Author: Jeff Cooper

When a car’s air conditioning system stops working, the first culprit is often low refrigerant levels. However, failing AC compressors can just as easily leave you fighting the summer heat. So how can you tell if your car’s AC compressor is going bad? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

What is a Vehicle AC Compressor?

Before we dive into the signs of an AC compressor failure, let’s answer one of the most common questions we get from customers: What is an AC compressor? Your car’s compressor pumps refrigerant through your AC system to provide your vehicle with cool, comfortable air. Without the refrigerant circulation, your car will be unable to cool the air it distributes through your cabin—thus, leading to an AC system that produces warm air. 

Poor Air Conditioning Performance

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a compressor issue is poor air conditioning performance. If you notice your cabin feeling warmer than usual or your air conditioner is blowing warm air, you know that your system is experiencing some troubles. 

Vehicle AC Compressor Problems vs. Low AC Refrigerant 

Poor AC performance can often be traced back to either compressor failure or low AC refrigerant. Unfortunately, these vehicle components work hand-in-hand, making it hard to distinguish which is causing your AC troubles. So how can you tell if it is a compressor problem? There are a few subtle symptoms to look out for:

• Freon Levels: If your AC system has optimal freon (refrigerant) levels (not too much or too little), but your air conditioner still does not work properly, this is often the sign of AC compressor failure.
• Inconsistent AC Performance: Refrigerant leaks will only continue to get worse as the problem continues. On the other hand, a failing AC compressor might work well one day and poorly the next. While it is not applicable for all AC troubles, this symptom is an easy way to distinguish between low refrigerant and compressor problems. 
• Sudden AC Performance Drops: Refrigerant tends to leak gradually over time, while AC compressors can stop working on a dime. While even small refrigerant leaks can cause large AC problems, sudden drops tend to indicate compressor failure.

If you are still unsure of the source of your AC problems, it might be time to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for professional insight. 

Unusual Car AC Sounds

When your car’s air conditioning system makes unusual noises, this often indicates an AC compressor problem. Unlike refrigerant leaks, this is a sign of a mechanical shift somewhere in your car’s air conditioner. One of the most active parts within your vehicle AC system is the compressor—making it a likely culprit. 

Professional Insight: Car AC Diagnostics

When all else fails, the easiest way to know whether or not you have a compressor problem is to take a look under the hood. However, vehicle AC systems are complicated and fragile, making them difficult to diagnose and repair on your own. As such, you may need to visit a mechanic to determine if your car’s AC compressor is failing. A professional will be able to diagnose your air conditioning troubles—whether they be from your compressor, refrigerant, or another component—and work with you to develop a repair plan.

Vehicle AC Repair Services | Chapel Hill Tire

When your car’s air conditioner stops working, you can bring it to the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. Our vehicle air conditioning services will restore your AC functioning and leave you driving happy. We proudly serve drivers throughout the greater Triangle area with our 10 locations across Durham, Raleigh, Carrboro, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill.

Our professional mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give your nearest Chapel Hill Tire a call to get started today!

Your vehicle’s air filters must be changed regularly to avoid costly car problems. Thankfully, this is a quick, easy, and affordable maintenance service. Many customers have questions about air filter changes, and the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to answer them. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about air filters.

How Many Air Filters Does My Car Have?

Most cars have two air filters: an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. As the names suggest, your engine air filter cleans the air circulating your engine—protecting it from bugs, dirt, dust, and other potentially harmful contaminants. Meanwhile, your cabin air filter cleans the air circulating within your cabin each time you use your car’s AC or heater. You can read more about the difference between engine and cabin air filters here.

How Often Should I Change My Engine Air Filter?

So when should you change your engine air filter? Generally speaking, your engine air filter will need to be replaced every 12,000-15,000 miles. However, this will depend on a wide variety of factors, including:

• Vehicle and filter type: Most vehicles have different air filter sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, which may lead to different replacement schedules. Additionally, the brand or type of filter you get could also impact your replacement needs. 
• Road composition: Dirt roads will kick up dust and other contaminants, which are quickly captured by your engine air filter. If you frequently drive on dirt roads, you will need more frequent air filter changes. 
• Air quality: The air quality in your area will impact the number of contaminants your engine air filter picks up daily. For example, when your air becomes thick with pollen each spring, it will cause a heightened contaminant level for your air filters. Conversely, driving in areas with excellent air quality may allow more time between filter replacements. 

