Author: Jeff Cooper

As the summer heat begins rolling across the south, drivers start to feel the effects on their cars. One common problem drivers may face is an overheating engine. Our local mechanics are here with a look at the 6 signs your engine is overheating, why engines overheat, and what you can do about it. 

Sign 1: Temperature Gauge

Most cars contain a temperature gauge on the dashboard. While you might be tempted to think this reflects the outdoor temperature (some cars have this feature, too) the temperature gauge reflects how hot your engine is. When you see it rising towards the red temperature indicator, your engine is overheating. Once it reaches the red indicator, your engine has become dangerously hot. 

Sign 2: Overheating Dashboard Light

You may also see a dashboard light telling you that your car is experiencing trouble. If you notice a thermometer dashboard light sitting above a wavy line, this is your radiator fluid light (also known as a coolant warning). The radiator warning lights up when your engine begins overheating. 

Sign 3: Clicking or Clanking Car Noises

Engine oil is responsible for keeping your engine working together. In an overheating engine, your oil will begin to lose its lubrication properties. In these cases, you might begin to hear your engine components clicking or clanking as they work together without the buffer of your oil. 

Sign 4: Steam, Smoke, or Vapor

Radiator fluid is a mixture of antifreeze, water, and corrosion inhibitors. The boiling point of radiator fluid is often between 223°F and 235°F (depending on the mixture ratios). Meanwhile, the average temperature of a normally operating car engine is between 195°F and 220°F. 

As your engine starts overheating, its temperature will exceed the boiling point of your radiator fluid. When your radiator fluid boils, it may escape from under your hood in the form of steam, vapor, or white smoke.

Sign 5: Unusual Engine Smells

In the case of an overheated engine, some drivers say they can smell the heat. Here is a look at three smells that may indicate an overheating engine:

• Burning plastic smell: From plastic valves to rubber seals, vulnerable engine components may begin to melt as your engine overheats, emitting the smell of burning plastic. 
• Sickly sweet car smell: The coolant in radiator fluid is ethylene glycol, which is molecularly similar to the sugar compound. As such, it can smell sweet when it burns. Some drivers describe it as smelling like maple syrup or butterscotch.
• Burning oil smell: As your engine oil begins to burn, it is said to carry a sulfur-like smell. Other drivers describe this smell as similar to burning fuel. 

Sign 6: Performance Troubles

When your engine is overheating, your vehicle may face acceleration and performance struggles. Why? If you think back to your high school days, you might remember that cold air is denser than warm air. The density of the cool air intake helps sustain your engine’s combustion process—which fuels your vehicle’s momentum. As such, the excess heat can throw off your air/fuel mixture, creating performance issues. 

Why Is My Car Engine Overheating?

So what causes a car engine to overheat? In most cases, an overheating engine is an issue with the radiator. The radiator is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature. It relies on coolant, which can become depleted, contaminated, and burned over time. If your engine is overheating, you are likely overdue for a radiator fluid flush or another radiator service. 

Your car’s engine oil also has cooling properties. While it likely is not the main source of your overheating engine, depleted engine oil can be a contributing factor. In these cases, you may also need an oil change. 

What to Do When Your Engine Overheats

You might be tempted to open the hood and get to the bottom of your overheating engine troubles. However, your engine is likely dangerously hot. One common mistake drivers make is to open the radiator cap of an overheating engine. This mistake can result in severe third-degree burns as you release the pent-up pressure in the radiator, resulting in a boiling explosion of water/coolant. So what should you do instead?

• Pull Over: If you can safely stop your car, pull over and give your engine time to cool off. This is especially important when you see smoke/vapor or sense that your car is dangerously overheated. 
• Turn Up The Heat: While it might seem counterintuitive, it is helpful to roll down your windows and turn your car’s HVAC heat up. This will help vent heat away from your engine. 
• Visit a Mechanic: A professional will be able to diagnose, service, and repair your overheated engine. 

It is essential you see a professional before your simple radiator service turns into thousands of dollars in engine damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Radiator Service Near Me

When your car engine is overheating, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire can help! We offer radiator flushes, radiator repair, and radiator replacement services. Chapel Hill Tire offers 11 locations across Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our local mechanics also serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today! 

Brakes are essential to keeping drivers safe on the road. Your braking system requires routine care, especially brake pad replacement. So how can you tell when you need new brake pads? Our local mechanics are here with a look at 5 signs you are due for brake pad replacement.

