Category: Resource

If you’re looking for Tesla service in Apex, North Carolina, Chapel Hill Tire can help. We’re proud to be a fast and affordable option for many Tesla owners who need repair and maintenance services in Apex. 

Find out how Chapel Hill Tire can help you receive fast, affordable, and high-quality Tesla service in Apex. 

How Can Tesla Owners Receive Service Faster in Apex?

Are you expecting long wait times for appointments and slow service for your Tesla? If you want to skip the line, you’ll be happy to know local repair shops with properly trained mechanics can usually handle most of your Tesla’s repair and maintenance needs.

At Chapel Hill Tire, our Apex team is well-qualified to provide fast and effective service for your Tesla. Since we have a large team, rely on state-of-the-art equipment, and offer fair prices, we regularly help our customers receive faster, more affordable services.

Can You Expect the Same Quality of Tesla Service at Chapel Hill Tire?

When you bring your Tesla in for an appointment at our Apex location, you can rest easy, knowing your vehicle is in safe hands. Our mechanics have been trained to work on Teslas and have a track record of excellent workmanship.

Like our other locations, our Apex shop has top-of-the-line equipment to assist our team and ensure your vehicle is properly diagnosed and repaired. For instance, our team uses the Hunter Road Force Balance for wheel balancing and the Hunter Hawkeye Alignment System for wheel alignments.

Alongside our exceptional workmanship and premium equipment, we take pride in our affordable rates for Tesla services. Compared to other Tesla service providers, you can usually expect to have a lower bill when you receive service at Chapel Hill Tire.

What Tesla Services Does Chapel Hill Tire Offer in Apex?

Whether you need a new set of tires, wheel balancing, or a 12v battery replacement, our Apex team has you covered. Learn more about our primary Tesla services below:

1. Wheel Alignment

If you’ve noticed premature tire wear or handling problems, your Tesla’s wheels may be out of alignment. Once our team has inspected your Tesla and ensured an alignment issue is at fault, we’ll use our Hunter Hawkeye Elite Alignment system to align your wheels quickly. This piece of equipment can capture alignment measurements in only 70 seconds and enables our team to make precise adjustments for wheel alignments. 

2. Tire Curbing

Unlike other vehicles where tires tend to jut out ahead of the rims, a Tesla’s wheels and rims are placed very close to one another. Since the rim doesn’t have a tire to protect it, it tends to be at a higher risk of being damaged, bent, or scratched. If your rims are in need of repair, our tire curbing services can solve these problems and make it so your rims look brand new.

3. Tire Replacement

When your tires’ tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace them with a new set. Our Apex team can help you find a new set that is perfect for your Tesla model. Once you’ve picked a new set, we’ll install them with Hunter Center Clamp Tire Changers, eliminating the risk of wheel damage during installation.

4. Wheel Balancing

If your tires are out of balance, our team can quickly balance them with a Hunter Road Force Balancer. This piece of equipment features  SmartWeight® balancing technology, which excels at making sure a vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed and the wheels are balanced correctly.

5. Other Tesla Services

In addition to the previously highlighted services, you can receive the following Tesla services at all of our locations:

• Tesla Control Arm Repairs
• Tire Patching Services
• Tire Inflation Services
• Tire Rotation Services
• Rim Protection
• 12v Battery Replacements

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Tesla Service in Apex, North Carolina

If you need Tesla service in Apex, North Carolina, make Chapel Hill Tire your go-to location. With our state-of-the-art equipment, highly qualified staff, and many services, we’re confident we can handle almost all of your Tesla maintenance and repair needs. We also offer several coupons you can use to save money on our services.

Learn more about our Tesla services today. If you’re ready to bring your car in for service, please make an appointment at one of our Apex locations.

Whether you’re trying to beat long wait times or simply want to give other options a shot, Chapel Hill Tire can help with your Tesla service repair. Our team is qualified to provide several repair and maintenance services for Teslas, and we’re proud to be a faster option for many Tesla owners.

As you try to decide where to take your Tesla in for maintenance, take a moment to learn more about how Chapel Hill Tire can help you receive fast, affordable, and high-quality service.

How Can Tesla Owners Receive Service Faster at Chapel Hill Tire?

Many people in Raleigh think they have to go to the Tesla Service Center for repairs and maintenance services. As a result, the Tesla Service Center tends to fill up with appointments quickly, leading to long wait times and slower service. Fortunately, most of the repair and maintenance services Teslas need can be performed at local shops by qualified mechanics who have been trained to work on Teslas.

At Chapel Hill Tire, we regularly help Tesla owners receive faster service for their Teslas. Since we have a large team qualified to work on Teslas and multiple locations in Raleigh, we can quickly service your Tesla and get you back on the road as fast as possible. We also use state-of-the-art equipment for all our Tesla services, which helps us quickly diagnose and fix whatever problem your Tesla is currently experiencing. 

Can You Expect the Same Quality of Tesla Service at Chapel Hill Tire?

When you schedule a Tesla service appointment at Chapel Hill Tire, you can expect to receive high-quality service from our team. Our mechanics are properly trained and certified to work on Teslas. As a result, you can expect to receive the best quality of workmanship from our team.

Alongside ensuring our team is well-trained, we use premium equipment for all our Tesla services. For example, we use the Hunter Hawkeye Elite Alignment System for wheel alignments and the Hunter Road Force Balance for wheel balancing. All of these pieces of equipment from Hunter are the best of the best and ideal for Tesla service work. 

