Category: Resource

As the weather begins cooling down, drivers often find themselves stranded with a dead battery. However, there are still some tips and tricks that may be able to help you make it to a mechanic for a battery replacement. The local auto service mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Check Your Engine Oil

If your car is having a hard time turning over, you might be able to give it a boost by ensuring your oil is fresh. When the cold weather sets in, it makes your engine oil move slower—which causes your vehicle to require an extra surge of power from your battery. Tainted, contaminated, and expired engine oil can add even more stress to your battery. Ensuring you have fresh engine oil may be able to buy you a little time while you get your battery replaced.  

Phone a Friend: How to Jump a Car Battery

When you find your car battery dead, naturally, you are due for a battery replacement service. However, it can be hard to make it to the mechanic when your car refuses to turn over. In these cases, a simple jump-start can get you on your way. Jump-starting your car can be easy with the help of a friend. All you need is a set of jumper cables and a second running vehicle. You can read our 8-step guide to jumping a car battery here.

Find the Right Tools: Can I Jump a Car Battery By Myself?

With the right tools, it is possible to safely jump-start a car battery by yourself. However, it can be hard to get the right tools without a running car. Primarily, you will need a special battery pack to jumpstart a dead car battery by yourself.

Individual jump-starting battery packs are available for order online and in some major retail/hardware stores. These batteries have attached jumper cables and the power needed to jump-start most car batteries. Simply follow the included instructions to charge and jump-start your car battery.

Give it Some Time

Here is a common myth: the cold weather kills your car battery. Rather, the cold weather slows down the electrochemical reaction that fuel’s your battery power. As such, it is during the coldest times of day that your battery will struggle the most. By giving your car a little time to warm up, you might have better luck with your battery later in the day. 

Additionally, if your car does start, it does not mean your battery is good to go. Without proper replacement, you will likely find your car battery dead again in the morning. Instead, take the time to have a new battery installed by a professional mechanic.

Check for Corrosion

Corrosion can also prevent your battery from starting—especially on colder days. It drains the charge out of the battery while limiting its ability to accept a jump-start. You can have your battery terminal ends professionally cleaned or replaced to eliminate corrosion concerns.

If your battery is still struggling to start, you may be far overdue for a battery replacement. There could also be an issue with your alternator, starting system, or another component failure. In this case, you may need to see a mechanic for a battery/starting system inspection or professional diagnostic services. 

Chapel Hill Tire: New Battery Installation Services

When you are almost due for a new battery, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We install new batteries throughout the Triangle—with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. If you sense that your battery is getting ready to die but do not have time to visit a mechanic, our pick-up and delivery service can help! We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

Damaged, scratched, and bent rims can happen occasionally on the road. However, since the introduction of the Tesla car brand, mechanics like Chapel Hill Tire have seen an uptick in rim damage and services. Why? Tesla vehicles are especially prone to rim damage. Our local Tesla mechanics are here with a look at why Tesla rims become scratched and what you can do to protect your wheels. 

What Is Curb Rash?

In terms of Tesla wheels, drivers and mechanics alike often use words like “curb rash,” “rim rash,” and “curbing.” So what exactly does this mean? When a tire scrapes across a curb during a turn, it can leave a harsh scratch across the rim. In worst-case scenarios, drivers may find bent, damaged, or torn rim metal. Tesla vehicles are notorious for “curb rash.” Why? Let’s take a closer look at why Tesla rims become scratched so effortlessly. 

Why Do Tesla Rims Become Scratched?

Tesla wheels are built with foam in the middle, making the design slightly different from most cars. While the foam provides a smooth and quiet ride, drivers often find that the Tesla wheel design creates a perfect storm for curb rash and rim scratches:

• Tesla Optical Illusion: Some Tesla drivers have reported that the design of the Tesla can present an optical illusion of sorts—making the car seem more narrow than it actually is. As such, drivers are more likely to misjudge the width of turns and “kiss” the curb. 
• Thin Tires: Most rubber tires jut out beyond the rim—providing an added layer of protection. On the other hand, the metal of Tesla rims sticks out further than the tire rubber. This design leaves the metal rims as the first point of contact for curbs during misjudged turns.
• Curb Level: Teslas are relatively low to the ground. Unlike larger cars, trucks, and SUVs—which might elevate the rims slightly above certain hazards—this design puts Tesla rims level with the curb. 
• Self Driving and Parking: Some drivers have reported that Tesla vehicles have scratched the rims while engaged in self-parking or self-driving features. 

