Author: Jeff Cooper

We got the first taste of the spring and summer weather this week. As you switch your car’s HVAC settings over from “heating” to “air conditioning,” you might find yourself facing a broken car AC system. It is essential you get your air conditioner back up and running before the summer’s heat sets in. What can you do when your vehicle’s AC system is not working properly? Here is everything you need to know about automotive air conditioning services. 

How Automotive AC Systems Work

Before understanding common issues and repairs, it is helpful to understand how your car’s air conditioning system works. Unlike oil changes, you should not need to change or refill your vehicle’s AC freon. While trivial amounts of freon can be naturally lost over time, your air conditioner is a sealed system designed to keep freon recirculating—often for the full lifespan of your vehicle. Freon circulation is made possible by the high internal pressure of this system. 

Here is a basic overview of how your AC system works:

• Compressor—First, as the name suggests, your compressor compresses your freon before pumping it to the condenser. 
• Dryer—Cold air “holds” less water than warm air. As the air is being cooled, it can begin to produce extra moisture. From the condenser, your air enters a dryer. As the name suggests, this component dries the air to remove this excess moisture. It also contains a filter that helps catch and remove debris. 
• Evaporator—The air is then pushed to the evaporator through either an expansion valve or an orifice tube. Here, the cool air expands before being pushed into your cabin with the help of a blower fan.

Why Refrigerant Leaks are More Than Just Refrigerant Leaks

Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks signify a larger issue within your car’s air conditioner. A leak in your refrigerant means that your sealed system is no longer sealed. This creates a few problems:

• Most obviously, a freon leak will prevent your vehicle from retaining the refrigerant. To keep your AC system working, you need to find and repair leaks at the source.
• Because these systems are sealed, they are not designed to withstand external moisture, debris, and atmospheric pressure. Exposure can compromise your vehicle’s entire AC system. 
• Your car’s AC system relies on pressure to circulate oil and freon. It will automatically shut down when the pressure lowers, which is a common side effect of freon leaks.

What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?

When the air compressor goes bad, its fan blade can shoot small shards of metal throughout the system. This can damage several air conditioner parts and create refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant leaks can also be caused by a broken seal, a broken gasket, or any other component of your system. Your freon travels through your entire cooling system, which makes any part a potential culprit of leaking. 

How Mechanics Find Leaks

When you bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic for AC service, how do they find and repair the leaks? 

This is a unique process that requires a performance check and A/C system recharge. Your mechanic will first inject freon into the system, but freon is invisible, which makes it hard to track where your pressure loss is. As such,  your mechanic will also inject dye into your car’s AC system, which makes freon movement visible under UV lights. 

Then, you may need to drive your vehicle for a week or two and bring it back to the mechanic for inspection. This will give the freon enough time to run through the system and reveal every source of pressure loss. 

Other Potential Vehicle AC Problems

As we explored above, your car’s AC system relies on several different parts to keep it running. An issue with any one of these parts can disrupt your air conditioner’s functioning. You may have a failing compressor, evaporator, dryer, or a bad supporting piece of equipment (hose, seal, etc.). 

Additionally, many DIY AC repairs see issues where the wrong type of freon was used to recharge the system. Like oil, different vehicles require different types of freon. Unfortunately, as you know now, one faulty component can compromise and damage the entire system. 

Your mechanic will be able to assess the damage and help you find a repair plan, no matter what the source of your AC troubles are. 

Chapel Hill Tire | Local Car AC Repair Services

As members of your community, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire know how important AC is in the south. We are here to repair all of your vehicle’s AC system troubles. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the community through our nine Triangle-area locations between Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Carrboro. We also commonly serve drivers from surrounding cities, such as Knightdale, Wake Forest, Garner, Pittsboro, and beyond. Make your appointment here online to get started today!

Have you ever experienced the unsettling feeling of your steering wheel moving on its own? Perhaps it is vibrating, shaking, or pulling on the road? Unless you have a new “self-driving” car, steering wheel movement is often the sign of an issue with your vehicle—often relating to your tires or brakes. Ignoring steering wheel vibrations can allow these underlying issues to grow into larger problems for your car. So why is your steering wheel shaking? The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with 5 potential causes and their solutions. 

Shaking Steering Wheel Problem 1: Warped Brake Rotors

Have you noticed your steering wheel shaking when you slow or stop your vehicle? This could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Your brake rotors are the smooth, flat surface that your brake pads press against to slow or stop your movement. The friction between the brake pads and brake rotors generates heat, which makes the metal of your rotors malleable. Over time, this pressure can bend your rotors—especially without maintaining proper brake pad replacements. 

When your rotors become bent, the brake pads will press against an uneven surface when braking, which creates steering wheel shaking. Thankfully, this can be fixed with a set of brake rotor replacements. If you catch this issue early enough, your mechanic may even be able to resurface your rotors to make them smooth and even again. However, if you are already noticing symptoms of bending—such as the steering wheel shaking—this repair is unlikely.