You can find air filter replacement recommendations specific to your vehicle in your owner’s manual. You can also bring your vehicle by a mechanic for insight. Chapel Hill Tire offers free air filter checks during each oil change service. 

How Often Should I Change My Cabin Air Filter?

Most cabin air filters can go a little longer between replacements—averaging anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 miles. Again, this will depend on your vehicle, the air quality in your area, your owner’s manual recommendations, and your filter quality. 

What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Car Air Filter?

Why do you have to change your car’s air filters? More importantly, what happens when you skip this routine air filter maintenance? Let’s take a look:

• Engine Air Filter: When your engine air filter is clogged, it will restrict the airflow to your engine. This can lead to poor fuel economy, vehicle performance issues, and (in worst-case scenarios) severe engine damage. Because of the poor fuel economy, clogged air filters can also cause you to fail your NC emissions inspection.
• Cabin Air Filter: Similarly, when your cabin air filter is clogged, it will restrict airflow to your car’s heating and cooling system—creating a great deal of stress. Clogged cabin air filters can lead to broken car air conditioners and heaters. 

This small vehicle service can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in repairs. 

Local Automotive Air Filter Replacement | Chapel Hill Tire

Chapel Hill Tire is here for all of your vehicle services, including air filter replacements. We proudly provide industry-leading service to drivers across the greater Triangle area through our 9 locations between Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Carrboro. You can explore our coupons page or make your appointment here online to get started today!

Tires are often out of sight, out of mind for drivers—until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong if you drive with worn tire tread. So how thick should your tires be? How can you measure your tire tread? The local auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with a complete guide to tire tread depth.

When Should You Replace Tires?

Tire tread levels often guide the way for drivers regarding their tire replacement needs. So at what level of tread depth should you begin considering tire replacement?

• Dangerously low tread: The minimum legal limit of tire tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. Tread depth lower than this limit is considered dangerously worn. This wear level is the latest you should wait to replace your tires. 
• Low tire tread: Many mechanics recommend replacement when your vehicle reaches between 3/32 and 4/32 of an inch. This is especially true if you live in an area with severe climates to prevent hydroplaning and other inclement weather risks. 
• Good tread levels: New tires often have 11/32 of an inch of tread. Any depth between 11/32 and 6/32 of an inch is generally considered safe on the road. 

If you are unsure whether or not your tires are due for a replacement, consider bringing your vehicle to a local mechanic for a visual inspection. Your mechanic will also often look over your tires during routine maintenance services, such as an oil change visit. 

Problems Caused By Low Tire Tread

Why is it so important to replace your tires? Low tire tread might seem like a small concern, but it can have significant safety implications for you and other drivers on the road. Here is a look at some of the troubles worn tire tread can  cause: 

• Safety and Handling: The biggest concern that accompanies low tire tread is safety and handling impediments. Your tire tread is responsible for gripping onto the road, allowing you to effectively control your vehicle. When tires become worn out, they could cause accidents or handling troubles. 
• Braking Troubles: Tire tread gives your vehicle the friction against the road needed to slow and stop. As such, low tire tread can be an underlying cause of brake troubles.
• Low Gas Mileage: Tire tread helps your vehicle gain and maintain your speed. Without adequate tread, the vehicle will have to overwork to run properly—leading to excessive gas usage. 
• Climate Troubles: The grooves of your tire tread help your vehicle manage rain and snow. The lower your tread is, the harder time your vehicle will have in inclement weather.
• Safety Inspection Failure: As mentioned above, tire tread issues can present some significant safety concerns. Therefore, low tire tread can cause you to fail your annual vehicle safety inspection. 
• Emissions Inspection Failure: You can also fail your emissions inspection due to the poor gas mileage that low tire tread causes.

