If you see the small U-shaped light on your dashboard with an exclamation point in the middle, this indicates low tire pressure. While you might think you need to head to a gas station air pump, the auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to show you an easier way. Let’s take a look at 4 easy ways you can get your tire pressure checked and refilled for free.
What Causes Low Tire Pressure?
Before we dive in, let’s unpack why your tires are low on air. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of low tire pressure:
Standard air loss: If your tires are low on pressure, it is easy to assume there is a problem. However, the most common cause of low tire pressure is standard air loss that occurs over time.
Cold outdoor temperatures: When the temperature outside drops, the air inside your tires will compress.
Puncture: Nails or screws stuck in tire rubber are unfortunately common. The puncture opening will allow air inside your tire to escape. Here is a look at what to do when a nail punctures your tire.
Wheel, tire, or rim issues: In a worst-case tire pressure scenario, your low pressure could be the result of a larger underlying issue with your wheel, tire, or rim.
Low tire pressure can cause poor fuel economy, vehicle handling troubles, and tire damage. You can prevent these troubles by checking your tire pressure each month. Here is our guide to checking your tire pressure. Now, let’s look at some easy ways you can score free tire refills.
Oil Change with Tire Inflation Included
Routine tire pressure refills often fall within the same cadence as your needed oil change visits. Select mechanic networks (like Chapel Hill Tire) will check and refill your tire pressure for free each time you get an oil change. This perk helps offer an added incentive for drivers choosing a mechanic. It also shows that your mechanic cares about your car and your safety. In addition to air pressure refills, Chapel Hill Tire offers a fluid level check, air filter check, and inspection of your engine’s belts and hoses free with each oil change visit.
Free Air Pressure Refills with Tire Services
If you get your tire patched, rotated, aligned, or otherwise serviced, your mechanics will work up close and personal with your tires. Part of this service routine includes making sure your tires are ready to hit the road once they are finished. Any reputable mechanic will include tire pressure checks and refills with tire services.
Tire Road Hazard Protection Plan
When you buy a new tire or set of tires, you are often offered a protection plan. Some mechanics include it in their pricing, while others make this optional. At Chapel Hill Tire, our Road Hazard Tire Protection goes above and beyond most plans. This offering includes:
Free tire pressure refills for the lifespan of each protected tire
Free flat repairs for the lifespan of each protected tire
Free balancing for the lifespan of each protected tire
Up to $399.99 in tire replacement for each protected tire (included for 3 years or 2/32″ tread depth remaining)
Coupons, Deals, and Promotions
When visiting a local mechanic, you should always browse their coupons page for potential savings. In addition to potential tire pressure refill coupons, you might find other deals and discounts for your vehicle. At the time of publication, Chapel Hill Tire has a free tire pressure check and refill coupon available for our community.
Free Tire Refills from Chapel Hill Tire
If your tires need a boost, the mechanics here at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. You can visit us at one of our 9 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro for industry-leading car care. Make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today!
We all know someone who ignores their dashboard warning lights. Unfortunately, this can lead to vehicle failure and safety hazards on the road. Other drivers see dashboard lights and fear their car might not be safe enough to drive to a mechanic. Chapel Hill Tire is here with insight on what your dashboard warning lights mean and what you can do about them.
Check Engine Light
Perhaps the most famous and recognizable dashboard warning light is the check engine light.
As the name suggests, your check engine means a sensor detects an issue with your engine. The most common (and easy to fix) cause of a check engine light is a loose gas cap. Check to ensure your gas cap is tightly secured before worrying about your engine. Another common cause is a sensor issue, which requires sensor replacement. Beyond these issues, a check engine light could indicate a serious problem under your hood.
Is it safe to drive with your check engine light on? This depends on the cause of the check engine light. In mild cases, like a sensor issue, you should be safe to drive until you can visit a mechanic. However, in serious cases, it could lead to engine damage or failure if not addressed promptly. When you see your check engine light on, you should visit a mechanic as soon as possible.
Oil Change Warning Light
The dashboard light shaped like a gravy boat is your oil change warning.
Engine oil is essential for protecting your engine and preventing costly vehicle damage. Your vehicle requires regular replacements as oil becomes depleted and contaminated over time.
Is it safe to drive with your oil light on? Driving with your engine oil light on is a bit like playing with fire. Oil changes are inexpensive routine services, but skipping them risks serious and costly engine damage. It can also create potentially unsafe driving situations once that engine damage sets in. If you are driving with your oil change warning light on, you are hopefully on your way to a mechanic.
Dashboard Battery Warning Light
If you notice a small red light that looks like a battery illuminated in your dashboard, this indicates an issue with your battery or alternator.
Most frequently, this light means your battery is due for a replacement. Battery replacement is a routine service you will need roughly every 3 years.
Alternator issues are a bit more complicated. Your alternator is responsible for recharging your battery as you drive. It also helps power essential vehicle electrical elements, like your headlights. A professional mechanic will be able to diagnose your alternator troubles and work with you to arrive at a repair plan.
Is your vehicle safe to drive with the battery warning light on? When you are close to a battery replacement, your vehicle should still be safe to drive for a few days until you can visit a mechanic. If your schedule is too tight, simply have a mechanic come to you. However, if you choose to ignore your battery warning light, you will not want to get stranded with a dead battery. It is best to keep jumper cables or a battery pack in your car—just in case. Here is our 8-step guide to jump-starting your car.
