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Tire Shop in Summerville, SC
One of the best parts of growing up is learning how to drive and eventually purchasing your own car. And while there's a range of drivers out there - from die-hard enthusiasts to folks who just need to run errands - most motorists agree that car maintenance is important. Unfortunately, in the world of auto care, tire maintenance is often forgotten about. Like the shoes on our feet, most people don't pay all that much attention to them.
The truth is, though, your car's tires are crucially important for your safety. You may end up in the hospital with serious injuries.
The thing is, finding a quality tire shop in South Carolina isn't exactly easy. Sure, there are plenty to choose from, but you don't want a run-of-the-mill tire provider. You want a shop that prioritizes your peace of mind and best interests. That's where calling A+ Auto Service starts to make a lot of sense.
Drive Away Happy with Service from Our Tire Shop in Summerville, SC
As a certified Hercules Tire, General Tire, and Continental Tire dealer, we offer a wide range of high-quality options that cater to your style and meet your needs. Whether you're looking to carve a new off-road trail back in the woods or need the best performance tires for the track, A+ Auto Service can help. Our team of experienced technicians offers a range of tires and tire services, including:
- Tire Rotation
- Tire Mounting
- Tire Balancing
- Tire Alignment
- New Tires
- Car Tires
- Truck Tires
- Off-Road Tires
- Summer Tires
- All-Season Tires
- More
Need help choosing the best tire for daily driving? Unsure if you need an off-road tire for an SUV? Just trying to find what's available when you search, "new tires near me in Summerville, SC?" We're happy to help with all those scenarios and much more. Unlike some of our competitors, we love talking tires and will provide you with the guidance and confidence needed to select the right set of tires for your vehicle.
When we say we're your car dealer alternative, we mean it. Car dealerships are notorious for long waits, shotty repair ability, high prices, and poor customer service. Their tire prices are often higher than local tire shops like A+ Auto, and the people selling tires there aren't always experts. Plus, you've got to wait hours or even days to finish.
That's why, at A+ Auto, we prioritize hard work, quality repairs, fair pricing, and excellent customer service. Because, at the end of the day, that's the way we'd want to be treated if we needed an oil change in The Palmetto State.
Why Choose A+ Auto for Tires?
Our loyal customers keep coming back to A+ Auto because we genuinely want to provide them with top-notch tires, tire service, and the most helpful technicians in the auto repair industry. When you search for a local tire store on Google, there's a reason why A+ Auto populates near the top and is so highly rated. It's because we provide:
The Best Warranty in the Biz
Our warranty covers your first 48 Months or 48,000 Miles
The Best Car Mechanics in Summerville
Our auto body professionals are ASE-certified technicians. In addition, our shop is certified as Nationwide Gold and a NAPA Auto Care Center.
The Best Perks
We're talking FREE shuttle rides, same-day service on most repairs, quality work approved by you, and no surprise charges. Our business model is simple: give our customers the highest quality work with the most helpful customer service. No ifs, ands, or buts.
As a family-owned and operated auto mechanic shop in Summerville, we are proud to serve the Lowcountry. After all, you're our neighbors, and neighbors must look out for one another. Swing by our shop to see the A+ Auto difference. We think you'll like what you see!
Understanding the Tires on Your Vehicle
Tires represent remarkable advancements in technology and serve as the sole point of contact between your vehicle and the road. In fact, your tire's contact patch - the part of your tire that makes contact with the road - is about the same size as the palm of your hand. When that contact patch begins to degrade and become worn with time, you should consider buying new tires. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's take a closer look at how the tires on your vehicle are made.
How Are Car Tires Constructed?
Modern tires include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, steel, nylon, silica, polyester, carbon black, and petroleum. The combination of these ingredients and processes used by different manufacturers leads to different performance characteristics for every tire out there.
The ingredients of a tire usually fall within one of five groups, which include:
The Tire-Making Process Explained
Tires need to find a balance between traction, comfort, durability, energy efficiency, and overall cost. This means that designing and manufacturing tires is more intricate than one might assume. For example, consider a smartphone. It might seem more intricate than a tire, but in reality, the same level of research and technology is invested in every tire produced by major manufacturers.
