Category: Resource

The dreaded discovery of a flat car tire can throw off your entire day. Thankfully, flat tire repair is often within reach. Our local mechanics are here with a complete guide to flat tire repair and when you might need a replacement instead.

What Causes A Flat Tire?

Flat tires can be caused by a variety of hazards—both on the road and internally within your tire. Road hazards include nails, screws, potholes, and car accidents. Internal tire hazards include old rubber, leaky valve stems, and bent rims. Even external factors, like cold weather, can play a role in your tire pressure. As such, you might need to take a closer look at your wheel to determine the cause of a flat—or consult a local professional for insight. 

How Do I Repair A Flat Tire?

If your flat is caused by failing internal components, it simply cannot be repaired. Instead, you should switch it out with your spare and visit your mechanic for a new tire. However, if your tire needs to be patched, there are four simple steps to this repair:

1. Find the Puncture: First, you must locate the source of the problem. If you are at home wondering, “Do I have a nail in my tire?” consider spraying soapy water on the rubber. Slow air release will cause the solution to bubble up, directing you to the tire puncture. 
2. Remove the Puncture: Next, you must carefully remove the puncture source without causing any additional damage. 
3. Patch the Hole: Then, you must patch the tire. Unfortunately, tire rubber is tough and thick, making this process easier with the right tools and experience. 
4. Refill the Tire: Finally, refill the tire with air to the recommended PSI—as indicated by your Tire Information Panel. This step requires an air compressor on hand, which is another reason to visit your local mechanic for flat tire repair. Here is our 5-step guide to refilling tires with air. 

Specialty tires may need an extra step. For example, Tesla tire patching services require mechanics to remove a small layer of the interior foam to make room for repairs. 

Do I Need A New Tire After a Flat?

The answer here will depend on the cause of your flat tire. If your flat tire is caused by something as simple as a nail in your tire, a professional can easily patch it without requiring a new installation. But conversely, if your flat tire is caused by old rubber, interior, tire, damage, or more severe issues, it will need to be replaced.

How Can I Prevent Flat Tires?

In some cases, flat tires simply cannot be avoided. However, there are some steps you may take to limit your risks, including:

• Avoid potholes when it is safe to do so. 
• Plan your route to avoid road construction or roads with poor conditions.
• Report potholes in your area—it is the only way these will get fixed. 
• Avoid veering into the shoulder of the road unless necessary. This area is where many nails, screws, and other puncture hazards rest. It is also easier for these things to sit upright when they rest on the shoulder. 
• Replace old tires. Even when the tread is thick, old rubber is prone to blowouts—risking costly accidents. In fact, tires more than ten years old are illegal in other countries. Click here to read more about the dangers of aged tires.
• Inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear, aging, and damage. 
• Keep your tires properly inflated to minimize your risk of flats, blowouts, and damage. 

What Should I Do When I Have A Flat?

You might be wondering, “Is it safe to drive with a flat tire?” The short answer is no—you should not drive on a flat. You risk creating an accident and damaging your wheel or rim. 

Instead, you should switch out your flat for the spare. Then, bring your damaged tire to a local mechanic to see if it can be repaired. However, if your tire is maintaining most of its inflation with just a slight puncture, you may be able to drive with caution to your local mechanic at your own risk. 

Should I Repair A Tire On My Own?

Flat tire repair often requires expert support. As mentioned above, some of these steps will require professional tools or experience. DIY solutions can damage your wheels, scratch your rims, or worsen the puncture. Additionally, your professional repair might be free of charge—making this a more cost-effective route. Let’s take a closer look at some potential coverage options. 

Does Insurance Cover Flat Tire Repairs?

