Author: Jeff Cooper

How does cold weather impact your vehicle? What can you do to protect your car from the winter season? As the temperatures continue to drop, you may begin to notice signs of your vehicle struggling. The cold weather can challenge your vehicle from all angles. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help with 7 cold weather car tips and services.

1) Maintain Your Recommended Oil Change Schedule

Oil changes are essential year-round, but they are especially important during the colder months. The cold weather makes your oil and other engine fluids move more slowly, which requires your vehicle to work harder to operate. Dirty, contaminated, and depleted engine oil can substantially enhance this stress. Double-check to ensure you are on track with your manufacturer-recommended oil change schedule. If you are close to needing an oil change, it might even be worth getting this service a little early to safeguard your car against wintery weather. 

2) Watch Out For Your Battery

While the cold weather does not damage your battery, it can deplete your battery’s charge. Combined with the fact that your vehicle requires an extra surge of power to start due to slow-moving engine oil, battery failure can leave drivers stranded in the winter. You can prevent battery troubles by ensuring your terminal ends are clean and preserving battery life, when possible. This includes unplugging chargers and turning off your lights when the vehicle is not running. You can also get a battery replacement at the first signs of a dying car battery. 

3) Park in the Garage

Naturally, the temperatures get colder after the sun sets—making this the most vulnerable time for your vehicle. You can help keep your car protected by parking in an enclosed garage each night. While most garages are not climate-controlled, they can insulate your car while keeping away the frost—with the added bonus of keeping morning ice off of your windshield. Just be sure to open your overhead garage door before starting your engine to avoid exhaust venting into your home and car. 

4) Keep an Eye on Tire Tire Pressure

When the temperatures drop, the air inside your tires compresses. Low tire pressure can lead to a wide range of troubles, including:

• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Poor vehicle handling
• Increased risks of tire sidewall damage 
• Enhanced and uneven tire wear

By ensuring you maintain the recommended pressure (as indicated on your tire information panel), you can help keep your tires protected. You can often even score a free tire pressure refill from a local mechanic shop.

5) Check-in on Your Radiator, Belts, and Hoses

One lesser-known risk of cold weather is the damage it can cause your radiator, belts, and hoses. Radiator fluid is a mixture between antifreeze and water. While antifreeze has an impressive freezing point of -36℉ (hence the name), water has a freezing point of 32℉. As such, your radiator fluid is susceptible to partial freezing during cold winter nights. This is especially true if your fluid is old, contaminated, or depleted. A radiator fluid flush can help keep your radiator protected. A mechanic will also check its supporting components—including the belts and hoses—for signs of wear.

6) Complete Tire Tread Checks

When the roads accumulate snow and ice, your tires will have to be extra responsive to keep you safe. To keep you and your vehicle protected, you will want to ensure that your tires have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. You can read our guide to checking tire tread depth here. It is also necessary to keep an eye out for uneven tread wear and signs of rubber rot. 

7) Headlight Bulb Checks and Restoration Services

The cold, dark winter days and nights will put your headlights to the test. Double-check to ensure your headlights are bright and functioning properly. You may need a simple bulb replacement if you notice one of your headlights dim or burnt-out. If your headlights are dim or yellowing, this could be a sign of oxidized lenses. A headlight restoration service can repair this issue to keep you safe on the road during the darkest days of the year. 

Winter Car Care from Chapel Hill Tire

You can get the winter car care you need without ever stepping foot in a mechanic’s office with Chapel Hill Tire’s pick-up and delivery services. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call today to get started! Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We also serve surrounding communities, including Wake Forest, Cary, Pittsboro, Morrisville, Hillsborough, and beyond! Save time and trouble this holiday season when you Drive Happy with Chapel Hill Tire.

We all know someone who is impossible to shop for during the holiday season. With supply chain issues and product shortages, this year can bring additional challenges to gift-giving. It is time to start getting creative. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with some suggestions on auto repairs and updates you can give this holiday season. 

1: New Tires

Tires are an investment, one integral to your vehicle safety, handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. If your parents, partner, or child is due for a new set of tires—this could be the perfect holiday gift. You can shop online with ease using our Tire Finder tool. It shows you all of the tires available for your loved one’s vehicle—allowing you to compare prices and features. You can also view the full pricing breakdown to avoid any hidden fees or surprises. The gift of new tires is an investment that will keep them safe and moving forward for years to come. 