If the issue is with your alternator, this is a different story. Faulty alternators could have your car dying in the middle of the road (rather than simply failing to start). Alternator troubles could also cause your headlights and other vehicle safety elements to turn off.
Windshield Washer Fluid Light
The dashboard warning light shaped like a windshield indicates low washer fluid.
This fluid is designed to help clear your windshields when bugs, debris, or other hazards impair your vision.
Is it safe to drive with the windshield warning light on? The windshield warning light lets you know your fluid is low, not depleted. You will be fine to continue driving—as long as you get it refilled before you run out entirely.
Seatbelt and Airbag Warning Light
If you or your passengers ignore the seatbelt, it could trigger a dashboard warning light in your vehicle.
While this doesn’t present a vehicle concern, seatbelts are vital to keeping you safe during an accident. While it does not require a visit to the mechanic, skipping the seatbelt can earn you a ticket. If you need further encouragement, your car may also trigger a seatbelt warning noise that may persist throughout your trip.
A similar dashboard light is the airbag warning. This light often indicates an issue with your airbag system that may prevent it from deploying in an accident. In these cases, you can consult a mechanic to ensure your airbag is working safely.
Coolant Warning Light
The small thermometer light (often with waves near the bottom) is your coolant warning.
This light is also commonly called a temperature warning, refrigerant warning, or radiator fluid warning. It is often a sign that your engine is getting too hot. It could also indicate that you are low on coolant.
Is it safe to drive with the thermometer warning light on? Driving with an overheated engine could create costly engine damage or even begin smoking. If your engine is overheating, pull over and give it a chance to cool down. Contact a mechanic for professional insight on whether or not it is safe to drive. Otherwise, you might need a tow service to bring it to the mechanic instead.
In a best-case scenario, the light is simply telling you that your coolant levels are low. In this case, it is safe to drive as long as you schedule a visit to the mechanic for a coolant flush. It is best not to wait when it comes to your radiator.
Exclamation Point in a Circle: Brake Warning Lights
The bright red circle with an exclamation mark inside indicates an issue with your brake system.
This could be a routine warning or a sensor detecting depleted brake pads or low brake fluid.
Is it safe to drive with the brake warning light on? Your brakes are essential to your safety on the road. In most cases, you will need brake pad replacements to keep you safe on the road. You may also need a brake fluid replacement service. Regardless of the source of your brake problems, the sooner you get them serviced, the better.
The horseshoe shape on your dashboard light (often with an exclamation point in the middle) indicates low tire pressure.
Low tire pressure happens naturally over time from driving. Cold weather also causes low air pressure as the air compresses inside of your tires. In a worst-case scenario, you may have a nail in your tire letting air out, which will require both a patch and refill. Driving with low tire pressure can cause poor fuel economy, present risks to your tires and rims, and impact your vehicle handling.
Is it safe to drive with your low tire pressure light on? Poor vehicle handling can present safety concerns—especially in inclement weather. You could also risk a tire blowout or rim damage. Thankfully, many mechanics make it easy to score free tire pressure refills. At Chapel Hill Tire, every oil change comes with free tire pressure checks and refills. You can also get free refills for the lifespan of your tires when you buy tire protection from our experts.
Chapel Hill Tire: Car Mechanic Services
If your dashboard warning light comes on, bring it to the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 11 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Cary, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can browse our selection of coupons, deals, and discounts on top of our everyday low service prices. We invite you to make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today!
If you look closely at any tire, you can find an engraved DOT number. This number gives you valuable insights into the tires keeping you safe. However, it is not always clear to drivers what their DOT number is communicating. The local auto mechanics are here with the full breakdown of how to read a tire’s DOT number.
The Beginning: DOT
Every tire identification number begins with the letters DOT (Department of Transportation). It is a marker that verifies you are getting tires that meet the Department of Transportation’s guidelines. It also serves as a clear, universal starting point for a tire’s TIN (tire identification number).
Tire Plant Code: Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
The next group of numbers contains two characters that indicate your tire’s plant code. Every tire manufacturing plant has a unique two-character code, often made with one number and one letter. Why is this important? If there is a tire recall, safety issue, or another tire concern, it can be traced back to the plant that produced the tire(s) in question.
Tire Size Code
The next two numbers or letters are your tire size code. The tire size code is a little less straightforward than other markings. Originally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had a universal list of tire sizes and the two-digit codes that represented them. However, the DOT now lets manufacturers determine their own code for tire size, according to the US Federal Register. This change was intended to make it easy for manufacturers to produce new tires without requiring the NHTSA to update its code list. Unfortunately, it makes it challenging to translate the tire size on your tire’s DOT number. Thankfully, there is an easier way to tell your tire size (more on this below).
Tire Manufacturer Characteristics
The third set of values indicates the manufacturer’s characteristics. It is essentially a space for manufacturers to provide tire distinction or other brand-specific insights. The US Federal Register states, “The third grouping may be used at the manufacturer’s option to provide any other significant characteristics of the tire. Except for cases in which a tire is manufactured for a brand name owner, the third grouping is not required.” Manufacturers then submit their list of codes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Much like the tire size code, this grouping often does not provide valuable information for drivers. It is more so used for recalls, errors, and other official identification needs.
