Author: Jeff Cooper

In a year full of news, you may have missed a groundbreaking tire announcement from across the pond this summer: driving with aged tires is now a criminal offense in the UK. They introduced this legislation in July, banning all tires aged 10+ years. This change came after years of campaigning led by Frances Molloy, a mother who lost her son in an accident caused by an aged tire.

Efforts to establish US tire age laws and regulations are ongoing, but there is no telling when (or if) these laws will be instituted. Instead, local tire safety regulations are based primarily on tire tread. However, old tires can cause severe safety risks, even when they have thick tread. Here is a closer look at tire age and how you can stay safe on the road.  

How Old Are My Tires? A Guide to Finding your Tire Age

Tires are marked with a Tire Identification Number (TIN), which tracks the manufacturing information—including the exact week of the year it was made. This information is printed directly on the side of each tire. To find it, carefully examine your tire sidewall. You may need to use a flashlight, as these numbers can blend in with the rubber. Once you find your TIN, it may seem like a complicated series of numbers and letters, but it is actually easy to break down:

• DOT: Every tire code begins with DOT for the Department of Transportation.
• Tire plant code: Next, you will see a letter and a number. This is an identification code for the plant your tire was manufactured at.
• Tire Size: Another number and letter will signify your tire size.
• Manufacturer: The following two or three letters make up your tire manufacturer code.
• Tire age: At the end of your TIN, you will see a series of four numbers. This is your tire age. The first two numbers represent the week of the year, and the second two numbers represent the manufacturing year. 

For example, if your TIN ends with 4918, this means that your tires were manufactured in December of 2018, and are currently two years old. 

What is the Problem with Old Tires?

Aged tires can often look and feel brand new, so what makes them unsafe? It is a change in their chemical composition during a process called thermo-oxidative degradation. Over time, oxygen naturally reacts with rubber, causing it to stiffen, dry out, and crack. When the rubber inside of your tires is dry and stiff, it can detach from the steel belts in your tire’s foundation. This can cause tire blowout, tread belt separation, and other significant safety hazards. 

Tire separation is often not easily visible, so many drivers do not know they have aged tire problems until they lose control of their vehicle. Driving on aged tires can also cause sidewall deformation, tread chunking (when large pieces of the tread detach), and tread blistering. 

Beyond just the age of the rubber, thermo-oxidative degradation is accelerated by heat. States that experience higher levels of heat also tend to see higher levels of tire aging. Because fast-paced driving also generates heat, frequent high driving speeds can accelerate the tire aging process as well.

A 2008 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Consumer Advisory reported hundreds of vehicle fatalities and injuries caused by tread separation of tires 5+ years old. Other NHTSA research and data suggest these numbers soar to the thousands each year. 

At What Age Should Tires Be Replaced?

With the exception of extraneous circumstances, tires are proven to be safe from oxidation for the first 5 years after their production. This is why many vehicle manufacturers, such as Ford and Nissan, recommend tires be changed 6 years after their manufacturer date—regardless of your tire tread depth. However, as seen in the NHTSA research above, 5-year-old tires can also cause accidents. Changing your tires every 5 years provides the most comprehensive standards in safety. 

Buying from a Reliable Tire Shop | Chapel Hill Tire

Tire age is another reason why it is essential to buy from a reliable tire shop. Used tire distributors, for example, may buy older tires for cheap prices, allowing them to make a higher profit. Even if the “new” tire has never been driven, the aged rubber presents severe safety risks. 

When you are due for a new set of tires, visit the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. Our trusted experts provide comprehensive tire and mechanical services, offering a customer-focused buying experience. We also offer a Price Beat Guarantee, which helps you get the lowest possible price on your new tires. Make an appointment at one of our 9 Triangle-area locations, or buy your tires online using our Tire Finder tool today!

It often seems the tires are easy to damage and hard to protect. However, simple care routines and driving modifications can help extend the lifespan of your tires. Try these 10 tips to help your tires last longer, brought to you by the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Using the Right Tire Season

Most drivers buy all-season tires, which—as the name suggests—are equipped to handle all seasons. However, if you have specialty tires, such as summer (performance) tires or winter tires, you may run into issues that can shorten your tire lifespan.

• Summer tires are not designed to drive in cooler temperatures, as the rubber begins to harden below roughly 45 degrees. This decreases traction to an unsafe level.
• Winter tires are not designed to drive in warmer temperatures, as the rubber composition wears away at increased rates in temperatures above roughly 45 degrees.

These issues will not only shorten the lifespan of your tires, but they will also often present safety risks. Driving your tires in the right season can help them last longer—here is our full guide to tire seasons to help you along. 

Safe and Steady Driving

We’ve all seen NASCAR races where a driver’s tire tread is constantly depleted or even torn to pieces. The drivers often require multiple sets of tires during the race, even though these are race-worthy performance tires designed for this kind of action. This rapid tire decline is caused by the harsh turbulence that their tires face during the intense driving conditions. 

While you may not be engaging in a NASCAR-worthy commute, the same kind of logic applies to regular tires. The harsher your turns, accelerations, and stops are, the quicker they will deteriorate your tires. You can help keep your tires protected by practicing safe and steady driving practices. If you are prone to more exciting adventures on the road, you can help keep your tires protected by making sure you have performance tires that are created to withstand the action. 