2: Oil Change

As one of the most frequently-needed car maintenance visits, an oil change is a small service that can feel like a huge inconvenience. By giving the gift of an oil change, you can save your love one time while protecting their engine with this affordable service. Best of all, with pick-up and delivery, you won’t even need to leave your seat to show your loved ones you care.  

3: Brake Pads and Rotors

Responsive brakes are a necessary element of vehicle safety. Over time, most braking systems will wear out the brake pad friction material and warp the brake rotors. If your loved one is due for brake services, this could be the gift that saves their life on the road. A professional mechanic can assess their brakes to determine the needed course of action. 

4: Trailer Hitch Installation

Do you have anyone in your life who loves adventure? A trailer hitch installation could make a great gift. Unfortunately, these vital installations no longer come standard on many capable vehicles. Giving the gift of trailer hitch installation can help your loved one unlock new adventures. Even small cars can make use of a trailer hitch for bike racks, small cargo carriers, and other unique attachments.

5: Headlight Restoration

Headlights are another key safety feature that can often go unchecked. Most headlights are made with acrylic lenses. The sun’s UV rays oxidize acrylic—causing yellowing, foggy, opaque, and dim headlights. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to oxidized headlights: restoration service. During this process, an expert will use professional-grade tools to remove and resurface the oxidized layer of the lenses. They will then polish on a protective layer to deter future oxidization.

Chapel Hill Tire Auto Service and Repairs in the Triangle

When you are ready to give the gift of car care, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We offer a comprehensive array of gift-worthy services. If you are busy during this holiday season, we can come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. Chapel Hill Tire serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We invite you to explore our coupons, make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today! 

Cold weather can create all sorts of trouble for your vehicle. You might find your low tire pressure light on as the air begins to compress. Perhaps your battery light comes on as the cold makes it challenging for your vehicle to start. However, one less noticeable effect of the cold weather is radiator damage. Our local mechanics are here with everything you need to know about cold weather and vehicle radiator care. 

Why is the Cold Weather Bad For Radiators?

You might be wondering, “Why does the cold weather put my radiator at risk?” When the temperatures begin to drop, the coolant inside your radiator can begin to partially freeze. While antifreeze will not freeze until it reaches -36℉, coolant is actually a mixture of antifreeze and water. Unlike antifreeze, water freezes at 32℉. As such, your radiator fluid can begin partially freezing during the cold winter nights. 

Radiator Troubles and Cold Weather

So what happens when your radiator fluid begins to freeze? This process can cause a few adverse side effects, including:

• The metal components of your radiator can begin to contract
• Your radiator fluid can begin to expand
• Radiator fluid can leak through damaged components 
• Your radiator hoses and hose clamps can become loose or damaged

In these cases, your vehicle will require professional radiator diagnostics and repair services. This may involve hose replacement, radiator replacements, hose tightening services, or coolant services, among others. 

Preventing Radiator Damage in the Cold Weather

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to keep your radiator protected. How do you prevent cold weather radiator troubles? Here are three main tips from our mechanics:

• Park in the Garage: The easiest way to stop the cold weather from impacting your radiator is to park in the garage. This will protect your car from frost and ease the impacts of the harshest temperatures. 
• Vehicle Covers: If you cannot park in your garage, you might consider investing in a vehicle cover. These will help trap in the heat of your vehicle and insulate your engine from the cold. 
• Radiator Fluid Flush: Your radiator will be especially prone to cold weather impacts if it hasn’t received proper care. Sludge and debris in your radiator can impact the coolant freezing point and make your radiator more susceptible to cold weather problems. As such, it is essential you maintain your manufacturer-recommended radiator fluid flush routine. 
• Routine Vehicle Maintenance: During routine service visits—such as your oil changes—your mechanic should take a look under the hood to visually inspect your belts and hoses. This will allow you to catch certain radiator issues early and minimize damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire Radiator Repair and Replacement Services

When your vehicle runs into winter radiator troubles, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire can help. We offer the experienced care that you need to ensure that your vehicle is protected. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations throughout Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. Our local mechanics offer convenient pick-up/delivery service—as well as a wide variety of coupons, deals, and promotions. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

As the weather cools down, you might find your car struggling to start. How do you jump-start a car battery? Is it safe? Can jump-starting another battery drain your own? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to answer all of your questions about batteries. 