Depending on the cause of your flat tire and the nature of your policy, your service might be covered. Additional coverage might also be available from other sources. Let’s take a look at four potential coverage options:

• Mechanic Coverage: A local mechanic may include tire insurance or service for each new tire you purchase. For example, under the Drive Happy Advantage, our experts offer free tire patching services for the lifetime of every tire purchased from our shop. Our complimentary service follows the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association’s standards for puncture and repair procedures in passenger and light truck tires. You can also take advantage of free lifetime tire rotations, inflations, and more. 
• Manufacturer Coverage: If you had a tire blowout caused by a manufacturer defect, you might be eligible for payment—especially if you have a newer tire. Check to see if your tire manufacturer has released any recalls. If not, you should report the problem to the manufacturer and record details about your defective tire in case a recall is issued later. 
• Government Coverage: Did a pothole cause a tire blowout or flat? In some cases, you might be entitled to repair reimbursement from the government. However, there are a few select requirements here. 1) The pothole must be on a public road. 2) Someone must have filed a formal report about the pothole. 3) The government must have had reasonable time to fill it before you incurred damage. If all of the above is true for your incident, you may be eligible for coverage. 
• Insurance Coverage: Most insurance policies will not include coverage for a flat tire. Additionally, tire patching service is relatively affordable. Meanwhile, filing a claim may raise your rates—costing you more long-term. However, if your flat was caused by an accident or created more significant damage, it might be covered under eligible policies. 

Free Tire Patching Service at Chapel Hill Tire

Flat tires are easy to fix for our drivers! We provide free patching services for all tires bought here at Chapel Hill Tire. Our new Drive Happy Advantage includes this coverage, available in our 11 shops across Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Apex, and Cary. We invite you to make your appointment here online or call us to get started today! 

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we genuinely care about our drivers and treat them like family. The Drive Happy Advantage is one way we show how much we care. This free plan protects every tire you buy from the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. Learn more about the seven unique advantages you can expect when purchasing your new tires from our local experts under the Drive Happy Advantage. 

1. The Price Beat Guarantee

Have you ever gotten a tire quote and wondered, “Am I getting the lowest price possible?” The answer to this question is almost always no. You can get a lower price by bringing your eligible competitor’s quote to Chapel Hill Tire. With our Price Beat Guarantee, we will beat all competitor tire quotes by 10% of the difference in pricing—ensuring our customers always get the best price on new tires. 

2. Free Lifetime Rotation and Balancing

Tire rotation and balancing services are vital to the health and longevity of your tires:

• Tire balancing ensures a smooth and comfortable ride by evenly distributing the weight of your tire. This service improves safety by enhancing vehicle handling and stability, prevents uneven tire wear, and extends the overall lifespan of your tires.
• Rotations help ensure all of your tires wear evenly. If your car is FWD, your front tires will face accelerated wear as your wheels turn to navigate your vehicle. Regular rotations help ensure your tires stay protected. 

You can have each of these services completed for free for the lifetime of your tires with the Drive Happy Advantage. 

3. The 30-Day Ride Comfort Guarantee

Buying a new set of tires can feel like a big commitment. Our local mechanics are here to ensure that you enjoy your new tires without the stress. We offer a 30-day ride comfort guarantee. If you find your new tires don’t feel right, you can return them within 30 days. 

4. Free Pressure Checks and TPMS Light Resets

Low tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased tire wear. While some drivers have the resources to easily check and refill tire pressure on their own, other drivers might have an easier time with expert support. Thankfully, the Drive Happy Advantage has you covered! When you buy your tires from our local experts, we will provide lifetime free pressure checks, refills, and TPMS light resets. 

5. Annual Risk-Free Alignment Evaluation

Notice your steering wheel shaking? Perhaps one of your tires is wearing out more quickly than the others. These are all signs of wheel alignment issues. Tire alignment is easy to disrupt—and it quickly creates costly tire damage. As such, our local mechanics will give our customers an annual risk-free alignment evaluation under the Drive Happy Advantage. 

6. Free Lifetime Flat Repairs*

Even brand-new, high-quality tires are susceptible to punctures and flats. Unfortunately, puncture-causing road hazards can be everywhere. Screws, nails, and fasteners can fall off work trucks or get left behind by construction crews working near roadways. When a nail gets stuck in your tire, it can be incredibly difficult to remove and patch. 

