Our Community

Changing Lives, Four Wheels At A Time

A lack of transportation can bring someone’s life to a halt. 

It limits access to food and services, makes it difficult to get to work and to get children to school on time. It can isolate a person from family and friends. It can turn your daily commute into a miles-long walk, in every kind of weather.

Wheels4Hope is a faith-based organization that provides people in need of transportation with used, reliable cars at an affordable price. 

wheels for hope

How it works

They start with donated cars that usually have a retail value of between $2,000 and $4,000. These cars can be in any condition, so staff mechanics and volunteers assess the vehicles to determine the repairs that must be completed. 

Once the vehicles have been assessed and repaired, they are sold to people who have been referred to the program by Wheels4Hope’s partner agencies. The price is always $500.

With the help of many organizations and community members, Wheels4Hope has provided reliable vehicles to more than 3,000 people in our area.

A community partnership

As part of our contribution to our community, Chapel Hill Tire donates the labor required to make donated cars safe and reliable. We are grateful to be able to contribute to their work, and to be able to provide reliable transportation to people who need it.

They have been a partner for over ten years and will never turn down a repair that we send to them,” said Lisa Brusca, the Executive Director of Wheels4Hope. “We typically have a car at every one of their locations at any given time. It’s a huge donation and we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

You can find out more about Wheels4Hope at their website [https://wheels4hope.org/], including how to donate a vehicle and how to help cover the cost of parts. 

 

5 Reasons Your Low Tire Pressure Light Came On

Man inflating a tire - tire inflation services for low tire pressure

Low Tire Pressure Causes and Solutions

It is essential to keep your vehicle’s tires inflated. Poorly-inflated tires can put the health of your rims and tires at risk, lead to poor performance on the road, and make your fuel efficiency plummet. So why did your low tire pressure light come on and what can you do about it? The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.


Tire Pressure Problem 1: Nail in Your Tire

It is common for nails to get kicked up on the road and puncture your tire. When your tire finds a nail in the road, it will begin to gradually let out air, which will cause your low tire pressure light to come on. Thankfully, a nail in your tire is easier to fix than you might believe.

Solution 1: Affordable Tire Service

An affordable tire service may be all you need to get your tires up and running. Experts can easily repair the damage created by a nail in your tire. During this vehicle service, a professional will remove the nail logged in your tire and patch the hole. They will then refill your tire’s air levels, getting you back on the road in no time. 


Tire Pressure Problem 2: Bent Wheels or Rims 

If you are experiencing low tire pressure on top of other driving issues, you may have a problem with your wheel structure or a bent rim. When a wheel or rim is bent, it has the capacity to let the air out of your tires. Beyond just low tire pressure, these issues can even cause severe damage to your tires and create larger problems if left unattended to. 

Solution 2: Wheel Straightening or Rim Repair

Wheel or rim service can get your tires back in good shape. An expert can safely and easily repair bent rims or wheels. This vehicle service will restore your tire’s ability to maintain air pressure and provide other benefits like improved driving experience, better fuel economy, and enhanced performance on the road. 


Tire Pressure Problem 3: Due for a Tire Refill

This is perhaps the most common and simple tire pressure issue. The tire light, first and foremost, serves as a reminder for when your regular tire refills are needed. If your tire pressure light has recently come on, you may need to bring it by for a refill. 

Solution 3: Tire Refill

It is important not to underfill or overfill your air pressure, as these are both common causes of flat tires. For a safe and effective tire refill, you can use a gauge or visit an expert. You might even be able to score a free tire refill when you bring your vehicle in for a different service. For example, tire pressure cadence often aligns with your needed oil changes. If you get your oil changes at Chapel Hill Tire, our experts include a tire pressure check with each oil change.  If you are looking to refill your tire pressure on your own, here is our guide on finding all of the information you need to know about your tires—including recommended tire pressure (PSI).


Tire Pressure Problem 4: Temperatures Changes

When the temperature outdoors changes, it can impact the air density in your tires. While this is not necessarily a problem, it is something you should keep an eye on. This is particularly relevant during the colder months. The cold temperatures cause your tire air to lose density, which will contribute to tire deflation. Warmer temperatures, conversely, may help boost the inflation in your tires (which is okay as long as they do not become overinflated).