Why Do So Many Car Batteries Die in the Winter?

Before we dive in, you might be wondering why your car battery gave out. So why do car batteries die in the winter? 

• Oil troubles: Engine oil moves more slowly at cold temperatures, which will require an extra surge of power from your battery. This issue is especially troubling if you are due for an oil change. 
• Depleted charge: The “charge” in your car battery is maintained by an electrochemical reaction. The colder weather slows down this process—which drops some of your battery’s power. 
• Summer battery damage: While the cold winter weather will slow down your battery, it will not damage your battery. The summer heat, on the other hand, can cause some structural battery damage. This damage will leave your battery unable to fight the effects of the cold weather. 

You can prevent damage to your battery by parking in the garage. Batteries also die simply because they are due for a replacement. Even in ideal conditions, your car battery will need to be replaced every 3-4 years. 

Is It Safe to Jump-Start a Dead Car Battery?

If you follow all safety precautions, jumping a dead car battery is completely safe. Here is a look at some of the safety measures you should follow:

• Make sure both cars are turned off when connecting the jumper cables.
• Always connect the cables to the dead battery first.
• Once there is power running through the cables, take precautions when handling them. Do not touch the two ends of the cables together.
• Do not touch the two vehicles together. 
• Every vehicle and engine is unique. To ensure your safety and the safety of your vehicle, please read and follow all jump-starting instructions in your owner’s manual. 
• If you feel unsafe using jumper cables, consider investing in a jump-starter pack. 

So how do you jump-start a car battery? Chapel Hill Tire has a full 8 step guide here.

Do I Need a New Car Battery?

A drained car battery is different from a dead car battery. For example, if you leave your headlights on overnight, it might drain even a new car battery. However, a simple jump-start will be enough to get you going. As you drive, your healthy battery will regain and keep this charge.  

Conversely, once a battery has gone bad, it will require a battery replacement service. Worn, old, and corroded car batteries will not hold a charge. Rather, you should bring it straight to a mechanic after your jump-start. How can you tell if your battery has gone bad?

• Did it die on its own? If so, it has likely gone bad. Otherwise, if you notice a light or another factor that drained your car battery, you might still be okay. 
• Is your battery older? Car batteries will require replacement roughly every 3 years. 
• Do you notice corrosion on your car battery? This indicates battery deterioration. 

When none of these situations may apply to you, your alternator or starting system could be the problem. While it is rare, you may also have gotten a “lemon” battery replacement. In these cases, an experienced mechanic can help find and repair the source of your troubles. 

Is Jump-Starting a Battery Bad for Your Car?

So what about your car when jump-starting another battery? This process will put slight stress on your battery and alternator. However, in most cases, this process is harmless. A healthy battery will be unfazed by the jump-start, and your battery will recharge as you drive. 

However, If done improperly, jump-starting another car can pose some risks for your vehicle. You will want to ensure your car is about the same size as the other vehicle. Too much of a power surge can impact the other car’s electrical system. Meanwhile, not enough power will strain your charge without successfully jump-starting the other car. You will also want to ensure that you follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. 

Chapel Hill Tire Battery Replacement Services

When you are due for a new car battery, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire have you covered. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

When you switch to a hybrid car, you might feel like everything you used to know about car care has changed. There are some similarities and differences when it comes to hybrid maintenance. The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with a guide to the service your hybrid vehicle needs.

Hybrid Battery Maintenance and Services

Hybrid vehicle batteries are much larger and more complex than standard automotive batteries. As such, it is especially important that you provide the care it needs. Here are some tips on maintenance and care for hybrid batteries:

• Keep your hybrid parked in the garage to protect the battery from the summer heat and winter chills.
• Have a professional clean your battery to remove debris and corrosion.
• Hybrid batteries last much longer than standard car batteries. They are often warrantied to last between 5 to 10 years, depending on your manufacturer. However, when your battery begins to fail, you will need a hybrid battery repair or replacement from an experienced hybrid professional.

Inverter Tune-Ups for Hybrids

The inverter is the “brain” of your hybrid vehicle. Hybrids store the energy generated by your braking system in a DC (direct current) battery. Your inverter converts this into AC (alternating current) energy to power your vehicle. This process generates a lot of heat, which the inverter’s cooling system works to neutralize. As such, the inverter system may require routine coolant flushes, among other repair or replacement services.