Shaking Steering Wheel Problem 2: Tire Alignment Troubles

Your vehicle’s suspension system is designed to align your tires, helping them evenly meet the road’s pavement. Over time, road turbulence, rough driving, and other hazards can throw off this alignment—causing one or more of your wheels to rest at a skewed angle. Even slight alignment issues can cause steering wheel shaking or vibrations. 

In addition to steering wheel shaking, wheel alignment troubles can cause uneven and accelerated wear on your tires. A quick wheel alignment service can address this issue and its symptoms. If you are unsure whether or not you need an alignment service, bring your vehicle in for a free alignment inspection.

Shaking Steering Wheel Problem 3: Tire Balancing Troubles

All four of your tires are meant to rotate at the same speed, which is made possible by keeping them in balance. However, tires become unbalanced with seasonal changes, rough driving patterns, poor road conditions, inflation differences, and more. Unbalanced tires can impact your suspension and axle, which leads to steering wheel vibrations. This issue can be repaired (or prevented) with a routine tire balancing service. On average, your tires should be balanced every 10,000-12,000 miles.

Shaking Steering Wheel Problem 4: Sticking Brake Caliper

One unusual cause of steering wheel shaking is stuck brake calipers. Your brake calipers hold your brake pads, lowering them each time you slow or stop your vehicle. While it is uncommon, brake calipers can become seized (also called “sticky” or “stuck”). Seized brake calipers can cause handling trouble—often with steering wheel shaking or pulling. Unlike warped rotors, you will notice this issue when you drive rather than when you brake. 

What is a stuck brake caliper? As the name suggests, this is when your caliper becomes “stuck” to your rotor. Instead of lifting when you take your foot off the brake, your brake will stay brushed up against your rotor—almost as if you have your brake slightly pressed while you drive. Naturally, driving with stuck calipers can be challenging—not to mention bad for your vehicle’s engine, braking system, fuel economy, tires, and more. 

Sticking brake calipers are commonly caused by worn hoses, debris buildup, and DIY brake installation, among other potential sources. If you suspect you have a stuck brake caliper, bring your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Shaking Steering Wheel Problem 5: Suspension Issues

Your vehicle’s suspension is a network of systems connecting your car to its tires—including shock absorbers, coils/springs, joints, bushings, and more. Any one of these components can encounter an issue that throws off your vehicle’s handling. As you might have guessed, issues with your suspension can create steering wheel shaking. 

If you have ruled out all other potential sources of steering wheel vibrations, it is likely sourced from suspension troubles. Determining the exact nature of this issue will likely require an inspection from a professional mechanic.  

Chapel Hill Tire: Vehicle Service Near Me

When you find that your steering wheel is shaking, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle area with our mechanics in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Cary, and Apex. Chapel Hill Tire also commonly serves drivers from surrounding areas, including Knightdale, Clayton, Pittsboro, Garner, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. If you don’t feel comfortable driving with a shaking steering wheel, our mechanics will come to you! We offer pick-up and delivery mechanic services for our customers. You can make your appointment online or give your nearest location a call to get started today!

Oil changes are a necessary part of ongoing vehicle maintenance. However, does it feel like your vehicle is always telling you that you need another oil change? While you may be tempted to attribute this to a faulty sensor and ignore your dashboard light, it could be a sign of a serious, yet easy-to-fix, engine issue. Learn more here from the technicians at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Why Does My Oil Change Light Keep Coming On?

Most vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). There are a few potential sources of oil depletion, but one primary culprit is dirty piston rings. To understand this issue, let’s take a baseline look at how your engine work: 

• The combustion chamber is where your fuel mixes with your vehicle’s air pressure and electricity to power your engine. 
• Piston rings are designed to seal your engine’s combustion chamber. However, when your piston rings are dirty, they become loose and ultimately break this seal. 
• Oil continuously circulates the combustion chamber and can infiltrate this system through loose piston rings. This rapidly burns up and depletes your engine oil.

How Does This Impact Vehicle Performance?

When your piston rings become dirty, blocked, or ineffective, they fail to seal and protect your combustion chamber. This has several combined effects on your engine performance:

• Lower Combustion Pressure—Your engine relies on carefully distributed hydraulic pressure to circulate oil, fuel, air, and other engine fluids. The combustion process also requires careful air pressure. Loose piston rings can lower the internal pressure of your combustion chamber, inhibiting this essential process.
• Oil Contamination—As your oil passes over dirty piston rings, it will become contaminated with its dirt and soot. This negatively changes the composition of your engine oil.
• Oil Oxidation—The combustion process is created through a mixture of air and fuel. When your oil mixes with the combustion air released through loose piston rings, it can become thickened and oxidized.
• Oil Combustion—Loose piston rings also let engine oil into the combustion chamber and out through your exhaust. Without the oil your engine needs to function properly, your engine performance will take a hit. 

So How Do You Stop Excessive Oil Consumption?