Tread Depth Indicator Bars

Here is a little-known tire secret for you: all new tires come equipped with tread depth indicator bars. These are small, elevated notches placed inside your tire tread. Tread indicator bars mark the exact tread depth at which you should have your tires replaced. You can read our full guide to checking tire tread depth here.

Is Tread Depth the Only Reason to Replace Tires?

While tire tread depth is the most common cause of tire replacement, it is not the only factor to consider. Perhaps most obviously, severely damaged tires will require replacement—even with thick tread depth. 

Another important factor to consider is tire age. Over time, tires begin to experience thermo-oxidative degradation. This process causes tire separation, which can create or worsen car accidents. Every vehicle and tire manufacturer has distinct recommendations regarding tire age. However, most tires do not begin thermo-oxidative degradation until after 5 years. You can read our guide to tire age here. 

Tire Replacement at Chapel Hill Tire

When your tread becomes worn down, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help keep you safe on the road. You can buy your tires here online with our Tire Finder tool. Then, visit any of our 9 Triangle-area locations across Durham, Carrboro, Apex, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill for your new set of tires. It is just that simple. You can explore your tire options or make your appointment to get started today!

Car accidents, rocky roads, and driving mishaps can all leave you with bent wheels or rims. This can create poor fuel economy, bumpy driving, uncontrollable wheels, and more severe vehicle troubles when left untreated. So should you get your bent rims repaired or replaced? Thankfully, most bent rims can (and should) be repaired; however, there are also reasons you may opt for replacement. Here is a closer look at bent wheel/rim repair vs. replacement.

Why You Might Choose Rim Repair

You might be wondering, “Can bent rims be straightened?” The short answer is often yes—bent wheels/rims can almost always be repaired with professional-grade tools and expertise. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might opt for rim repairs instead of replacement:

Cost Savings of Rim Repairs

The primary reason many drivers choose rim repair is the cost savings this service provides. With rim replacement, you have to pay for both the new rim and the installation. Rim repair is more affordable with a flat service fee—while providing the same great results. 

Quick Convenience

When you need a rim replacement, your mechanic may need to order a new rim that fits your vehicle. It may be several days before your new rim arrives at the shop. Conversely, rim repair can often be completed within a day. This provides enhanced convenience and quicker service to get you back on the road.

Automotive Sustainability

Our mechanics are big on automotive sustainability (from our rooftop garden to our hybrid loaner cars). One substantial element of this sustainability is avoiding unnecessary part replacement. When you repair a viable bent rim instead of replacing it, you prevent that metal from going to waste. This option is often good for your vehicle, wallet, and the planet. 

Why You Might Choose Rim Replacement

While rim repair is suitable for most vehicles, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s take a look at some circumstances that favor rim replacement:

Extensive Rim Damage

When rims are slightly bent, they can almost certainly be repaired. However, more extensive damage is a different situation. When your rims are severely bent out of shape, they are probably beyond repair. In this case, rim replacement may be your only option.

Rim Upgrades

Have you been considering custom wheel or rim upgrades? In this case, it might be worth paying for replacement rather than having your old rims repaired. You can customize your car by choosing a rim color, style, and material that meets your aesthetic. 

Rim Repair at Chapel Hill Tire Auto Service Mechanics

Are you in need of rim repair or replacement services? Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! Our mechanics offer rim repair services to drivers throughout the greater Triangle area. You can visit any of our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Apex to get industry-leading rim service. Make your appointment here online, or visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire auto mechanic shop to get started today!

As the temperatures outside begin heating up, you might start to worry about your car. The heat presents high risks for your vehicle—especially your battery and other engine components. To keep your engine protected from the heat, your vehicle requires fresh radiator fluid. So are you due for a radiator fluid flush? Here are five signs that you need this car service.

What Is a Radiator Fluid Flush?

So you might be wondering, “What is a radiator fluid flush?” Before we dive in, let’s take a closer look under the hood. Your radiator works to keep your engine cool and protected using a balanced freon (or coolant) solution. Over time, this radiator fluid can become depleted, contaminated, and ineffective—leaving your vehicle vulnerable to the heat.

