Netflix’s Tires Filming Locations

In the world of streaming entertainment, Netflix has once again shifted gears with its latest workplace comedy series, “Tires”.

This Pennsylvania-set sitcom has quickly become the talk of the town, not just for its hilarious premise and stellar cast, but also for its authentic and charming filming locations.

Let’s take a deep dive into the world of “Tires”, exploring the real places that bring this fictional tire shop to life.

The Brains Behind the Rubber

Before we hit the road to explore the filming locations, let’s pop the hood and take a look at the creative engine driving “Tires”.

Shane Gillis: Pennsylvania’s Comic Pride

At the heart of “Tires” is creator and star Shane Gillis. A Pennsylvania native, Gillis brings his unique brand of humor and local insight to the show.

His background in stand-up comedy and his deep understanding of small-town Pennsylvania life infuse “Tires” with an authenticity that’s hard to fake.

“I wanted to create a show that felt like home,” Gillis said in a recent interview. “Something that captured the spirit of the people I grew up with, the places I knew. ‘Tires’ is my love letter to Pennsylvania.”

Gillis’s local roots played a crucial role in selecting the series filming locations. His familiarity with the area allowed the production team to uncover hidden gems that might have been overlooked by outsiders.

The Production Team: Balancing Comedy and Authenticity

The show’s production team is a mix of comedy veterans and automotive enthusiasts. This unique blend ensures that “Tires” strikes the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud moments and genuine car culture references.

Fun Fact: The show’s head writer previously worked as a mechanic before breaking into television, bringing an extra layer of realism to the automotive aspects of the script.

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West Chester, Pennsylvania: The Heart of “Tires”

When it came to choosing the primary location for “Tires”, the production team didn’t have to look far. West Chester, Pennsylvania emerged as the perfect backdrop for this workplace comedy series.

Why West Chester?

West Chester isn’t just any small town. It’s a place with a rich history, vibrant community, and yes, a thriving automotive scene. Here’s why it became the ideal setting for “Tires”:

1. Historical Automotive Connections: West Chester has been home to several notable figures in automotive history, including racing legend Mario Andretti who lived nearby.
2. Small-Town Charm: The borough’s tree-lined streets and historic architecture provide a picturesque setting that’s quintessentially small-town America.
3. Urban Edge: Despite its small-town feel, West Chester boasts a bustling downtown area, giving the show a diverse range of locations to work with.

Key Filming Spots in Downtown West Chester

The show makes excellent use of West Chester’s charming downtown area. Here are some of the most recognizable spots you’ll see in “Tires”:

• Gay Street: This main thoroughfare serves as the backdrop for many of the show’s exterior shots.
• The Old Courthouse: While not directly featured in the show, this iconic building is often visible in the background, grounding the series firmly in West Chester.
• Iron Hill Brewery: This local favorite makes a cameo as the go-to spot for the “Tires” crew’s after-work drinks.

Table: West Chester Businesses Featured in “Tires”

Business Name	Real or Fictional	Role in the Show
Tires Etc	Fictional	Main setting
Iron Hill Brewery	Real	After-work hangout
West Chester Coffee & Ice Cream Bar	Real	Characters’ morning coffee spot
The Social Lounge	Real	Date night location

West Chester University’s Cameo

While not a major part of the show, West Chester University does make an appearance. In one episode, a character contemplates going back to school, leading to some hilarious scenes shot on the university campus.

Beyond the Borough: Chester County’s Cinematic Appeal

While West Chester serves as the show’s home base, “Tires” makes excellent use of the surrounding Chester County area. The production team took full advantage of the region’s diverse landscapes to create a rich, varied backdrop for the series.

Rural Roads and Scenic Byways

Some of the show’s most memorable scenes take place on the winding country roads surrounding West Chester. These drives serve multiple purposes:

1. They showcase the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside.
2. They provide opportunities for character development during “road test” scenes.
3. They offer a stark contrast to the workplace setting, adding depth to the show’s visual palette.

Notable Landmarks Featured

• Brandywine Battlefield: This historic site makes an appearance in a patriotic-themed episode.
• Longwood Gardens: While not mentioned by name, the show’s characters visit a botanical garden clearly inspired by this Chester County gem.
• Stroud Preserve: The show’s characters go for a hike here in one team-building episode, leading to predictably comedic results.

The Rubber Meets the Workshop: Primary Filming Location

At the heart of “Tires” is, of course, the tire shop itself. While the interior shots are filmed on a soundstage, the exterior of the fictional “Tires Etc” is a real location in West Chester.

Valley Forge Automotive Center: The Real “Tires Etc”

The Valley Forge Automotive Center serves as the exterior for the show’s primary setting. Located just outside of West Chester, this real-life auto shop was chosen for its classic look and spacious lot, which allowed for plenty of room for the production team to work.

“When we saw Valley Forge Automotive Center, we knew we’d found our ‘Tires Etc’,” said the show’s location scout. “It had that perfect blend of authenticity and cinematic appeal.”

The production team worked closely with the shop’s owners to ensure that filming didn’t disrupt their business. In fact, the exposure from the show has led to a boost in customers for Valley Forge Automotive Center.

Real vs. Constructed Sets

While the exterior shots feature the real Valley Forge Automotive Center, the interior of “Tires Etc” is a carefully constructed set. This allows for:

• Better control of lighting and sound
• More space for camera movements
• The ability to reconfigure the space as needed for different scenes

However, the set designers went to great lengths to ensure that the interior matched the exterior, even going so far as to recreate the view from the shop’s windows.