1: Unusual Brake Noises

Why are my brakes squeaking? While a few potential issues can cause squeaky brakes, this is likely a sign that you are due for new brake pads. In these cases, the squeaking is caused by the brake wear indicator. These are small metal tabs on your brake pads that extend to the safest level of brake pad wear. Once your brake pads are worn out more than the safe limit, the tabs will begin squeaking against your rotor to let you know you are due for service. 

What if your brakes start making loud metallic or grinding noises? These noises are signs that your rotor is coming in contact with the caliper because your brake pads are badly worn out. 

In both of these cases, it is best to visit a mechanic right away for service. 

2: Slower Stopping Speeds

Your brakes are designed to help your vehicle slow and stop on the road. This crucial function is essential to keeping you safe on the road. If you notice your brakes becoming ineffective, it is time for new brake pads. Signs of ineffective brakes include:

• Taking longer to stop
• Having to press harder on your brakes
• Find it challenging to keep your distance in traffic

Of course, your brakes rely on several different vehicle factors, from your brake fluid to your tires. Here is a quick reference guide to potential underlying causes of ineffective braking. 

3: Service Routine

Take a look at your owner’s manual for recommended brake service routines for your vehicles. Most cars will need new brake pads every 40,000-50,000 miles. However, this service can depend on several factors, including:

• Driving patterns: Aggressive driving with heavy acceleration/braking patterns will lead to more frequent brake pad changes.
• Roads: City roads with more braking will lead to more frequent brake pad changes.
• Brand: Your brake pad brand/quality can affect your routine brake maintenance. 

4: Signs of Warped Brake Rotors

As you press your foot down on the brake pedal, it pushes your brake pads into your car’s metal rotors. This friction and heat can make the rotors malleable—bending and warping the metal. Your vehicle is especially prone to rotor warping if you wait too long to get your brake pads replaced. Why? Low brake pads will make it more challenging to slow and stop your vehicle, requiring you to press harder against the rotors. Signs of warped brake rotors include:

• Vibrating, shaking, or shuddering brake pedal
• Steering wheel shaking each time you brake
• Squeaky brake noises

5: Visual Inspection

Brake pads need at least 1/4th of an inch of fictitious material to be effective. To check your brake pads, you simply need to glance between the holes of the wheels. However, it is also easy (and free) to ask a mechanic whether or not you are due for new brake pads. 

Do Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Require Brake Pad Replacements?

You might be wondering if these same brake pad replacement routines apply to electric and hybrids? The short answer is no. 

Electric and hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking systems, which absorb the energy created by braking and convert it into battery power. As such, the brake pads absorb very little of your braking friction. Unfortunately, you are not entirely off the hook for brake pad replacements. 

In electric and hybrid vehicles, including Teslas, you will need to be more cautious of brake pad age rather than thickness. After 5 years, the adhesive of the brake pads can become unreliable, marking a potentially dangerous braking situation. As such, it is best to get your brake pads changed every 5 years, even if they are still in a safe range of thickness. 

Chapel Hill Tire Brake Pad Replacement

When you are due for a new set of brake pads, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help with our comprehensive selection of brake services. Our local mechanics serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. The Chapel Hill Tire also commonly serves surrounding areas, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today! 

If your car’s air conditioner is struggling to work this summer, it may need a freon recharge. While this sounds simple enough, there are actually 3 different types of car AC freons. So, which kind of freon does your car use? Our local mechanics are here with insight. 

R-12 Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Before 1995

R-12 is the original car AC freon. While it was effective at cooling car cabins, this refrigerant was pinpointed as a source of growing environmental concerns. In the 1980s, the R-12 composition of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was linked to ozone damage. The 1987 Montreal Protocol required automotive manufacturers to discontinue their use of this refrigerant by the end of the 1994 model year—though the phase-out officially began in 1993. 

It is rare, but some older cars still use R-12. Older cars still running today are encouraged to have their air conditioners retrofitted with an R134a system.

R134a Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Between 1995 and 2021

In the 1990s, R134a Freon (also known as HFC-134A) emerged as the alternative to R-12. The majority of vehicles on the road today use R134a to fuel their air conditioning systems. 

What is R134a? R134a freon is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant. While it does not create the same ozone deterioration as R-12, it still presents substantial environmental risks. According to the EPA, R134a is a “Potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is 1,430 times that of CO2.”