Without your radiator (and fresh fluid), your engine can begin rusting, warping, and even failing entirely. So how do you keep your radiator working well? This vehicle component requires occasional radiator fluid flushes. During a radiator fluid flush, your mechanic will remove all of your old refrigerant and replenish your radiator with fresh fluid. 

1: High Engine Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge on your dashboard is not referring to the outside temperature—but rather the temperature of your engine. When you see this meter rising or resting higher than usual, it is a sign that your radiator is not effectively cooling your engine. Moderately high heat is often a sign you are nearing radiator trouble. If you wait too long to get a radiator flush, your engine might begin overheating (more on this below).

2: Engine Overheating

When the temperature gauge mentioned above rises all the way—which may be indicated by a red zone in your meter—this is a sign your engine is overheating. In this case, you should pull over if possible to give your engine time to cool down. As you drive your vehicle to safety, consider turning off your AC and turning your heat on high. While this may seem counterintuitive and uncomfortable during the warmer weather, it gives your vehicle a way to release the heat building up in your engine. After your vehicle is safe to drive, you should bring it straight to a mechanic for a radiator fluid flush.

3: Your Car Smells like Maple Syrup

Your radiator is filled with coolant containing the compound ethylene glycol. Interestingly enough, ethylene glycol molecules resemble a part of sugar molecules. In fact, sugars can actually be converted to ethylene glycol using a nickel tungsten carbide chemical reaction—according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. As such, burning radiator fluid is known to put off a sugary smell that probably reminds you of pancakes. Many drivers describe this sweet sensation as smelling of maple syrup or butterscotch. 

While this reaction might sound sweet, it can be deadly for your engine. Burning radiator fluid means that your engine is rapidly losing the properties it needs to stay cool and protected. Sweet engine smells are a sign that you need a radiator flush.

4: White Engine Vapor or Orange/Green Fluid Leaks

It is a dangerously common myth that you can detect radiator fluid leaks by looking for a puddle under your engine. Refrigerant naturally enters a gas state at room temperature or above. As such, radiator fluid leaks will quickly evaporate away. However, you may catch a glimpse of your leaking refrigerant before it changes to its natural gas state. Refrigerant is orange or green-colored in its liquid state and a white vapor in its gas state.

5: Routine Maintenance Mileage

If you are seeing any signs of a needed radiator fluid flush, this indicates that a problem is already forming. It is best to get your radiator service completed before an issue can arise. When all else fails, you can determine your needed radiator fluid flush by your recommended service mileage. On average, most vehicles need a radiator flush every 50,000-70,000 miles—though you can find more information in your owner’s manual. 

If you are still not sure whether or not you are due for a radiator flush, visit a mechanic near you. Your mechanic can test the quality of your radiator fluid and check for signs of contamination—such as rust or flecks in your freon. 

Local Radiator Fluid Flushes at Chapel Hill Tire

Does your engine need fresh radiator fluid? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire here to help. We offer quick and affordable radiator fluid flushes to keep your engine protected this summer (check out our coupons here). Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area through our nine locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Apex. You can make your radiator fluid flush appointment here online to get started today!

What happens when you load up your trailer for a summer vacation and find that your new SUV does not have a hitch? Or perhaps you have an expensive bike rack and nowhere to attach it to your car? You might begin wondering about trailer hitch installation.

Thankfully, hitch installations are available for almost any vehicle and can get your summer plans back on track. Chapel Hill Tire is here to answer some of the most common questions drivers have about installing a trailer hitch on their cars. 

What is a Trailer Hitch?

A trailer hitch (also called a tow hitch) is a sturdy metal device mounted to the frame of your vehicle. Trailer hitches connect your vehicle with attachments—like trailers, bike racks, kayak racks, and more—allowing you to tow a wide variety of items.

Can Small Cars Have Trailer Hitches? What about EVs and Hybrids?

So can you install a trailer hitch on your compact car? What about electric and hybrid vehicles?