Transmission Fluid Service and Transmission Repairs

Transmissions are responsible for moving power from your hybrid’s engine to the wheels. Different brands of hybrid vehicles collect and distribute power differently, which means there are a few different transmissions on the market. Depending on your transmission type and manufacturer recommendations, you may require regular transmission fluid flushes. It is essential to visit a mechanic experienced in hybrid vehicles for transmission checks, services, and repairs. 

Hybrid Tire Services

Tire needs are standard across hybrid, electric, and standard vehicles. Here is a look at some of the services your hybrid may need:

• Tire rotation: To keep your tires protected and wearing evenly, your hybrid tires will require regular rotations.
• Wheel alignment: When your alignment is skewed, it can cause a wide range of tire and vehicle troubles. Your hybrid will require as-needed alignment services. 
• Tire replacement: Every tire has a limited lifespan. When your hybrid vehicle tires become worn or old, they will need to be replaced. 
• Tire patching: Most drivers will inevitably find a nail in their tire at some point. Assuming the tie is overall in good condition, this will require a patching service. 
• Inflation services: Low tire pressure can cause added stress to your hybrid engine, tires, and battery. 

Service and Maintenance Benefits of Hybrid Cars

Too often, hybrid vehicles are given a bad reputation for their service and repair requirements. However, with the right professionals on your side, these services are easy and affordable. Additionally, there are several areas of maintenance where hybrid vehicles require less care than standard cars:

• Frequent battery replacement: Most vehicles require a new battery roughly every three years. Hybrid batteries are much larger and more sustainable. As such, they require very few replacements.
• Frequent braking system maintenance: When you slow or stop a standard vehicle, the friction and power are absorbed by the braking system. As such, standard vehicles require frequent brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake fluid flush, and other services. However, regenerative braking absorbs this power and uses it to fuel the vehicle’s movements. As such, they do not require frequent brake pad replacements.
• Oil change routine differences: Hybrid vehicles do still require oil changes. However, when you are driving at low speeds, the hybrid’s battery will kick in and give your engine a break. As such, the engine will not require as frequent oil changes. 

Service needs, recommendations, and routines will vary by vehicle and manufacture. Driving patterns and road conditions can also impact your ideal maintenance requirements. You can find the exact service schedule for your vehicle in your owner’s manual. A professional mechanic can also take a look under the hood to tell you which hybrid services you may need.

Chapel Hill Tire Hybrid Services

If you need hybrid vehicle service in the greater Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you. We have nine locations across Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our mechanics will also come to you! We serve drivers in nearby cities as well with service areas extending to Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond! We invite you to make your appointment to get started today!

Like most mechanics and auto technicians, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire recommend looking over your tires once a month to ensure they look healthy. On occasion, drivers will find that one of their tires has suddenly gone bald of tread. What causes this strange tire phenomenon? Here is a look at 7 possible problems you might be experiencing. 

Problem 1: Wheel Alignment Issues

Ideally, your tires are all angled correctly to evenly meet the road. Over time, bumps in the road can throw off the alignment of one or more of your wheels. Naturally, this will cause disproportionate wear to the misaligned tire(s). Your wheel will face rolling resistance and additional friction on the road—causing it to quickly go bald.

While all tires are subject to alignment troubles, this most often impacts the front right tire and front left tire. Alignment troubles are the most common problem for drivers who find just one of their tires worn out. Thankfully, the solution here is simple: wheel alignment service. 

Problem 2: Skipped Tire Rotations

If you find one (or both) of your front tires worn out, you might think back to the last time you had your tires rotated. In general, your front tires will wear faster than your rear tires. Why?

• Weight: Your front tires often bear more weight than your rear tires because of the engine placement. 
• Steering and turning: Most cars have front-wheel drive (FWD)—meaning only the front wheels turn to steer your car. Turning results in additional friction against the road. 
• Road hazards: Drivers have a little more time to correct their steering for back tires when encountering potholes and other road hazards. 

This is why tire manufacturers recommend regular tire rotations. Tire rotations help your tires wear evenly by ensuring they balance out the impact of road and driving hazards. 

Problem 3: Mis-Matched Tires

Every tire brand works to make unique tires. Unfortunately, some tire brands are known to last longer than others. The tread patterns, rubber composition, threading, age, and so many other factors contribute to a tire’s lifespan. In some cases, mismatched tires will not create any problems. In other cases, it could potentially contribute to tires wearing at different rates.