Tire Age
Without ever touching the road, a tire can go bad simply due to its age. After 5 years of age, tires begin experiencing thermo-oxidative degradation. This chemical reaction can severely impact tire safety on the road.
The final four digits on your DOT number will tell you the tire’s age. The first two numbers of this grouping indicate the week of the year your tire was manufactured. The final two digits indicate the year that your tire was manufactured. For example, if your final four DOT numbers are 3020, your tire was manufactured in the 30th week of 2020. You can find more information in our full guide to tire age here.
Finding Tire Size, Recommended Tire Pressure, and Other Information
While DOT numbers are helpful, they might not tell you everything you need to know about your tires. As tire experts, we often have customers ask:
How can I tell my tire size dimensions?
What is the recommended tire pressure (PSI) of my car’s tires?
What about cold tire pressure recommendations?
Many drivers expect to find the answers to these and other questions in their DOT number, but this is not the case. Tires brands often include additional insights on the face of the tire. However, it is frequently much easier to view tire information on your tire panel. If you open your driver’s-side door and turn to face the seat, you will find a sticker against your door frame with information about your tires. You can also find additional details in your owner’s manual.
Your Local Tire Experts: Chapel Hill Tire
When you are due for new tires, the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 11 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our mechanics also commonly serve nearby areas, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can conveniently buy your new tires online using our Tire Finder tool. For all of your tire services, vehicle services, and car care needs, make an appointment today with your nearest Chapel Hill Tire.
When you take up a driving career, your car becomes your lifeline. However, driving for services like Uber, Lyft, Postmates, DoorDash, UberEats, and more can take a toll on your vehicle. The auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight on how you can keep your car protected with these 5 services.
Regular Oil Changes
As a delivery or rideshare driver, one of the most important services to maintain is your oil changes. Oil is essential in keeping your engine parts working together smoothly. It also helps keep your engine clean, prevents winter battery failure, and so much more.
While oil changes are the most prominent and frequently needed service, it is also important to keep up with other routine maintenance flushes—including brake fluid changes, radiator flushes, transmission fluid flush, and others.
Battery Services
If you drive your vehicle for Uber, Lyft, taxi, or other rideshare services, you may frequently find passengers using your car’s battery-powered features. This includes turning on your interior lights and plugging their cellphones into your charging ports. It is essential to unplug any chargers and turn these lights off each time you exit your vehicle. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a dead battery upon return. However, even the most careful and energy-conservative driver will need a new battery on occasion.
As a rideshare driver, it is best to keep jumper cables in your car—just in case your battery dies. Better yet, battery packs are easy to order online and allow you to jump-start your car without needing help from a second vehicle. Our mechanics offer an 8-step guide to jump-starting your car here.
Check Breaks
Naturally, your brakes are essential for slowing and stopping your vehicle on the road. When you drive for services like Lyft, Uber, Postmates, and others, you will find yourself stepping on the brakes more frequently. This is especially true if your routes often involve driving on busy city roads rather than long highway or country stretches. Each time you press your foot against the pedal, the friction material of your brake pads wears away. When taking up a driving career, you will likely need more frequent brake pad changes.
Wheel Alignment
Tire and wheel alignment troubles can happen quickly when you drive your car frequently. This issue is especially prominent for drivers in areas where the roads contain lots of bumps and potholes. When your wheels are out of alignment, they will ruin your tires with uneven wear. Instead of needing a single alignment service, you will now need to also invest in a new set of tires. You might notice your alignment is off if your steering wheel shakes or pulls to one side of the road.
Tire Inspections and Services
Tires are essential to your vehicle’s safety on the road. Additionally, as a driver for Uber, Lyft, or Postmates, you will likely want to save as much gas as possible. Tire issues—like insufficient tire pressure and worn tire tread—can take a serious toll on your fuel efficiency. You should regularly check your tires for:
Tire Pressure Checks and Refills
Over time, your tires will gradually let out small amounts of air. Low tire pressure is an especially prominent issue during the colder months as the air in your tires compresses. Poor tire pressure can lead to low fuel economy, poor vehicle handling, and tire damage. If you visit service experts like Chapel Hill Tire, we check and refill your tire pressure with every oil change visit.
Tire Tread Depth Checks and Tire Replacements
The tread on your tires is what helps it grip the ground. This is essential for braking, starting, stopping, turning, and vehicle handling. When your tread becomes worn, it will seriously impact your safety and fuel economy. If your tire tread is even with your tread wear indicator bars, it is time for a new set of tires.
While investing in a new set of tires is not always fun, skipping this service can put your life, your passengers’ lives, and your career at risk. Chapel Hill Tire helps you meet your budget by making our tire prices transparent in our Online Tire Finder Tool. You can see all of the tires that fit your vehicle in one place, compare their prices and features, and buy the right tires for you hassle-free online. You can learn more about how to use the Tire Finder here.
Regular Tire Rotations
As you drive, your front tires endure more wear and tear than your back tires. Tire rotations can protect your tire set by ensuring the wear and tear is more evenly distributed. It also helps your mechanic catch tire issues early—such as alignment problems and dangerous tread wear.