YES! Many drivers mistakenly believe that trailer hitches are only intended for large trucks and SUVs. Even small cars often have some towing capacity. You can find information about your towing capacity in your vehicle’s owner manual. While you may not be able to tow a full trailer, your car can likely tow a smaller cargo trailer. 

However, especially in electric, hybrid, and compact vehicles, trailer hitches do so much more than towing. Most commonly, trailer hitches are used to add a bike rack to smaller vehicles. You can also find some unique attachments for trailer hitches—such as hammock attachment or hidden key safe. You can read more here about the advantages of trailer hitches on small vehicles.

Can You Install a Trailer Hitch on Any Car, Truck, or SUV?

For the most part, any vehicle could have a trailer hitch. These installations are available from the smallest electric vehicles to the largest trucks. However, two unique situations might make it harder for you to have a trailer hitch. 

• Older Vehicles: The first consideration here is if your vehicle is a much older car. Many older cars can still have a trailer hitch installed, but your auto mechanic may need to look at the frame of your vehicle to ensure that it can accommodate this attachment. 
• Damaged Frame: The second consideration here is if you have any damage or severe rusting on your frame, it may not be suitable for a trailer hitch.

Why Doesn’t My Car Have a Trailer Hitch?

Ideally, your vehicle will come pre-installed with a trailer hitch. However, it is becoming increasingly common for manufacturers to save a few dollars by leaving them off. It is a myth that vehicles without pre-installed trailer hitches cannot have one. 

How do Professional Mechanics Install a Trailer Hitch?

With the right tools and expertise, installing a trailer hitch can be a straightforward process:

• First, your mechanic will clear rust and debris off the mounting frame at the back of your vehicle.
• Next, they use professional-grade tools to attach a compatible trailer hitch to your vehicle’s frame.
• Then, your mechanic will configure the hitch with the receiver, ball mount, trailer ball, and hitch pin.
• Finally, they will electrically wire your trailer hitch. When larger units cover your turn signal lights, this wiring can activate the lights in your trailer.

Trailer Hitch Installation Near Me

If you have any additional questions about trailer hitch installation services, please do not hesitate to contact the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire. Our auto mechanics are here and ready to install a trailer hitch on your vehicle today. Make an appointment at one of our nine Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Apex to get started today. Then, you can load up your trailer or bike rack and begin your summer adventure!

Brake fluid can become an “out of sight, out of mind” vehicle component—we often do not think of it until something goes wrong. However, your brake fluid is working hard every day to keep you safe on the road. Over time, it can become burnt out, depleted, or contaminated, which will prevent proper brake functioning. Be on the lookout for these 5 signs you are due for a brake fluid flush. 

Soft, Bouncy, or Spongy Brake Pedal

When you press on your brake pedal, does it feel soft, spongy, loose, or even bouncy? Do you have to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor before it slows and stops your vehicle? This is a sign you need a brake fluid change. 

Low brake fluid will cause air to fill the gaps in your brake line—leading to soft brakes. Spongy brake pedals can be both terrifying and dangerous—especially if you do not get them serviced at the first sign of an issue. 

ABS Dashboard Light

The ABS dashboard light indicates an issue with your anti-lock braking system. This system stops your wheels from locking up during braking to prevent skids and maintain traction. Low brake fluid automatically turns on the ABS system to help keep your vehicle stopping safely. 

Ineffective Braking Performance

Your brakes should be quick and responsive to help you stay safe in an emergency. Any delays or difficulties while slowing or stopping your vehicle is a sign that your brakes need servicing. Such issues could be the sign you need a brake fluid flush. 

Other possible culprits include warped rotors, worn brake pads, or an issue with another brake system component. Ineffective braking could also be caused by an underlying problem, such as worn tire tread, shocks, or struts. A professional can check your brake system and tell you which service you need to restore brake performance.  

Strange Noises or Smells when Braking

If you notice strange sounds when you are braking, this could be caused by low brake fluid or another brake system issue. Common sounds include scraping or grinding noises.