Problem 4: Inflation Differences

Proper tire inflation is vital to your tire health. If one of your tires is running with low tire pressure, it can quickly cause structural damage. We commonly see this problem when there is an undetected nail in the tire. Overinflation can also cause uneven tire tread wear. You can check your tire information panel on the frame of your car near your driver’s seat to ensure your tires stay inflated to the ideal PSI. Alternatively, there are easy ways to score free tire pressure refills at your local mechanic shop.

Problem 5: Used Tire Inconsistencies

If you buy your tires used, you never truly know what you are getting or the exact history of each tire. One of them might have older rubber, prior damage, or a compromised structure. As such, buying used could be the reason one of your tires has worn more quickly than the others.

Problem 6: Driving Factors

On occasion, a tire problem has nothing to do with the tire. Are the roads in your area uneven and bumpy? Perhaps you hit the same unavoidable potholes each day? Driving habits, road conditions, and other factors specific to your situation can impact your tire health. These conditions may also lead to one tire wearing faster than the others—especially without proper rotations. 

Problem 7: Tire Age Differences

The age of a tire’s rubber heavily affects how it drives, how it wears, and how safe it is on the road. If one of your tires is older than the rest, it will likely wear early. You can find our full guide to tire age here. 

Should You Replace All the Tires or Just the One?

If you catch tire wear early, you may be able to avoid replacement. However, if one of your tires is disproportionately worn out, it will need to be replaced during your service visit. In these cases, some drivers opt to have all four tires replaced if they are getting old or nearing replacement. This will help keep all of the tires on the same routine. It also avoids issues with newer tire tread gripping harder than the others. 

Conversely, you can often save money by replacing just the single worn-out tire. This is especially true if your three remaining tires are in good shape. However, it is essential to find a tire with a similar composition and tread pattern. If possible, match your new tire to the brand of your remaining tires to avoid any problems. Thankfully, this is easy to do when you buy your new tires online.

Chapel Hill Tire Alignment and Tire Services

If you find that one of your tires has gone bald, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help. We offer tire alignment, balancing, inflation, replacement, and other mechanic services. If you don’t have time to visit one of your 9 Triangle-area locations, we will come to you with our suite of convenient car care services. Best of all, you can get the lowest possible prices on your new tires with our Price Beat Guarantee. Our local auto mechanics invite you to make your appointment here online, review our coupon page, or give us a call to get started today!

As some of the newest and most innovative vehicles on the road, Teslas can leave drivers with a lot of questions once something goes wrong. We often have drivers ask:

• Can my flat Tesla tire be patched?
• How do you patch Tesla tires?
• What makes Tesla tires different?

The professional mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to answer all of your questions about Tesla tire repair. 

Can You Patch a Tesla Tire?

The short answer is yes—most punctured Tesla tires can be patched. In their early stages, Tesla tires could not be patched because of a foam layer lining the inside of the rubber to provide a smooth, quiet ride. This feature would turn the smallest punctures into large repairs. However, local Tesla service professionals can now complete patches for Tesla tires with minimal damage. If your tire has a severe slash or damage, it will require replacement. 

Tubeless Tesla Tires: Information on Punctured Tires

Tesla tires are tubeless, which means that they may not leak when punctured. It is best, in these cases, to leave the nail in your tire until it can be patched. Tesla recommends not driving on a punctured tire, even if it is still full of air, as they can deflate suddenly at any moment. 

How to Patch Tesla Tires

So how do mechanics like those at Chapel Hill Tire repair Tesla tires? They begin by removing the punctured object. Next, they carefully scrape away the foam layer to make room for the repair. Then, our mechanics can patch the puncture in your tire and refill it to the proper tire pressure.

How to Keep Tesla Tires Inflated

When it comes to flat tires and punctures, preventing damage should always be your first recourse. Here are a few ways that you can keep your Tesla tire inflated:

• Avoid Hazards on the Road: While it may not always be within your control, avoiding road hazards can significantly expand the lifespan of your tires. This includes driving carefully around potholes, debris, and more. If you live in an area with unavoidable hazards, you may consider investing in Road Hazard Tire Protection. 
• Tire Pressure Settings: Maintaining proper tire pressure is key to keeping your tires protected. At the time of publication, Tesla recommends keeping your tires inflated to the pressure recommended on your tire information panel—even if it differs from the recommendations printed on your Tesla tire. 
• Careful Driving: Do not drive on a compromised or flat tire. This risks making the damage substantially worse. If you must drive, be sure to do so carefully, safely, and slowly. 