The key to stopping oil burning is addressing dirty piston rings. While piston rings can be costly to replace, they are fairly simple to clean. This is done through engine performance restoration (EPR) service. EPR clears your piston rings and hydraulic passageways of the dirt, debris, and build up causing your oil leak. This can stop your excessive oil consumption, improve your vehicle’s performance, save you money on fuel, oil, and subsequent repairs, and improve your energy efficiency. You can read our full guide to engine performance restoration here.

Other Signs of Loose Piston Rings

If your engine oil is rapidly depleting, you could also have an oil leak or another vehicle issue. So how do you know if your piston rings are compromised? Here are some additional signs of dirty piston rings: 

• Loss of vehicle power: The poor combustion pressure causes a noticeable loss in vehicle power and performance. 
• Thick exhaust: The oil burning in your combustion process will cause thick exhaust clouds—often with distinctly gray, white, or blue hues.
• Poor acceleration: The loss of pressure in your engine will also mean that your vehicle will have a hard time accelerating.

If you are still unsure about whether or not you have piston ring troubles, bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic for in-depth vehicle diagnostics. Once an expert has identified the source of your car troubles, they can work with you to design and implement a repair plan.

Chapel Hill Tire: Car Care Near Me

When you are due for an engine performance restoration—or any other maintenance flush—visit the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. We offer transparent pricing, coupons, deals, discounts, and promotions to make your local car services as affordable as possible. Chapel Hill Tire also supports our community with convenience services, including vehicle pick-up/delivery, curbside service, text updates, shuttle service, pay-by-text, and other customer-centric services supported by our values. You can make your appointment here online to get started! You can also call one of our nine Triangle area locations throughout Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill to learn more today!

During the colder months, more and more drivers find themselves facing a vehicle that simply will not start. Is the cold weather to blame? The answer is more complicated than it may seem—especially for drivers in the south. Learn more about cold weather’s impact on your car battery here. 

How Cold Weather Impacts Car Batteries

So does cold weather kill your car battery? Yes and no. Cold temperatures put severe stress on your battery, which is why the winter season is often a catalyst for car battery replacements. The cold weather has your vehicle facing two challenges at once: power loss with slow chemical reactions and oil/engine troubles.

Power Loss and Slow Chemical Reactions

Freezing weather drains your battery power by 30-60%. Your battery naturally recharges as you drive—but you must first face the challenge of getting it started. Why does the cold drain battery power?

Most batteries work through an electrochemical reaction, which sends power signals to your terminal ends. This chemical reaction slows down in colder weather, weakening your battery’s power. 

Oil and Engine Troubles

In the colder weather, your vehicle’s oil becomes much thicker. Low temperatures also strain internal components, like the radiator, belts, and hoses. Collectively, this slows down your engine—causing it to need an extra surge of power to start. Combined with the fact that your battery has less power to offer, this can prevent your engine from turning over. 

The Secret to Dead Car Batteries in the Winter

You might find yourself thinking, “It is not too cold—why is my battery dying?” This is a common issue for drivers in the south. The freezing winter temperature does put stress on your battery, but this is not often what kills your battery. Ultimately, the true killer of car batteries is the summer’s heat. It causes internal battery corrosion and evaporates the electrolytes that your battery relies on.

Summer damage then leaves your battery unable to fight off the stress of cold weather. For drivers in the south, this means that your car battery faces extensive summer deterioration. Then, when the weather becomes cold, your battery does not have the structural integrity to manage the added seasonal challenges. If you need help getting to the mechanic for a battery replacement, here is our guide to helping your vehicle start when it is struggling in the cold.

Tips for Protecting Your Car in the Winter

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to combat winter battery troubles. Here are some tips on protecting your battery from the impacts of cold weather. 

• Address corrosion: Corrosion on your battery can drain its charge. It can also inhibit the electrical conduction that is responsible for starting your vehicle. If your vehicle is having a hard time starting, corrosion may be the source of these issues—not necessarily your battery. That is, you may be able to extend your battery lifespan by having a technician clean or replace your corroded terminal ends. 
• Oil changes: It bears repeating that your engine oil plays a key role in keeping your battery and engine protected. Make sure that you keep up with your oil change schedule—especially in the winter months.
• Summer car care: We cannot emphasize this enough. The summer heat here in the south destroys car batteries from the inside out, leading to immediate failure or failure in the winter season. It is necessary to protect your car battery from the summer heat and bring it in for your regularly-scheduled maintenance visits.
• Park your car in your garage: When possible, parking in a garage can help keep your vehicle and your battery protected from the effects of cold weather.
• Cover your car overnight: Vehicle covers may be also able to help you lock in some of the heat and protect your vehicle from ice. 
• Minimize battery usage: Make sure to turn off your car lights when not in use and unplug any chargers to minimize your battery depletion. 
• Give your battery time to recharge: Your alternator recharges your battery as you drive. Short drives and drives with frequent stopping/starting do not give your battery much time or support to recharge. Taking your car for a longer drive every once in a while may help boost your battery. Here are some tips on driving in wintery weather.