Solutions like “Fix a Flat” are more accessible for drivers to DIY, but they can potentially damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and other wheel components. Instead, most drivers turn to professional flat repairs. In these cases, an expert will remove the nail or screw and apply a professional-grade patch. When you buy from Chapel Hill Tire, this service is free for the lifetime of your tire. Chapel Hill Tire follows the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association’s puncture and repair procedures for passenger and light truck tires. 

7. Free Brake Inspections and Fluid Top-Offs with Rotations

Each time you visit for your free tire rotation, you can enjoy free engine fluid top-offs and brake inspections. Let’s take a closer look at these free services:

• Free Brake Inspections: Your braking system is essential to keeping you safe on the road. When our mechanics are rotating your tires, they will take the time to inspect your braking components. Are your brake pads within the legal limit? Are your calipers getting warped? If so, our mechanics will notify you of the needed services so that you can avoid potential danger on the road. 
• Fluid Top-Offs: Your engine relies on a variety of specialized fluids, including transmission fluid, radiator fluid, power steering fluid, and so much more. Our mechanics will get underneath the hood to top off each of these components for free during your complementary rotation service. 

More Ways to Drive Happy™

The Drive Happy Advantage is just an extra perk on top of our already exceptional tire buying experience. Let’s look at some other ways you can Drive Happy™ when you buy your tires at our local mechanic shop:

• Tire Finder: Chapel Hill Tire makes it easier than ever to buy your tires online. Our Tire Finder tool lets you view all of the tires compatible with your vehicle. Compare prices and features—all risk-free without having to provide any contact information until you are ready to buy. 
• Pick-up and Delivery: If you don’t have time to get your new tires installed, we will come to YOU with our pick-up and delivery service. 
• Pay by Phone: We accept a variety of payment options and even let drivers pay over the phone. This means no waiting in line to pay once your vehicle is serviced. 

Affordable New Tires Near Me: Chapel Hill Tire

With the Drive Happy Advantage, you can buy new tires with confidence at your local mechanic shop. These services are part of what sets Chapel Hill Tire apart from the rest. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 11 locations across Durham, Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. We invite you to make an appointment or give us a call to get started today! 

As summer picks up again, we are seeing drivers come in with questions about trailer hitch installation. While we addressed some of these concerns in last year’s installation FAQ, our local mechanics have a new round of answers to your most popular questions. 

What Is The Point Of Trailer Hitches On Small Cars?

When we think of trailer hitches, we often also think of trailers (it is in the name, after all). However, there are many different trailer hitch accessories—many of which can be especially helpful for smaller vehicles. 

Compact cars need to be more creative about their exterior utility—and a trailer hitch provides an essential tool for this objective. Some of the advantages of trailer hitches on small cars include the following: 

• Small cargo trailers
• Bike racks
• Overhead cargo stabilizing
• Camping and convenience accessories

…and so much more! You can read her complete guide to trailer hitches for compact vehicles here.

Are Trailer Hitches Becoming Less Common?

You might wonder, “Why didn’t my truck or SUV come with a trailer hitch?”

More and more frequently, we are having drivers come in because they find their brand-new car does not have a pre-installed trailer hitch. So, why don’t new cars, trucks, and SUVs come with trailer hitches? There are a few potential culprits:

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Unfortunately, this is not too surprising—given the rise of inflation, product shortages, and other supply chain disruptions that have not yet recovered from the pandemic. 
• Cost Efficiency: It is often quick, convenient, and affordable for car manufacturers to sell vehicles without products that can be easily added on later. So, items like trailer hitches and car floor mats are less commonly included with new vehicles. 
• Loss of Incentive: Additionally, trailer hitches are often not a selling point in vehicle sales. For trucks and SUVs, many buyers assume the car will have a hitch—not bothering to check before closing the deal. In other cases, drivers focus on more prominent features—like radio tech, active safety, heated seats, and newer conveniences—often not noticing the missing hitch. Because they are not deal breakers (and drivers might not see they’re missing), manufacturers do not have any incentive to include them. 
• Compact and Smaller Cars: As mentioned above, trailer hitches can be incredibly useful on smaller vehicles. However, since smaller cars are not explicitly expected to tow, they more often do not come with trailer hitches installed.