Collectively, these hazards have led to a significant uptick in rim rash—specifically in Tesla vehicles. 

How Can You Protect Tesla Rims?

There are a few options available to drivers when it comes to protecting their rims. Some drivers choose to drive more defensively—carefully trying to avoid curbing. However, it can be challenging (if not impossible) to dodge everything the road throws at you. 

For comprehensive protection, our mechanics install AlloyGator rim guards on Tesla wheels. Using a blend of super tough nylon, these installations fit seamlessly onto your wheels while providing enhanced damage prevention. At the time of publication, AlloyGators are the only TUV- and MIRA-certified wheel protectors on the market. 

5 Benefits of Rim Guards

• Higher resale value: Rim damage can lower the resale value of your Tesla. By preventing rim damage, you can avoid this costly depreciation. 
• Preventing costly damage: While rim guards are an investment, they pay for themselves in preventing even more costly wheel and rim damage. 
• Preventing structural wheel damage: In addition to preventing scratches, AlloyGator rim guards can absorb the impact of potholes and other road hazards. 
• Avoiding metal hazards: In severe cases, scratched rims can result in sharp, jagged edges around your metal wheels. These could become safety hazards, especially if you have small children that could become poked, cut, or scratched.
• Custom aesthetic:  Rim guards allow you to customize your Tesla vehicle. You can match your existing rim color, match your Tesla exterior color, or choose from a variety of other color options. 

Is AlloyGator Rim Protection Available for All Vehicles?

Yes, AlloyGator rim guards can safeguard almost any vehicle. However, not all cars require this level of protection. Most rims have built-in security, with the tire rubber jutting out further than the metal rims. AlloyGator rim guards are perfect for drivers with specialty rims or luxury vehicles with more extravagant rims.

Tesla Rim Protection from Chapel Hill Tire

When you are ready to get your rims protected, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We provide and install AlloyGators in-house at our 9 Triangle-area locations. As Tesla service experts, our local mechanics can provide comprehensive care for your vehicle. You can find our shops conveniently located in Raleigh, Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

If you notice the u-shaped dashboard light with an exclamation point illuminate, you know it is time for a tire pressure refill. Most drivers find that this light is most active during the colder months. So why do tires deflate in the winter? How can you keep your tires protected from cold weather? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Winter Air Compression and Tire Pressure

The reason your tires deflate in the winter is the same reason doctors tell you to put ice on an injury—cold temperatures cause contraction. Let’s take a closer look at the science:

• Warmer molecules move faster. These fast-moving molecules spread further apart and take up extra space.
• Colder molecules move slower and stay closer together—taking up less space as they contract.

For injuries, this is why ice can help reduce swelling. For your tires, however, it means that the air is no longer supplying the same amount of pressure. As your tire air compresses, it can leave your vehicle vulnerable on the road. 

Impacts and Risks of Low Tire Pressure

What happens when you ignore that dashboard light and drive with low tire pressure? It could put your vehicle, your tires, and your safety at risk. Here are some of the issues you can expect from driving with low tire pressure:

• Worsened Vehicle Handling: Your tires play a vital role in helping your vehicle start, stop, and steer. Low tire pressure can reduce the responsiveness of your vehicle handling—impacting your safety on the road. 
• Increased Tread Wear: Low tire pressure causes more of your tire tread to be exposed on the road—causing increased and uneven wear. 
• Worsened Fuel Efficiency: Have you ever ridden a bike with low tire pressure? If so, you will understand that low tire pressure causes your vehicle to work much harder. This can cause a sharp increase in fuel consumption—making you pay more at the pump.

What to Do When Your Low Tire Pressure Light Comes On

Can I drive with low tire pressure? When your low tire pressure light comes on, there is no need to panic. You do not want to drive for extended lengths of time with low tire pressure, but you should be fine to drive to work or school—as long as you plan to get your tires inflated soon thereafter. You can even score a free tire pressure refill at a local mechanic shop. 

If your tire pressure is low for reasons other than the cold weather, you may require additional services:

• If your low tire pressure is caused by a nail in your tire or another puncture, it will need a simple patching service. 
• If your tire is struggling to maintain tire pressure due to sidewall issues, old age, or other signs of decline, you will need new tires. 

How Much Should I Refill My Tire Pressure?

Many drivers assume that the information about tire pressure (PSI) is found in the tire’s DOT number. While some tires contain printed information about pressure, this is not always the case. Even so, there are easier ways to find out how much you should refill your tire pressure. 