Chapel Hill Tire Tesla Service in the Triangle

If you need local Tesla service, the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with support. Our local mechanics have experience patching and repairing Tesla tires. We also provide new Michelin and Continental tires for Tesla vehicles at the lowest price—guaranteed. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. You can make your appointment here online, explore our coupon page, or give us a call to get started today!

Car problems always seem to strike at the worst possible time—which leaves drivers struggling to visit a mechanic. All too often, vehicles go without vital services because drivers have to prioritize work, family, and other life happenings. Chapel Hill Tire now offers a better way to get the auto repair and maintenance services you need. When you are unable to visit a mechanic, our auto repair pickup & delivery car care solutions can help. Here is a closer look at remote vehicle services from the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire.  

Pick-Up and Delivery Mechanic Services

Mobile car care makes vehicle service accessible. Whether you are too busy for a mechanic visit or you simply enjoy the convenience, this service is for you. Let’s take a look at how pick-up and delivery mechanic service works: 

• First, the Chapel Hill Tire experts will visit your home or work to pick up your vehicle. 
• Next, we take it back to the shop and give it the care it needs. 
• Along the way, we will update you via text so you know the status of your services. 
• Once it is ready to go, we will bring your car back to you, fully serviced. 

It’s that simple. You may have questions about the service, and our professionals have the answers. Here is a quick FAQ about home pickup & delivery mechanic service. 

Is Mobile Car Care Safe?

If anyone can drive on thin brake pads, a shaking steering wheel, or with a burnt-out bulb, it is your professional mechanics. In some cases, pick-up and delivery mechanics may even be able to help resolve technical issues preventing you from driving to the shop. For example, if you are stranded with a dead battery, our experts will give your car a jump to get it back for a replacement. However, if a vehicle is broken down or entirely unsafe to drive, it will need to be towed for service.

How Long Does Pick-Up and Delivery Service Take?

Pick-up and delivery times will depend on:

• Your appointment time
• The vehicle service(s) needed
• Driver availability

…and other varying factors. At Chapel Hill Tire, we update our drivers on their service progress via text, so you never have any questions about repair times. 

How Much Does Pick-Up and Delivery Service Cost?

With certain mechanic networks, convenience comes with a big price tag. Chapel Hill Tire is different. Our pick-up/delivery mechanic service comes with a modest concierge fee. Contact our team, or request an appointment, to learn our current rates.

Who Qualifies for Auto Repair Home Pickup & Delivery?

At Chapel Hill Tire, everyone within our service areas qualifies for free pick-up and delivery. This includes drivers in:

• Apex
• Raleigh, near Crabtree Valley Mall
• Hillsborough
• Raleigh, near Atlantic Avenue
• Carrboro
• Durham
• Wake Forest
• Knightdale
• Holly Springs
• Cary
• Pittsboro
• Morrisville
• Chapel Hill, near Cole Park Plaza
• Chapel Hill, near University Place
• Chapel Hill, near West Franklin Street
• Chapel Hill, near N. Fordham Blvd. 

Other Convenient Mechanic Services

If pick-up and delivery service does not sound right for you, there are other ways to make high-quality car care convenient. 

• Curbside service: When you choose curbside service, we will come to you at our curb for your vehicle check-in. When your vehicle is ready to go, the keys and your invoice will be in the car waiting for you. 
• Text updates: You will never have to wonder when your car will be ready to go with Chapel Hill Tire. We offer text updates to keep you informed so that you can plan accordingly.
• Shuttle service: Our experts will take you where you need to go—work, home, or a nearby shop—while your vehicle is serviced and pick you back up afterward. 
• Text to pay: Chapel Hill Tire gives you the option to pay by text so you can grab your keys and go once your vehicle is ready. 

Chapel Hill Tire Mobile Car Care Mechanic Services

You can have your vehicle serviced without ever leaving your seat with the Chapel Hill Tire pick-up and delivery service. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to start Driving Happy with us today!