Burning smells after hard braking could mean that you have burnt-out brake fluid. In this case, you should pull over your vehicle into a safe place and give it time to cool down. You should also contact a local mechanic for insight and schedule a service visit. Driving with burnt brake fluid could create more serious issues—including brake failure. 

Routine Maintenance for Brake Fluid Flushes

When all else fails, you can fall back on your recommended maintenance schedule for brake fluid replacement. On average, you will need a brake fluid flush every 2 years or 30,000 miles. 

Routine maintenance also heavily depends on your driving patterns. For example, if you tend to drive shorter routes with frequent braking, you may need more frequent brake fluid flushes. You can check your owner’s manual for any brake fluid information specific to your vehicle. 

Brake Fluid Flushes: Chapel Hill Tire

Still unsure if you need a brake fluid flush? Bring your vehicle to the local auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. Or better yet, our mechanics will come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. We will replace all of your old, dirty, and depleted brake fluid to restore your brake functioning.

Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 11 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Durham, and Carrboro. We also serve surrounding communities, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Knightdale, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can make your appointment here online to get started today! 

As schools are released for the summer and the weather continues heating up, you may be packing your bags for a road trip or a destination vacation. Before you hit the road, you will need to ensure that your vehicle is ready to go. Here is a look at nine checks and steps you may need to help your vehicle handle the long-distance journey. 

Step 1: Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is essential to your vehicle safety, handling, tire protection, and fuel economy. Setting off on a road trip with under- or over-inflated tires could lead to a wide number of problems. To do this, you will need a tire pressure gauge. You can view your ideal PSI (tire pressure levels) within your driver-side door panel and compare them with your gauge reading. If you need a hand managing your tire pressure, bring it to a mechanic. You can get your tire pressure checked and refilled for free with certain mechanic services, such as oil changes.

Step 2: Make Sure Your Oil Change is Up-To-Date

Engine oil changes are essential for keeping your engine protected from heat and damage. Skipping this affordable service could cost you thousands in engine repair or replacement. If you are due for an oil change, you’ll need to get this done before your road trip. Otherwise, the stress of a long-distance journey without the help of adequate engine oil could spell trouble for your vehicle.

Step 3: Check Your Cabin and Engine Air Filters

Summer vacations often align with the pollen and allergy seasons. This pollen can help quickly clog your engine and cabin air filters, along with dust, dirt, debris, and other contaminants. 

• Your cabin air filter cleans the air you breathe inside your car as it circulates through your AC system. Clogged cabin filters are not only ineffective at cleaning the air—but they also create stress for your car’s AC system, leading to costly damage.
• Engine air filters keep dust, dirt, contaminants, and debris away from your engine. When these filters become clogged, they can restrict the airflow in your engine. This issue creates combustion problems and puts your engine at risk. 

If you’re not sure how to check or change your air filters, bring your vehicle to an auto mechanic for help.

Step 4: Check Vehicle Light Bulbs

It is always a good idea to regularly check your vehicle lights. Dead bulbs can earn you a ticket on the road—which is sure to put a damper on your vacation. They can also cause you to fail your annual safety inspection. Even more seriously, they can create serious safety hazards on the road. Before taking off for your next vacation, take a moment to check:

• Headlight functioning
• Turn signal functioning
• Brake light functioning

Thankfully, if you find one of your lights not working, it can often be repaired with a vehicle light bulb replacement. 

Step 5: Battery Check

When you are getting your car ready for vacation, this often involves preparing it to drive you to your destination. However, what if you are going out of town without your car? How do you prepare it for prolonged sitting? The biggest concern here is your battery. Batteries are likely to die when left sitting for too long. Before heading out on your vacation, see if you can get a friend or neighbor to drive your vehicle around the block (or perhaps a little further) once a week. Here is everything you need to know about leaving your car sitting. 

Before a road trip, you should check your battery for corrosion, terminal end issues, and signs that your vehicle is having a hard time starting. You should also pack a fully-charged battery jump-starter or a set of cables—just in case. 

