Sunset Tire & Auto Center

What Sunset Tire & Auto Center does

Sunset Tire & Auto Center is a privately held, woman-owned automotive service business headquartered in Lake Bluff, Illinois, operating two physical locations under differentiated brand identities: Sunrise Express Auto Repair (Express Services) at 11 Waukegan Rd and Sunset Tire & Auto Repair – Brakes & More at 19 Skokie Valley Rd. The company sells tires from nine major brands — Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Pirelli — and delivers a comprehensive suite of repair and maintenance services spanning brakes, engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, air conditioning, oil changes (standard, high-mileage, synthetic), alignments, computerized diagnostics, scheduled maintenance, collision repair, smog/emissions testing (Gold Shield Certified), diesel service, and windshield work. Its core technology stack consists of standard automotive diagnostic and repair equipment operated by ASE-certified technicians, with additional regulatory-adjacent capabilities including Intoxalock Ignition Interlock installation and Integrity Test Drive inspection services.

The business serves two primary customer segments: individual vehicle owners across Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and surrounding Illinois communities (the dominant segment), and commercial/municipal fleet operators via a dedicated fleet service program. Revenue is generated through three streams — auto repair and maintenance services (professional services, per-event pricing), tire sales (hardware), and fleet service contracts (recurring) — with all services priced on a quote basis and no publicly disclosed flat-rate schedule. The company is differentiated by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty through its TechNet Professional Automotive Service affiliation, a proprietary Sunset Sparkle Guarantee road hazard and tire protection plan, a Rewards Club loyalty program, and convenience amenities including free loaner vehicles, free shuttle service, and free pick-up and delivery.

Distribution is anchored entirely in the two Lake Bluff storefronts with walk-in and live online scheduling, supplemented by the shuttle/pick-up/delivery network that extends effective service reach within the local catchment. Marketing is primarily reputation-driven (online reviews, word-of-mouth referrals), supported by SEO, SMS/text message subscription marketing, the loyalty/rewards program, and a fleet/employee discount package. The company is privately held by owner Maricela Villafañe, with no disclosed institutional investors, parent company, or external funding, and operates with a headcount in the 1-10 range.

Name

Sunset Tire & Auto Center

Legal name

Sunset Tire and Auto Repair

Website

https://sunsettire.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sunset Tire & Auto Center is a privately held, woman-owned automotive service company in Lake Bluff, IL, operating two retail locations that sell tires from nine major brands and deliver comprehensive auto repair, maintenance, fleet, and specialized services (Intoxalock, smog testing) to consumers and commercial fleets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Auto Repair and Tire Services

NAICS

Tire Dealers (44134), All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance (811198), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Retailers (4413)

SIC

Services-Automotive Repair, Services & Parking (7500), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)

akta.pro primary industry

Tire & Wheel Services (Mount/Balance/Alignment) (TLAKAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wheel Services (Mount/Balance, Alignment, Rotation) (TLAKADAF), Mobile Tire Service & Emergency Tire Repair/Replacement (TLAKAFAD)

Keywords

• Auto repair services
• Tire sales
• Vehicle maintenance
• Brake service
• Fleet maintenance

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Bluff

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Auto Repair and Maintenance Services: Revenue generated from labor and parts for vehicle repair and routine maintenance services including brakes, engine rebuilds, transmissions, air conditioning, oil changes, tire installation, alignments, electrical systems, and dozens of other vehicle services. Services are priced per job or service event.
2. Tire Sales: Revenue from sale of tires and related tire services (installation, rotation, repair, TPMS service). The shop carries multiple tire brands including Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Pirelli.
3. Fleet Service Contracts: Dedicated fleet maintenance and repair services for companies and organizations with multiple vehicles. Revenue generated through ongoing service agreements and per-vehicle service events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sunset Tire & Auto Center is a two-location independent auto repair and tire retailer in Lake Bluff, IL, that sells tires from nine major brands (Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli) and provides full-service automotive repair and maintenance including brakes, engine and transmission rebuilding, scheduled maintenance, computerized diagnostics, alignments, A/C service, oil changes, collision repair, smog/emission testing, and fleet repair. It operates Sunrise Express Auto Repair (Express Services) and Sunset Tire & Auto Repair – Brakes & More storefronts, and offers free shuttle, loaner vehicles, and pick-up & delivery, with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide TechNet warranty backing qualifying repairs.