Recently, auto manufacturers have switched to a new type of freon that is even better for the environment. R134a freon was “totally banned” for auto manufacturers in the European Union in 2017. Meanwhile, US manufacturers were required to phase out R134a freon by the 2022 model year. 

R1234YF Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Since 2021

Over the past decade, manufacturers have been making the switch to R1234YF freon. 

What is R1234YF freon? R1234YF is a hydrofluoric-olefin refrigerant, which is substantially better for the environment than both earlier freons. While the R134a freon has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1430, the new R1234YF freon has a GWP of just about 3. 

As mentioned above, this is the refrigerant used in the HVAC systems of all US cars manufactured after 2021 and all European cars manufactured after 2016. However, many manufacturers made the switch sooner than required. You might find R1234YF freon in vehicles as early as the 2014 model year. 

Thankfully, newer vehicles rarely require freon refills. Freon exists in a sealed system—it does not need to be replenished regularly like your engine oil, for example. You will only need a refill if there is a leak in your car’s HVAC system, which generally only occurs after an accident or several years of use. 

If you are still unsure of which freon your car takes, bring it to a local mechanic for insight. 

Chapel Hill Tire Mechanics: Local Car AC Repair

If your air conditioning system is not working properly, bring it to the experts at Chapel Hill Tire for AC repair services. Our local mechanics can help recharge your refrigerant, find the source of the leak, and get it repaired for you. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, & Durham. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, & beyond. We invite you to make your online appointment, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today!  

If you are looking for easy ways to stay safe on the road, our mechanics suggest keeping an eye on your tire tread. Low, worn-out tire tread can leave you vulnerable to accidents on the road. So what should your tire tread look like? The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Even Tread Across Tires

Most cars operate with front-wheel drive. As your front tires twist and turn on the road, they will face extra tread wear—which is why regular tire rotations are so important. When visually inspecting your tires, all of your tire tread should look evenly worn.

If you notice one tire worn out more than the others, it could be a sign that you need a tire rotation or wheel alignment service. If all of your tires are looking worn, you are likely due for a new set of tires. 

Tread Thickness

Tire tread is designed to grip the road, helping you safely slow down, stop, and maneuver your vehicle. The grooves in your tire tread can also help filter out dirt and precipitation on the road—keeping your tires grounded. As such, worn tire tread can cause safety hazards for drivers. To pass your annual inspection and stay safe on the road, all of your tires should have at least 2/32” in tread thickness. 

How do you measure your tire tread thickness? There are a few different methods you can use: 

• Tread indicators: Modern tire designs include tread wear indicator bars. These bars mark the depth at which your tire tread becomes unsafe. Once your tread is flush with your wear indicators, it is time for a new set of tires. 
• The penny test: The penny test is a quick and easy way to check your tread depth. Insert a penny upside-down between your tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are due for a tire replacement.
• Expert insight: If you are still unsure, ask your local mechanic to check your tire tread depth. Many mechanics will also naturally check over your tires during car maintenance routines, such as oil changes. 

Tire Rubber Coloring

Naturally, tires get dirty when they are driving on the road or through different terrains. But what if your tires are discolored even after a thorough car wash? Discolored rubber is often a sign of oxidation. Rubber can naturally oxidize over time, making it prone to tearing. Oxidized rubber is a proven safety hazard—so much so that older tires are illegal in other countries. If your rubber is lightened in color, cracking, or rough to the touch, bring your car in for support as soon as possible. 

(Hint: Rubber can oxidize on the inside of your tire—even when the outside of your tire looks brand-new. Even if you don’t see signs of oxidation, be sure to keep an eye on your tire age. You can read our full guide to tire age here.)

Chapel Hill Tire: New Tires Near Me

If you need a professional opinion on your tires, Chapel Hill Tire is here to help! Our experts can take a look at your tires and let you know which services you may need, including a tire rotation, alignment, or replacement. 
We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Chapel Hill Tire’s mechanics also serve nearby communities, including Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment online, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today!

We have all been there: you go to turn your car key (or push-to-start), and you find your car battery dead. Thankfully, a simple jump-start can get most drivers moving. However, you might wonder if you can continue driving on your battery or if you need a replacement. Here is a look at when a dead car does (and does not) require a new battery. 