Regular Tire Rotation Services

Your front tires tend to face enhanced friction on the road while steering. Regular tire rotations are designed to help keep your tires protected. By regularly rotating your tires, you can evenly distribute this additional wear, which keeps your tires preserved as a set. 

Avoid Road Hazards

You will probably not be surprised to learn that frequently driving over road hazards can shorten the lifespan of your drive. While it may not always be within your control, safely avoiding road hazards—such as potholes and manhole covers—can help you keep your tires protected. 

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

Tire Pressure is one of the most crucial factors to tire protection—as well as one of the easiest to disrupt. Tire pressure can change with temperature, driving conditions, and more. 

• Over-inflated tires: Overinflation can change the way your tire meets the road—often pushing the center of your tires out further than usual. This will cause heightened and uneven tire wear. High tire pressure can also put your tire at risk for a blowout. 
• Under-inflated tires: Low tire pressure causes more of your tire surface area to meet the road, which can create sidewall damage and increased tread declination.

It is essential that you regularly check and refill your tires, and make sure that you do not over inflate or under inflate them during each refill. If you run into problems, you can leave this task to the professionals. You may even be able to score free tire recalls. For example, experts at Chapel Hill Tire give you a free tire pressure check and refill during each oil change visit.

Quick Alignment Service

Wheel alignment troubles will cause your tires to meet the road in uneven patterns. Naturally, this will cause the portion of your tire facing higher pressure to endure more severe friction and tread wear. The key here is a quick tire alignment service. If you wait to get your tires aligned when necessary, you will begin to notice uneven tire traction, which shortens the lifespan of your tires.

Tire Balancing Services

When one or more of your tires is out of balance, it will rotate faster than the rest of your tires. While your other tires will remain protected, the out of balance tire(s) will face enhanced wear. Thankfully, tire balancing services can quickly and easily restore your tire protection; however, much like tire alignment, you must get this service completed before the damage is done. 

Avoid the Road Shoulders

Many drivers who experienced a nail in their tire wonder, “How did this happen?” While sometimes tires catch nails that are kicked up by another vehicle, most road discard is brushed onto the shoulders. The road shoulders do not have the same flat, even surfaces as the road itself, which may leave nails and other hazards sticking upwards. When a driver veers off course, nails, glass, and metal shards can more easily create punctured or flat tires. While it may be unavoidable, it is best to try and stay far away from the road’s shoulders. 

Parking in your Garage

The Sun’s UV rays can break down the rubber compounds of your tires. By engaging in mindful parking, such as parking in your garage and shaded public spots, you can help keep your tires protected. If you have no choice but to park outdoors, make sure that you drive your car regularly. You may also consider using a vehicle cover to help keep your tires protected.

Tire Warranty | Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan

When you invest in a new set of tires, you want to ensure that you keep them protected. Thankfully, this is easy at first if you purchase a tire warranty. Chapel Hill Tire’s warranty, for example, includes free replacements within the first 3 years. It also features lifetime tire refills and puncture repairs. While the cost of a tire warranty will depend on the tire you purchase, this protection is also surprisingly affordable. You can view the costs of our optional warranty agreements in the “See out the door price” button of our free Tire Finder search.

Tire Maintenance and Replacement | Chapel Hill Tire 

For trusted tire service, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We can help you keep your tires protected for as long as possible. When they have reached the end of their lifespan, you can also find the lowest prices—guaranteed—on a new set of tires. Make an appointment with the experts at Chapel Hill Tire to get started today!

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, our experts work hard to extend our industry-leading, customer-centered services to drivers in and around the Triangle. In alignment with this mission, we are proud to announce plans for our newest location: Chapel Hill Tire of Apex. We will share more insight soon about the grand opening of our Apex location. Until then, here is a look at the services and specialties you can expect from Chapel Hill Tire of Apex.

Mechanic Services in Apex

Our first-ever Apex location is geared up to provide the same full-service mechanic offerings as our other Chapel Hill Tire locations. Here you can experience our world-class car services, including:

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Chapel Hill Tire offers transparent pricing for our customers—and you can browse our coupons page to lower our everyday low prices. Our pricing and the full list of our offerings are available on our services page. For all of your vehicle’s needs, the trusted mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire’s newest Apex location are sure to be your new go-to. 

New Tires in Apex | Chapel Hill Tire 

As our name suggests, Chapel Hill Tire offers next-level expertise in all things tires. We are a customer-centered local tire shop with the selection of tire seasons, brands, sizes you would expect to find at a nationwide tire distributor. Unlike other tire specialty shops, we are not partnered with any single brand, which keeps our inventory from being biased or restricted.  

Our tire experts also offer the lowest prices on new tires—guaranteed. If you find a competitor’s price lower than our own, we will beat it by 10% under the famous Chapel Hill Tire Price Beat Guarantee. You can shop tires online with our Tire Finder tool or visit our soon-to-open Apex location for an exceptional tire buying experience. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire

Our experts will continue to keep you updated on our new Apex location. Until then, you can still find exceptional service at our 8 other Triangle-area locations. The professionals here at Chapel Hill Tire are looking forward to serving communities in and around Apex!