Chapel Hill Tire Local Mechanic Services
The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and other drivers keep their vehicles protected. You can find coupons, deals, discounts, and promotions on top of our everyday low prices to keep our mechanic services affordable. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Chapel Hill, Apex, Raleigh, Durham, and Carrboro. Make your appointment here online to get started today!
It seems car problems and routine maintenance have a way of popping up at the worst possible times. Between work, school, family, or other life happenings, you may not always be able to easily fit a trip to the mechanic in your daily schedule. Thankfully, mechanic services are adapting to meet the needs of busy drivers. Here is a look at five ways you can make a mechanic visit work for you.
Free Pick-Up and Delivery Mechanic Service
When you don’t have time to visit an auto mechanic, wouldn’t it make sense to have the professionals come to you? That is exactly what pick-up and delivery mechanic service is designed to do. Our vehicle service technicians will come to your home, office, or any location within our service areas to pick up your car. Then, we will bring it back to our shop for repairs or routine maintenance. Once your vehicle is ready, we will bring it back to you. You can access industry-leading car care—from oil changes to inspections and tire services—without ever leaving your seat.
Free Mechanic Shuttle Services
Many mechanic shops are conveniently placed near shopping centers and other community hot spots. If you need to run errands while your vehicle is in the shop, you can take advantage of a shuttle service. Mechanic shuttles bring you where you need to go while your vehicle is repaired. Once your vehicle is ready to go, the shuttle will pick you up and take you back to the shop. This service lets you make the most of your time while ensuring your car gets the care it needs.
Free Curbside Mechanic Service
If you have ever ordered curbside groceries or take-out, you know the convenience of skipping the line and the hassles. Now, you can access this same convenience at the mechanic. Curbside service lets you seamlessly drop your vehicle off with a curbside check-in service advisor. You will get text updates on your car’s progress and the chance to pay-by-text. Once it is ready, you will find your fully-serviced vehicle waiting for you at our curbside with the keys inside. This perk lets you access high-quality car care without ever stepping foot in the shop.
Free Accommodating Amenities
In the work-from-home era, many drivers can work from almost anywhere—with the right accommodations. Mechanic shops like Chapel Hill Tire have upgraded our lobbies to meet these needs. Today, it is easy to find a mechanic shop with free Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs, and other amenities. These features allow you to get your vehicle serviced without missing a beat.
Chapel Hill Tire Convenient Mechanic Services
The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire strive to make high-quality car care work for even the busiest schedules. It is part of our values. Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. We also serve nearby communities, including Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Cary, and beyond! You can make your appointment here online, explore our coupon page, or give our local mechanics a call to get started today!
The automotive industry is becoming increasingly more environmentally friendly. Between electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient cars, we work to protect the planet more and more each day. One way that governments ensure your car is doing its part is with an annual emissions inspection. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with all of the insights you need about this annual vehicle check.
What Does an Emissions Inspection Check?
While drivers commonly think of the annual inspection as a single check, it is actually 2-3 inspections wrapped into one.
The second is your tampering inspection. This check (wrapped into your safety inspection) ensures your catalytic converter and other emissions components have not been tampered with to boost vehicle performance.
The third is your emissions inspection. This check looks at your engine and sensors to help you catch and address harmful damage early.
Emissions inspections are primarily checks of your OBD-II (or OBD2) system. OBD stands for onboard diagnostics. OBD2 is the most recent system of diagnostic codes—standard in all vehicles since 1996.
Emissions inspections check to ensure that your sensors, monitors, and dashboard lights all work as they should. It also requires that you complete any related repairs detected by your onboard diagnostics system.
NC Emissions Inspection Failure
Most emissions inspection failures are caused by the check engine light. When your check engine light comes on, you should always bring your vehicle in for expert insight as soon as possible. While some drivers may ignore the light and hope for the best, it could be warning you of a detrimental issue to your vehicle or your safety.
In addition to as-needed tests, the emissions inspection annually checks in on your engine and other components that could be causing your vehicle to run inefficiently. Before updated OBD technology, mechanics would have to manually test for troubles in the exhaust. Now, the internal sensors can measure the oxygen levels, temperature, mass air flow, and so much more. Two potential problems could lead to emissions inspection failure:
Symptom problems: On occasion, your check engine lights could come on because you have a faulty sensor rather than an actual engine problem. In these cases, you simply need to treat the symptom of the issue by having your sensor repaired or replaced.
Source problems: Naturally, check engine lights can also indicate an issue somewhere in your engine. A professional mechanic can diagnose these troubles and work with you to create a repair plan.
If your check engine light is on, you will need to address the cause of this light trigger before you can pass the emissions inspection.
What Happens If I Fail My NC Emissions Inspection?
So what happens when you fail your emissions inspection? Your next steps will depend on the reason(s) you failed. Let’s take a look at common causes of inspection failure and what you can do about it.
Emissions Inspection Check Engine Light Failure
As mentioned above, the most common cause of emissions inspection failure is a check engine light or a related issue somewhere in your vehicle. While an inspection failure is not ideal, there are simple steps you can take to get back on track.
First, you must schedule a repair, maintenance, or service visit to address the cause of the failure. Once it is ready, your mechanic will administer another emissions inspection. But what if your vehicle fails the second time? In these cases, you might qualify for a waiver from the DMV. To get a waiver, you will need to prove that you followed all of the necessary steps and attempted to address the problem with at least $200 in repairs.