Though they differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, constructing tires involves several steps:
Tire manufacturers study driving habits and tire usage data to create tires that meet everyone's needs.
Remember the 200 ingredients we referenced earlier? This is when they're used. When mixed appropriately, they affect fuel efficiency, safety, eco-friendliness, and performance.
Tire concepts are designed and developed after manufacturers evaluate different designs and perform various simulations to test and select the best options.
Once a tire is designed, it's built through both automated and hand-made processes. Sometimes, entire machines are invented just to reach a goal or create a certain kind of tire.
The best tire manufacturers use this step not as an ending point but as a continuous process to measure quality in real-time. Even though there are countless hours of research and development involved in making a tire, they aren't perfect. From unexpected blowouts to tread degradation after years of use, going to a tire shop is key for quality repairs, maintenance, and sales.
When Should You Visit a Tire Shop in Summerville, SC for New Tires?
But how are you supposed to know when you need to get them replaced? Take a look at these telltale signs before you get back on the road.
Keep in mind that your tires can undergo structural changes due to exposure to heat and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Although these alterations may not be as drastic in areas with milder climates, they can still occur here in Summerville and other parts of South Carolina.
Signs that your tires have been damaged by the weather include:
- Hard Rubber from Cold Temperatures
- Significant Cracks in Tire Rubber Caused by UV Damage, Road Salt, Etc.
- Crumbling or Dry Rotting from Sitting Outside
- Discoloration or Fading from Constant Exposure to Sun
Vehicle manufacturers typically advise replacing your tires every six years, while most tire manufacturers recommend replacement every 10 years. To find a replacement range for your tires, it's best to refer to the recommendations provided by your tire manufacturer. The frequency of tire replacement depends on various factors, such as your driving habits, road conditions, and more. It's worth noting that tires can deteriorate over time, even if your vehicle is not in use, such as from UV rays and harsh weather.
Here are some common red flags you should know about. If you see them, it's best to have your tires replaced. If you drive on them for much longer, you could end up in The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing in Summerville, recovering from a car wreck.
Severe cracks, cuts, and slices in your tires may signal more serious underlying structural issues. This damage can result from hitting curbs, exposure to extreme temperatures, and running over sharp objects. Such tire damage can weaken them, lead to leaks, and even cause blowouts.
If you notice bulges or bubbles on the sidewalls of your tires, you should rush to have them inspected by a reputable tire service center like A+ Auto Service. Bubbles typically result from damage to the tire's inner lining, often caused by an impact like hitting a curb or a deep pothole. Bulges on the sidewall or tread may indicate a compromise in the tire's structural integrity. A tire with bubbles could burst while you're driving, leading to a dangerous blowout that puts you and other drivers at risk.
It's important for your tires to wear evenly across the tread, which is the part that makes contact with the road. If you notice that the inside or outside is more worn than the other, it may signal problems with your suspension or alignment. Uneven wear can also lead to faster tire deterioration, as they are designed to bear the weight of your vehicle evenly across the totality of your tread.
The tire tread is the rubber part of your tires that comes into contact with the road. In typical everyday tires, this rubber has grooved patterns that are designed to channel water and snow away, improving your grip. Specialty tires, such as snow, all-weather, or mud tires, feature distinct tread patterns that are tailored to enhance performance on various surfaces.
Why Does Tire Tread Matter for Road Safety?
You've got to worry about tire tread wear primarily for safety reasons. When your tire treads are worn, your car's performance in adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow may be compromised. Proper treads ensure that your car grips the road effectively. It's important to be aware that insufficient tread is deemed illegal in many states, and if you cause an accident due to poor tire tread, you could be subjected to tickets or fines.