Step 6: Vehicle Air Conditioning Checks

The last thing you need on during a long summer drive is a broken air conditioning system. When preparing for your trip, check to make sure your vents are blowing cool and comfortable air. If not, this is often a sign of low refrigerant. In this case, an AC recharge service will get your air conditioner working for your trip. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks are often the sign of a deeper system issue that may require additional service—but you can worry about that after your vacation.

Step 7: Measure Tire Tread Depth

Before setting out on a road trip, you will want to check your tire tread depth to ensure you can start, stop, and handle your vehicle effectively. This requires at least 2/32 inch tread depth. You can check this using your tread depth indicator bars or the penny test. Learn more in our guide to checking your tire tread depth.

It might be easy to assume that if one of your tires is fine, all of your tires are fine. However, it is essential you check all four tires. Your tires often wear unevenly, which is why regular tire rotations are necessary. You will also experience disproportionately uneven wear if your wheels are out of alignment. For example, poorly aligned vehicles can leave you with three perfectly healthy tires and one completely bare tire.

Step 8: Fluid Level Check

Your vehicle relies on a wide variety of engine fluids to keep it running. This includes transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator fluid (coolant), power steering fluid, and so much more. Every one of these is essential for your vehicle’s safety, health, and functioning. Before your vacation, take a moment to check your engine fluid quality and levels. If any of your engine fluids are contaminated or depleted, they may need a full maintenance flush and replenishment.

Step 9: Brake Check

While you may be eager to go, go, go when it comes to your vacation—it is also important to make sure your vehicle is ready to stop. Take a moment to check your braking system—specifically your brake pads and rotors. Brake pads are made a fictitious material that gradually wears away every time you slow or stop your vehicle. Your brake pads press against your metal rotors, which can be bent and warped by the braking friction. On average, you will need brake pad replacement every 40,000-50,000 miles and rotor replacement as necessary.

Chapel Hill Tire Trip Checks

Are you wondering if your vehicle is ready to handle your next vacation or road trip? Bring it by Chapel Hill Tire for a trip check. This service is designed to ensure you have everything your vehicle needs for a successful trip. You can even check out our promotions page for coupons, deals, and discounts. Make your appointment here online at one of our 9 Triangle-area mechanic locations across Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro today!

A passed NC state car inspection is essential to the tag renewal process. However, you do not want to wait until your tag expires before scheduling your state inspection. You will want to leave enough time for any services or repairs that you may need to pass your inspection. So here is a look at when you should get your vehicle inspected.

When Should You Have Your Car Inspected?

Annual vehicle safety inspections and emissions inspections should be completed within 90 days of your registration (tag) renewal. This is not required until the day your tags expire—but it is best to get your vehicle inspected sooner than later.

When Do My Tags Expire?

When you look at your license plate, you will notice a sticker in the upper right-hand corner with month and year listed—your license plate registration expires on the last day of that month. 

You should also get a renewal registration notice from the NCDOT with all of the information you need about this process. If you lost your renewal registration notice, you can find all of the information you need on the DMV website. 

Finally, you can check your current vehicle registration, which lists your registration expiration date.

FAQs: Do I Need a Vehicle Inspection?

North Carolina vehicles often need two inspections: a safety inspection and an emissions inspection. Let’s take a look at some common registration FAQs:

• So can I skip my annual car safety inspection? The short answer is no—you cannot avoid your state safety inspection. 

• What happens when you skip your inspection? Without your inspection, you cannot renew your registration when your tags expire. Having expired tags can earn you a ticket on the road and extra fees when you renew your vehicle. Safety inspections also help you catch safety hazards present in your vehicle, which can lead to problems on the road.

• Do I need an emissions inspection? You may be exempt from your annual NC emissions inspection if you meet one of the following requirements:
  • 22 NC Counties: Emissions inspections are currently only required within 22 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. If your vehicle is registered in a county that does not require emissions inspections, you can skip this step.
  • Older Vehicles: Vehicles older than 20 years are exempt from emissions inspections.
  • Diesel Vehicles: Diesel-operated vehicles are also not required to get emissions inspections.
  • Farm Vehicles: If your vehicle is registered as a farm vehicle, it is exempt from this inspection.
  • New Vehicles: If your vehicle is less than 3-years old with fewer than 70,000 miles, you may qualify for an exemption. You can use the North Carolina Environmental Quality Exemption Calculator to see if you meet this exemption requirement.