Chapel Hill Tire Battery Services

Whether you need new terminal ends, corrosion cleaning, a car battery replacement, or an oil change, Chapel Hill Tire is here to help. We have 11 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Cary, and Carrboro. Chapel Hill Tire proudly offers transparent pricing on our services page and coupons to make our vehicle services as affordable as possible for drivers. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

As local tire professionals, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are familiar with the challenges that many mechanics and drivers face during the tire replacement process. Damaged, bent, or scratched rims? Long wait times? Issues with your new tires? We have heard it all. This is why we rely on touchless tire replacement. This process provides reliable tire changing without any of the traditional risks and challenges. Here is a quick guide to touchless tire replacement.

Why Do Traditional Tire Changes Put Rims at Risk?

Unfortunately, tire changes have earned a bad reputation of leaving drivers with damaged rims. You might find yourself battling a mechanic over whether or not your rim was scratched before you visited the shop. So why do traditional tire changes often result in scratched or bent rims? 

These manual tire changes require mechanics to powerfully maneuver levers and other heavy-duty tools while also being incredibly gentle with your rims and new tires. Naturally, this makes it easy for an inexperienced mechanic to leave your rims with serious damage. However, even the most skilled and experienced technicians are susceptible to human error. Touchless tire changing can prevent scratched rims by automating the tire changing process using upgraded tools.

How Does Touchless Tire Changing Prevent Scratched Rims? 

The Hunter Tire Machine is designed to overcome all of the challenges you might encounter during the tire changing process, which eliminates any risk to your rims:

• Leverless tire changing removes even the most stubborn tires without the abrasive levers. 
• Levers are replaced by scratch-resistant polymer tools that automatically follow your rim profile.
• It eliminates human error by automating the tire changing process.

A Four-Step Tire Changing  Process

One significant difference between traditional tire changing and touchless tire changing is the streamlined process. Tire changing is usually a 9-step process for each tire, compared to the contactless 4-step process. Touchless tire machines simply require mechanics to:

• Clamp the tires to the Hunter Tire Machine and enter in the rim configurations
• Use the mechanical rollers to remove the old tire
• Thread the new tire onto the rim using a polymer hook and roller
• Fill the tire to the proper PSI (tire pressure)

You can view a video of this process or read a more detailed description here: Introducing Hunter’s Auto34S Tire Changer Machine.

Quicker Service Visit

Tire replacements are known for being time-consuming, often leaving customers in the waiting room for hours. Each tire has to be carefully removed from your rims, replaced with a new tire, refilled to the proper PSI, mounted, and balanced. Chapel Hill Tire offers vehicle pick-up, delivery, and shuttles, making it easy to fit any service into your schedule. However, touchless tire changing minimizes the wait time on this service by streamlining the tire changing process.

Chapel Hill Tire: Contactless Tire Changing

When you need tire replacements, Chapel Hill Tire makes buying new tires easy, convenient, and affordable. After you buy your new tires online using our Tire Finder tool, we can get them added to your vehicle with the enhanced experience of touchless tire changing. You can contact any of our 9 Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Apex, and Chapel Hill—with any questions you may have. Make your appointment here online to get started today!

If you have ever bought a new set of tires, you likely know the timid feeling of driving away from the tire shop. Many drivers start to fear every road crack, dip, and pothole, often afraid of compromising their new tire investment. However, even the most careful drivers are susceptible to hazards on the road. Chapel Hill Tire invented Road Hazard Tire Protection so that drivers can enjoy their new tires without the fear of damage.  So what is Road Hazard Tire Protection? The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insights. 

A Guide to Road Hazard Tire Protection

While many tires offer limited warranties to make sure that you do not get a “lemon” tire, this coverage often expires quickly and does not extend to most tire situations. Our professionals saw drivers carrying the burden of costly tire damage, so we invented Road Hazard Tire Protection. 

Road Hazard Tire Protection is the in-house coverage plan from Chapel Hill Tire. Our coverage is available for all new tires purchased from any of our local tire shops. Road Hazard Tire Protection is unlike any built-in tire warranty. This plan extends comprehensive potential savings by offering both tire replacement and free tire services. Road Hazard Tire Protection features:

• Up to $399.99 in tire replacement—included for 3 years or 2/32″ tread depth remaining.
• Free balancing for the life of your tires.
• Free flat repairs for the life of your tires
• Tire inflation complimentary for the life of your tires. 

Here is a closer look at each of these benefits and how much they can save you money long-term.

Free Repair or Replacement

Whether your tire is damaged or defective, a Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan will have you covered for 3-years or 2/32″ tread depth remaining—whichever comes first. This protection includes replacements up to $399.99. Instead of fearing for your tires over every pothole, you can enjoy the peace of mind that your tires (and your wallet) are protected.