Older or Corroded Batteries

If your battery is 3 or more years old, it will likely need a replacement to avoid repeated failure. While you may be able to get it going with a jump-start, the catalyst for its initial failure is still threatening the lifespan of your battery. It will likely continue to die until you get a replacement. Some signs you need a new battery include:

• Battery Age: Car batteries commonly only last 3-4 years. Your battery will die even sooner if you live in an area with intense heat—as the heat destroys batteries from the inside out. 
• Dashboard Light: In many cases, your battery-shaped dashboard light will indicate the need for a battery service or replacement.
• Corrosion: Do you notice the battery terminal ends corroded? Corrosion can cause premature battery failure. In some cases, a mechanic can service your battery to avoid replacement. Speak with your mechanic to see if this is an option for you. 
• Car Left Sitting: Car batteries recharge while you drive. If you leave your car sitting for a month or two, the battery will likely die while you are gone. In some cases, these batteries can be revived. However, the longer you let it sit, the more likely it is that you will need a replacement. 

For help making it to your mechanic for a battery inspection or replacement, here is our 8-step guide to jump-starting a car battery.

Why Did My Car Battery Die Right After Replacement?

What if your brand-new battery dies? Thankfully, most batteries have a warranty for at least the first year. There are three reasons why your car battery might die right after replacement:

1. Battery Overuse

When your engine is running, your alternator helps power certain electrical elements of your vehicle. However, when your engine is off, your car battery takes over 100% of your car’s power requirements. If you tend to leave your headlights on, for example, your battery will only be able to power these lights for so long before running out of charge. 

Do I need a new car battery? In these cases, you should not need a new battery after you jump-start. Our recommendation is to drive around for a while after your jump-start to give your battery time to recharge. Moving forward, make sure to unplug and turn off any battery-dependant systems when you are not driving.

2. Lemon Battery

In rare cases, you may have gotten a “lemon” battery with a manufacturer defect. 

Do I need a new car battery? In these cases, yes. However, it should not come out of your pocket. Reputable manufacturers and mechanics offer warranty services to protect drivers from “lemon” batteries. Simply bring your car back to the mechanic if you think this is the case. 

However, if your battery dies soon after replacement, it is far more likely that your alternator is the problem rather than the battery itself. Let’s take a look.

3. Alternator Issues

Your alternator is responsible for recharging your car battery as you drive. It also powers certain vehicle functions (like the headlights and radio) while your engine is running. If your alternator has gone bad, your battery will have to power all of your vehicle functions without getting any recharge. In these cases, it won’t be long before your battery dies—even if you have a brand-new battery. In fact, a failing alternator may be the reason you needed a battery replacement in the first place. 

Do I need a new car battery? In these cases, the first step will be to diagnose and repair your alternator. From there, your mechanic will either recharge and reinstall your battery or install a replacement battery. 

Chapel Hill Tire Battery Replacement Services

When you are due for a replacement battery, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you. We proudly offer battery replacement at all 9 of our Triangle-area locations. Our mechanics also serve nearby cities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an online appointment, browse our deals, promotions, & coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many drivers are looking for ways to save at the pump. One of the most common problems with fuel economy is a clogged fuel injector. Have you noticed your vehicle using more fuel than it did in the past? Carbon deposits and debris buildup can begin blocking your fuel injection system. Thankfully, the solution is simple: fuel injector cleaning service. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight into this fuel-saving service. 

What is a Fuel Injector?

Fuel injectors are the vehicle components that send fuel from your gas tank to your engine. With this role, your fuel injectors are also responsible for measuring how much fuel to send and the timing of when to send fuel. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged—creating issues for your engine and your fuel economy. 

What is a Fuel Injector Cleaning Service?

For an engine to function, it needs a carefully balanced mixture of air and fuel. When your fuel injection system becomes clogged, it can disrupt the ratio of this mixture—impacting the combustion process. The results are issues with your vehicle starting, acceleration, engine performance, and gas mileage. Fuel injection service is a professional cleaning of the fuel injector. It removes the carbon deposits and debris that may be blocking your system to restore your car’s performance. 

Do I Need Fuel Injection Service?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need fuel injection service?” The most common indicator of a failing fuel injector is pool gas mileage. The fuel injector can cause too much fuel to go to your engine, which will result in fuel waste. Conversely, a clogged injector can cause too little fuel to arrive at the engine—causing performance issues or preventing your vehicle from working altogether.