Finding and Repairing Vehicle Shaking

“Why is my car shaking?” —This common vehicle issue is often assumed to be the telltale sign of a tire alignment problem. It is true that alignment troubles cause road unsteadiness, shaking, vibrations, and uneven tire wear; however, warped brake rotors and tire imbalance can have similar symptoms. Here is a look at these 3 common sources of car shaking and how they can be repaired. 

Problem 1: Warped Brake Rotors

The process of slowing and stopping your vehicle relies on brake pads pressing against the flat metal of your brake rotors. This braking causes friction, which generates heat and makes the metal of your brake rotors more malleable. Then, the contact of your brake pads can warp the structure of your rotors. 

When your brake pads are pressing against a warped rotor, this will cause shaking or vibrations to run through your vehicle. Beyond just the inconvenience of shaking, this can raise safety concerns and create trouble for your brakes. 

How Can You Tell If You Have Warped Rotors?

Unlike other vehicle problems, warped rotors will only cause your vehicle to shake when you are braking. If you are experiencing shaking during acceleration, you likely have a different vehicle issue, such as an alignment or balancing concern (more on these below).

Can You Fix Warped Brake Rotors?

Depending on how warped your rotors are, a mechanic may be able to straighten them. The process of “fixing” brake rotors is called turning or resurfacing. Brake rotor resurfacing involves scraping down the warped metal to achieve a smooth surface. However, it is becoming increasingly common for rotors to be replaced rather than fixed for three main reasons:

• Cost efficiency: Competitive manufacturing has led rotors to become much less expensive than they used to be, often making the rotor repair roughly the same price as rotor replacement. With similarly-priced services, the new rotors are often the better choice for drivers. 
• Rotor thickness: Many manufacturers require that the rotors maintain a certain thickness level, which can restrict mechanics from performing rotor resurfacing services, as they wear away rotor material.
• Brand considerations: A wide variety of different factors come into account when considering rotor straightening vs. replacement. This includes your vehicle brand, your brake pad material, and your rotors’ metal composition, among others. Your vehicle simply may not allow for rotor turning. 

Thankfully, rotor replacement services are also accessible solutions that will eliminate vehicle shaking and restore your braking safety. 

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Problem 2: Wheel Alignment Issues

Your tires are designed to coordinate their direction with the movement of your steering wheel. However, over time, the turbulence of the road can cause one or more of your wheels to rest at a deviated angle. Naturally, this creates issues for your vehicle, your tires, and your control on the road. Alignment issues are closely related to car shaking symptoms. 

What Are The Signs of Tire Alignment Issues?

While a shaking steering wheel is a common sign of alignment troubles, these vehicle issues carry other revealing signs:

• Consistent Shaking: Alignment issues will cause constant vehicle vibration, no matter whether you are braking, accelerating, or maintaining a consistent speed.
• Steering Wheel Pulling: You may also notice that your vehicle is “pulling” towards one side of the road or another rather than seamlessly steering straight. 
• Noisy Tires: Whirling sounds and other tire noises may emerge as a sign of alignment issues 
• Uneven Tire Wear: You might begin to notice uneven tire tread, as the alignment issues can cause disproportionate road friction. For example, you may find only one of your tires worn down while the rest still look healthy. In other cases, the inner or outer half of a tire may become worn while the other half still has thick tread.

The more frequently you drive, the more likely it is that your tires will fall out of alignment—especially in areas with rough, uneven roads. As such, drivers with long commutes, delivery drivers, Uber drivers, and Lyft drivers find themselves needing regular alignment checks and services.

Can You Fix Tire Alignment Issues?

Wheel alignment is a quick service that will fix these vehicle troubles. If the disproportionate wear of tires becomes severe, you may find yourself needing new tires in addition to a tire alignment. Annual tire alignments can help prevent these issues and help your tires last longer. If you are unsure of whether or not you need an alignment, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire will provide a free consultation. 

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Problem 3: Tire Balancing Issues

A third issue that often creates vehicle shaking is unbalanced tires. When tires are out of balance, they will revolve at different rotation rates. The rotational intervals are heightened at certain speeds, which will cause your vehicle to shake.

What are the Signs of Unbalanced Tires?

Similar to alignment issues, unbalanced tires cause shaking along with uneven tire wear—however, this car problem is set apart by its correlation with certain speeds. If you experience severe vibrations at one speed and none at a different speed, these may be signs of tire imbalance.

With unbalanced tires, the shaking is often heightened around one area of your vehicle. For example, if the front left tire is unbalanced, the shaking may be centered around your driver’s seat and steering wheel, while unbalanced back tires will cause shaking to be most concentrated in the rear seats.

Can Unbalanced Tires Be Fixed?

Tire balancing is a common vehicle service that can fix or prevent tire imbalance. Ideally, tires should be balanced every 10,000-12,000 miles for proper vehicle care. Much like tire alignment services, if the issue has spread to create other problems, such as worn tires, you will need to have those addressed as well before you can safely hit the road again. 

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Chapel Hill Tire Local Vehicle Service

If your vehicle is shaking, visit the experts at your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 10 mechanic locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Carrboro, and Durham. Our car technicians also serve nearby communities, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, and Morrisville.