How Long Does Trailer Hitch Installation Take?

With professional tools and expertise, trailer hitch installation is a quick and easy service. However, the exact time estimate will depend on a few factors, including:

• The type of vehicle you have
• Whether or not you have an old hitch that requires removal before installation
• How rusted your mounting frame might be
• The type of hitch compatible with your vehicle
• And whether or not your hitch requires wiring—such as those in trucks and heavy-duty SUVs. This wiring is essential—allowing the brake lights of large cargo trailers to function. 

Additionally, your total appointment time will depend on any other services you book. You can ask your mechanic for a time estimate if you schedule by phone. Drivers in a time crunch might consider booking a pick-up and delivery service or a shuttle appointment. These offerings will allow you to go on with your day at work or home while your vehicle is serviced. 

Where Can You Get A Trailer Hitch Installed?

A local mechanic with trailer hitch expertise and equipment can seamlessly install a trailer hitch for you. You might wonder, “Should I get my trailer hitch installed at the car dealership?” However, many drivers find this to be a dead end for a few reasons:

• First, your manufacturer may not produce factory trailer hitches—making it unlikely that the dealership service department will have any in stock. Meanwhile, a local mechanic can complete same-day hitch installation. 
• Unlike mechanics, dealership service appointments are often associated with long wait times and delayed appointment scheduling. 
• You can access an added convenience at mechanics—such as with pick-up and delivery service. 
• Finally, dealership service departments are known for this high pricing and a lack of transparency. 

Trailer Hitch Installation Near Me

When you’re ready to kick off your summer adventures, visit your local Chapel Hill Tire for trailer hitch installation services. We can replace your rusted trailer hitch or install a new one—even if your vehicle has never had one before. 

Our local mechanics also offer all the services you need to ensure your car is protected on your summer adventures. From trip checks to catalytic converter shields and routine maintenance—we have you covered! So, we invite you to make an appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

Chapel Hill Tire is proud to open the doors to our newest location: Chapel Hill Tire of Durham—(formerly Durham Tire – Hillsborough Street). While we have been serving the Durham community through our Woodcroft Shopping Center location and 10 other convenient shops around the Triangle, we are excited to make our world-class mechanic service more convenient for Durham drivers. You can read more about our new Durham location below, or visit us today to get started. 

A New Level of Car Service in Durham

At Chapel Hill Tire, our values help us stand out from other mechanic networks. We are committed to helping you Drive Happy™ by treating our customers and staff like family. These values are reflected in our quality of care and our services—which offer a wide range of benefits you won’t find anywhere else. 

Benefits of Our Local Durham Mechanic Network

We go above and beyond for our drivers. When you visit our Durham technicians, you can unlock next-level benefits and conveniences, including:

• Price Beat Guarantee: If you are interested in getting the lowest price on your new tires in Durham, you have come to the right place. With our Price Beat Guarantee, Chapel Hill Tire will beat any eligible competitor’s price by 10% of the difference. 
• Mobile Car Wash and Detailing: Our mobile car detailing experts will come to YOU to complete our industry-leading car wash and detailing service at your Durham home or office. You can even include add-on maintenance services, like cabin air filter change, for exceptional car care at your door. 
• Free Pick-up and Delivery: We get it—life gets busy, and you might find yourself without the time you need to visit a mechanic. Instead of forgoing the care you need, Chapel Hill Tire will come to you with our Pick-up/Delivery Service. A qualified professional will pick your car up from your Durham location and bring it back to our Hillsborough Street shop. After we give it the care and attention it deserves, we will bring your car back to you. Please note that your car must be in drivable condition to qualify for this service. 
• Service Warranty: Our 3-year/36,000-mile service warranty backs qualifying Chapel Hill Tire services, helping you Drive Happy™ with trusted care on your side.
• Transparent Pricing: Many mechanics hide their service costs for a reason. This practice can leave drivers shocked when they are handed a bill. Chapel Hill Tire is upfront about our pricing because we have nothing to hide. We work with you and carefully review all prices before completing your service to keep our car care transparent. 
• The Drive Happy™ Advantage: When you buy your new tires from Chapel Hill Tire in Durham, you are protected by the Drive Happy™ Advantage. This advantage includes our Price Beat Guarantee, 30-day ride comfort guarantee, free lifetime rotation and balancing service, free lifetime flat repairs, free pressure checks and TPMS light resets, annual risk-free alignment evaluation, free brake inspections with rotations, and free fluid top-offs with rotations. Please note that we follow the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association’s puncture and repair procedures for passenger and light truck tires.
• Comprehensive Service Offerings: Make the most of each visit to the mechanic at Chapel Hill Tire – Durham. You can have your oil changed and your car detailed in the same visit. All the car services you could want or need are here in one place. 

Our Durham Mechanic Services

You can expect industry-leading car care each time you step through our doors here at Chapel Hill Tire in Durham. Let’s take a closer look at the service you can expect from our Hillsborough Street mechanics. 

Routine Car Services

Our experienced Durham technicians offer all of the routine services your car needs on a regular basis, including:

• Local car inspection services
• Tire service (repair, rotation, or refills)
• Worn brake pad replacement
• Car battery replacement
• Oil change in Durham
• Engine maintenance flushes
• Transmission fluid change
• Brake fluid replacement
• Power steering fluid flush
• Cabin and engine air filter replacement
• Wheel/tire alignment 
• Headlight bulb replacement

Specialty Car Services

Our local mechanics hold a wide variety of specialties in our experience, services, and knowledge. Combined with our advanced in-house equipment, Chapel Hill Tire’s mechanics on Hillsborough Street provide innovative services, including:

• Hybrid and electric car care in Durham
• Car wash and detailing services
• Transmission checks, repairs, and replacement services
• Car AC repair
• Engine service and replacement
• In-depth vehicle diagnostics
• Rim guards—especially for protecting Tesla rims from curb rash 
• Gas to EV conversion support
• Catalytic converter theft deterring shield installation
• Trailer hitch installation or replacement

Visit Chapel Hill Tire in Durham

Visit Chapel Hill Tire’s newest mechanic location for all your car care needs in Durham. We look forward to expanding our mechanic family and serving drivers across the greater Triangle area with our Hillsborough Street location. You can make your appointment or give our Durham mechanics a call to get started today!

One moment, you are safely driving down the road. In an instant, your car is suddenly spinning out of control or veering off the road. This is the terrifying reality for drivers experiencing a tire blowout. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with everything you need to know about tire blowouts. 

What is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout is when a tire suddenly loses pressure—making it “burst” or “explode.” This process can cause the vehicle to lose control. In many cases, the tire’s tread will detach, and the rubber will separate—leaving behind an unrecognizable tire inundated with damage. 

The Difference Between a Tire Blowout and a Flat Tire

Many drivers mistakenly refer to tire blowouts and flat tires interchangeably. Flat tires occur when the tire gradually reaches a pressure too low to drive on. However, tire blowouts happen instantly and violently—creating a far more dangerous outcome. Another key difference is that flat tires can often be repaired. Conversely, tire blowouts will always require a replacement. 

7 Causes of Tire Blowouts

So, what causes tire blowouts? Several risk factors can cause a tire blowout, including tire pressure issues, tire age, manufacturer defects, and road hazards. Understanding the cause of your tire blowout is vital. This insight can impact liability, fault, and settlements when the tire blowout leads to a car accident. Our mechanics are here to unpack some common causes of tire blowouts. 

1: Overinflated Tires

Much like an overinflated balloon, tires with too much pressure can pop. While overinflated tires are more likely to create flats, they can cause complete blowouts if put under enough stress. This is especially true when combined with other factors—like excessive heat and aged rubber. 