Complimentary Flat Repairs

Do you have a nail in your tire? Flat tire repair services can often run you $25+. Nails getting stuck inside tires are just as common as they are frustrating. Thankfully, eligible flat repair and tire patches are free under the Road Hazard Tire Protection. Like most benefits, complimentary flat repair extends beyond the first 3-years/2/32″ tread depth. In fact, you can enjoy this service for the lifespan of your tires. 

Free Tire Balancing

Tire imbalance can create an uncomfortable drive as you face wheel shaking at higher speeds. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also put your tires and your vehicle at risk. When your tires fall out of balance, road-force balancing services are necessary for resolving these troubles. Under Road Hazard Tire Protection, your tire balancing services are covered for the lifespan of your tires. 

Free Tire Inflation Services

Properly inflated tires save you money every time you drive your vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, under-inflated tires can reduce your fuel economy by up to 3%. This is why drivers need to frequently check each tire’s pressure and refill to the correct PSI. 

Unless you have an air compressor of your own, a public tire inflation station will also cost you a few dollars every couple of months. While each refill is not too expensive, this can add up over the course of several years. Thankfully, Road Hazard Tire Protection saves you the time, money, and trouble of tire refills. Our experts will make sure that you are covered with free tire inflation services for the lifespan of your tires.  

How Much Does Tire Protection Cost?

Your Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan pricing is based on the cost of the tires you choose to buy. More expensive tires are more costly to service, making the price of the protection slightly higher. However, Road Hazard Tire Protection is available for as little as $15 per tire. 

You can view your Road Hazard Tire Protection costs by using the online Tire Finder. This no-obligation tool gives you the out-the-door price on your tires (including or excluding the costs of available protection) without requiring you to enter in any of your information. Read our full guide to the Tire Finder tool here. 

Chapel Hill Tire Protection

You can find your next set of tires—and tire protection—at any of our 9 Chapel Hill Tire locations. We are conveniently located in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Carrboro. You can contact our tire professionals with any questions you may have, or make an appointment to see our experts today!

When it comes to driving in wintry weather, the first and best option for you is to stay home. However, this is not always possible for some individuals. When you have no choice but to travel during the cold, it is essential you take every measure possible to stay safe. Here are some tips from our local mechanics on driving in inclement weather. 

Lower Air Pressure by ⅞ of Pressure

The air in your tires often compresses in the winter, leaving drivers with low tire pressure. Many drivers then go to extra lengths to make sure their tires are filled completely. Properly inflated tires are essential for fuel efficiency and vehicle handling. However, when you are driving in the snow, slightly lowering your tire pressure can help increase your traction. Our mechanics recommend lowering the air pressure to ⅞ of your air capacity. You should ensure that your tires are not left underinflated, and you should reinflate them to your full recommended PSI once the threat of wintery roads has passed. 

Have a Windshield Scraper

Wintery weather often means that you can come outside to find your windshield covered in ice. This can leave you waiting for your defrost to kick in, or using a makeshift ice scraper—such as an old credit card. To ensure that you have quick and effective visibility during hazardous conditions, make sure that you are prepared by keeping an ice scraper in your car. These can be found at most major retailers, and they are usually a very affordable, trouble-saving investment.

Don’t Slam on Your Breaks

When driving in wintery weather, it is best to avoid slamming on your breaks. Aggressive braking can cause your car to skid, leaving you with less control over your vehicle. Instead, gradually let off of your accelerator and leave yourself with as much time as possible to stop. You will also want to ensure that your brake pads have more than 1/4th of an inch of material on them for safe, effective braking. 

Check Your Tire Tread

Tire tread is important for vehicle safety and handling year-round, but it is perhaps most essential during wintery weather conditions. The tread on your tires collects snow, helping your tires reach the road. It also gives you the most control possible when you hit a spot of bad weather. If your tires have less than 2/32 of an inch of tread left, you are due for a replacement. Here is how you can check your tire tread depth using your wear indicator bars and other tests. 

Make Sure Your Battery is Ready

Why does it seem like dead batteries always hit at the worst possible times, such as in wintery weather conditions? There is actually a clear correlation between cold temperatures and dead batteries. Extreme winter weather conditions can deplete the charge of your battery. Additionally, cold weather requires more power for your vehicle to start. This is why wintery weather is the catalyst for many battery replacements, as batteries near the end of their lifespan cannot manage this stress. You can take a few key steps to prepare for winter battery troubles:

• When possible, park your vehicle in your garage.
• Keep a set of jumper cables in your car, or—better yet—a jump-starting battery pack.
• If you have a jump-starting battery pack, make sure that it is fully charged at all times. The cold weather can deplete this power level as well. During extreme temperatures, you may consider bringing your portable battery starter inside at night to keep it charged. Just don’t forget to bring it back out with you again in the morning. 
• If you find that your vehicle is struggling to start, have your battery and starting system checked by a mechanic. This can help you avoid battery troubles before they leave you stranded. 
• Make sure your battery terminal ends are clean and free of corrosion. 