We can help you identify your vehicle issue and get it fixed in no time. Chapel Hill Tire is distinguished by our customer-centered values, industry-leading experience, and care you can only find at a local tire shop.  We will have you in, out, and on your way in no time. Make your appointment today to get started!

A Guide to the Tire Finder Tool

Too often, the process of buying tires turns into an expensive guessing game, as many mechanics and tire distributors lack transparency. Chapel Hill Tire works to provide our customers with an improved experience through our online Tire Finder. This tool matches tires to your vehicle and shares their costs, features, and other details—helping you make the right choice for your needs. When it comes to finding the right tires for you, online shopping offers convenience, selection, and clarity. Here is a quick guide on how to use our Tire Finder tool. 

Step 1: Visit The Tire Finder Page

First, you need to visit the Tire Finder tool page. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we offer this tool in addition to a vast selection of tires. Unlike other businesses, we are not affiliated with any single tire brand, meaning that our tool will help you find the right tires for you without any bias or ulterior motives. 

Step 2: Enter In Your Vehicle Information

Next, you will need to enter basic information about your vehicle and your tires, including the make, model, year, tire size, and the tire season you are shopping for.

Some of these answers are common knowledge, while others you can find in your owner’s manual. It is also helpful to check your tire information sticker, which is often located on the driver’s side door frame, right next to the driver’s seat. This sticker contains information about your tire size, in addition to other insights, such as tire pressure recommendations.

If you do not feel like entering this information manually, you can search by entering your license plate number or the tire size you are looking for.

Finally, the Tire Finder will ask you which tire season you prefer. Click here for our quick breakdown of tire seasons.

Step 3: View Your Tire Selection

The Tire Finder Tool will ask you for your preferred location, and then pull all of the available tires that match your search. You can explore the options, add filters, and compare similar tires, or adjust your search for new results. You will not just view names and appearances—this result page also provides you with a wealth of information. You can easily find the answers to your tire questions, including:

• How Much Do New Tires Cost? The free Tire Finder tool will tell you the cost per tire. This information is written transparently, making selecting tires based on your budget easy. For further pricing details, you can also view the “out the door price.” This includes information about standard and available add-ons, giving you the full tire price without any surprises or hidden fees.  
• Are my tires protected? You can review the manufacturer’s mileage warranty, as well as available Chapel Hill Tire warranties. 
• What are my tire features? The Tire Finder lists the features, specs, and any available reviews with each tire.

FAQ About The Tire Finder Tool

Do I need to give my contact information to use the Tire Finder? The short answer is no. We will not ask you for your email address or any contact information during any point of your tire exploration process. You will only be asked for information if you find the tires you are looking for and are ready to check out. 

Have you ever been asked to answer laborious questions about your product needs, only for a business to withhold your results until you enter in your contact information? These types of information “gimmicks” are an easy way to lose customer trust and create unnecessary frustration. The Tire Finder Tool is different. It is created to help our customers, provide transparent information, and make tire buying easy. It is not a ploy to gain contact information—that is simply not in our Chapel Hill Tire Values. 

Is the Tire Finder tool free to use? YES! We offer this tool and information about our tires for free. You will not be asked for any payment or information unless you decide to buy tires. 

What if I do not know the answer to a Tire Finder question? If you need help, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. Give us a call or visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location for support. We will answer all of your questions and guide you to the right tires for you. 

What about the Price Beat Guarantee? Chapel Hill Tire’s famous Price Beat Guarantee gives you 10% off of the difference when you find a lower competitor tire quote. If you are using the Price Beat Guarantee, you can still find your tires using the Tire Finder. Once you have your tires picked out, give our experts a call for price adjustments. 

Chapel Hill Tire Online Tire Buying

Are you ready to start shopping for your next set of tires? You can get started right away with the Tire Finder. This resource connects you to the inventory at all nine of our Triangle-area locations, including those in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our local mechanics look forward to helping you get the new tires you need today!

Tire Seasons Explained

When it comes to buying new tires, much of the terminology can be hard to navigate. One particular source of confusion is tire seasons. This term refers to various tire compositions, each of which is best suited for a different road condition and climate. There are four popular tire seasons: summer (performance) tires, winter tires, all-season tires, and all-weather (all-terrain) tires. Here is a quick guide to tire seasons from the local experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

A Guide to Summer (Performance) Tires

Often created with asymmetrical tread patterns, maximum road-holding capabilities, and agility features, summer tires help boost road performance and handling—which is why they are often referred to as “performance tires.” They also feature siping (a tread term for grooves that help tires manage heat and water). As such, performance tires are well-equipped to handle the summer’s wet road conditions and hot asphalt. 

Summer Tires: Benefits and Considerations

Before deciding on summer tires, there are a few benefits and considerations that you may need to balance. The soft rubber mixture in summer tires is well suited to manage high road temperatures and friction. Once the temperatures drop below roughly 45 degrees, this rubber hardens—decreasing traction and performance to an unsafe level. This is why summer tires should only be driven in ~45-degree weather or warmer. 

Many drivers who opt for summer tires need to have a second set of all-season tires, winter tires, or all-weather tires to swap out once the temperatures are getting colder.

Performance Tire Costs 

Additionally, summer tires include performance-boosting features that can take manufacturers more to produce. If you are buying on a tight budget, performance tires can come with a higher price tag when compared to more standard tires, such as all-season variants.