2: Underinflated Tire Blowouts

You might be surprised to learn that underinflated tires are more prominent blowout culprits. When your tire is underinflated, the sidewalls will bend and flex. This process exposes more surface area to the road—generating additional friction. Friction creates heat, which causes the air inside your tires to expand. Meanwhile, sidewall damage can compromise the structural integrity of the tire. Collectively, these hazards cause your tire to break down. 

3: Summer Weather and Heat

Have you ever wondered why tire blowouts are more common in the summer? You’ll find one common denominator of most tire blowout causes: heat. The hot asphalt will intensify any stressors your tire is facing. For example, the heat will cause further air expansion inside the tire and quicker rubber deterioration. 

4: Overloaded Vehicles

We think of our cars as industrial machines that can manage our cargo with ease. However, your tires can only handle a limited weight load. When you put too much pressure on your tires, they are more likely to burst. If you look in your tire information panel, it should include load information. The fine print will tell you the combined weight of passengers and cargo that your tires can safely manage. 

5: Tire Age

Did you know? Many countries have banned old tires (even when the tread is thick) after they were proven to cause car accidents. As your tire ages, the rubber oxidizes. This process will cause tread separation, sidewall deformation, and tire blistering. You can read our complete guide to tire age here. 

6: Manufacturer Defects

While rare, there is a chance you have a “lemon” tire. Manufacturer defects can be caused by expired materials, poor craftsmanship, or machinery malfunctions. 

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association has a Tire Recall Lookup tool for drivers. Simply enter your tire’s DOT number to see if there are any known defects to your unit. In these cases, you can get your tire replaced at a local mechanic shop for free.

7: Potholes, Nails, and Other Road Hazards

Nails, screws, and other sharp objects can penetrate your rubber on the road. Most small punctures will gradually release air, leading to a flat tire. However, severe puncture wounds can cause a drastic change in air pressure, creating a tire blowout. Other road hazards, like potholes, also pose serious blowout threats. 

How to Prevent Tire Blowouts

It can be challenging to control your vehicle once it experiences a tire blowout. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to prevent tire blowouts altogether:

• Tire Pressure: Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer-recommend PSI. You can easily refill your tires with air using our 5-step guide here—or have your tires filled for free at a local mechanic. We also have an easy guide to checking your tire pressure here. 
• Avoid Road Hazards: Nails most commonly get stuck in tires on the shoulder of the road. Staying on track can help you avoid these hazards. Additionally, you should avoid potholes on your commutes when possible. 
• Replace Old Tires: Even if you find thick tire tread on old tires, you should have them replaced. Internal tire damage is often the most dangerous. 
• Routine Maintenance: Your local mechanics will inspect your tires during routine maintenance visits, like oil changes. By keeping up with your recommended car care, experts can identify signs of failing tires before you experience a tire blowout. 

New Tires Near Me

You can prevent tire blowouts with the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. We will inspect your tires with every oil change and routine service, helping to ensure they are safe on the road. We can also fix bent rims and replace your tire after you experience a blowout. 

Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 10 locations across Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. You can make an appointment or give us a call to get started today! 

Potholes have seemed to become an epidemic across the nation. Drivers come in almost every day with trouble from roads. Some issues, like alignment troubles, can build over time. Other damage, like bent rims, can come on suddenly. However, potholes remain a constant nuisance. So, what causes potholes? What can you do about it? Our local mechanics are here with insight. 

What Causes Potholes?

Smooth asphalt is unlikely to face any direct impact in the middle of the street. So how do potholes form? The answer starts at the “roots” of our roads. On the surface, we see strong, industrial, unbreakable asphalt. However, deep beneath the pavement is soil ready to cause trouble. 