Local Auto Shops: Consultants and Cameos

Several local auto shops played crucial roles in ensuring the authenticity of “Tires”. These include:

• Mitch’s Automotive: Provided technical consultation on automotive scenes
• West Chester Tire & Auto: Lent vintage equipment for set dressing
• Garrity’s Auto Repair: The owner makes a cameo appearance as a rival shop owner

Unexpected Stars: Supporting Locations

While the tire shop is the main setting, “Tires” makes excellent use of other locations around West Chester to flesh out its world.

Diners, Bars, and Hangouts

• Penn’s Table: This local diner serves as the characters’ favorite lunch spot.
• The Social Lounge: Featured in several episodes as the go-to place for dates and special occasions.
• Kildare’s Irish Pub: Makes an appearance in the St. Patrick’s Day episode.

Residential Areas: Where Do the Characters “Live”?

The show features several residential locations, all carefully chosen to reflect the characters’ personalities and economic situations:

• Shane’s character lives in a small apartment above a store on Gay Street, reflecting his status as a young, single guy.
• The shop owner’s house is actually located in the nearby borough of Malvern, chosen for its more upscale appearance.
• One character’s “parents’ basement” scenes were filmed in a real home in West Goshen Township.

Behind the Scenes: Logistics of Filming

Filming a car-centric show in a small town presents unique challenges. The production team had to navigate various logistical hurdles to bring “Tires” to life.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Traffic Management: Filming on busy streets like Gay Street required careful coordination with local authorities.

• Solution: Much of the street filming was done early on Sunday mornings when traffic was lightest.

1. Weather Inconsistencies: Pennsylvania’s variable weather posed challenges for maintaining continuity.

• Solution: The team used a combination of scheduling flexibility and post-production techniques to ensure consistency.

1. Limited Parking: The influx of production vehicles strained West Chester’s already limited parking.

• Solution: The production rented several private lots on the outskirts of town for crew parking and shuttled people to set.

Community Involvement

The people of West Chester played a crucial role in the success of “Tires”. Local involvement included:

• Extras: Many background actors are actual West Chester residents.
• Location Support: Local businesses were incredibly accommodating, often adjusting their hours to facilitate filming.
• Technical Advisors: Local mechanics were brought in to ensure authenticity in the automotive scenes.

Environmental Considerations

Filming a show centered around cars comes with environmental concerns. The “Tires” production team took several steps to minimize their ecological footprint:

• Using electric vehicles for production transport whenever possible
• Implementing a comprehensive recycling program on set
• Donating usable leftover materials to local schools and community centers

Easter Eggs for Car Enthusiasts

The creators of “Tires” packed the show with hidden gems for eagle-eyed car lovers. Here are a few to watch out for:

1. Local Auto History: The shop’s walls are decorated with photos of real West Chester auto shops from the early 20th century.
2. Famous Wheels: In one episode, a character works on a car that belonged to local racing legend Mario Andretti.
3. Brand Spotting: Real tire brands are visible in many shots, adding to the authenticity of the setting.

Impact on West Chester and Surrounding Areas

The filming of “Tires” has had a significant impact on West Chester and the surrounding areas.

Tourism Boost

Since the show’s debut, West Chester has seen a notable increase in tourism. The local tourism board has even created a “Tires” tour, showcasing key filming locations.

“Tires” Tourism Impact:

• 15% increase in hotel bookings
• 20% boost in weekend restaurant revenue
• Creation of 5 new “Tires”-themed tours

Local Business Benefits

Many local businesses featured in the show have seen a surge in customers. The Valley Forge Automotive Center, in particular, has become something of a local celebrity, with fans often stopping by to take photos.

Community Reaction

While there was initially some concern about the disruption filming might cause, the overall community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many residents take pride in seeing their town featured on a popular Netflix series.

“It’s surreal seeing places I’ve known my whole life on Netflix,” said long-time West Chester resident Sarah Thompson. “But it’s also really cool. ‘Tires’ really captures the spirit of our town.”

The Road Ahead: Potential Future Filming

As “Tires” gains popularity, there’s much speculation about future seasons and potential new filming locations.

Expanding the “Tires” Universe

While West Chester will likely remain the show’s home base, there are rumors that future seasons might explore more of Pennsylvania. Possible locations include:

• Philadelphia: For urban-themed episodes
• The Poconos: For a potential “company retreat” storyline
• Hershey: Home of “Hersheypark,” potentially for an amusement park episode

Other PA Towns Vying for Attention

The success of “Tires” has other Pennsylvania towns clamoring for a piece of the action. Several have launched campaigns to attract the show’s producers, highlighting their unique features and automotive history.

Conclusion

Netflix’s “Tires” is more than just a workplace comedy series—it’s a love letter to West Chester, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area. Through careful location scouting and a deep respect for local culture, the show has managed to create a world that feels authentic and lived-in.

From the bustling streets of downtown West Chester to the winding country roads of Chester County, every location in “Tires” plays a crucial role in bringing the show’s unique blend of humor and heart to life. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful, location-based storytelling.

As you watch “Tires”, keep an eye out for the real West Chester locations. You might just find yourself planning a trip to this charming Pennsylvania town to experience the world of “Tires” firsthand.