Solution 4: Reinflating Tires

If the temperatures have caused you to lose tire pressure, you simply need to bring it in for a refill. An expert will give you some room for safety to account for fluctuating temperatures. Your vehicle should alert you of tire pressure changes with the temperature; however, it is still something to keep in mind during times of extreme weather. 


Tire Pressure Problem 5: Old, Worn Tires

When your tires reach the end of their lifecycle, they will not retain air as they used to. There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the deflation of an old tire. If your tires are old, have been used extensively, have worn tread, and are having trouble keeping air pressure levels up, it may be time for a tire replacement.

Solution 5: Tire Replacement

If you are in need of new tires, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help you find the best price on the tires you need. We offer a Price Beat Guarantee, which lets us beat any competitor price you may find that is lower than our own. 


Tire Service, Repair, and Replacement

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for all of your service, repair, and replacement needs. Visit one of our nine Triangle-area locations in Apex, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve nearby communities, including KnightdalePittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, and Morrisville. We are offering a pick-up/delivery service to safely meet all of your tire needs. Contact our service experts today to schedule your appointment.

Why are my Headlights Foggy? Headlight Restoration Insight

Bright headlights - headlight restoration

Functioning headlights are essential to your vehicle’s performance and your safety on the road. What do you do when you are having a hard time seeing at night? Here is a quick guide to foggy, dim, or yellowing headlights and what you can do about them. 

Why Do Headlights Become Foggy?

Your car’s headlights are made of acrylic, a material that oxidizes when exposed to UV rays (such as those produced by the sun). Manufacturers make headlights with a protective coating that prevents this oxidization; however, the coating wears off over time. When the headlights oxidize, the clear acrylic acquires a foggy, yellowish tint. 

Your headlights may also accumulate a thick layer of buildup the longer they are on the road. They can acquire an opaque coating of chemicals, dirt, and other hazards. This will dim the brightness of your headlights and cause them to become increasingly ineffective. 

Cleaning Headlights

Once your headlights become ineffective, it is essential to get them restored as soon as possible. You may find DIY headlight restoration options; however, this vehicle service is best left to the experts. DIY headlight restoration provides a “bandaid” treatment instead of a solution, and can they leave your headlights in worse condition long-term. 

Headlight treatments are abrasive, and they must be done carefully to avoid damaging your lenses. Some DIY treatments (such as using bug spray) can temporarily clean your headlights. but they are known for damaging your paint with harmful residue runoff during rainy days. Additionally, when you complete this abrasive treatment but do not follow it with a professional sealant, the headlights will quickly yellow again, especially now that the layer beneath the surface is exposed without the proper protection.

How Headlight Restoration Works

So how do experts complete headlight restoration? First, using professional-grade materials, specialists will carefully remove the outer layer of oxidation and grime present on your lenses. This will eliminate the damaged components of your headlights while preserving the rest. They will then extensively clean and polish your headlights, restoring them to their former brightness. Finally, they apply a heat seal that will keep your headlights clearer for longer by preventing oxidization and material buildup.

Importance of Headlight Restoration

If your headlights are foggy or ineffective, they will undoubtedly impact your visibility on the road. This can lead to accidents when you are driving at night, through tunnels, or during inclement weather. Additionally, when your headlights are dim, it is more difficult for other drivers to see you, leaving you more vulnerable to mishaps.

Headlight restoration can make your headlights seem brand new and give you the visibility you need to keep yourself and others safe on the road. 

Headlight Service: Replacement Bulbs

If your headlights are not foggy or dirty but you still cannot see well, you might have a dead or dimming bulb. On top of posing risks to your safety, this issue can earn you a ticket or cause you to fail your next vehicle inspection. While the cost varies slightly depending on your vehicle and the lights needed (one headlight, both headlights, brake lights, and more), this essential vehicle service is quick and affordable. You can even find a vehicle service coupon to help with the cost. Contact your mechanic to see how much a headlight bulb replacement service will cost you. 

Chapel Hill Tire Headlight Restoration

If you need a professional headlight restoration, contact the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. Our professionals offer elite headlight repair and restoration services in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, and Carrboro. Our curbside service or pickup and delivery options can have you safely and conveniently on your way. Schedule your appointment to get started today!

Now Available
Curbside Service

chapel hill tire store in raleigh

To protect our customers and community during the current crisis, we are now offering curbside service to anyone who would prefer to not come into our lobby. 