The most straightforward way is to check your tire information panel for details about your desired PSI. This insight can be found inside your driver’s side door frame. Simply open your door, turn around to face the rear of the car, and look along the metal frame for a sticker with tire information. It will tell you the ideal pressure for your tires. You can also often find this information in your owner’s manual. 

Tire Pressure Refills and Tire Services: Chapel Hill Tire

If the cold weather is keeping your tires down, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We offer complimentary refill services, among other conveniences designed to help the Triangle Drive Happy. Chapel Hill Tire has 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham. We also proudly serve nearby communities, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, and beyond. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

How does cold weather impact your vehicle? What can you do to protect your car from the winter season? As the temperatures continue to drop, you may begin to notice signs of your vehicle struggling. The cold weather can challenge your vehicle from all angles. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help with 7 cold weather car tips and services.

1) Maintain Your Recommended Oil Change Schedule

Oil changes are essential year-round, but they are especially important during the colder months. The cold weather makes your oil and other engine fluids move more slowly, which requires your vehicle to work harder to operate. Dirty, contaminated, and depleted engine oil can substantially enhance this stress. Double-check to ensure you are on track with your manufacturer-recommended oil change schedule. If you are close to needing an oil change, it might even be worth getting this service a little early to safeguard your car against wintery weather. 

2) Watch Out For Your Battery

While the cold weather does not damage your battery, it can deplete your battery’s charge. Combined with the fact that your vehicle requires an extra surge of power to start due to slow-moving engine oil, battery failure can leave drivers stranded in the winter. You can prevent battery troubles by ensuring your terminal ends are clean and preserving battery life, when possible. This includes unplugging chargers and turning off your lights when the vehicle is not running. You can also get a battery replacement at the first signs of a dying car battery. 

3) Park in the Garage

Naturally, the temperatures get colder after the sun sets—making this the most vulnerable time for your vehicle. You can help keep your car protected by parking in an enclosed garage each night. While most garages are not climate-controlled, they can insulate your car while keeping away the frost—with the added bonus of keeping morning ice off of your windshield. Just be sure to open your overhead garage door before starting your engine to avoid exhaust venting into your home and car. 

4) Keep an Eye on Tire Tire Pressure

When the temperatures drop, the air inside your tires compresses. Low tire pressure can lead to a wide range of troubles, including:

• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Poor vehicle handling
• Increased risks of tire sidewall damage 
• Enhanced and uneven tire wear

By ensuring you maintain the recommended pressure (as indicated on your tire information panel), you can help keep your tires protected. You can often even score a free tire pressure refill from a local mechanic shop.

5) Check-in on Your Radiator, Belts, and Hoses

One lesser-known risk of cold weather is the damage it can cause your radiator, belts, and hoses. Radiator fluid is a mixture between antifreeze and water. While antifreeze has an impressive freezing point of -36℉ (hence the name), water has a freezing point of 32℉. As such, your radiator fluid is susceptible to partial freezing during cold winter nights. This is especially true if your fluid is old, contaminated, or depleted. A radiator fluid flush can help keep your radiator protected. A mechanic will also check its supporting components—including the belts and hoses—for signs of wear.

6) Complete Tire Tread Checks

When the roads accumulate snow and ice, your tires will have to be extra responsive to keep you safe. To keep you and your vehicle protected, you will want to ensure that your tires have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. You can read our guide to checking tire tread depth here. It is also necessary to keep an eye out for uneven tread wear and signs of rubber rot. 

7) Headlight Bulb Checks and Restoration Services

The cold, dark winter days and nights will put your headlights to the test. Double-check to ensure your headlights are bright and functioning properly. You may need a simple bulb replacement if you notice one of your headlights dim or burnt-out. If your headlights are dim or yellowing, this could be a sign of oxidized lenses. A headlight restoration service can repair this issue to keep you safe on the road during the darkest days of the year. 

Winter Car Care from Chapel Hill Tire

You can get the winter car care you need without ever stepping foot in a mechanic’s office with Chapel Hill Tire’s pick-up and delivery services. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call today to get started! Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We also serve surrounding communities, including Wake Forest, Cary, Pittsboro, Morrisville, Hillsborough, and beyond! Save time and trouble this holiday season when you Drive Happy with Chapel Hill Tire.

We all know someone who is impossible to shop for during the holiday season. With supply chain issues and product shortages, this year can bring additional challenges to gift-giving. It is time to start getting creative. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with some suggestions on auto repairs and updates you can give this holiday season. 