“Not Ready” Emissions Inspection Failure
Some drivers fail their emissions inspections with a Not-Ready Rejection VIRS. Your OBD-II must have the sensors at the ready before a mechanic can complete the emissions inspection. While most vehicles become ready very easily, some have a hard time getting monitors to the “ready” state.
If your vehicle returns too many “not ready” scan responses, you will receive a Not-Ready Rejection VIRS. In these cases, you will need to get your vehicle ready and return another day for an emissions inspection. For some drivers, this will require repairs to your OBD-II system. Other drivers may simply need a reset—which often happens while you drive normally for a couple of days.
If you follow all of the proper steps and your vehicle is still returning a “not ready” response, you might qualify for a waiver from the DMV.
Non-Communication Emissions Inspection Failure
Similar to the “not ready” failure, non-communication failure can occur when your sensors will not communicate with the scanning device. Rather than returning a “not ready” error, these failures occur when your vehicle returns no communication at all.
This might happen if a new radio or security system has impacted the wiring, signals, or power in your vehicle. Other issues, such as sensor damage, recalls, or needed vehicle upgrades, can also lead to non-communication.
In these cases, your mechanic will attempt to reach this communication at least three times. Unless you find a vehicle recall or recommended repair, the next step in non-communication failure is to make an appointment with the DMV. They will provide further insights and use additional scan tools on your vehicle. If you passed your safety inspection and visual/tamper inspection, you might qualify for a waiver.
Do I Need an NC Emissions Inspection?
Emissions inspections are completed each year alongside the safety inspection for vehicles that do not qualify for an exemption. Exempt vehicles include:
Antique vehicles
Diesel-operated vehicles
Registered farm vehicles
Vehicles 20 years or older
And, most commonly, light-duty vehicles less than 3-years old or with less than 70,000 miles
Additionally, these rules only apply to vehicles registered in a county that requires emissions testing.
Which Counties Require NC Emissions Inspections?
According to the NCDOT, emissions inspections are currently required in 22 North Carolina counties:
Alamance
Buncombe
Cabarrus
Cumberland
Davidson
Durham
Forsyth
Franklin
Gaston
Guilford
Iredell
Johnston
Lee
Lincoln
Mecklenburg
New Hanover
Onslow
Randolph
Rockingham
Rowan
Wake
Union
Annual Car Inspections Near Me | Chapel Hill Tire
If you are due for an annual inspection, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! We complete quick and convenient services that will get you in, out, and driving happy. The Chapel Hill Tire experienced auto service mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Apex, Durham, Raleigh, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!
Are your headlights leaving you in the dark? Dim, dead, or fading headlights are both terrifying and dangerous for drivers. Without proper repairs, you could find yourself facing a variety of problems—from a failed annual car inspection to serious accidents on the road. The auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with a comprehensive look at dim headlights and what you can do about them.
Headlight Problem 1: Burnt Out Bulb
The most common problem that faces headlights is dim, dying, or burnt-out bulbs. Thankfully, this also comes with the most simple solution: bulb replacement. Much like the lightbulbs in your home, headlight bulbs need to be replaced every once in a while.
Headlight bulbs might need to be replaced more frequently if you tend to leave your headlights on during the day or if you regularly drive at night. For example, your bulbs might burn out more often if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or delivery jobs in the evenings. Older vehicles that have never had bulb replacements are also ticking time bombs for burnt-out headlights.
How can you tell when you need new headlight bulbs? In addition to noticing your headlights looking dimmer than usual, you can check for a burnt-out bulb with a few simple steps. Simply park your vehicle in a safe space and turn on your headlights. Then, step out of your car and check to ensure that both headlights are bright and functioning. When you notice one or both lights starting to dim, bring your car in for a bulb replacement service.
Headlight Problem 2: Lens Oxidation
Some drivers are surprised to learn that headlight dimming is not always caused by burnt-out bulbs. In fact, the lenses themselves may be to blame. Headlight lenses—the plastic pieces that cover the bulbs—are often made out of acrylic. This material is known for chemically reacting with the sun’s UV rays. Over time, your lenses can become oxidized—leading to a foggy, cloudy, or yellowed lens appearance. The opaque shade caused by oxidation does not let as much light pass through as clear lenses. This will leave your headlights looking dim, even if you have brand-new bulbs.
Your headlight bulb is illuminated by an array of electrical components. In most vehicles, this includes a wiring harness and a fuse. These components provide the power needed to fuel your headlights. Wiring troubles can cause your headlights to dim, misfire, or stop working entirely. Wiring troubles are rare, but not unheard of. They also become more likely if you have tampered with your headlights recently or attempted any DIY repairs.
This headlight repair will depend on the exact nature of your wiring troubles. You may need a wiring adjustment, a new wiring harness, a replacement fuse, or another electrical repair. An experienced mechanic can diagnose your headlight troubles and work with you to create a repair plan.
Headlight Problem 4: LEDs vs. Incandescent Bulbs
Have you ever driven past someone with blinding headlights? Even without the brights on, some LED headlights can seem much brighter than traditional versions. As such, if you are driving with traditional incandescent bulbs, you might begin to think your headlights seem dim in comparison.