Popular Tire Categories in South Carolina
As an authorized dealer of premium tires such as Continental Tires, Hercules Tires, and General Tires, we have access to hundreds, if not thousands, of tires for a wide range of uses. Some of the most popular tires in South Carolina include:
Car Tires in Summerville, SC
As the name implies, car tires are best suited for unibody cars instead of body-on-frame pickup trucks. They can come in many forms for many uses, such as track tires for cars, touring tires for cars, and all-season tires for cars. Swing by A+ Auto today and ask our tire technicians which type of tire is best for your car and driving needs.
Performance Tires
Performance tires are designed to prioritize responsive handling, improved wet and dry traction, decent winter traction (though this doesn't apply to summer tires), a sporty driving experience, and a shorter tread life.
Truck Tires in Summerville, SC
Truck tires are often bigger, beefier, and heavier than standard car tires. Generally speaking, truck tires are also more durable than car tires since they usually have four steel belts instead of the normal two, which are found in car tires. If you've got an SUV and are unsure whether you should equip car tires or truck tires on your vehicle, give our office a call, and we'd be happy to steer you in the right direction.
Track Tires
Crafted for racing circuits, autocross, or drag racing, these tires deliver exceptional track performance, agile handling, and a shorter lifespan. Some models are also designed for street use.
Off-Road tires in Summerville, SC
Many modern tires are created for popular for off-road purposes. In fact, many truck tires are created specifically for off-road reasons and are meant for driving up steep inclines and getting traction when crossing water. Of course, you don't have to have a truck to get off-road tires - if you live in a harsh climate or live off the beaten path, you may need off-road tires or winter tires to get you where you need to go.
When It's Time for New Tires in Summerville, SC, Call A+ Auto Service
Does it look like your tires are going bald? Is your car pulling to the left, and you can't figure out why? A+ Auto offers all the auto services and tires you need. We're a certified dealer of Continental, General, and Hercules brands and stock tires for trucks, SUVs, cars, vans, trailers, and more.
Don't know what size tire your automobile needs? Let us help! Call your nearest A+ Auto location or simply walk through the front door and you'll be greeted with a warm smile and a helpful hand. No cringy upselling or extra fees. No rudeness. Only quality tire maintenance and replacements at prices you can afford. That's the A+ difference.
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Latest News in Summerville, SC
New Publix in Summerville confirms opening date after months of delays
Teri Errico Griffishttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/charleston-grocery-store-summerville-publix-nexton/article_6320709e-cc7d-11ef-8e9f-6b742aa2e1f8.html
The operators of the long-awaited Publix at Nexton have finally set an opening date.The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer confirmed it will welcome shoppers Feb. 12 starting at 7 a.m. — an announcement preceded by months of speculation from local residents.When one recently asked in the "Welcome to Summerville" Facebook channel, the ans...
The operators of the long-awaited Publix at Nexton have finally set an opening date.
The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer confirmed it will welcome shoppers Feb. 12 starting at 7 a.m. — an announcement preceded by months of speculation from local residents.
When one recently asked in the "Welcome to Summerville" Facebook channel, the answers were a mixed bag.
"Spring?" "I was initially told that it would open last November." "February. But keeps getting pushed back."
The store at 1274 Nexton Parkway was originally expected to open in mid-2024 to serve the developing 5,000-acre Nexton community, eventually home to roughly 19,000 residents. But the timeline kept getting pushed with little word from the grocery store chain or Branch Properties, the developer.
Signage for the 48,387-square-foot Publix went up four months ago, but neighboring tenants have shared that permitting and water problems bubbled over into 2025, keeping all their doors shuttered indefinitely.
Now with water hooked up, Ryan Delman will open his newest Jersey Mike's franchise nearby. Also, Publix can stock its shelves — a process that takes about 30 days once permitting is completed.
“We look forward to bringing the Publix difference to our new customers and being active members in this great community,” the supermarket operator said in a written statement.
Jersey Mike's and the grocer will be joined by restaurants Catrina’s Cantina, Woodhaven Pizza, Ruby’s Bagels, Indian restaurant Naan Appetit, and Dulce Churros, Ice Cream and Cocktails. Other tenants in the development include Swamp Fox Agency, The Packie Wine and Spirits, Noire Nails, Basecamp Fitness, Heartland Dental and Fifth Third Bank.