It’s easy to use:

  1. Visit our online appointment scheduler 
  2. Under “Select Appointment Type,” choose “Curbside Service”
  3. Complete the form to make your appointment – be sure to list your cell phone number in your Contact Information, so we can communicate by text
  4. Once your appointment is booked, we will send a text to let you know that your information has been loaded in our system
  5. Reply to our text when you arrive for your appointment
  6.  A service advisor will come to your car to check you in
  7. We will keep you updated via text as we service your vehicle
  8. When your service is complete, we will send a text-to-pay notification to your cell phone, so you can pay by phone.
  9. A printed copy of your final invoice and your keys will be in your car when you pick it up

If you must or would prefer to stay at your home or office, we are also offering Free Pickup & Delivery service.

Additional steps we are taking to keep you safe

  • Our staff are washing their hands often.
  • Techs are required to wear latex gloves on every vehicle and will change them often.
  • Advisors are required to wear latex gloves and change them often.
  • Customer keys are wiped down before dropping in RO pouches.
  • Techs are to use steering wheel covers on all vehicles. (When available)
  • Techs are to use disinfectant to wipe down steering wheel, shifter knob, and door handles before and after working on each car. (When available)
  • Wipe down all surfaces and door handles as often as possible, at least hourly in the showrooms.
  • All customers are to be offered text-to-pay as the primary form of payment. 
  • Weather permitting, we will prop open your front doors, so you don’t have to touch handles.

This is a critical time for our entire community to work together to prevent this from becoming an even greater crisis. If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay at home and wait until you are well to have your car serviced. We will be here, grateful to greet you when you are feeling better.

Thank you for continuing to support Chapel Hill Tire and all local businesses during these very difficult times. As you know, the situation is very fluid. We will continue to monitor and try all measures to keep you and our team safe during this crisis.

Sincerely,

Marc Pons

President

Chapel Hill Tire

Now Available
Free Pick Up and Delivery

Free Pickup and Delivery at Chapel Hill Tire

To protect our customers and community during the current crisis, we are now offering free pick up and delivery to anyone who would prefer not to leave their home or office.

It’s easy to use: 

  1. Visit our online appointment scheduler
  2. Under “Select Appointment Type,” choose “Pick Up and Delivery”
  3. Complete the form to make your appointment – be sure to list your cell phone number in your Contact Information, so we can communicate by text
  4. Please wait for a confirmation email confirming our ability to service you on the date and time requested
  5. Your confirmation email will let you know when our driver will arrive at your location; please have keys in your vehicle at that time; we will pick up your car and bring it to Chapel Hill Tire for service
  6. We will keep you updated via text as we service your vehicle
  7. When your service is complete, we will send you a text-to-pay notification, so you can pay by phone.
  8. Our driver will return your vehicle to your location; your keys and a printed copy of your final invoice will be inside

If you prefer, we are also offering Curbside Service.

Additional steps we are taking to keep you safe

  • Our staff are washing their hands often.
  • Techs are required to wear latex gloves on every vehicle and will change them often. 
  • Advisors are required to wear latex gloves and change them often. 
  • Customer keys are wiped down before dropping in RO pouches. 
  • Techs are to use steering wheel covers on all vehicles. (When available)
  • Techs are to use disinfectant to wipe down steering wheel, shifter knob, and door handles before and after working on each car. (When available)
  • Wipe down all surfaces and door handles as often as possible, at least hourly in the showrooms. 
  • All customers are to be offered text-to-pay as the primary form of payment. 
  • Weather permitting, we will prop open your front doors, so you don’t have to touch handles.

This is a critical time for our entire community to work together to prevent this from becoming an even greater crisis. If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay at home and wait until you are well to have your car serviced. We will be here, grateful to greet you when you are feeling better.

Thank you for continuing to support Chapel Hill Tire and all local businesses during these very difficult times. As you know, the situation is very fluid. We will continue to monitor and try all measures to keep you and our team safe during this crisis. 

Sincerely,

Marc Pons

President

Chapel Hill Tire

4 Steps for Saving on New Tires

A close up picture of a new tire

How to Get Great Deals on New Tires

Is it time to replace your tires? If so, you probably want to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Chapel Hill Tire is here with four simple steps that you can take to get a great deal on your tires.

