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Tire Shop Near West Ashley, 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. Driving your car on the busiest highway in West Ashley with bald or inappropriate tires is like trying to climb Mt. Everest with Crocs on your feet. 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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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. If you've ever been to a dealership to buy tires, you know it can be like waiting at the busiest DMV in West Ashley.
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 West Ashley
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 West Ashley, 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?
When you learn that the average tire contains more than 100 separate components and more than 200 ingredients, you might think they're created in the largest laboratory in West Ashley instead of a manufacturing plant. 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 West Ashley, SC for New Tires?
Whether you want to set a record at the most popular racetrack in West Ashley or just need to get from point A to point B, you know you need tires on your car. 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 West Ashley 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 largest hospital in West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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. Like the biggest grocery store chain in West Ashley, we've got everything you need under one roof. 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 West Ashley, SC
Historians believe they are uncovering South Carolina's first cemetery
Conley Graysonhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/historians-believe-they-are-uncovering-south-carolinas-first-cemetery-charleston-history-charles-towne-1619-1670-1788-abc-news-4-2024
WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCIV) — West Ashley historians believe they are uncovering what could be South Carolina’s first cemetery.South Carolina’s first settlement was established in 1670. However, historians and researchers have been stumped for years unable to locate the original cemetery. It wasn't until Charlie Smith pieced together clues buried in 300-year-old plats and made a groundbreaking discovery."You can see that tiny, little black dot right there, and the word cemetery right next to it," Smith ...
WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCIV) — West Ashley historians believe they are uncovering what could be South Carolina’s first cemetery.
South Carolina’s first settlement was established in 1670. However, historians and researchers have been stumped for years unable to locate the original cemetery. It wasn't until Charlie Smith pieced together clues buried in 300-year-old plats and made a groundbreaking discovery.
"You can see that tiny, little black dot right there, and the word cemetery right next to it," Smith said pointing to a 1788 plot.
None of the property lines matched until Smith flipped the plot upside down and noticed it looked familiar. He then met with Dr. Nic Butler, a historian with Charleston County, and the two compared it to a plat recorded in 1826. They started working with other West Ashley historians to map out the mystery of where early settlers might have been laid.
READ MORE | "Charleston local takes on the task of restoring and reviving historic Monrovia Cemetery."
Their work led them to Sycamore Avenue.
"I had seen it before," Smith said. "I started looking. I found that it was right there– right where we’re standing."
It's what used to be the playground behind the old Albemarle School.
Smith says it's also the location of the old Hillsborough Plantation, which was once part of the Proprietors Plantation.
READ MORE | "Volunteers rally to preserve one of Charleston's oldest African American burial sites."
The Proprietor's Plantation was owned by the Lord's Proprietors, who established the first Charles Towne Settlement back in 1670. Smith believes Charles Towne’s first Governor, Col. William Sayle, is buried at the monumental site.
"It would make sense to me that he would be buried on the Proprietors Plantation because he was their Governor," Smith said.
In fact, he believes many historical figures are there, including his own ancestors.
"Col. John Godfrey was my 11th grandfather," Smith said. "This was not anything I knew until we started studying this property, but when I found a connection, I was pretty surprised."
READ MORE | "Protecting: The Preservation Society works to protect African American gravesites."
Smith says they presented their findings and the City of Charleston passed a resolution enabling them to work on the property.
"This property is protected by preservation easement," Smith said. "It already belongs to the public, and it already has protection so it couldn't be a better situation."
They partnered with Drayton Hall’s archeology team for a Ground Penetration Radar and scratched the surface of what may be unearthed.
"We did a preliminary round to see if we could find any anomalies," Smith said. "We found what we believe are four graves. They're all oriented in the same direction. They're all about six feet."
READ MORE | "After Debby, graves at Monrovia Cemetery prompt call for legislative change."
Smith hopes the final results will provide grave evidence of the burial site.
"There's a lot of things that went on here that were really wonderful," Smith said, "and things that went on here that weren't so wonderful. As long as you're telling the whole story, and we're trying to be fair and honest about it, it's everybody's history."
He says it could add a whole new chapter to South Carolina's story– one that's rested in peace for centuries.
"We need to be protecting these resources," Smith said. "We need to be trying to locate the ones that we discover might still be here."
He hopes it will lead to preserving history.
"What we'd like to see is what happened downtown at the Gilliard," Smith said. "This is a really important site with a lot of potential. If we could get to the point where we could do DNA, like they did downtown, I think it would be awesome. This has the potential to be the very first cemetery for the settlement."