Leasing is 100 percent full. One Nexton is a mixed-use development on 23.66 acres at the northeast corner of Brighton Park Boulevard and Nexton Parkway. The first phase features 32,000 square feet of retail space and two corner outparcels, as well as 351 apartments.
In the midst of Publix’s construction, rival chain Harris Teeter opened across the way at 1269 Nexton Parkway in mid-May.
‘Ghost’ that haunts abandoned South Carolina rail line may be caused by tiny earthquakes
ByRichard Stonehttps://www.science.org/content/article/ghost-haunts-abandoned-south-carolina-rail-line-may-be-caused-tiny-earthquakes
Legend has it that if you walk along Old Light Road in Summerville, South Carolina, you might see an eerie glow hovering over an abandoned rail line in the nearby woods. Old-timers will tell you it’s a spectral lantern held by the apparition of a woman searching for her decapitated husband’s head. Susan Hough has proposed a scientific explanation that is far more plausible, however. A seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), she believes ...
Legend has it that if you walk along Old Light Road in Summerville, South Carolina, you might see an eerie glow hovering over an abandoned rail line in the nearby woods. Old-timers will tell you it’s a spectral lantern held by the apparition of a woman searching for her decapitated husband’s head. Susan Hough has proposed a scientific explanation that is far more plausible, however. A seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), she believes the so-called Summerville Light could represent a rare natural phenomenon: earthquake lights.
“I’m sure there are colleagues out there thinking, ‘She’s lost her mind,’” Hough says. But in the January issue of Seismological Research Letters, she recounts how her “flight of fancy” was a byproduct of more traditional fieldwork. In 2023, she and a colleague discovered a kink in the tracks of the South Carolina Railroad pointing to the fault that caused a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Charleston in 1886. Her sleuthing for that project led to the revelation that small earthquakes in the Summerville area northwest of the city could trigger a seemingly supernatural glow.
Hough chatted with Science about her foray into ghostbusting. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
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A: When I was working in Charleston, I would go to bookstores and libraries and look for local publications, and sometimes find things with snippets of useful information. There were newspaper articles about the Summerville Light. And books like Haunted Summerville. I didn’t give it a lot of thought. Then last October, a USGS newsletter ran a little feature on spooky science. That got me thinking again about the ghost stories. And some of the details just screamed earthquake phenomena.
A: People said their cars would shakе violently. Well, that’s an earthquake. They heard noises upstairs, whispers. Or doors would swing. Seismic events we may not perceive as earthquakes fit some of these accounts. And glowing orbs that would hang in the air along a former railroad track. Well, that makes you think earthquake lights.
A: It turns out they’re all over the place. Lights have been reported in Wilmington and elsewhere in the Carolinas. Maybe those “ghosts” are illuminating shallow active faults. They’re impossible to study, because you can’t catch them in the act. But there are plausible theories that might explain them.
A: There’s a nice review paper by a Japanese scientist, Yuji Enomoto, connecting earthquake lights in some cases to the release of gases like radon or methane. Gases can ignite when they’re exposed to oxygen.
In Summerville, I think it’s the railroad tracks that matter. I’ve crawled around tracks during my fieldwork in South Carolina. Historically, when [rail companies] replaced tracks, they didn’t always haul the old track away. So, you’ve got heaps of steel out there. Sparks might be part of the story. And maybe the railroads are important for another reason. They may naturally follow fault lines that have carved corridors through the landscape. I don’t claim to have a fully mature theory to explain the lights.
A: Some of the younger ones think it’s cool. It’s making science fun.
A: I would love to do some field measurements. I’ve reached out to Steve Jaume, an excellent seismologist at the College of Charleston. I said, “Hey, do you have any students who want to go out ghostbusting?” We’ll see where it goes.