If you notice your engine misfiring or your gas mileage suffering, check with a local mechanic to see if you are due for a fuel injector cleaning. 

Can I DIY Clean My Fuel Injector?

Mechanics use a variety of expensive professional-grade tools to carefully remove, clean, and reinstall fuel injectors. Again, this engine component is vital to your vehicle’s performance. While you may be eager to try and clean your fuel injector yourself, a mistake could cost you thousands long-term in engine damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire Fuel Efficient Services

Chapel Hill Tire uses professional-grade in-house equipment and BG Fuel System Cleaner for our fuel injection services. This service restores your fuel injection system—bringing back optimal fuel economy and engine performance. Our mechanics can help protect your engine and improve your gas mileage! 
We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

Your tires are meant to keep you safe on the road. Their traction helps your vehicle start, stop, and maneuver on the road. However, this also provides road resistance, which can send your gas bill skyrocketing. Thankfully, it is possible to have safety on the road while saving money on fuel. Here is everything you need to know about fuel-efficient tires. 

What Are Fuel-Efficient Tires?

Low rolling resistance tires (also known as fuel-efficient tires) are tires with treads designed to improve gas mileage. Fuel-efficient tires require less energy (and less fuel) to move at the same pace as other tires.

How Do Energy-Efficient Tires Work?

Tires have several different design considerations that can impact how they perform, including:

• Tire tread patterns
• Composition of tire rubber
• Thickness of tires
• Tire sizes

…and more. For example, winter tires are designed to capture snow and slush in threads of the tread, helping maintain traction in slippery conditions. 

Fuel-Efficient tire tread is designed to move with the road. The traction grips the road with more friction when turning, maneuvering, and handling. When the tires are facing forward and rolling evenly, the tread is designed to minimize the resistance. 

How Much Gas Do You Save With Fuel-Efficient Tires?

So how much gas can you save with low rolling resistance tires? On average, drivers will save 5% of gas costs each year; however, some estimates suggest fuel-efficient tires can provide up to 15% in fuel savings. This can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings each year and up to thousands in savings over the lifespan of your tires.

Other Ways to Save Gasoline

You can take every gallon of gas further with these other fuel-saving tips:

• Vehicle Services: Maintaining proper vehicle care can help it run efficiently—while saving you money on repairs in the long run. 
• Inflated tires: Make sure your tires are fully inflated to boost your fuel economy. You can read more in our full guide to low tire pressure here. 
• Good driving habits: According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 33% of gas by adjusting your driving habits. This switch includes avoiding unnecessarily rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding. 
• Remove extra cargo: Lugging around extra weight can weigh down your vehicle—resulting in fuel waste. 
• Mindful heating and cooling: At low speeds, rolling your windows down is the most fuel-efficient way to cool down your vehicle. At higher speeds, your HVAC system is most efficient. You can read more in our guide to affordably running car AC. 

Fuel-Efficient Tires Near Me

Chapel Hill Tire has a comprehensive selection of new tires for you to choose from—including fuel-efficient tires. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our professional mechanics also serve nearby communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

Is your car wasting gas? Rather than flushing money out of your tailpipe, consider investing in a service that can improve your fuel efficiency. These affordable vehicle services can save you hundreds at the pump. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with a look at 8 car services that can improve your fuel mileage. 

Oil Changes

Engine oil is responsible for lubricating your engine, keeping the parts seamlessly moving together. Naturally, clean engine oil also improves your engine performance, which can keep your fuel consumption at a minimum. 

Over time, your oil becomes dirty, depleted, oxidized, and contaminated—putting your engine and its performance at risk. Maintaining your regular oil change schedule can boost engine performance and improve your fuel economy. 

Engine Performance Restoration

Have you noticed your car’s fuel economy steadily decreasing since you purchased your vehicle? While there are a few potential culprits to performance issues, one of the most common we see is low tension in the piston rings. 

Piston ring issues allow oil contamination, oil oxidation, and the loss of pressure in the combustion chamber. Ultimately, this creates poor engine performance, more frequently-needed oil changes, and tanking fuel economy. In these cases, an engine performance restoration service can help save your engine and restore your fuel economy. You can read our full guide to engine performance restoration here. 