A Guide to Winter Tires

Characterized by their deep tread marks, winter tires are designed to promote safe, controlled driving in inclement weather. They use deep tread to overpower slush and collect snow. While collecting snow may sound like a road hazard, this can help connect the tread to the asphalt surface. In deep snow conditions, this process creates snow-on-snow traction, allowing safer and more controlled handling in severe weather. If your area frequently endures icy climates, you can also find winter tires with studs on them for ice traction.

Winter Tires: Benefits and Considerations

Much like summer tires, winter tires contain some unique considerations. The rubber mixture of winter tires is designed to stay flexible and improve traction during inclement weather. However, this rubber mixture does not manage heat well. While you *technically* can drive winter tires in the summer (that is to say, it does not pose the same level of safety risks as summer tires in the winter), this will quickly wear out your tire set. Extended exposure to warm weather will tear away at your winter tires and begin to slow your reaction time and handling. Winter tires are ideally only driven in conditions of ~45 degrees or below. 

Winter Tire Costs

Much like summer tires, this specialty rubber and thick tread can cost manufacturers more to produce. As such, winter tires can also cost a little more than standard all-season tires.

Winter Tires: Buy While You Can

It is also helpful to note that winter tires can abruptly become high-demand entities. If you are thinking about buying winter tires, you should consider doing so before the weather becomes severe. Once the snow starts falling, winter tires may become harder to find.

A Guide to All-Season Tires

Perhaps the most popular tire options, all-season tires were likely what you found on your car when you bought it. As the name suggests, all-season tires prepare you for mild climates associated with all seasons. The rubber composition and design makes these tires suitable for a variety of road conditions—including wet or dry asphalt and a comprehensive temperature spectrum. 

All-Season Tires Benefits and Considerations

It is important to note that while these tires are versatile and designed for safety, they are not specifically intended to encounter any severe weather. For example, they will not counteract hydroplaning like all-weather tires or manage snowy roads like winter tires. However, unless you live in an area with frequent severe weather, these tires should suit your general driving needs. 

All-Season Tires Costs: Affordable, Low Tire Prices & High Fuel Efficiency

All-season tires are ultimately known for their cost-efficiency for two reasons: first, all-season tires can feature an improved fuel economy. This is because all-season tires have a low-rolling resistance. Fuel economy can be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including tire inflation, tire age, tread levels, tire size, and more. 

The high-engagement tread of winter, summer, and all-weather tires can help improve performance and handling, but it also creates some resistance against the road. A certain degree of resistance is always necessary for tire safety and efficiency. However, all-season tires have a balanced mixture of safety and grip without the same level of resistance, leading to less fuel usage. Second, because they do not contain any of the same unique features, all-season tires are also often associated with lower upfront prices than specialty tires. 

A Guide to All-Weather (All-Terrain) Tires

While the name may sound similar, all-weather tires are somewhat of the opposite of all-season tires. Rather than managing all mild climates, these tires help prepare you for all weather extremes, including both heavy rains and snowfall. They have thick tread and a rubber mixture that can help manage everything from hydroplaning to improved ice traction. 

All-weather tires are also often called “all-terrain” tires (and vice versa). If you are going off-roading or adventure-seeking, these tires are for you. These tires are highly versatile and safe year-round. As you might have figured out by now, these features can cost a little extra, including a lower fuel economy and a higher price tag. 

Chapel Hill Tire | Affordable Tires Near Me

When you are due for a new set of tires, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you. Our online Tire Finder tool sorts available tires for your vehicle based on your preferences, including tire season. Chapel Hill Tire ensures that you get the lowest price possible on your tires by offering our Price Beat Guarantee. If you find a lower price elsewhere, we will beat it by 10%. 
We proudly serve drivers from our 8 convenient locations between Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. The Chapel Hill Tire customer base extends to nearby cities like Wake Forest, Clayton, Garner, Knightdale, Pittsboro, and beyond. The Chapel Hill Tire experts are here to help you find the right tires for your vehicle, driving style, and budget. Experience industry-leading service and low prices when you buy your tires online or in-store today from Chapel Hill Tire.

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, our local tire business thrives because of our loyal customers and community support. However, our customers return time and time again because they receive a higher standard of service than offered by wholesale tire shops or nationwide chains. Here is a closer look at 8 benefits of buying from a local tire and mechanic business like Chapel Hill Tire.

Support Local and Small Businesses

When you buy from a local tire shop, you are supporting small businesses in your community. This helps support your neighbors, create jobs in your area, and mobilize your local economy. Rather than putting money into the pockets of huge corporations, buying tires from a local shop will help keep your area thriving.

Save Money: Price Beat Guarantee

Small businesses have earned a misleading reputation for high prices, when, in fact, you can often achieve much lower prices when buying tires from a community company. For example, when you find tires from a wholesale distributor or a nationwide tire chain, you may think that they will give you the lowest price possible. However, when you bring your quote to the local tire experts at Chapel Hill Tire, you will be met with our Price Beat Guarantee. Under our Price Beat Guarantee, we will take 10% off the difference in your lowest eligible tire pricing quote. This means that you are getting lower than your lowest price—in addition to all of the other benefits of buying local. 