These steps can help you avoid the stress and trouble of a dead car battery. If you find that you need help on the road, here is our guide to jump-starting your battery. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Professional Winter Car Care

When you find that your car is not ready for wintery weather, it is best to get it serviced before snowfall becomes a threat. The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you and all of your winter car needs. You can find the lowest prices on new tires and coupons for battery replacements & other vehicle services. Make your appointment here online, or visit one of our 9 Triangle-area locations to get started today!

Many drivers mistakenly associate smaller tire businesses with higher pricing. Little do they know, community tire shops are often home to the most affordable tires, as small businesses care about their customers more than their bottom line. Here is a closer look at how you can get the lowest prices on your new tires by shopping at Chapel Hill Tire.

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A Wide Selection of Tire Brands

Dealerships, as well as many larger tire distributors, are often affiliated with one or more tire manufacturing brands. These companies will leave you to choose between a limited range of options, which may cause you to miss out on more affordable tires. By remaining unbiased in our approach, small tire businesses can give you the full details you need to make the right decision for you. 

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Transparent Everyday Low Prices

The easiest way to get low prices on new tires is by comparing all of the tires available for your vehicle, their features, and their prices; however, this requires transparent tire pricing, out-the-door pricing, and no-obligation tire information:

Transparent Tire Pricing

Keep a close eye on pricing transparency when shopping for new tires. If a company is secretive about its tire prices, you have to take a moment to wonder what they are hiding. If their prices are affordable, they would want to share this information with customers, right? 

Transparent Out-The-Door Pricing

It is also essential to focus on the out-the-door price rather than just the price of the tire. The price you see online likely does not include the cost of professional tire installation. New tires require careful mounting and balancing, without which they will face uneven wear and deterioration on the road. Some dealerships or tire distributors offset “low” tire prices with high overhead costs. If they give you the tire price but hide their installation fees, taxes, and out-the-door price, you could still be left feeling duped when you receive the bill. 

No-Obligation Pricing

Another way that tire shops and dealerships hide their prices is by requiring an email address or phone number to view pricing information. They exhaust customers by requiring them to answer extensive questions about their vehicle, location, tire size, and tire preferences. After their selection of tire prices are available, they require customers to provide their phone number or email address before viewing the results. Customers often give in to these higher prices to avoid having to continue this complicated tire search. But your tire search does not have to be exhausting or complicated. Businesses like Chapel Hill Tire will provide you with tire pricing without requiring any information from you. 

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, our online Tire Finder tool gives you information about every tire available to your vehicle. This includes various brands, tire costs, features, and out-the-door prices. Unlike other businesses, we do not hide our tire costs or require your information to shop around.

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Long-Term Tire Savings

When using the Tire Finder tool, you can view the warranties included with each tire. Many (but not all) manufacturers offer free warranties that will help ensure that you do not get a “lemon” tire. By shopping with this in mind, you can help find tires that offer long-term savings. 

The Tire Finder also gives you the pricing and coverage information about optional protection available for your new tires. This can provide long-term savings if you run into any tire issues, including free flat repair, tire balancing, and tire pressure refills. 

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Price Beat Guarantee: The Secret to Affordable Tires

In addition to our transparent everyday low prices, Chapel Hill Tire has taken affordability to the next level with our Price Beat Guarantee. Under this deal, we will beat any lower competitor quote by 10%. This will leave you feeling confident that you got the lowest possible price on your new tires.

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Chapel Hill Tire | New Tires Near Me

When you are looking for affordable new tires, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. You can conveniently shop for your new tires right here online. When you are ready, have your new tires installed at your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, or Chapel Hill. Make your appointment today or give us a call to get started!

The holiday season may look a little different this year as we all follow the CDC Holiday Safety Guidelines. However, some drivers have substituted their traditional plans for a holiday joy ride to enjoy socially-distant travels from the safety of their car. Every road trip you take can put extra strain on your vehicle. Here is a closer look at how to prep your vehicle for a long drive. 

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Tire Pressure Check and Refill

The cold winter weather can compress the air inside of your tires, which creates low tire pressure. At its best, low tire pressure will mean lower fuel efficiency and spending more money at the pump. At its worst, low tire pressure can prematurely wear/damage your tires, lead to bent rims, affect your vehicle handling, or cause a flat tire. Read our full guide on checking and refilling your tire pressure here. For expert help, you can get FREE tire pressure checks and refills when you get your oil changed at Chapel Hill Tire. 

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Battery Check: Jumper Cables, or Portable Jump Starter

Have you ever wondered why drivers tend to have more frequent battery troubles during this time of year? Freezing temperatures can drain the life out of your battery. On top of that stress, the cold weather requires your engine to work twice as hard to start up. 

Consider having your battery inspected or serviced before your trip to ensure that it is not corroding or nearing the end of its lifespan. Even if your battery is good to go, it is best to have backup tools ready in case of an emergency. Before your trip, grab a pair of jumper cables—or, better yet, invest in a portable jump starter that will start your vehicle without needing help from another car. You can find these at most major hardware stores, some big-box stores, or through an online retailer.