Why are LED headlights so bright? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lights can appear brighter than incandescent bulbs without providing any extra light. Why? Traditional headlights have a softer, warmer, sometimes even yellowish hue. Meanwhile, LED lights emit a sharp white light with bluish tones. This color is harsher on the eyes, and it contrasts more starkly with the darkness of the night. As such, LED headlights can seem much brighter than incandescent bulbs—even when producing the same amount of light.
Of course, the brightness of a headlight will depend on other factors, including the vehicle make/model, the headlight lenses, the headlight shape, and more. Overall, the jury is still out on the effects of LED headlights.
The pros: Some drivers favor the energy efficiency and longevity of LEDs. Others believe they may also provide more visibility on the road for drivers, even in cases where they do not produce extra light.
The cons: Those opposed to LED headlights suggest that they cause more harm than good by creating a glare for other drivers, which could cause accidents and eye strain.
Regardless of your stance on LED bulbs, you can speak to your mechanic about alternative bulbs available for your vehicle if you are interested in brighter options.
Headlight Problem 5: Setting Configuration
Vehicles today often have several different lighting options for drivers to choose from. If you find that your headlights are too dim or have stopped working, take a moment to double-check your settings. Most new headlights adjust automatically unless they are otherwise configured. As such, many drivers “set it and forget it.” When an accidental bump or guest driver adjusts your lighting, you might not think to check the setting configuration.
While it might seem obvious, there is a chance that you have your fog lights on instead of your standard headlights. In these cases, a simple adjustment of your headlight settings should get them working again.
Headlight Repair at Chapel Hill Tire
When your headlights are leaving you in the dark, Chapel Hill Tire’s experienced auto mechanics can help. We offer all of the services needed to get your headlights working like new again—including bulb replacement, headlight restoration, and wiring services. Our mechanics are available through our 11 locations across the greater Triangle area, including Raleigh, Apex, Carrboro, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill.
We have all been there—you notice a tire looking flat when you find a small nail or screw embedded in the rubber. So why do nails consistently puncture tires? How can you tell when your tire has a leak, and what should you do about it? The automotive mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to answer all of your questions about tire patching and flat repairs.
How Do Nails and Screws End Up In Tires?
One common question we get from customers is, “How do screws puncture tires?” Whether from roadside construction or tool-filled trucks, nails and screws end up on the road far too often. What confuses drivers most is how they end up in tires. You might think your tire would roll over nails and screws on the road—so why is this such a common problem? There are a few reasons why tires and nails so often clash on the road:
Road shoulders: Nails and other hazards often live on the shoulders of the roads. If you pull over or veer off course for even a moment, your tire is likely to find a hazard waiting. Additionally, nails on the bumpy shoulder of a road do not lay very flat, making it easier to penetrate your tire.
Tires kicking up nails: Nails can find your front tires after being kicked up by a vehicle in front of you. Driving with a little extra distance between cars can help keep your vehicle protected from these kinds of hazards. Meanwhile, nails can easily find your back tires after being kicked up by your front tires.
Driveways and side streets: Nails can be surprisingly common in driveways—especially when visiting a home that was recently renovated. Your tires might also be more prone to obstructions if you live in an area with lots of construction.
How Can You Tell If Your Tire Has a Screw or Nail Puncture?
When you begin experiencing tire issues, it can be hard to pinpoint the source of the problem—especially if you are not a professional mechanic. You might find yourself wondering, “Does my tire have a nail in it, or is it something worse?” Here are some clear indicators that you have a nail or screw in your tire:
Persistent low tire pressure: The most obvious indication of a punctured tire is persistent low tire pressure. Low tire pressure is common as your tires naturally lose air over time. This is especially true in the winter months when the air inside your tires compresses. However, if you fill your tire with air and find that the low tire pressure light quickly returns—you likely have a puncture in your tire.
Visual inspection: It is a good idea to give your tires a quick look over every once in a while. Regular visual checks can help you spot uneven tire wear, low tire tread depth, low tire pressure, and tire obstructions. Finding these issues early can help you avoid safety hazards on the road and larger vehicle repairs. Keep an eye out for low tire pressure and tire punctures when giving your tires a routine visual inspection.
Professional insight: Your mechanics often pay careful attention to your vehicle when completing routine maintenance. Experience combined with attention to detail makes it easy for them to spot issues right away—such as tire punctures.
The soap test: So you think you have a nail in your tire—how can you confirm your suspicions? Spray the tire in question with a healthy amount of soapy water. As the nail lets air out of your tire, it will begin creating bubbles in the mixture.
What Should You Do When You Have a Nail In Your Tire?
The low tire pressure created by tire punctures can lead to tire damage, low gas mileage, bent rims, and dangerous vehicle handling troubles. Additionally, you may fail your car inspection if your tires are not in tip-top shape. So what can you do when you have a nail in your tire? There are a few possible solutions you can turn to:
Professional Tire Patching Service
The best possible solution is to bring your vehicle to an expert for patching service. A professional can quickly find the puncture, remove the nail/screw, patch your tire, and refill your tire with air. This service provides a reliable repair without any of the hassles or risks associated with the alternative solutions. How much does professional tire patching cost? At Chapel Hill Tire, our local tire patching flat repair services are just $25.