Personable Service from Local Tire Experts

To large chain tire shops, you may be just another face. However, small businesses like Chapel Hill Tire are known for building lasting relationships with our customers. As a local community business, we treat everyone who walks through our doors like family. 

Tire Deals, Coupons, and Promotions

It seems at times like large-scale tire businesses and mechanic chains try to get the most money possible from their customers. This is why many of them lack transparent pricing or detailed service information. Chapel Hill Tire is different. We make our prices available to customers, so you are never met with last-minute pricing surprises. Additionally—on top of everyday low prices—local tire shops often offer deals, coupons, and promotions to help ensure that you are getting a great price on your tires. 

Service Perks and Other Speciality Offerings

When you partner with a community business that cares deeply about its customers, you will see this reflected in the buying experience. Chapel Hill Tire offers specialty perks to help our customers get the new tires and vehicle care they need. For example, we offer a shuttle service that will bring you to work, school, or home while your car is serviced. Our local experts also offer vehicle pick-up/delivery for even easier high-quality care. Best of all, we offer available comprehensive tire warranties with our Road Hazard Tire Protect Plan—coverage you will not find at a wholesale shop.

Enhanced Tire Selection

Large tire distributors often partner with certain brands to earn their wholesale discounts and return a higher profit. Rather than engaging in tire brand loyalty, local tire shops like Chapel Hill Tire can often offer a wider selection. This helps you find tires that are right for your vehicle, preferences, and budget. Best of all, you can view our tire selection online using our Tire Finder tool. 

Quick Attention and Professional Expertise

Unlike large chain tire stores, small businesses are more likely to put you first, offering quick service and detail-oriented attention. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we take the time to offer our professional expertise and insight. Rather than trying to sell you on our new tires and services, we will help you understand the needs of your vehicle, so you never feel like you are being taken advantage of. 

Mechanic Expertise for Tire Service

Our tire expertise is written into our name here at Chapel Hill Tire, but each of our tire professionals are also skilled mechanics. We know that your vehicle is a complicated network of internal systems. Sometimes, a tire issue is not a tire issue at all—but rather a problem with your steering system, your rims, or your brakes. Our comprehensive expertise allows our local tire shop to protect your tires and repair your vehicle with our wide range of mechanic services.

Chapel Hill Tire: Your Local Tire Shop

Whether you need new tires, a vehicle service, an annual inspection, or a tire service, the local experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you. We proudly serve customers throughout the Triangle with our 9 locations—including Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. Make an appointment with our community tire professionals to get the care you deserve at a price you can afford today!

We all know the dreaded feeling: you notice something feels astray in your vehicle’s performance. You look down and notice a disquieting warning light on your dashboard. Or maybe your vehicle is driving fine when you notice your dashboard light, leaving you anticipating an endless list of possible vehicle issues. 

Sometimes, these service needs are straightforward. Other times, they leave you facing far more questions than answers. Worse than the feeling of seeing a light come on in your dashboard is not knowing what is causing it. Thankfully, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help. We offer professional, in-depth diagnostic services designed to find solutions to all of your car troubles. Here is a look at in-depth diagnostic visits and why they are important for accurate vehicle repair. 

Free Vehicle Diagnostics – Are They Really Free?

OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) system is a network of sensors that monitors your vehicle activity and reports any issues through your dashboard. Once a dashboard light comes on, an expert can connect to your OBD system for the report code. For times when the needed service is overtly apparent, this process works well. However, some vehicle issues require a closer look under the hood. When you are facing a more complicated issue, “free” car diagnostic tests can lead you on a wild goose chase—again, leaving you with more questions than answers. You may even find yourself facing multiple potential issues and guessing at which one is causing your car troubles. 

Finding the “Why” Behind Vehicle Issues

“What is causing my car troubles?” This question can consume a driver’s peace of mind. In cases of complex vehicle problems, OBD codes give you (and your mechanics) only a vague idea of your car issues. While your OBD test might point you in the direction of your vehicle problem, this can leave you addressing the symptoms of car troubles rather than the source of car troubles. 

Professional diagnostic services instead focus on getting to the bottom of why that issue is occurring—this helps comprehensively support your vehicle health and get the repairs right the first time. 

What are In-Depth Vehicle Diagnostics?

In-depth diagnostic work is a service designed to support the accurate identification and repair of your car troubles. To get to the bottom of vehicle issues, a mechanic needs to spend time inspecting the vehicle, testing various parts, and exploring all of the potential sources of these problems. Once they have discovered the true source of your car issue, they will work with you to create a repair plan. 

How Can In-Depth Diagnostics Help You Save Money?

As you might have guessed, getting your repair done correctly the first time can help you save money. While it might be cheaper short-term to run with “free” diagnostic leads, expert diagnostics can save you long-term. By investing in this service, you can lower your overall costs on several facets of your repair:

• Saving on Vehicle Parts: A “free” diagnostic test will tell you that a part of your vehicle—such as the transmission—is experiencing issues. However, this may be triggered by old transmission fluid, a sensor issue, or another simple fix. Rather than requiring you to spend $6,000 on a new transmission, in-depth diagnostics may help your mechanic discover a simple and affordable repair. You may also find yourself replacing parts that your OBD test suggests are creating issues, while the source of the problem truly lies elsewhere. 
• Avoiding Recurring Car Issues: If your OBD code diagnostic leads to a poorly-calculated service repair, you could end up experiencing the same problem over and over again. This is not only an inconvenience, but it also will cost you frequent service visits. Depending on the nature of your problem, you may also incur repeated towing fees.
• Preventing the Spread of Vehicle Problems: Your vehicle is a network of systems that each rely on the other for proper functioning. One issue can interrupt the whole system, creating new problems when operating under this stress and dysfunction. By finding and fixing the source of your vehicle issue, you can keep the problem contained and save money on preventable issues.