Fuel Injection Service

Your fuel injector is responsible for sending fuel to your engine. While this might sound simple enough, it is actually one of the more sensitive and complex vehicle systems. Your fuel injector must inject the right amount of fuel at the right time and the right angle. Over time, this system becomes clogged—throwing off the fuel injection process and creating issues, like:

• Poor fuel economy
• Too much fuel going to your engine
• Not enough fuel going to your engine
• Engine misfiring

…And a wide variety of other vehicle performance problems. A fuel injection service will restore the functioning of your fuel injection system—bringing back optimal fuel economy and engine performance. 

Tire Pressure Refill

Sufficient tire pressure is one of the most vital contributors to a healthy fuel economy. Have you ever ridden a bike with a flat tire? It requires much more energy than riding a bike with fully-inflated tires. The same concept applies to your car. Driving with low tire pressure will require much more energy and fuel. 

Thankfully, low tire pressure comes with an easy fix. Use your tire information panel to locate your desired tire pressure. Then, fill up your tires at a nearby gas station or score a free tire pressure refill at your local mechanic.

Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Healthy tires are essential to your safety on the road — promoting sufficient vehicle braking, traction, and handling. The only downside to thick tire tread is its impact on your fuel economy. As your tires grip the road, they offer some resistance that makes your engine work harder to move forward. The solution? Low rolling resistance tires. These tires have tread designed to promote safe driving while optimizing your fuel economy. 

Engine Air Filter Changes

Your engine air filter catches harmful dust, dirt, pollen, and debris that may circulate your engine. However, once your air filter becomes clogged, it will restrict airflow to your engine—impacting your fuel economy and putting your engine health at risk. Protect your gas mileage and your engine by getting your engine air filter replaced every 12,000-15,000 miles. 

Replacing Failing or Damaged Oxygen Sensors

Oxygen is essential for the fuel combustion process. However, your car requires a balanced ratio of oxygen and gas (often 14.7:1) to run efficiently:

• Too little oxygen will result in gas waste. Your engine can only burn fuel with the help of oxygen. Any gas that cannot combust due to low oxygen levels will discharge from your exhaust. 
• Too much oxygen in this mixture can lead to engine performance issues, which will decrease your fuel economy. 

Your car uses the oxygen sensor to determine how much fuel to send to the engine to achieve the perfect air-fuel mixture. Replacing failing or damaged oxygen sensors can help your vehicle work efficiently again. 

Catalytic Converter Service

Catalytic converters are vital for improving vehicle emissions. They convert harmful pollutants (like carbon monoxide) into eco-friendly emissions (like hydrogen). However, drivers have a history of removing their catalytic converters to improve horsepower and fuel economy. 

However, newer catalytic converters can actually help boost fuel efficiency. Additionally, failing or removed catalytic converters can impact your oxygen sensors to increase fuel consumption. This will also cause you to fail your annual emissions inspection. 

If your catalytic converter is stolen, damaged, or failing, you can bring it in for a replacement to restore your fuel economy. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Car Service

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help local drivers save at the pump. You can bring your vehicle to one of our 9 Triangle-area locations for the services you need. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

As gas prices continue setting record highs, many drivers are cutting back on certain conveniences—like vehicle air conditioning. Thankfully, there are easy ways to get the comfort of air conditioning without emptying your pockets. The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight on how to affordably run your air conditioning. 

How Much Gas Does a Car’s Air Conditioner Use?

Switching on your car’s air conditioning system will use some gas. There are estimates that the air conditioning system will lower mileage by about 3 MPG. However, it is more likely that the cost of running your car’s air conditioner will depend on your vehicle’s age, make, model, and driving speed—as well as external factors like the outside temperature. However, one of the most important factors to consider is your car’s HVAC health. 

Proper Freon Levels

When your car is low on refrigerant, your compressor will need to work harder to produce cool air, leading to a greater toll on your fuel efficiency and your wallet. Ensuring that your air conditioner is evenly charged with freon can help you affordably run your car’s AC system. 

However, your air conditioner circulates refrigerant in a sealed system, meaning that it should not need refrigerant recharged regularly throughout the lifespan of your vehicle. In most cases, low AC refrigerant is the sign of a leak or break somewhere in your system. 

Low AC vs. High AC: Which Settings are Best for Gas Mileage?