Dutch Fork downs Summerville to complete three-peat: Live updates recap
Bob Lundeberghttps://www.si.com/high-school/south-carolina/dutch-fork-vs-summerville-live-updates-score-from-south-carolina-class-5a-division-i-state-championship-01jes7c1nbzq
The South Carolina Class 5A Division I state championship will be a battle of the unbeatens between Dutch Fork (12-0) and Summerville (13-0).Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time Friday at South Carolina State University’s Oliver Dawson Sta...
The South Carolina Class 5A Division I state championship will be a battle of the unbeatens between Dutch Fork (12-0) and Summerville (13-0).
Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time Friday at South Carolina State University’s Oliver Dawson Stadium.
Dutch Fork has won eight state championships under head coach Tom Knotts, including back-to-back 5A titles in 2022-23. The Silver Foxes will be making their 12th state finals appearance in program history.
Dutch Fork blanked Spartanburg 24-0 last week to claim the Upper State Championship.
Summerville dominated Sumter, 35-6, to capture the Lower State Championship. The Green Wave is in the state finals for the first time since 2007.
Dutch Fork vs. Summerville Recap
Underway: Dutch Fork will begin the game at its own 24.
Big Play Silver Foxes: K.J. Smith gets behind the defense and takes it all the way to the Summerville 9 for a 63-yard gain.
Touchdown Dutch Fork: Maurice Anderson runs it in from eight yards out to put the Silver Foxes up 6-0 early.
Big play Green Wave: Jayven Williams rips off a huge run around the left side to set Summerville up with a first-and-10 at the Dutch Fork 31.
Timeout Summerville: Green Wave is facing a fourth-and-nine from the 13.
Touchdown Green Wave: Summerville had a delay of game penalty coming out of the timeout, but Jaiden Kelly-Murray catches an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Cummings in the right corner of the end zone. Really good throw and catch. Summerville 7, Dutch Fork 6, 5:32 remaining in the opening quarter.
Dutch Fork punt: The Silver Foxes are forced to punt for just the 17th time this season. Summerville takes over at its own 6.
Summerville three-and-out: Backed up, the Green Wave can’t get a first down. Dutch Fork will have it at the Summerville 39 late in the first quarter.
Timeout Summerville: Green Wave takes its final timeout of the half on defense. Dutch Fork will be facing a fourth-and-seven from the 36 when play resumes.
Turnover on downs: Dutch Fork tries a bubble screen to K.J. Smith, and the talented receiver is dropped one yard short of the line to gain. Another big stop for the Summerville defense. Green Wave takes over at the 30.
Jaden Cummings hurt: Summerville quarterback Jaden Cummings takes a big hit and has to come out of the game. Hopefully Cummings can return, but he immediately grabbed his knee after the big hit and stayed down for a while.
Summerville update: Jaiden Kelly-Murray is now playing quarterback for the Green Wave. He has one receiving touchdown today.
Physical game: Both teams are HITTING today.
Another QB update: Summerville is alternating between Jaiden Kelly-Murray and junior Cooper Kafina, the listed backup quarterback.
End of quarter: Summerville 7, Dutch Fork 6.
Touchdown Green Wave: Jayven Williams explodes for a 43-yard touchdown run. Underdog Summerville is rolling right now, up 14-6 early in the second quarter.
Touchdown Silver Foxes: Dutch Fork answers with a 19-yard touchdown connect between quarterback Ethan Offing and Boykin Bickley. Two-point conversion pass is good. Summerville 14, Dutch Fork 14, 8:00 left in the half.
Green Wave punt: Summerville goes three-and-out on its next possession. Dutch Fork will have it at its own 48 when play resumes.
Dutch Fork fumble: Eli Pressley recovers a fumble at the Dutch Fork 39, securing great field position for Summerville.
Interception: One play after getting called for pass interference, Georgia Tech signee Elgin Sessions picks off a pass for Dutch Fork. Silver Foxes will have it at their own 7 with 3:33 to go in the half.
Big play Dutch Fork: Boykin Bickley hauls in a 51-yard pass to jumpstart the Dutch Fork offense.