If you need help jumping your battery, here is a quick guide with 8 steps to jump-starting your car.

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Spare Tire and Tire Changing Tools

If something happens to your tire on the road, you will want to make sure that you have a viable spare tire on hand. Before your trip:

• First, check to make sure that your spare is in your vehicle—it will likely be located in a spare tire well within your trunk. You may need to peel back the flooring of your trunk to find it. Other vehicles may have a spare mounted to the back of their SUV, underneath the rear of the car, or somewhere else—some older Subaru vehicles even have it stashed in the engine. A quick internet search or glance at your owner’s manual should help you find your spare. 
• Next, you will want to make sure that your tire is in good condition. It should be less than 6 years old and show no visible signs of damage.
• Also, check to ensure that all of the tools you need are included—primarily a jack and a tire iron. These tools are included with almost every vehicle, but it is helpful to check and make sure they are in place. This is especially important if you have changed your tire before and may have lost pieces or loaned your tire changing gear to a friend.
• Finally, check to make sure that your tools are in good shape. Factory jacks and tire irons are not always high-quality. If you think you have any ineffective tools, you can pick up a replacement before your trip. High-quality car jacks and tire irons will last you a lifetime of spare replacements, and they are available at most major hardware stores. 

In addition to safeguarding your trip, this check also gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with your spare tire location and components. This overview will be helpful in the case that you need to change a tire during your trip. If you need help, here is a quick guide to changing your car tire. 

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Pre-Road Trip Tire Check

Relatedly, a good road trip must be safeguarded by a sturdy set of tires. Are your tires ready for a long drive? Here are some tire check questions you can ask yourself:

• Is the tread on my tires above 2/32 of an inch? Or above my tire wear indicator bars? Keep in mind that these are the bare minimum in tread standards. If you think you might be facing winter weather along your travels, make sure your tires have a little extra tread depth. 
• How old are my tires? – Research suggests that aged 5+ years are vulnerable to rubber thermo-oxidative degradation, which may lead to hazards on the road.
• Do I have any visible signs of damage, such as rubber cracking or sidewall bubbling? Unfortunately, these are signs that you are due for new tires. However, contactless tire changing can make this process safe, quick, and easy. You can also save money with coupons and buy your new tires online to make this process as simple and affordable as possible.
• Can I see any nails protruding from my tires? Nails can be easily removed and patched. It is best to have this service done before you hit the road.

If you are unsure about any of these, stop by a tire expert before hitting the road for insight. It just might save your trip. 

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Brake and Rotor Check

Your brake pads are thick blocks of friction material, which press against your metal rotors each time you need to slow and stop your vehicle. Over time, this friction material wears away, which lessens the effectiveness of your brakes. Naturally, poor and ineffective braking can lead to some serious safety hazards on the road. 

Additionally, the heat of braking friction can make the metal of your rotors malleable, which can leave them warped by the pressure of your brake pad over time. Before your road trip, check to make sure that your brake pads have more than 1/4th of an inch of friction material, and ensure your rotors are not warped or rusted. 

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Light Check: Headlights, Brake Lights, Turn Signal Lights

The winter season brings shorter days, which means more reliance on your lights. Before heading on your road trip, take a moment to park in a safe space, and complete these 3 vehicle light checks:

Headlights Check

Turn on your headlights and then exit your vehicle. Check to make sure that both headlights are illuminated when turned on. You should also check for lens oxidation. This is when your headlights become foggy, yellowed, or otherwise distorted by the sun’s UV rays. Headlight restoration services can clear up your lenses, while a bulb replacement can often fix a broken headlight. 

Brake Light Check 

These are the hardest lights to check, so it is best to have a friend’s help. Sit in your parked, yet running, vehicle and press down on your brakes. Have your friend stand behind your vehicle and make sure that all of your rear brake lights are turned on and bright. Brake light issues are also often easily solved by a bulb replacement. 

Turn Signal Light Check

This is another check you can complete on your own. Turn on your right turn signal, and then exit your vehicle to make sure that both the front and rear turn lights are working on your vehicle’s right side. Complete this check again with the left turn signal. A broken turn signal can often be repaired with a turn signal bulb replacement. 

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Tire Rotations and Other Services

Your tires face uneven wear on the road, with your front tires enduring more friction than your back tires when turning. Frequent rotations can help keep your tires protected. Tire rotations should be completed every 5,000-8,000 miles. If you are past this window, it is best to get a rotation before going on a long trip—especially if you are driving through the mountains or any other rough, winding terrain. You may also consider getting a tire alignment or balancing service—though these are as-needed services rather than routine tune-ups. 

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Oil Change, Filter Change, and Fluid Level Checks

Your vehicle relies on a careful balance of various liquid solutions—each serving a distinct purpose within your engine system. Over time, your engine depletes or contaminates these fluids, which can impact your vehicle’s protection and performance. 