There is perhaps no worse feeling than driving down the road and learning you have a flat tire. Bumps, potholes, rim damage, and standard tire wear can all lead to flats. One common question we get from customers—“Can I drive on a flat tire?” The professional mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.

Low Tire Pressure vs. Flat Tire: What is the Difference?

When you see your low tire pressure dashboard light come on, this could indicate a flat tire; however, it is more commonly a minor tire issue. So what is the difference between low tire pressure and a flat tire? 

• Flat tires: Flats are often fully deflated and require repair. This can happen if you have a large puncture, tire damage, or a bent rim. 
• Low tire pressure: When your tire inflation falls slightly beneath your recommended PSI, you have low tire pressure.  Low pressure could be caused by small punctures (such as a nail in your tire), standard air loss, wintery weather, and more. 

While neither of these car issues is ideal, flat tires are more severe iterations of low tire pressure. 

Can You Drive with Low Tire Pressure?

You may be asking, “Can I drive my car with low tire pressure?” Driving with low tire pressure is not ideal, but it is possible. Tires with low pressure will still move along, but they can come with a variety of negative side effects, including:

• Poor vehicle handling
• Rim damage
• Sidewall damage
• Poor fuel economy
• Increased chance of flat tires
• Excellerated tire tread wear

All that is to say, if you are driving with low tire pressure, you should be on your way to a mechanic for free tire inflation. Consider checking your tire pressure each month to ensure that it is not getting too low. Here is our quick guide on finding information about your tires—including recommended pressure.

Can You Drive with a Flat Tire?

The short answer is no—you cannot drive with a flat tire. While you might be tempted to “limp” your tire to the repair shop, you cannot drive with a flat tire. Driving on a flat can lead to all of the same issues listed above for low tire pressure—including vehicle safety and handling troubles—but their likeliness and consequences are magnified. 

Your tire repair will depend on the source of your flat. If there is a screw in your tire, you will need a patching service and tire inflation. Bent rims will require rim straightening service to address flat tire problems. If your flat tire caused serious damage or is the result of an old tire, you will need a tire replacement. 

Chapel Hill Tire Flat Tire Repair and Replacement

Chapel Hill Tire is here to serve all of your low tire pressure, flat tire, tire repair, and tire replacement needs. You can visit one of our 9 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro for support. Our shops are also right down the road for drivers in Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, Holly Springs, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, and beyond. You can make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today! 

Do I need a differential fluid flush? What does differential fluid do? When it comes to differential fluid changes, this service often raises a lot of questions from drivers. The professional auto service mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.

Mechanic Insights: What is a Vehicle Differential? 

Before we dive into differential fluid service, let’s unpack one common question we get from drivers, “What is a vehicle differential?” A car’s differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. While you might think your wheels all spin together, this is an essential feature required for driving—especially while turning.

Why? Imagine making a sharp right turn around a street corner. Your left wheel will have to travel a great distance to make this turn happen, while your right wheel only moves slightly. For your vehicle to move at a constant speed, your wheels need to accommodate this rotational difference. 

What Does Differential Fluid Do?

Differential systems rely on a variety of moving parts, like gears, bearings, and more. They keep your wheels moving properly through every twist, turn, and winding road your vehicle comes across. This process generates a lot of heat while requiring the proper flow of parts moving together. As such, differential systems require fluid to lubricate, cool, and protect these components. 

Over time, this fluid becomes depleted, contaminated, and ineffective—which is why your vehicle will require occasional differential fluid changes. 

How Does Differential Fluid Replacement Work?

During a differential fluid replacement, a professional auto service mechanic will remove old, contaminated fluid out of your front or rear differential. By flushing out any contaminated fluid, they can ensure your service lasts as long as possible. Then, they replenish the differential with clean, fresh fluid.

Do I Need a Differential Fluid Flush?

On average, vehicles need new differential fluid every 40,000-60,000 miles. However, every car has different requirements, so it is important to check your owner’s manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle. When all else fails, one of the most reliable ways to tell if you need a differential fluid flush is by checking with your local auto service mechanic. Your driving patterns and the roads in your area can impact how frequently you need new differential fluid. As such, professional insight is key to getting the services you need. 

Differential Fluid Service at Chapel Hill Tire

When you are due for a rear or front differential fluid change, the professional auto mechanics are here for you! We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We are also convenient to nearby areas, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment here online, browse our coupons page, or give our experts a call to get started today!