pineville, NC 28134

704-553-9800

3325 Monroe Rd

Charlotte, NC 28205

980-219-8500

http://www.carolina-tire.com

DOUBLE TIRE REBATES FROM CAROLINA TIRE

REBATES GONE WILD

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy 1 Tire, Get 1 FREE at Carolina Tire

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

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

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

Hail in Charlotte and Signs to Look For

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

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

Before the hail storm:

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

During a hail storm:

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

After the hail storm:

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

If your car sustained hail damage:

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

The Best Used Cars

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

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

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

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

Honda Fit

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

Scion xB

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

Ford Fusion / Mercury Milan / Lincoln MKZ

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

Ford Edge

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

Honda CR-V

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

Lexus RX 350

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

Toyota Sienna

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

Mazda MX-5 Miata

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

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

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

Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon

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

Toyota Tundra

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