Our Newest Location
We have added another new location in uptown Charlotte, it can be found at 1024 Charlottetowne Ave. (formally S. Independence Blvd.) This was the home of Kirby & Kale Tires for many years. We should be opening in mid October 2008. The facility is currently being upgraded with new equipment so your vehicle will receive the best care available in Charlotte. We would like to welcome Robert Rogers as the new store manager. Robert comes to us with over 22 years of experience in automobile repair and a wealth of tire knowledge. The most important fact about Robert is he knows how to take care of his customers. So watch for the "Now Open" sign at the corner of Charlottetowne Ave. and Fourth St. and visit our newest facility.

Q: If a dashboard warning light comes on, should I pull over and call a tow truck?

It depends on the color of the light. A red light means you need to seek service immediately. There are two courses of action to take here. If it's a warning light related to your engine, such as an oil pressure or engine temperature warning, pull over as soon as it's safe, turn off your engine and call your auto service provider. This can be the difference between an inconvenient tow and catastrophic engine failure.

On the other hand, if you see a red battery or alternator light, your best bet is to drive directly to a repair facility. Your vehicle is detecting a problem with the charging system and may not start again if the engine is turned off.

An amber light, such as the "Service Engine Soon" message, means you need to seek service, but this can be done at your earliest convenience. Unless the engine is hesitating or bucking severely, you can bide your time-a bit.

Two other notes on your dashboard warning lights:

Q: NO MORE INSPECTION STICKERS, BUT THE VEHICLES STILL MUST BE INSPECTED.
Starting October 1, 2008, North Carolina vehicle safety and emissions inspections will go electronic. This means that windshield inspection stickers will no longer be issued at your next inspection on or after October 1. After that date, the vehicle's inspection will become due the same month as the vehicle's registration renewal as shown on your license tag sticker.

Beginning October 1, vehicles will be required to pass a vehicle inspection prior to registration renewal by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation (N.C. General Statute Chapter 20, Article 3A, Part 1) requiring the move to electronic inspection authorization to increase inspection compliance statewide and to further benefit the state's air quality and highway safety.

1. In addition to showing the date your vehicle registration is due, your vehicle registration renewal card will also show that your vehicle inspection is due that same month.
2. You must have a current vehicle inspection prior to renewing your annual vehicle registration. Inspection mechanics will continue to issue a receipt showing the date, station and results of your inspection, and a record of your inspection will be entered into the DMV's vehicle registration database.
3. You may have your vehicle inspected up to 90 days prior to your annual vehicle registration due date, but it must be inspected no later than the last day of the month your vehicle registration expires or your registration will be blocked.
4. Depending upon the date of your current inspection sticker, your next vehicle inspection may be greater than 12 months from your last inspection date. No vehicles will have to be inspected more than once in a 12-month period.
5. New North Carolina residents must obtain an inspection prior to registering their vehicle in the state.

Be sure to update your email and home address when you visit us next time, we will be sending reminders to help you keep up with your inspection renewals.

Safety Tip: Lights should be inspected regularly.
Check to see that bulbs are illuminated, and headlights are properly aimed. If you have scratches and your headlight lens are cloudy ask us how we can refinish refinish them for you while you vehicle is serviced.