These cost-saving benefits are in addition to the time, safety, convenience, and peace-of-mind you can enjoy with trusted, well-informed service. 

Chapel Hill Tire In-Depth Diagnostics

Where can you find reliable, in-depth vehicle diagnostics? At all eight Chapel Hill Tire locations—including our mechanics in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro! The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you when you are experiencing unknown, complicated, or uncertain vehicle issues. With our expansive service offerings, we will help you with your repair once we have diagnosed the true source of your car troubles.  You can get the peace of mind and trusted repair that you deserve when you bring your vehicle to Chapel Hill Tire. Make your diagnostics appointment with our local mechanics to get started today!

As the temperatures continue to drop, your vehicle will begin to feel the effects of colder seasons. Many drivers use the early fall to prepare their vehicles for the impacts of colder weather. Here is a closer look at how the cold weather affects your vehicle and how you can prepare for lower temperatures.

Tire Inflation and Cold Weather

You might notice your tire pressure becomes low around this time each year. As the temperature drops, the air inside of your tires can compress. This can impact your fuel economy and leave your tires vulnerable. How can you prepare? You can protect your tires from the cool weather by regularly checking your tires’ pressure and inflating them when needed (or get them checked inflated for free during your Chapel Hill Tire oil change). Read our full guide to tire pressure here. 

Cold Weather and Dead Car Batteries

During colder seasons, many drivers experience dead batteries or battery issues. The cold weather interrupts the chemical reactions that your battery relies on. Newer batteries can handle the cold, but older batteries may begin to struggle. How can you prepare? If your battery is older, you can prepare for the cold weather by getting it checked, serviced, and replaced when needed. You can also help protect your battery by parking in your garage at night. 

Shorter Days and Vehicle Light Services

The fall brings unique driving challenges. As we begin to see shorter days, you will need to rely more heavily on your vehicle lights. If they are dimming or you have a dead bulb, you could leave yourself vulnerable on the road. How can you prepare? It is essential that you regularly check your vehicle lights and get ineffective bulbs replaced. This can help keep you (and others) safe, prevent you from getting a ticket, and keep you passing your vehicle inspections. Windshield wiper replacements can also help promote your visibility on the road. Finally, you might consider headlight restoration services if your lenses have become foggy or oxidized. Read our full guide to vehicle lights here.

Oil Changes and Cold Weather

Oil changes are essential no matter the time of year. However, the cold weather can thicken your oil, making it harder to circulate throughout your engine. This can strain your engine and intensify the strain on your battery. As you may have guessed, these oil issues are worsened when your oil is old, contaminated, and due for a replacement. How can you prepare? To keep your engine protected, make sure you are up-to-date on your oil change routine. 

Tire Services for Safe Driving

The later we get into the season, the more likely it is that we see overnight freezing, the occasional snow day, and ice on the roads. One of the most essential safety measures during inclement weather is healthy tires. Your tire tread works to grip the road, which is important year-round. However, inclement weather can worsen the impacts of worn tires. How can you prepare? Before the temperatures become severe, check your tire tread depth to ensure that it is still at safe levels. If the tread is worn down to the wear indicator bars (often at 2/32” of tread), you should get a tire replacement. You can also make sure you get any tire services—wheel alignment, rim repair, tire rotation, and balancing—to keep your tires protected. 

Staying Safe with Brake Services

Much like your tires, your brakes are a key component to keep you safe—both year-round and during the colder months. Regular brake pad replacements keep your vehicle safely slowing down and stopping. During inclement weather, you need your brakes to be effective and responsive. How can you prepare? Before the weather becomes severe, you should check that your brakes are in good condition and get your brakes serviced if needed. 

Maintenance Flushes for the Fall Season

Your vehicle relies on a wide variety of liquid solutions to keep it running safely and efficiently. The cold weather disproportionately impacts liquid solutions, as their components may be susceptible to freezing. How can you prepare? Make sure that you are up-to-date on all of your maintenance flushes. Here is a brief overview of maintenance flushes and the needed routine services based on vehicle mileage. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Car Care

Once you have passed these checks—you are all set and your car is ready to take on the fall weather and the adventures it brings. If you need a tune-up or are due for a service, the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you. Make an appointment at one of our 8 locations throughout the Triangle—including Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Raleigh, and Durham—to get started today!

As the weather cools down, your tire pressure may drop with the temperatures. You might find yourself needing tire inflation. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help! Here is what you need to know about low tire pressure.

Tire Pressure Overview

Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pound-force per square inch). Common tire pressures range from 32 to 35 PSI, but this can depend on your vehicle type, tire features, tire brand, and the temperature outside. When looking for your recommended tire pressure, you may not find this information listed in your owner’s manual. Instead, tire pressure recommendations are often listed on a sticker inside of the driver’s side door frame. 