Product overview

Sunset Tire & Auto Center is a two-location auto repair and tire dealership in Lake Bluff, IL, offering a broad portfolio of automotive services and products. Its core product is tire sales featuring nine major national and international tire brands (Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli) complemented by a full suite of repair and maintenance services. The service offering spans scheduled maintenance, brake service, engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, air conditioning, oil changes (standard, high-mileage, and synthetic), alignments, and computerized diagnostics. Additional specialized services include collision repair, smog/emission testing (Gold Shield Certified), fleet repair, roadside assistance, shuttle/loaner vehicle services, foam filling, custom wheels, and performance parts. The company also offers an exclusive loyalty rewards club and a proprietary Sunset Sparkle Guarantee road hazard and tire protection plan. Two physical locations operate under the Sunset Tire & Auto Repair – Brakes & More and Sunrise Express Auto Repair brands, both serving Lake Bluff and surrounding communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tire Sales (Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli) Retail tire sales featuring nine major national and international tire brands: Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Pirelli, for consumer and fleet customers.
• Tire Installation Professional mounting and installation of new tires using proper mounting procedures to ensure safe vehicle operation, available to consumer and fleet customers.
• Tire Rotation Tire rotation service to ensure even tire wear across all four positions, recommended with every other oil change or every 3,000 to 7,000 miles.
• Tire Repair / Flat Repair Flat tire and puncture repair for tread-area punctures up to 1/4 inch in diameter, including inspection for hidden damage.
• TPMS Service Tire Pressure Monitoring System service covering inspection, diagnosis, and repair of both direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS) systems.
• Wheel Balancing Precision wheel balancing using measured lead weights to correct uneven tire wear caused by heavy spots and reduce vibration between 50 and 70 mph.
• Brake Service Full-service brake system repair and replacement covering disc brakes, drum brakes, parking brake, master cylinder, brake fluid, hoses, calipers, and power booster, performed by ASE-certified technicians.
• Oil Changes (Standard, High-Mileage, Synthetic) Oil change service offered in three tiers: standard (five quarts, oil filter, fluid levels, air filter check), high-mileage synthetic blend (for vehicles over 75,000 miles), and full synthetic.
• Scheduled Maintenance Routine vehicle maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 mile intervals including point-by-point inspection, tune-up, oil change, and transmission maintenance.
• Tune-Ups Comprehensive tune-up service at 30,000-mile or two-year intervals covering fuel filter, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, ignition timing, valve adjustments, belt checks, fluid top-off, and battery service.
• Engine Rebuilding Complete engine rebuilding service including disassembly, cleaning, crack detection, boring, honing, head surfacing, valve replacement, crankshaft and camshaft grinding, and reassembly.
• Transmission Rebuilding Complete transmission overhaul including removal, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, part replacement, and reassembly of all transmission components.
• Transmission Service Transmission fluid maintenance, fluid level inspection, and preventive care to prevent overheating and extend transmission life.
• Air Conditioning Service / Repair Complete automotive air conditioning system service and repair covering the compressor, condenser, receiver/drier, orifice tube/expansion valve, and evaporator components.
• Computerized Diagnostics Electronic engine control system analysis using factory-trained technicians and advanced diagnostic tools to identify sensor, ignition, fuel, and emission control issues.
• Check Engine Light Diagnostic and Repair Diagnostic scanning and repair of check engine light issues using electronic scan tools and diagnostic computers.
• Wheel Alignments Wheel alignment service including computerized measurement and adjustment of caster, camber, and toe angles.
• Suspension, Shocks, and Struts Suspension system inspection and repair covering control arms, ball joints, springs, shock absorbers, struts, and alignment.
• Electrical System Service Full electrical system service covering batteries, alternator, starter motor, and wiring for all vehicle makes and models.
• Batteries and Electrical System