Finding the Right Tire for You

One of the easiest ways to save on new tires is by finding the right set of tires for you. Tires come in all sorts of different styles, which are designed for various terrains, areas, and driving styles. The key to getting a good deal is finding the tires with all of the features you need and nothing you don’t. For example, you would never want to pay extra for sports tires if you do not want or need the enhanced traction and performance they provide. 

Conversely, if you choose to save money by getting tires without the features you need, you will pay more long-term for tire repairs and replacements. For example, if you plan to go off-roading, you will want to invest in quality all-terrain or mud-terrain tires to avoid costly damage. Investing in high-quality tires also helps you save down the road. Use a tire-finder tool or speak to an expert to help you decide which tires are right for you. 

Shop Around For Tires

Once you have an idea of what tires you are looking for, you should take the time to gather a few different prices. To get an idea of what constitutes a “great” tire deal, consider requesting a quote from several different sources: automotive shops, dealerships, and tire specialists. You can often get an estimate on the tires you are looking for online or by phone. 

Price Beat Guarantee 

When you are buying new tires, every salesperson is going to try to close the deal by offering you a low price. However, you can take your savings one step further with our Price Beat Guarantee. Once you find the lowest possible tire estimate, bring it to the tire specialists at Chapel Hill Tire. Our experts will beat out your best estimate by 10% of the difference in price. This is how you know you have gotten the lowest possible price on your new tires. 

Buy From a Trusted Source with Available Tire Protection

Part of a good tire deal is not just the price you pay but also the service and protection you get. Find a tire distributor with a reasonably-priced Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan. When you are closing the deal on your new set of tires, consider making sure they are covered in the case of an issue. A high-quality plan from a trusted tire specialist will offer you complete replacement coverage for up to three years. This can cover any unforeseen damages your new tires may incur. Road Hazard Tire Protection preserves your investment and gives you peace of mind on the road. Experts with a customer service orientation, like those at Chapel Hill Tire, may also include free tire services such as flat repair, tire refills, and tire balancing with this protection plan. 

Chapel Hill Tire | Deals on New Tires

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire offer you a quick, comfortable, and easy tire buying experience. Our Price Beat Guarantee and available Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan makes it easy to understand why customers love shopping at Chapel Hill Tire. Visit one of our 8 Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro—today to get a great deal on your new tires. 

What Is the NC Emissions Inspection?

NC Emissions inspections at Chapel Hill Tire

The automotive industry is becoming increasingly environmentally-friendly. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we do our part in making the auto industry green:  our rooftop garden, and our hybrid specialty attention. We also help keep our readers in the know about North Carolina emission requirements and testing. Here is everything you need to know about the NC Emission Inspection, brought to you by the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

What is an Emissions Inspection?

An emissions inspection is an annual assessment that ensures that your vehicle is in compliance with the NC emissions standards implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These are designed to help limit the environmental impacts of the automotive industry. By ensuring vehicle emissions are regulated, North Carolina can do its part to protect the environment. 

Do I Need An NC Emissions Inspection?

If you are registered in a county that requires emissions inspections, you may be required to complete this inspection when renewing your tags each year. Currently, 22 counties require this inspection, which accounts for almost a quarter of those within our state. These regulations and requirements are subject to change. Annual emissions inspections are currently required in the following counties: Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Onslow, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Wake, and Union.

However, not every driver within these counties is required to get an emissions inspection each year. There are a few other parameters of this law that omit you from this inspection:

  • Many vehicles qualify for an exemption if they are less than 3 years old and have less than 70,000 miles. Consult this FAQ from the NC Department of Environmental Quality to learn if your vehicle qualifies for this exemption.
  • You may also be exempt if your vehicle was manufactured before the year 1995.
  • You are exempt from the emissions inspection if you were approved for a waiver or exemption and paid any necessary fees.

What is the Point of an Emissions Inspection?

This might leave you wondering, “What is the purpose of emissions inspections?” By monitoring and regulating the emissions produced by North Carolina drivers, the government can enforce sustainability within the automotive industry. Moving forward, as environmental protections waiver, having these measures in place will make it easy for North Carolina to remain in compliance with changing emission standards. 

What Does the Emissions Inspection Check?