All potholes start with rain. Moisture can collect in the ground under the asphalt—seeping into the sand or dirt through small cracks in the road. This rain leads to three different causes of potholes:

• Water can start eroding the underlying soil, leaving patches in the road’s structural support. Then, when a heavy truck or constant traffic stresses the patch of road, it can cave in—creating a new pothole.
• We can also see tree roots and other vegetative regrowth begin seeking out the moisture collecting under the asphalt, impacting the road’s structural integrity. 
• In other cases, freezing weather can cause the water to expand. When the ice thaws, it leaves a cavity in the pavement. As traffic drives over this cavity, it will cave in—creating a new pothole. 

The Current Pothole Trends

Why are potholes everywhere? Extreme weather conditions, staffing shortages, high traffic, and supply chain issues are some of the problems contributing to the predominance of potholes on the roads today. There are five main reasons we are seeing an increase in potholes in recent years. 

1: Changes in Traffic Patterns

For a low-traffic road, asphalt can last 25 years or more. However, as home development efforts continue with intensity throughout the country, even smaller backroads are seeing more movement. Naturally, this causes more pavement wear and tear, increasing the frequency of potholes. 

2: Supply Chain Issues

In 2021, supply chain issues led to a shortage of asphalt—delaying road projects and leaving potholes unfilled. This issue caused government officials to fall behind on pothole filling. With potholes becoming more prominent while repair efforts fall behind, officials cannot seem to catch back up. 

3: Change in Weather Patterns

As mentioned above, all potholes start with rain. In North Carolina, recent years have brought some of the highest levels of heavy rain the state has ever reported. More rain naturally leads to an increase in potholes. The 2022 NC Climate Summary provided the following chart, which clearly displays record-high precipitation in the 2015-2020 bar. The charts are updated in 5-year intervals, with the next update coming in 2025. However, we have continued to see high precipitation levels across the state, and experts expect this number to continue rising.

4: Underreporting of Potholes 

As we explain below, patching a pothole starts with a report to the NCDOT. However, the predominance of potholes can create a type of bystander effect. If all drivers assume someone else has already reported a severe pothole in the area, you might find that nobody ever actually reports it. In other cases, many drivers can fall into a negative mindset that leads to underreporting. You might think, “It is useless—there are too many potholes to report.” When drivers accept the fate of a bumpy commute, roads are less likely to get the help they need. 

5: Pavement Life Cycles

Healthy pavement can last 25+ years without issue. However, all of the above concerns will shorten the asphalt lifespan. Additionally, we encourage you to look up when the state built pothole-covered roads in your area. You are likely to find that they are naturally reaching the end of their lifespan. 

The Dangers of Potholes on the Road

Whether they make you spill your coffee or wake the baby sleeping in the backseat—we have all been inconvenienced by potholes on the road. However, beyond just personal inconveniences, potholes can cause costly vehicle damage, including:

• Bent rims
• Scratched rims
• Leaking fluid
• Alignment troubles
• Tread separation
• Tire flats or blowouts
• Tire bubbling
• Sidewall damage
• Punctures in tires
• Shock or suspension issues
• Uneven tread wear

How to Tell If Your Car Has Pothole Damage

After driving over a huge pothole, have you ever noticed your car immediately fall silent? Perhaps this is our way of instinctually listening for an issue. Here is a look at the signs your vehicle experienced pothole damage:

• Feel it out: If your tire experiences a blowout, the damage will be immediate and noticeable. However, pothole damage often comes in more subtle internal signs. For example, steering wheel shaking can signify pothole damage with your alignment or suspension system. 
• Visual inspection: Take a look at your tires and the bottom of your car after hitting a pothole. Do you see any signs of an issue? Some problems, like tire bubbling, will be obvious. 
• Visit a mechanic: The safest option is to have a professional take a look at your vehicle. Experts can diagnose potential issues. They can also advise whether or not you have a possible case for apparent pothole damage. 

Should I Fill In My Local Potholes?