Touchdown Silver Foxes: Maurice Anderson rolls into the end zone from eight yards out to give Dutch Fork a 21-14 lead with 1:53 remaining in the half.
Halftime: Dutch Fork 21, Summerville 14.
Underway: A terrible start for Summerville, which fails to corral the opening kickoff. Dutch Fork Ball at the Green Wave 13.
Fourth down stop: Tyree Patton stuffs Ethan Offing on a fourth-and-short. Summerville takes over at its own 6, trailing 21-14.
Summerville punt: Dutch Fork forces a three-and-out and will again have great field position at its own 43.
Dutch Fork on the move: Summerville takes a timeout on defense with Dutch Fork driving. Silver Foxes have a first-and-10 at the 20.
Touchdown Silver Foxes: Boykin Bickley catches a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Offing. Dutch Fork 28, Summerville 14, 7:34 to go in the third quarter.
Touchdown Green Wave: Jaiden Kelly-Murray gets behind the defense and backup quarterback Cooper Kafina finds him for a 77-yard touchdown. Dutch Fork 28, Summerville 21. Jaden Cummings is on crutches on the sideline, so this game will be Kafina's to win.
Summerville defense: Green Wave senior CB Jacquez Walker is having one heck of a game. College coaches need to take a look at him. With a big pass breakup from Walker, Summerville forces a punt and will take over at its own 15.
Green Wave timeout: Summerville takes its second timeout of the half ahead of a third-and-nine. Green Wave will have just one timeout the rest of the way.
Timeout pays off: The timeout was worth it as Jaiden Kelly-Murray hauls in a 28-yard pass to move the chains.
End of quarter: Dutch Fork 28, Summerville 21. Green Wave has the ball at the Dutch Fork 35.
Dutch Fork ball: Following a Summerville punt and some extracurriculars, Dutch Fork — clinging to a 28-21 lead — takes over it at its own 44 with 9:28 remaining.
Missed field goal: Dutch Fork misses a 39-yard field goal. Summerville takes over at its own 20 with 7:07 to go.
Summerville punt: Julian Walker comes through with two big sacks to end the Summerville drive. With 3:21 remaining, Dutch Fork has the ball at its own 36.
Fortunate Dutch Fork: Maurice Anderson puts it on the turf, but Dutch Fork is able to recover the fumble at the bottom of the pile.
Touchdown Silver Foxes: Maurice Anderson puts this one away with a 38-yard touchdown run up the left side. Dutch Fork 35, Summerville 21, 2:07 remaining. Anderson is up to 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Turnover on downs: Summerville drives it to the Dutch Fork 16, but Tyler Brown seals it with a goal-line interception.
Final score: Dutch Fork 35, Summerville 21. Silver Foxes capture their third straight state title and eighth in nine years.
Kickoff coming: Dutch Fork and Summerville have 20 combined state championships. This should be a good one.
Weather: It’s a balmy, cloudy day in Orangeburg. Temperature should be around 60 degrees at kickoff for this matinee.
Dutch Fork offensive leaders: Junior quarterback Ethan Offing (182 of 268 passing, 2,722 yards, 22 touchdowns, four interceptions, 429 yards rushing, eight rushing touchdowns); Senior running back Maurice Anderson (143 carries, 1,032 yards, 22 total touchdowns); Senior wide receiver Boykin Bickley (53 catches, 1,011 yards, seven touchdowns); wide receiver K.J. Smith (48 catches, 615 yards, 11 total touchdowns)
Summerville offensive leaders: Senior quarterback Jaden Cummings (165 of 254 passing, 2,329 yards, 30 touchdowns, one interception, 536 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, Dartmouth commit); Sophomore running back Jayven Williams (224 carries, 1,877 yards, 25 total touchdowns); Sophomore wide receiver Jaiden Kelly-Murray (75 catches, 1,050 yards, 15 total touchdowns); Senior tight end Keshon Washington (32 catches, 588 yards, eight touchdowns)
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Bob Lundeberg | @sblivesports