NC Expired Tag Grace Period

Will I get a ticket when driving with expired tags? According to the NCDOT, you can drive for up to 15 days after your registration renewal date in North Carolina without getting a ticket. This window is a “grace period” to give you more time for your registration renewal. However, even though you will not get a ticket on the road, you will still qualify for late fees.

Vehicle Registration Renewal Late Fees

In North Carolina, your registration renewal late fee depends on how long your tags have been expired:

• Less than 1  month: $15 fee
• Between 1-2 months: $20 fee
• More than 2 months $25 fee

What Happens When You Fail Your Vehicle Inspection?

While failing your inspection is not ideal, it is also not as bad as you might fear. You will simply need a service or repair to address whatever factor is causing you to fail.  Here is a closer look at everything checked during an annual NC safety inspection and the services you might need to pass.

NC Car Inspections at Chapel Hill Tire

When you are due for your next state inspection, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. We also offer trip checks to ensure your vehicle is ready to go on your next summer vacation. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with nine locations throughout Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Apex, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give our experts a call today to get started!

Is it time for your next oil change? This service is essential for keeping your vehicle protected long-term, and it is one of the most frequently needed maintenance visits. So, where should you go for your oil change? Should you visit a dealership? Or how do you choose a mechanic? The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help. 

Oil Change at the Dealership

Should you get your oil changed at the dealership? For most drivers, the answer is no. However, there are a few cases in which you may opt for dealership car services. 

Dealership Service Warranties

One of the biggest reasons you may visit a dealership for an oil change is if you have a service warranty. These are often included for a limited time in most new car purchases. If you are covered under a service warranty, it is often best to take advantage of these free oil changes. 

Specialty Parts and Vehicle Care

It is a prominent myth that certain vehicles—like European cars, hybrids, and high-end models—require specialist care and unique parts that you won’t find at a mechanic. Most mechanics are certified and equipped for these services, perhaps even considering them a specialty. However, you should give your local mechanic a call if you are concerned they won’t have the parts needed for your vehicle. In the rare case that they will not service your vehicle, you might want to opt for a dealership. 

With these exceptions in mind, your dealership is often not the best recourse for an oil change. Dealerships are often associated with long wait times, poor customer care, and more expensive services.

Auto Mechanic Oil Changes

Most drivers will visit a mechanic for their next oil change. Mechanics are associated with high-quality services, lower wait times, affordable prices, widespread expertise, and better customer service. 

What To Look for in a Mechanic

So how do you choose which mechanic to bring your vehicle to for your oil change? Here are some things to look for:

• Coupons: You can save on your oil change by finding a mechanic that offers coupons, promotions, specials, and discounts.
• Transparent pricing: Why would your mechanic keep their pricing a secret? Not only does this raise suspicion, but it can also leave you with a surprise bill at the end of your service. It is best to opt for a mechanic that offers transparent pricing. 
• Good reviews: Find a mechanic that is trusted and supported by your community by looking at reviews and social media.
• Shuttle services: Shuttle services are offered by certain mechanics who will drive you to your work or home while your vehicle is getting the care it needs.
• Convenient locations: It is helpful to find a mechanic located conveniently to your home, work, or a local shopping center. 

Oil Changes in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Carrboro.

Chapel Hill Tire offers oil changes near you! Visit us for your next:

• Oil change in Apex—on Old Raleigh Rd.
• Oil change in Raleigh—near Crabtree Valley Mall
• Oil change in Raleigh—on Atlantic Ave.
• Oil Change in Durham—near the Woodcroft Shopping Center
• Oil Change in Carrboro—on West Main St.
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—in the University Place Shopping Center
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—on West Franklin Street
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—on North Fordham Blvd. 
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—in the Cole Park Plaza

Our professional auto mechanics will have you in, out, and driving happy. Make your appointment here online to get your oil change today!