An emissions inspection checks for any engine, tire, and other vehicle issues that could be causing your vehicle to perform inefficiently. This includes catalytic converter problems, worn/deflated tires, air filter issues, air/fuel mixture problems, and more. Depending on your vehicle, your inspection may also include checks for electrical or sensor issues that might misread or misreport your vehicle’s health. Read more here about common reasons for failing the emissions inspection. The specifics of your emissions inspection will depend on your vehicle. If an emissions inspection finds an issue with your vehicle, it gives you the chance to increase your fuel efficiency and avoid costly repairs down the road. 

How Much Does an Emissions Inspection Cost?

When you bring your vehicle to a Chapel Hill Tire location, we will complete a thorough emissions inspection for just $30. We also have the tools and expertise required to complete any repairs you may need to pass your inspection. 

Emissions Inspections in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro

Chapel Hill Tire is proud to provide emissions inspections out of our 8 Triangle-area locations. Our experts will complete a quick, affordable emissions inspection that will have you in, out, and on your way. Visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire to get your emissions inspection today!

How to Fix a Flat Tire? Flat Tire Causes and Solutions

Tire service - fixing a flat tire

What causes a flat tire? If you are experiencing a dreaded flat, it could be sourced by one of many possible culprits. The solution to your flat is dependant on the cause of this issue. Here is the Chapel Hill Tire guide to flat tires and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Nail, Screw, or Puncture Wound

How do nails end up in tires? This is a surprisingly common problem for drivers. Nails can get tossed aside during construction or fall out of open-ended pickup trucks. Because they are usually left lying flat on the ground, it might seem unlikely that they can pierce tires. If a car in front of you kicks up a nail, it can more easily get lodged in one of your tires. Similarly, your back tires are likely to catch a nail if it is kicked up by your front tires. 

Additionally, you might notice most road debris ends up on the shoulders of the street. If your tire ends up getting close to the edge or pulling off to the side of the road, it can easily find the nails, screws, and other hazards that have been waywardly left behind. Not only are these hazards more common on the side of the road, but they often do not lay as flat as they would on the even street surface. This makes your car an easy victim to an unfortunate flat tire. 

Solution: Patch Repair

The solution here is relatively quick and easy: tire patch repair. First, you must locate the puncture wound and determine that this is, in fact, the problem your tires are facing. Then, you must remove the nail, patch the tire, and refill your tires. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire complete this tire service for just $25, saving you the cost of a patch kit, the time and labor of the repair, and the chance that something might go wrong, damaging your tire further. 


Problem 2: Low Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure can be caused by a flat tire, but it can also create flat tires that might otherwise be fine. Your tires need to be regularly refilled to work properly and maintain their structural integrity. If you go for extended periods of time without inflating your tires or you do not fix a punctured tire quickly, you risk causing a major flat. Driving with low tire pressure causes a wider range of your tire’s surface area to hit the ground. It also weakens your tires and can damage them internally, which will make you more vulnerable to flats as your sidewall is worn away. 

Solution: Regular Tire Refills

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential to preventing this kind of flat tire. An expert mechanic like those at Chapel Hill Tire will refill your tires to the right pressure levels every time you visit for an oil change or a tire rotation. If your flat has already been created, a tire expert will first try to repair the tire, but—depending on the level of damage done—it may need to be replaced. 


Problem 3: Overinflation

Conversely, overinflation can also cause flat tires. Not only do overinflated tires impact your vehicle’s performance, but they can also create serious damage. Your tires will wear unevenly when overinflated and incur increased internal pressure. Depending on the severity of the overinflation, you can create a wide range of tire problems and flats. At its worst, overinflation can destroy your tire from the inside out. Much like a balloon, when you fill it past its limit, your tire becomes prone to pop.

Solution: Healthy Inflation Levels

In severe cases, an overinflated tire is likely to cause a major tire blowout. This type of flat tire cannot be repaired. However, if your tire was not severely damaged, a professional might be able to save it. This problem is easy to prevent. Use a gauge when refilling your tires and do not exceed the recommended pressure levels. Or, let the Chapel Hill Tire experts fill them for you. 


Problem 4: Potholes

The infamous pothole is a primary culprit of flat tires. Severe road damage can easily cut into your tire health. They can quickly become punctured or worn, especially if you regularly hit those unavoidable potholes on your daily commute. In worst-case-scenarios, a pothole can damage your rim or throw off your tire balance. This will break the seal and release the air from your tires (in addition to significantly impacting your car’s performance).