There are two air conditioner settings to consider in your vehicle: the temperature and the speed settings. Each of these settings affects your gas mileage in different ways. Let’s take a closer look:

• Temperature settings: Lower AC temperatures will require more gas than moderate temperature settings, so consider setting your car’s AC temperature as high as comfortably possible to save gas. 
• Speed settings: Truthfully, once you turn your air conditioner on and set the temperature, it does not matter how high you run it. Your air conditioning compressor uses gas to run your system. However, the motor that controls how high or low your AC system runs is often powered by the alternator. In other words, running your air conditioning on full blast will use just as much gas as running it on its lowest settings.

As such, it is best to use the most moderate comfortable temperature setting on the highest speed for maximum comfort and savings. 

Other Ways to Stay Cool and Save at the Pump

Combining these insights with other fuel-saving methods can help you stay cool while saving money at the pump. Easy tips and tricks include:

• Low tire pressure will gravely impact your fuel economy. You can save at the pump with free tire pressure refills.
• Use your air conditioner to stay cool at high speeds and roll down your windows at lower speeds. 
• Park in a covered garage, shady spot, or use sun shades to keep your cabin comfortable while parked.
• Make sure you keep up with all the maintenance and routine services that help your car run efficiently. 

Chapel Hill Tire Car AC Service in the Triangle

If you need an air conditioner recharge or repair, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! We proudly serve our customers through 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our local mechanics also commonly support nearby communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

What happens when you find that the funny noise your car is making stems from severe engine damage? Perhaps your catalytic converter was stolen from under your vehicle, and now you are stuck paying for a replacement? Unfortunately, costly car damage can be unpredictable and challenging to prevent—even with routine maintenance.

In some cases, your car insurance will help cover your mechanic bill. In other cases, you may get stuck with repair costs greater than your paycheck. At Chapel Hill Tire, we help customers with unexpected car repair costs by partnering with Snap Finance. Here is our quick guide to financing your car mechanic services. 

Snap Finance for Mechanic Services

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we have partnered with Snap Finance to help drivers afford unexpected costs. This option provides financing benefits for drivers with little or no credit, including:

• High Approval Rates: Snap Finance says “yes” when other lenders say “no,” even in cases of no credit or poor credit.
• Quick and Easy Financing: Their quick and easy application process can be completed online in no time. Best of all, you receive your approval decision in seconds. 
• Flexible Payment Options: Snap Finances gives customers multiple ways to pay—allowing you to select a plan that fits your budget. 

Much like credit card financing, this option comes with a few considerations:

• Assorted Financing Structure: Every offer and contract you receive from Snap Finance is created uniquely for you. Because there is not a blanket financing or fee structure, it is essential you carefully read your offer to ensure you fully understand your Snap contract, fees, final payoff amount, and other details. 
• Minimum Qualifications: While Snap Finance is known for its high approval rates, you will need to meet their minimum qualifications, outlined here. 

Credit Card Mechanic Financing

As an additional recourse for drivers,  many customers finance their mechanic services with one of their existing credit cards. This is an ideal option for drivers who have credit cards with low APRs and high credit limits. Financing with a credit card offers several benefits, including:

• Existing Account: By financing with an existing credit card, you will not need to complete an application or set up a new account. 
• Rewards Programs: If you get rewards, cashback, or other credit card perks, you can reap these benefits while getting your car the care it needs.

However, this option does come with a few considerations:

• Credit Card Capacity: Naturally, you will need to first ensure you have enough lending capacity to fund your mechanic services. If necessary, you may be able to request a credit line increase. Many credit card companies offer instant responses to credit line increase requests.
• Credit Limit: Putting your mechanic bill on your credit card can max out your credit limit and restrict the routine costs that you may ordinarily apply to the card. 

If you have a high-interest rate on your credit card, it can be helpful to see how this rate compares to other financing options. Naturally, the lower your APR, fees, and additional costs are, the less money you will have to pay for your services. 

In addition to your credit card and mechanic financing options, you might consider consulting with your bank to examine your credit or personal loan options.

Chapel Hill Tire Mechanic Service Financing

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we are committed to helping our customers Drive Happy, and we are excited to offer new ways for drivers to get the car care they need. If you are looking for a local mechanic shop with financing services, look no further than your nearest Chapel Hill Tire. 

We have nine convenient locations across Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, Durham, and Raleigh. Chapel Hill Tire also proudly serves nearby communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an online appointment, explore our promotions, or give us a call to get started today!