DIY Tire Patching
Some drivers attempt DIY patching, but this is not the best solution for most drivers. Many of these patch kits can cost as much as professional service, and it can be easy to damage the tire while attempting a patch. Not to mention, the patching process can be physically challenging and it often completely empties the air out of your tire—leaving drivers with a tire too flat to bring in for a refill. If you end up having to tow your vehicle, you will find yourself facing a much larger bottom line than the money you saved on a tire patch kit.
Fix-a-Flat
Pressurized tire patches like Fix-a-Flat and other synthetic solutions can fix tire punctures from nails, but they come with their own set of risks and considerations. Most severely, they have been linked to risks of tire pressure monitoring sensor damage. Additionally, the sealant can create trouble when you need future tire services, which could result in premature tire replacement and extra labor costs. Much like tire patches, these solutions often cost just as much as professional tire patching, so you can save some trouble and money by turning to the experts.
Chapel Hill Tire Local Patching and Flat Repair Services
When you find a nail in your tire, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help! Our local mechanics have the tools and experience needed to get your tire fixed in no time. Best of all, we offer coupons, deals, and special discounts for our customers. With our everyday low and transparent prices, you can get affordable, high-quality tire flat repairs without any surprises. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!
After buying a new car, you might want to go the extra mile to keep it protected. One of the solutions that drivers often turn to is wheel locks. Unfortunately, wheel locks often do more harm than good for drivers. So what are wheel locks? Do you need a wheel lock key? Chapel Hill Tire is here with the answers to all of your wheel lock questions.
What is a Wheel Lock Key?
So what exactly is a wheel lock? Wheel locks are redesigned lug nuts for tires that contain theft-deterring sockets. They function just like standard lug nuts except they can only be removed with a wheel lock key.
What is a wheel lock key? Wheel lock keys are special sockets that match the unique pattern on your wheel lock. Without your wheel lock key, the tire, rim, and wheel cannot be easily removed.
Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft. They are commonly confused with wheel chock locks and wheel lock clamps, which act as a tire “boot” to prevent vehicle theft.
The History of Wheel Locks
Wheel locks and wheel lock keys were invented by McGard in the early 1960s. At the time, wheel, rim, and tire theft were widespread—especially for dealerships. Dealers often protected their car lots by installing one wheel lock on each tire. Unfortunately, the cars were often sold without the wheel lock key needed to change, replace, or rotate tires. This would chain drivers to their dealership for tire service.
Thankfully, wheel, tire, and rim theft is no longer a prevailing problem. Additionally, in the unfortunate case of tire theft, most criminals have the right tools on their side—including a specialty wheel lock socket.
What Happens if You Lose Your Wheel Lock Key?
Can you replace a lost wheel lock key? If you have the code to your key, a dealer or manufacturer can replace the key. Additionally, if you know the brand, make, or model of your wheel lock, you can often order a replacement key online. Otherwise, you will have to pay to have your wheel lock removed by a professional.
How do mechanics remove a wheel lock without a key? Occasionally, your auto mechanics will have a key that matches your wheel lock. However, it is impossible to maintain all of the possible key combinations in any given shop. As such, they often use special sockets that dig into the metal to grip the outside of the wheel lock to twist it off.
When removing a wheel lock without a key, it is easy for inexperienced professionals to damage the wheel. As such, it is important to bring your vehicle to a car mechanic you trust.
The Pros and Cons of Wheel Locks
Pros of wheel locks:
Wheel locks can prevent wheel theft for vehicles with high risk.
These installations may help give you peace of mind if you find yourself worried about tire theft.
Cons of wheel locks:
Your tire replacements, rim straightening, tire rotations, rim guard installation, and other car appointments may take much longer as mechanics grapple with your wheel locks.
A misplaced key can make it impossible to change a flat tire in the case of an emergency.
Roadside assistance does not always have the right tools for wheel locks, which would require you to tow your vehicle.
Wheel locks often do not provide much protection due to low risk and potential workarounds for tire theft.
Are Wheel Locks Necessary?
For most drivers, wheel locks are unnecessary and will likely cause you more harm than good. However, you might benefit from wheel locks in a small variety of situations, including:
If you live in an area where tire, rim, or wheel theft is common.
If you are worried about custom, expensive, or specialty rims being stolen.
If you plan to leave your car sitting outdoors and unprotected in areas with low foot traffic for extended periods of time.
While most drivers are safe without wheel locks—if you choose to install them on your vehicle, make sure you keep the key with you at all times. Otherwise, you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road without any way to change your flat.
Chapel Hill Tire Mechanic Services
Chapel Hill Tire is your source for automotive service, insight, and all things tire-related. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our mechanic locations in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Cary, and Carrboro. Chapel Hill Tire mechanics also serve drivers from surrounding areas, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can review our variety of car repair services here, or make your appointment online to get started today!
Is your car battery struggling to start this summer? If so, you are not alone. The summer heat can destroy your vehicle’s battery from the inside out—leaving you stranded. So how can you keep your car battery protected? Here is a look at battery heat protection from your local mechanics here at Chapel Hill Tire.
Why Do Batteries Fail in the Summer?
The summer heat is notorious for killing car batteries. So why do batteries die in the summer? The heat can create a perfect storm for battery trouble, with several stressors working simultaneously:
Internal evaporation: Your car battery relies on electrolytes (typically water and sulfuric acid) to fuel its internal chemical process. These vital liquids begin to evaporate in the summer heat. Without these fluids, your battery will inevitably begin to fail.