Solution: Tire Rotations, Repairs, and Cautious Driving

Some tire problems simply cannot be avoided. Swerving around a pothole is not worth causing an accident. However, remaining cautious and missing potholes when they can safely be avoided can help you prevent a flat or serious tire damage. 

You likely encounter the same rough patches and potholes on your daily commute. This repetition can wear out the same parts of your tires over and over again. Regular tire rotations can prevent this uneven wear and help your tires fight potholes for as long as possible. If your rim was bent by a pothole, this can be straightened by a tire professional. An expert can also balance or align your tires to repair any damage and prevent any further problems from occurring. 


Problem 5: Worn Tires

When your tires become worn, even the slightest road turbulence can create a flat. Sometimes, no turbulence is needed to create a flat at all: your tire might just give out. Most tires last between 6-10 years. This depends largely on the type of tires you have, your area’s road conditions, your personal driving patterns, and your frequency of driving. Worn tires are an unfortunately common source of flats. 

Solution: New Tires

Trying to fix worn tires is most likely not worth your time and money. New tires will stay inflated while keeping you safer on the road and improving your gas mileage. The tire experts at Chapel Hill Tire will help you find the best possible price on new tires in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or Carrboro. We make this promise under our Price Beat Guarantee. We will beat out any competitor pricing by 10% of the price difference, ensuring you get the lowest tire prices possible. Use our Tire Finder here online or visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location for the tire service, repair, or replacement you need today!

Where to Buy Tires in Durham

Picture of a Tire - New Tires in Durham - Chapel Hill Tire

Find Your New Tires in Durham at Chapel Hill Tire

When it comes to Durham tires, you might be wondering “Where can I find quality tires and low tire prices?” Chapel Hill Tire is here to prove that there is no better place to buy new tires in Durham than at our Woodcroft Shopping Center mechanic location. Here is what you can get when you shop at Chapel Hill Tire in Durham

Affordable Durham Tires with the Price Beat Guarantee 

When you shop at Chapel Hill Tire, you get the best prices on tires in Durham. We can assure you get the lowest prices thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee. On top of our every-day low prices, we offer an additional promotion to ensure that our customers get the best deals. If you bring our Durham tire experts any competitor pricing lower than our own, we will beat it by 10%. This provides a deal that will help you save over the dealership pricing. 

Wide Selection of Tire Options

The Chapel Hill Tire experts have a wide variety of tires so that you can find the perfect set of tires for you. No matter your vehicle’s make, model, year, or tire preferences, Chapel Hill Tire in Durham has something for you. This is made evident by our wide selection of tire brands. Whether you prefer Continental, BFGoodrich, Toyo, Cooper, Michelin, Uniroyal, or other exceptional manufacturers, we are sure to have what you are looking for. Our tire selection includes All-Season Tires, Car/Minivan Tires, SUV Tires, Crossover Tires, Truck Tires, Summer Tires, Winter Tires, Trailer Tires and so much more! 

Help Finding Your Perfect Tires in Durham

Our Tire Finder tool can help you explore your Durham tire options. Simply enter details about your vehicle and preferences into this tool and the Tire Finder will show you your options. If you need additional help finding the right tires, our Durham Tire specialists will work with you! Our tire professionals in Durham ensure every customer gets the tires they are looking for, every time. 

Our Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan 

When you buy a new set of tires, you want to make sure that it is protected. The Chapel Hill Tire Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan is designed to do just that. If you incur tire damages that are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, this Chapel Hill Tire protection plan includes:

This tire protection in Durham is sure to beat out that of any dealership. Visit our tire experts to learn more about the Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan and other unique Chapel Hill Tire offerings. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire in Durham

Our Durham tire experts have the new tires, vehicle services, and other Durham car care offerings you may need. Visit our Chapel Hill Tire experts in Durham, conveniently located in the Woodcroft Shopping Center. This gives you the chance to get your shopping done while our experts work on your car. You can find our tire specialists at 4805 Hope Valley Road, Durham, NC 27707. Schedule your appointment with our Durham tire experts today to get started!

Maintenance Routines By Mileage

Annual NC vehicle Inspection

Vehicle maintenance routines can be difficult to stay on top of, but missing a needed service can lead to costly or irreparable damage. The specifics of your needed maintenance schedule are dependant upon your make, model, and driving patterns; however, you can follow a general guideline of services to stay on track and keep your vehicle healthy. Here is a breakdown of services needed by milage, brought to you by the Chapel Hill Tire experts. 