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• IntoxalockminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSunset Tire & Auto Repair is an authorized installer for Intoxalock Ignition Interlock devices. The shop's certified Intoxalock technicians install, service, and remove ignition interlock devices. An on-site calibration station kiosk enables fast device servicing. Customers schedule installation by contacting Intoxalock directly at (833) 918-1407 and requesting installation at the Sunset location.
• Tire Brands (Continental, Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli)coreOthersSunset Tire & Auto Repair carries and installs tires from multiple major brands including Continental, Cooper tires, Firestone, Goodyear/Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Pirelli. The shop serves as a retail installer for these tire manufacturers' products, offering tire installation, repair, rotation, and related services.
• TechNet Professional Automotive ServicecoreTechnology or IntegrationSunset Tire & Auto Repair is an authorized TechNet Professional Automotive Service facility. This affiliation provides a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide limited repair warranty covering AC, heating, brakes, clutches, electrical, engine cooling, fuel systems, exhaust, steering/suspension, and more. The program also includes roadside assistance reimbursement up to $150 per incident. The nationwide network allows warranty service at any TechNet shop within 25 miles or via a national administrator for remote customers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Meineke Car Care Centers: National franchise network of independent-style auto repair shops offering tires, brakes, oil changes, and general maintenance. Directly comparable to Sunset Tire in service mix, target customer (individual vehicle owners), and franchise/independent positioning, though at much larger national scale.
• AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care: National franchise specializing in transmission and broader auto repair. Directly comparable to Sunset Tire's transmission rebuilding service and full-service repair positioning, but anchored by a transmission-specialist brand identity.
• Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center: Mid-size franchise of full-service auto repair and tire centers. Highly comparable to Sunset Tire in service mix (tires, brakes, alignments, general repair) and target customer (individual vehicle owners in suburban markets), with similar two-to-multiple-location footprint.
• Christian Brothers Automotive: Franchise of faith-based independent auto repair shops offering full-service maintenance and repair. Closely comparable to Sunset Tire in service breadth, customer segment, and values-driven local positioning, with a stronger multi-state franchise footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Midas: Established franchised auto service brand specializing in brakes, tires, alignments, and general repair. Overlaps Sunset Tire's service breadth and customer demographic, but operates at significantly greater national scale under a unified brand.
• Goodyear Tire & Service Network: Major tire manufacturer's affiliated service dealer network offering tire sales, installation, and automotive maintenance. Sunset Tire carries Goodyear/Dunlop among its brands but competes with other Goodyear network dealers for the same suburban consumer tire replacement business.
• Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers: Publicly traded regional chain of auto service and tire centers in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. Comparable to Sunset Tire's tire-plus-undercar-service positioning and Midwest suburban footprint, but with significantly broader geographic reach and institutional scale.
• Firestone Complete Auto Care: Bridgestone-owned national chain of tire and auto service centers. Directly comparable to Sunset Tire in tire brand affiliation (Firestone is in Sunset's brand lineup) and core service offering, but operating at dramatically larger scale with co-located retail/service footprint.
• Pep Boys: Large national auto service chain offering tires, brakes, alignments, and general repair — directly overlapping Sunset Tire's core service menu and serving similar consumer and light-fleet customers, but with significantly broader geographic footprint and brand recognition.
• Big O Tires: Franchise tire and auto service retailer operating across multiple U.S. states. Comparable to Sunset Tire's tire sales/installation core plus undercar-service extensions, with similar suburban consumer focus but larger geographic scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sunsettire
• Facebookfacebook.com/SunsetTire
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sunset-tire-auto-service

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sunset Tire & Auto Center