Corrosion: High heat and liquid evaporation also accelerate natural battery corrosion and oxidation.
Sulfation: After every battery recharge, small amounts of lead sulfate remain on the lead plates found in most batteries (this process is called sulfation). The heat can also accelerate sulfation, which leads to battery failure.
Overcharged batteries: The heat can cause your battery charging system to malfunction, overcharging your battery. Much like all of your electronics, overcharging can lower the lifespan of your battery.
Beyond the Summer: Lasting Car Battery Troubles
The damage of the summer heat will stay with your car battery long after the weather cools down. In fact, the summer heat is often responsible for battery failure in the winter. Many car batteries die in the winter—and drivers mistakenly blame the cold weather. But the cold temperatures do not actually damage your battery.
To be fair, the cold does cause your car battery to lose some of its power by slowing down its electrochemical process. It also makes your vehicle require a little extra charge to get started due to the cold slow-moving engine oil. However, your battery will structurally remain unaffected by the cold, and a healthy battery can handle these challenges with ease. So even if your car battery survives through the summer, a heat-damaged battery will likely fail when facing the challenges of the winter season.
How to Protect Your Car Battery From The Heat
Thankfully, there are some quick and easy steps you can take to keep your car safe from the heat. Here are 9 tips for protecting your car battery during the summer:
Battery Car Care Tip 1: Garage parking
When possible, park your car in the garage. While garages are often not cooled by air conditioning, they help your car beat the heat by keeping it away from the sun. Your garage can also help protect your car from other hazards, such as catalytic converter theft and pollen—so it is best to make use of your garage whenever you can.
Battery Car Care Tip 2: Parking in the shade
When an enclosed garage is not available, your next best option is shade. Trees, buildings, and other shade providers can keep your vehicle from facing direct sunlight, which the EPA reports can leave surfaces 20-45℉ cooler than unshaded surfaces. Consider parking underneath a shaded area, when possible.
Battery Car Care Tip 3: Car covers
Similar to garage and shade parking, you can keep your car protected from the heat with an all-weather vehicle cover. These covers will work to deflect heat and protect your car from the effects of UV rays. It is best to put this cover on after giving your car time to cool down or dry off so it does not trap in any heat or moisture.
Battery Car Care Tip 4: Watch out for corrosion
Corrosion on your battery can quickly drain its power and shorten its lifespan. It can also prevent your battery from sending electrical signals to your engine. If you see your battery corroding, check with a mechanic to see if cleaning or replacing your terminal ends will help. If not, you may be due for a battery replacement.
Battery Car Care Tip 5: Mind your car battery usage
No matter the time of year, you can overextend your car battery by leaving lights on, chargers plugged in, or using vehicle features (like the radio) when your engine is off. While you are driving, your alternator takes over some of the work involved in powering these features. However, after you turn off your engine, this work falls back on your battery. While you might like to sit in your air-conditioned car and listen to the radio or talk on the phone after turning off your engine, doing this excessively can shorten your battery lifespan. You should also double-check to ensure that you unplug your chargers and turn off your lights after each usage.
Battery Car Care Tip 6: Radiator fluid flush
Your radiator is responsible for keeping your engine cool, which protects your car parts (like your battery) from overheating. Your battery will face worsened heat damage without a properly functioning radiator. Not to mention, you can risk costly car problems and even complete engine failure without your radiator. As such, it is essential that you make sure you are up-to-date on your radiator maintenance flushes.
Battery Car Care Tip 7: Starting system check
When your starting system is due for care, it will require more power and energy to function. A failing alternator will also not recharge your battery as you drive. This can put more stress and strain on your car battery. If you think something is amiss in your starting system, bring it in for a test/check. It is also helpful to keep a jump-starting pack or jumper cables in your car—just in case. Here is our 8-step guide to jump-starting your car.
Battery Car Care Tip 8: Check your water levels
Some batteries contain a water level indicator that tells you how much evaporation your battery has faced. While your battery is sealed and you cannot refill it, knowing your battery is low on water can help you prolong its lifespan by being extra mindful of heat exposure. It can also allow you to get a car battery replacement before you are left stranded with a dead car battery. (You can also keep an eye out for these 4 signs you are almost due for a battery replacement).
Battery Car Care Tip 9: Smart driving patterns
Your alternator recharges your battery as you drive. If you leave your car dormant for extended periods, it will drain your battery and shorten its lifespan. Similarly, short stop-and-go trips will use more power than your battery can replenish. You can protect your battery and prolong its lifespan by taking the scenic route every once in a while as you run errands.
Chapel Hill Tire Vehicle Battery Replacement Services
The local auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you with all of your car battery needs! Whether you need a new car battery, replacement terminal ends, or another starting system service, we have you covered.
Are you stranded with a dead car battery? Our mechanics will come to you! With our vehicle pick-up and delivery mechanic services, the Chapel Hill Tire experts will come to your home or work, jump-start your battery, and bring it back to our shop for a replacement—no AAA fee required. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Apex. We also commonly serve drivers from nearby cities, such as Cary, Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Knightdale, and beyond! You can explore our coupons page, make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today!