Services Needed Every 5,000 – 10,000 miles

Oil Changes and Oil Filter Replacements

For most vehicles, you will need an oil change between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Your filter will also need to be changed to protect your engine. When you get your oil changed, a professional mechanic will give you an idea of when you will need our next oil change. Many newer vehicles also have internal systems that provide notifications when your oil levels are low.

Tire Pressure Check and Refills

When your tire air levels become low, your car becomes more inefficient on mileage and your rims become more vulnerable to damage on the road. Unless your tire becomes damaged, there is unlikely to be any dramatic changes in your tire pressure over time. The cadence of a tire pressure check often follows the same routine as your oil change, so you can pair these services. Your mechanic will test and refill your tires as necessary during each oil change. 

Tire Rotation

Because your front tires absorb the friction of your turns, they wear quicker than your back tires. Regular tire rotations are needed to protect your set of tires as a whole by helping them wear evenly. Aa a general rule, you should get your tires rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. 

Services Needed Every 10,000 – 30,000 Miles

Air Filter Change 

Your vehicle’s air filter keeps debris out of our engine, but they become dirty over time. This puts unnecessary and harmful stress on your engine if left unchanged. Roughly speaking, your air filter will need to be changed between 12,000 and 30,000 miles. The gap seen here is caused by the fact that air filters will need to be changed more frequently for drivers in big cities and drivers who frequent dirt roads. Your mechanic will also check the status of your air filter during an oil change and let you know when it needs to be changed.

Brake Fluid Flush

Keeping up with brake maintenance is essential to keeping you safe while on the road. Reference your owner’s manual for your brake’s needed care routine. This service is often recommended as early as 20,000 miles. 

Fuel Filter Change

The fuel filter keeps unwanted debris away from your engine. Reference your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle’s fuel filter change routines. This service often begins as early as 30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Service

Your transmission is easy to care for and expensive to replace, making it key to provide your vehicle with a transmission fluid flush when needed. This service comes much more quickly for manual transmissions than automatic transmissions; however, both of these vehicle types can begin to need a transmission fluid flush at around 30,000 miles. 

Services Needed Every 30,000+ Miles

Brake Pad Replacements

When your brakes become worn down, they will not be able to provide the friction you need to safely slow and stop your vehicle. Brake pads can last up to 50,000 miles, but you may need a replacement before then. Keep an eye on the width of your brake pads, or ask an expert for insight into when you may need a brake pad replacement. 

Battery Replacement

While it can be inconvenient when your battery dies, it helps to know when you should expect to need a replacement. Your vehicle’s battery often lasts between 45,000-65,000 miles. Battery services can help them last longer. 

Coolant Flush

The coolant in your engine prevents it from overheating and creating costly damage. You should plan to get a coolant flush between 50,000-70,000 miles to keep your engine protected. 

As-Needed Vehicle Services

Rather than following a specific maintenance routine based on miles or years on your car, certain vehicle maintenance services are completed as needed or as preferred. Here are the services that you should keep an eye out for and the symptoms that they are needed. 

  • Tire Balancing – If your tire balance becomes thrown off, it will cause shaking in your tires, steering wheel, and overall vehicle. Tire balancing can repair this issue. 
  • New Tires – Your tire change schedule occurs as you need them. When you need new tires depends on the road conditions in your area, the types of tires you buy, and more. 
  • Wheel Alignment – Alignment keeps your vehicle’s wheels pointing in the right direction. You can get a free alignment inspection if you think you may need this service. 
  • Windshield Wiper Replacements – When your windshield wipers become ineffective, visit a maintenance professional so that you can stay safe during adverse weather conditions. 
  • Headlight Restoration – If you’ve noticed your headlights dimming, visit an expert for headlight restoration
  • Wheel/rim repair – Often needed after an accident, a pothole issue, or a driving mishap, a wheel/rim repair can save you on costly replacements. 
  • Maintenance Flushes – Besides the core variations of fluid services, some maintenance flushes can be completed as-needed. The better you take care of your vehicle, the longer it will last. 

A vehicle service expert will let you know when you need a specialty service. Regular tune-ups will help you stay ahead of needed car care. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire

Chapel Hill Tire is here for all of your vehicle service needs. Visit one of our 8 Triangle-area locations to get started today!