For Carpinteria locals and Highway 101 travelers
New and used tires at our Carpinteria tire shop
Quality repairs at affordable prices. Free quotes by phone. Mon to Fri, 8 am to 5 pm
See it on the 3D model2 parts, what to check and when to change themHow do you know it’s time for new tires?
- The tread is low.California’s legal minimum is 1/32 inch. Most shops suggest replacing at 2/32, and sooner if you drive in rain. Stick a penny in the groove with Lincoln upside down. If the top of his head shows above the tread, it’s time.
- You see cracks or bulges.Cracks in the sidewall, a bubble, or a cut that shows cord means replace the tire now.
- The tires are old.Tires age even when they look fine. Check the four-digit date code on the sidewall. Many tire makers say to have tires inspected at 5 to 6 years and replaced by 10.
- Wear looks uneven.Bald edges or a worn center point to pressure or alignment. Fix that first or the new set will wear the same way.
- It keeps losing air.One tire that drops pressure every week has a slow leak. We can find it, and sometimes fix it.
Seeing any of these? Call and tell us what it’s doing.Call (805) 745-1992
Tire check
Not sure of your size, age or tread?
Our tire check walks you through all three in about a minute, then gives you one sentence to read us on the phone.
Read your tire in 60 secondsSize, age and tread, step by step→
Got your numbers? Call and we’ll quote your tires.Call (805) 745-1992
Tire rotation reminder
When is my next tire rotation?
The number comes from your owner’s manual or your tire warranty. Enter it and we’ll do the date math.
Your owner’s manual or your tire warranty gives the rotation interval. Add it to your last rotation’s mileage or date, then call (805) 745-1992 to book.
Due for a rotation? Call and ask when we can do it.Call (805) 745-1992
Cold-morning check
Why does my tire light come on when it’s cold?
Cold air squeezes the air in your tires. Set the three numbers and see about where your tires sit now. It’s an estimate, so use a gauge to be sure. Nothing you type leaves your phone.
Tire pressure typically falls about 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the air gets colder. So a tire set to 35 psi on a 70 degree afternoon can read about 32 psi on a 40 degree morning. The right pressure is on the label inside the driver’s door, not on the tire’s sidewall. Call (805) 745-1992 if a tire keeps going low.
Source: NHTSA tire safety (opens in a new tab) (retrieved October 17, 2026).
Source: Consumer Reports, via KOMO News (opens in a new tab) (retrieved October 17, 2026).
Tire light still on? Call and tell us.Call (805) 745-1992
Penny test
Slide the tread down. Watch Lincoln’s head.
Drag the slider to see why the penny test works. The 2/32 line sits at the top of Lincoln’s head, and tread deeper than that covers it. It’s a drawing, so test your own tire with a real penny.
Put a penny into the groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is down to 2/32 of an inch and NHTSA says to replace the tire. California’s legal minimum is 1/32 inch. Call (805) 745-1992 and tell us your tire size.
Source: NHTSA tire safety (opens in a new tab) (retrieved October 17, 2026).
Tread worn? Call and we’ll tell you what to do.Call (805) 745-1992
Before you call
Tell me what you’re noticing
Tick what fits. We’ll turn it into one sentence you can read on the phone.
Look down the list above, note which signs fit, then call (805) 745-1992 and tell us.
What to say when we pick up
Hi Abel, I’d like a quote for new and used tires.
Mon to Fri, 8 am to 5 pm Free quotes by phone. What you type stays on your phone.
Where do I find my tire size?
It’s printed on the sidewall of the tire and on the sticker inside the driver’s door. Read us those three numbers on the phone and we can quote you.
Read your tire in 60 secondsSize, age and tread, step by step→
What happens when you bring it in
- Confirm the right sizeFrom the sidewall or the door placard, plus how you use the vehicle. Towing, hauling and RV weight change what you should buy.
- Pick new or usedNew is the safe default. A good used tire with plenty of tread and a recent date code can make sense on a tight budget. Ask us about the date code.
- Mount and balanceEach tire is mounted on the wheel and balanced so it rolls smooth at highway speed.
- Set the pressure and torque the lugsPressure goes to the number on your door placard, not the sidewall.
Ready to bring it in? Call and we’ll tell you how busy we are.Call (805) 745-1992
How often do you need it?
Check pressure once a month, rotate about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and replace at 2/32 inch of tread or at 6 to 10 years of age, whichever comes first. On a 4WD, keep all four tires the same size and the same level of wear.
Typical ranges. Your owner’s manual and your driving decide the real number, and we’ll tell you what we see.
What does it cost?
Price depends on size, brand and whether you choose new or used. Call (805) 745-1992 with your tire size, or the year, make and model, and we’ll quote you.
Call for your price. We give you the exact number on your estimate.Call for your price
Rated 4.9 on Google
4.9 stars from 47 Google reviews, updated October 19, 2026. Customers write them on Google, so that is where to read them.
No surprises
- Call and describe it. Year, make, model and what it’s doing.
- Free quote. Call for your price. We give you the number before we start.
- You approve first. Nothing gets fixed until you say yes to the work and the price.
- We walk you through it. What we did, what we found, what can wait.
Your rights at any California repair shop
- A written estimate before work starts
- Nothing added without your OK
- An itemized invoice
- Your old parts back if you ask
From the Automotive Repair Act. State-registered repair dealer no. 214418.
Common questions about tires
Are used tires safe?
They can be, if they have plenty of tread, no repairs in the sidewall, and a recent date code. We’ll tell you if a used tire isn’t worth buying.
How do I read my tire size?
A size like 265/70R17 means 265 mm wide, a sidewall height that’s 70 percent of the width, a radial build, and a 17-inch wheel. It’s printed on the sidewall.
Do I need to replace all four tires at once?
Not always, but on all-wheel and four-wheel drive you should keep all four matched. On two-wheel drive, replacing a pair is fine, with the new ones on the back.
Do you carry truck and RV tires?
We sell and install tires for cars, trucks and RVs. Call us with the size and we’ll tell you what we can get.
Why does my steering wheel shake after new tires?
Usually a balance issue. Come back and we’ll look at it. See our wheel balancing page.
I’m just passing through Carpinteria. Can you help?
Call (805) 745-1992 first and tell us what it’s doing. We’ll tell you whether to bring it in and what to expect. We’re on Carpinteria Ave, and Carpinteria is right on Highway 101. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Didn’t see your question? Call and ask.Call (805) 745-1992
See it in 3D
Pick the vehicle closest to yours. You’ll see where these parts sit, what to check, and when they’re due.
Related services
Last updated October 19, 2026.
Questions about tires? Give me a call.
I’ll tell you straight what it needs, and quotes are free.