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Manual Tire Pressure Checks

To check your tire pressure, you will need a gauge. If you do not already have one, these tools are inexpensive and helpful to keep in your car. For an accurate read of your tire pressure, it is recommended that you wait 3 hours after driving before completing the tire pressure check. The friction of your wheels turning can impact your tire temperature and pressure. 

Once you are ready to get started, consult the tire information sticker inside of your door frame to determine what your tire pressure should be. Next, connect the gauge firmly to each of your tire’s valve stems. You will see the gauge dial rise. Once it has reached a steady PSI reading, that is your tire pressure. 

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Automatic Vehicle Tire Pressure Systems

Most vehicles have automatic tire pressure systems that will warn you when your tire pressure becomes low. Older vehicles do this by examining your tire turn speed. Full tires create a larger rotation than deflated tires. Your vehicle senses when one tire is turning more quickly than the others and alerts you that your tire pressure is low. 

Newer vehicles have advanced tire pressure systems that gauge and monitor tire PSI. It is best not to rely entirely on either of these systems, as they are not immune to glitches or inaccuracies. 

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Free Professional Tire Pressure Checks

Perhaps the best way to accurately read your tire pressure levels is with a professional check. Overfilled tires are just as harmful as underfilled tires. A professional technician knows how to achieve this essential balance. Mechanics have professional-grade gauges and the expertise to comprehensively examine your tire health. Best of all, leading mechanics may provide this service for free. For example, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire automatically check tire pressure during each oil change visit. If you are low, our experts will also inflate your tires for free. 

If your tires are protected under our Road Hazard Protect plan, you can get free tire refills (among other tire services) at any time. 

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What Causes Deflated Tires?

Low tire pressure is one frequent issue with multiple possible sources. Here is a look at some of the common reasons why your tires may deflate:

Low Pressure Problem 1: Cold Weather and Tire Pressure

During the fall and winter seasons, many drivers begin to find their tire pressure low. The cold weather can cause your tire pressure to lower by 1-2 PSI for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. This is the one tire pressure change that is not caused by air loss. Rather, the air inside of your tire condenses when it is cold and expands when it is hot. This makes the fall and winter seasons popular times for tire pressure checks. 

Low Pressure Problem 2: Nails or Punctures in Tires

Damaged tires are a driver’s worst fears when tire pressure becomes low. Nails and other tire hazards can get kicked up by other drivers on the road, puncturing your tires and releasing some of the pressure. In this case, your tire will need to be patched so it can maintain proper air levels. 

Low Pressure Problem 3: Potholes and Tire Pressure

Your tires are designed to absorb the impact of bumps on the road. However, frequent road inconsistencies and severe potholes will create a greater tire impact. As your tire absorbs this extra pressure, it may release some of its air. 

Low Pressure Problem 4: Bent Rims and Lowered Tire Pressure

A bent rim or wheel can disrupt the seal that holds your tire’s air in, leading to low tire pressure or frequent flats. 

Low Pressure Problem 5: Leaking Schrader Valve

Have you ever wondered what those small caps on your tire valve stems do? They protect your Schrader valve from dirt, water, dust, and other contaminants. If contamination gets bad enough, the tire Schrader valve can begin to gradually leak air. 

Low Pressure Problem 6: Normal Tire Wear

Over time, tires gradually release air, even when engaging in your standard driving patterns. Your tires will naturally lose about 1 PSI every month. This is why frequent tire pressure checks are essential. Ideally, you should check them every 1-3 months. 

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Importance of Full Tires

Low tire pressure is more than just an irritating warning light on your dashboard. It can have several immediate impacts on you, your car, and your wallet:

Lower Fuel Economy and Low Tire Pressure

Have you ever tried to ride a bike with deflated tires? It is much more challenging compared to a bike with full tire pressure. The same logistics can be applied to your vehicle. It has to work harder to run on deflated tires, meaning lower fuel efficiency, more vehicle emissions, and more money spent at the pump. 

Vehicle Handling and Safety Concerns

Perhaps most importantly, low tire pressure can impact your vehicle handling. The friction between your tires and the road is responsible for vehicle responsiveness. When your tires are running on low pressure, this grip becomes compromised, delaying your braking and making steering less responsive. It can also leave you more vulnerable to flat tires and other issues on the road. 

Failed Inspection from Tire Issues

Between low tire pressure and the issues it creates, you can face a wide variety of challenges on the road. Tire structural issues, poor vehicle handling, and any other safety concerns can cause you to fail your annual safety inspection. The lowered fuel economy from deflated tires can cause you to fail your emissions inspection. 

Tire Damage with Low Pressure

The air inside of your tires maintains your tire’s structural integrity. Poorly-inflated tires will increase the surface area of your tire against the road, causing sidewall damage. This can also create flat tires, bent rims, and other costly issues. 

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Chapel Hill Tire | Tire Service Near Me

Whether it is a simple tire pressure check or as complex as a rim repair, Chapel Hill Tire is here for all of your tire service needs. Our local mechanics proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle from our locations in Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. Make an appointment with our mechanics or give us a call to get started today!