In recent news, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took matters into his own hands: filling a pothole near his home. While drivers might rejoice in this decision, it can actually have serious consequences:

• Potential Dangers: Road work can be dangerous. The government can shut down lanes and re-route drivers to maintain safe transportation during road repairs. Without the right precautions, you could create car accidents or risk personal injury trying to repair a road yourself. 
• Delaying Real Repairs: It can be hard to fill a pothole to professional standards. Sometimes, your DIY solutions could delay long-lasting professional repairs—as experts will need to undo your work before starting. In other cases, you might actually make the pothole worse by trapping moisture under the asphalt. This water will expand during the following winter freeze, bringing the pothole back larger than before.
• Personal Liability: You may be personally liable if an imperfect pothole fix causes any trouble. For example, underfilling a pothole could allow surface-level water collection while preventing the water from seeping through the cracks and into the ground. This change in your road’s structure could increase the risk of hydroplaning and car accidents. 
• Mistaken Potholes: Or, as in the case of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the pothole may not be a pothole at all. The former governor actually filled in a service trench required to complete vital gas line repairs. 

No news yet on whether or not Arnold Schwarzenegger had to pay to have the service trench dug again. However, the reward is not worth the risk of filling potholes yourself. 

What Can You Do About Potholes?

While you can’t fill a pothole in yourself, there are some steps you can take to keep your car protected:

• Always report potholes on the road to your local authorities. 
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure will leave you more prone to rim damage from potholes, while overinflated tires make it likely you will experience a tire blowout. 
• Drive slowly over known potholes. 
• While it might go without saying, avoid these hazards on the road when you can. For example, if you know the highway’s right lane has a severe pothole, remind yourself to drive in the left lane until the coast is clear. 
• Consider finding an alternative route to your destination for severe and unavoidable potholes until the repairs are completed. 
• Make sure you are keeping up with regular maintenance and vehicle inspections. If you are hitting frequent potholes, you should get your alignment checked for free at a local mechanic. This inspection can prevent more extensive damage from spreading, like uneven tire wear. Regular maintenance can also help you affirm to government officials or your insurance company that the damage was, in fact, caused by potholes. So, let’s take a closer look at how you can get repayment for pothole service repairs. 

How to Save Money on Pothole Repairs

Before you delay getting significant repairs caused by pothole damage, you should know these repairs may be covered for free. However, before we dive in, it is worth noting that you should visit a mechanic as soon as you experience pothole damage.

• Immediate action will help keep your claim valid. If you file a property damage claim to the government after the pothole has been filled, it is more likely that your claim will be denied—even if you otherwise qualify for compensation. 
• If you continue driving on a damaged tire, for example, it could create even more vehicle damage that will not be covered. 
• In some cases, you might need a mechanic to attest that the damage to your vehicle was consistent with pothole damage. Additionally, you might need to have paid the costs to verify the final total for a claim. 

Will Insurance Cover Pothole Problems?

Yes, some car insurance policies—like collision insurance—will cover pothole damage. In these cases, you would simply need to pay your deductible. It is worth checking with your insurance agent to see if your vehicle can be repaired for free. 

Will the Government Cover Pothole Damage?

In some cases, your pothole damage may be covered by your local government. There are three noteworthy considerations here:

• First, is the road state-maintained? A majority of roads are owned and maintained by the government. However, subdivisions and residential streets are often privately owned. For example, your home’s road might belong to the community and receive maintenance under the HOA. 
• Second, was the pothole reported to the local government? NC drivers can click here to report a pothole. Claims are only valid if this was a known, reported pothole. 
• Finally, how long ago was the report filed? The government requires a reasonable amount of time to respond to pothole reports before they can be held accountable. 

If a pothole was reported without reasonable action from the government, officials might take responsibility for the damage it caused. North Carolina drivers can click here to file a property damage claim to the NCDOT. 

Pothole Damage Repairs at Chapel Hill Tire

If a pothole has damaged your car or tire, visit our local mechanics. We will diagnose any issues and complete the repairs your vehicle needs. Our tire specialists can also help provide the verification you may need to validate your claim for coverage. 

We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 10 locations across Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our expert mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make an appointment or give us a call to get started today!