Oil changes are the most commonly-needed engine fluid service. As your oil passes through your engine to offer vital lubrication and cooling, it picks up dirt, metal fragments, soot, and other harmful materials. Your engine filter works to keep these contaminants away from your engine, but it eventually becomes clogged, and your oil becomes depleted. What happens when you don’t get your necessary oil changes? You run the risk of engine damage and poor vehicle performance. 

These same principles apply to your other engine fluids, though they require less frequent maintenance flushes than your oil. When was the last time that you had a transmission fluid flush? Or a coolant flush? Have an expert check your fluid levels before heading out on your trip. It may help keep your engine protected during the long drive.

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Trip Check | Chapel Hill Tire

For everything you need to have inspected before your next road trip, visit the experts at Chapel Hill Tire for a trip check. We will help you make sure that your vehicle is ready to go. Make an appointment with any of our 9 Triangle-area locations—including those in Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or Carrboro, to get started today!

As 2020 comes to a close, we are also reaching the end of the UN Decade on Biodiversity. Sustainability within the automotive industry is essential to protecting our planet, and we can all do our part to advance global environmental efforts. Sustainable driving practices can also help save you money on gas and stay safe on the road. Here is a closer look at eight easy ways to become a more sustainable driver.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving patterns can significantly drop your fuel economy. This includes rapid acceleration, excessive speeding, and abrupt braking. While many drivers think that speeding improves fuel economy, most cars will begin to experience a decline in efficiency when driving above 50-60 miles per hour. According to the US Department of Energy, aggressive driving can decrease your fuel economy by up to 40%. Adopting more steady driving habits can help you stay safer on the road while benefiting your wallet and the environment.  

Watch Out For Low Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is essential to monitor year-round, but this task becomes especially important during the colder months. Cold weather compresses the air within your tires, which can quickly lead to low tire pressure. Have you ever ridden a bike with deflated tires? It consumes much more energy than when you are working with properly inflated tires. This same logic applies to your tires—your vehicle will use more fuel without sufficient tire pressure. Deflated tires also impact your tire protection and vehicle handling. Tire pressure is easy to check and maintain on your own. You can also score free tire pressure checks and refills when you get your oil changed at Chapel Hill Tire.

Maintenance Services

Your vehicle requires a variety of care routines to stay efficient and protected. Keeping up with these services will help you avoid poor fuel economy. Popular efficiency-boosting vehicle services include regular oil changes, maintenance fluid flushes, and air filter changes. 

Strategic Driving

Stop-and-go traffic is not only frustrating, but it also takes a hit on your fuel economy. Strategically planning your commute can save you time, money, and trouble while helping you become a more eco-friendly driver. Here are some examples of strategic commuting:

• Use responsive GPS apps that will route you around any accidents or traffic jams.
• If possible, ask your work if you can arrive and leave early to beat the rush hour.
• When available, run your errands during low-traffic windows.

Fuel Efficient Tire Tread

Your tire tread is responsible for gripping the road, giving you the traction you need to accelerate, steer, and stop your vehicle. More traction also means more road resistance, which can significantly increase your fuel consumption. Fuel-efficient tires are made with tread patterns designed for low rolling resistance. The next time you need new tires, you can explore the efficiency features on all of the tires available for your vehicle to find the ones that best meet your needs.

Lighten the Load

If you tend to leave heavy cargo in your car, it can be easy to forget about the impact that the extra weight can have on your fuel economy. The weight of your cargo can increase inertia (road resistance), which will force your vehicle to work harder during your commute. Data by AutoSmart suggests that removing just 22 pounds of cargo from your car can save you an estimated $104 in gas costs each year. Anything you can do to lighten the load on your vehicle will help you reduce your emissions. Consider unloading any sporting gear, work equipment, or other cargo when it is not in use. You can also lighten this load by removing your bike or utility rack from your trailer hitch during the colder months. 

Carpooling During Commutes

While it may be the oldest solution in the book, it is also one of the most effective: carpooling. If you have the opportunity to carpool to school or work, you can cut down on the road traffic and lessen your overall emissions. To promote this sustainable transportation, many states are beginning to introduce carpool lanes that are restricted from solo drivers. As such, you may get a quicker commute when you engage in this eco-friendly practice. 

Visit an Environmentally-Friendly Mechanic

Being sustainable within the automotive industry can be challenging; however, partnering with the right experts can make it easier. Look for a car care professional who specializes in sustainability. For example, you can visit an expert who offers non-lead wheel weights, hybrid loaner cars, and E.F.O. (Environmentally Friendly Oil) changes. These types of mechanics also often specialize in servicing eco-friendly vehicles. 

Eco-Friendly Car Care | Chapel Hill Tire

Chapel Hill Tire was the first-ever mechanic in the Triangle to offer Environmentally Friendly Oil Changes and non-lead wheel weights. We continually adapt to meet the highest standards in automotive sustainability. For all of the services you need to remain an eco-friendly driver, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We proudly serve drivers throughout the greater Triangle area through our nine mechanic locations—including those in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. Make your appointment here online today!