1: New Tires

Tires are an investment, one integral to your vehicle safety, handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. If your parents, partner, or child is due for a new set of tires—this could be the perfect holiday gift. You can shop online with ease using our Tire Finder tool. It shows you all of the tires available for your loved one’s vehicle—allowing you to compare prices and features. You can also view the full pricing breakdown to avoid any hidden fees or surprises. The gift of new tires is an investment that will keep them safe and moving forward for years to come. 

2: Oil Change

As one of the most frequently-needed car maintenance visits, an oil change is a small service that can feel like a huge inconvenience. By giving the gift of an oil change, you can save your love one time while protecting their engine with this affordable service. Best of all, with pick-up and delivery, you won’t even need to leave your seat to show your loved ones you care.  

3: Brake Pads and Rotors

Responsive brakes are a necessary element of vehicle safety. Over time, most braking systems will wear out the brake pad friction material and warp the brake rotors. If your loved one is due for brake services, this could be the gift that saves their life on the road. A professional mechanic can assess their brakes to determine the needed course of action. 

4: Trailer Hitch Installation

Do you have anyone in your life who loves adventure? A trailer hitch installation could make a great gift. Unfortunately, these vital installations no longer come standard on many capable vehicles. Giving the gift of trailer hitch installation can help your loved one unlock new adventures. Even small cars can make use of a trailer hitch for bike racks, small cargo carriers, and other unique attachments.

5: Headlight Restoration

Headlights are another key safety feature that can often go unchecked. Most headlights are made with acrylic lenses. The sun’s UV rays oxidize acrylic—causing yellowing, foggy, opaque, and dim headlights. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to oxidized headlights: restoration service. During this process, an expert will use professional-grade tools to remove and resurface the oxidized layer of the lenses. They will then polish on a protective layer to deter future oxidization.

Chapel Hill Tire Auto Service and Repairs in the Triangle

When you are ready to give the gift of car care, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We offer a comprehensive array of gift-worthy services. If you are busy during this holiday season, we can come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. Chapel Hill Tire serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We invite you to explore our coupons, make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today! 

Cold weather can create all sorts of trouble for your vehicle. You might find your low tire pressure light on as the air begins to compress. Perhaps your battery light comes on as the cold makes it challenging for your vehicle to start. However, one less noticeable effect of the cold weather is radiator damage. Our local mechanics are here with everything you need to know about cold weather and vehicle radiator care. 

Why is the Cold Weather Bad For Radiators?

You might be wondering, “Why does the cold weather put my radiator at risk?” When the temperatures begin to drop, the coolant inside your radiator can begin to partially freeze. While antifreeze will not freeze until it reaches -36℉, coolant is actually a mixture of antifreeze and water. Unlike antifreeze, water freezes at 32℉. As such, your radiator fluid can begin partially freezing during the cold winter nights. 

Radiator Troubles and Cold Weather

So what happens when your radiator fluid begins to freeze? This process can cause a few adverse side effects, including:

• The metal components of your radiator can begin to contract
• Your radiator fluid can begin to expand
• Radiator fluid can leak through damaged components 
• Your radiator hoses and hose clamps can become loose or damaged

In these cases, your vehicle will require professional radiator diagnostics and repair services. This may involve hose replacement, radiator replacements, hose tightening services, or coolant services, among others. 

Preventing Radiator Damage in the Cold Weather

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to keep your radiator protected. How do you prevent cold weather radiator troubles? Here are three main tips from our mechanics:

• Park in the Garage: The easiest way to stop the cold weather from impacting your radiator is to park in the garage. This will protect your car from frost and ease the impacts of the harshest temperatures. 
• Vehicle Covers: If you cannot park in your garage, you might consider investing in a vehicle cover. These will help trap in the heat of your vehicle and insulate your engine from the cold. 
• Radiator Fluid Flush: Your radiator will be especially prone to cold weather impacts if it hasn’t received proper care. Sludge and debris in your radiator can impact the coolant freezing point and make your radiator more susceptible to cold weather problems. As such, it is essential you maintain your manufacturer-recommended radiator fluid flush routine. 
• Routine Vehicle Maintenance: During routine service visits—such as your oil changes—your mechanic should take a look under the hood to visually inspect your belts and hoses. This will allow you to catch certain radiator issues early and minimize damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire Radiator Repair and Replacement Services

When your vehicle runs into winter radiator troubles, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire can help. We offer the experienced care that you need to ensure that your vehicle is protected. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations throughout Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. Our local mechanics offer convenient pick-up/delivery service—as well as a wide variety of coupons, deals, and promotions. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!