We also pride ourselves on offering affordable rates for our Tesla services. Typically, you can expect to pay less for our services compared to other Tesla service providers.

What Tesla Services Does Chapel Hill Tire Offer in Raleigh?

Whether you need a wheel alignment, a control arm repair, or a new set of tires, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Find out more about our top Tesla services below:

1. Tire Replacement

Just like any other vehicle, Teslas need to have their tires replaced once the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. When you need a new set of tires, our team can help you select a set fitting your Tesla model and then install them for you. Since we use Hunter Center Clamp Tire Changers during Tesla tire replacement services, we eliminate the risk of wheel damage while we install your new tires. 

2. Wheel Alignment

Improperly aligned tires can lead to issues like handling problems and premature tire wear. If your Tesla’s wheels are out of alignment, we can quickly align them with our Hunter Hawkeye Elite Alignment system. This system allows us to capture alignment measurements in 70 seconds, meaning we can quickly diagnose if your Tesla needs an alignment. As the premier wheel alignment machine on the market today, it also helps our team make precise adjustments and get your vehicle back to you faster. 

3. Wheel Balancing

If a pothole or rough bump has thrown your tires out of balance, our wheel balancing services can help. During our Tesla wheel balancing service appointments, our team uses the Hunter Road Force Balancer. With its SmartWeight® balancing technology, this piece of equipment ensures your wheels are balanced properly and your vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed. Once you get back on the road, your Tesla will ride as smoothly as when you first purchased it.

4. Tire Curbing Repairs

If you don’t already know, Tesla wheel rims are at a high risk of curbing due to Tesla tires being positioned too closely to the rims. This positioning increases the risk of scratches and damage to the wheel rims. When your rims are scratched, our tire curbing repair services can fix it for you. We’ll quickly repair your rims and get them looking brand new again!

5. Other Tesla Services

Alongside the services highlighted above, we also offer the following Tesla services at all of our locations:

• 12v Battery Replacements
• Tire Rotation Services
• Tire Patching Services
• Tire Inflation Services
• Tesla Control Arm Repairs
• Rim Protection
• A/C Services

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Tesla Service in Raleigh, North Carolina

With our many services, cutting-edge equipment, and highly qualified staff, Chapel Hill Tire is ready to be your go-to location for Tesla service in Raleigh, North Carolina. Before you bring your vehicle in for service, check out our coupons to see how much you can save.

Learn more about our Tesla services today. If you’re ready to bring your car in for service, please make an appointment at one of our Raleigh locations.

If your car smells like cigarette smoke, it doesn’t have to stay that way. While it can take some time to remove the smell of smoke, a fresh-smelling car is well worth it, both for yourself and your passengers.

How to Get Cigarette Smell Out of Car

Whether you’re trying to get cigarette smoke or another odor out of your vehicle, the process for getting rid of the bad smell is largely the same. As long as you follow a few key steps, you should be able to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the smell of smoke in your vehicle. Learn more about how to get a smoke smell out of your car below:

1. Remove Any Odor Trapping Materials

Before you start cleaning your vehicle, take out any materials that could trap odor. For example, you’ll want to remove trash, clothes, and ashtrays from the vehicle, as they can all contribute to a smoke smell. You’ll also want to remove any floor mats or seat covers, cleaning them with soap and water. Wait to put floor mats or seat covers back inside your vehicle until they’ve dried and you’re done with the rest of the cleaning process.

2. Vacuum Upholstery and Carpet

With your car cleared of odor-trapping materials, use a vacuum on your vehicle’s upholstery and carpet. While vacuuming, you’ll want to make sure to vacuum up any ash that could be hiding in between crevices or under your seats. 

3. Scrub Soft Surfaces

Next, you’ll need to scrub your seats and carpets with a cleaner designed for use in your vehicle. Follow the directions on your cleaner and scrub your seats and carpet with it to get the smell out of them. If you have a leather interior, you’ll need to use a cleaner specifically designed for leather to avoid damaging it. Don’t forget to scrub your seatbelts, as they can also trap odors. 

4. Clean Hard Surfaces

After you’ve scrubbed soft surfaces, you can start cleaning hard surfaces, such as your rearview mirror, center console, cup holders, dashboard, and steering wheel. Since smoke can leave a film on these surfaces, a cleaning product with degreasing qualities tends to be the most effective at removing smoke grime. 

5. Sprinkle Baking Soda on Soft Surfaces

Once you’re done vacuuming and cleaning surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on your vehicle’s upholstery, carpet, and other soft surfaces. The baking soda will help capture the smoke smell and neutralize the odor. Let the baking soda sit overnight to capture as much odor as possible. 

6. Vacuum the Baking Soda

After letting the baking soda sit for a night, you can vacuum it up the next morning. If you still notice a smoke smell, you can reapply baking soda and let it sit for another day before you vacuum it again. 

7. Replace Your Cabin’s Air Filter

Your cabin’s air filter traps dirt, debris, and odors. If you haven’t replaced it recently, it could have trapped some of the smoke smell inside it. Replacing it with a new filter can assist with reducing a smoke smell, and a new filter can help your car’s HVAC system run more efficiently!

For everything you need to know about air filters, including how often they should be replaced, check out our helpful guide.

8. Schedule an Interior Detailing Appointment

If you can’t get the smell out of your vehicle alone or simply don’t have the time to deep clean your vehicle, you’ll want to take your vehicle to an auto shop. At an auto shop, they can provide interior detailing services to eliminate even the most stubborn smoke smells. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Odor Removal Services in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapell Hill

If you’re looking for vehicle smoke removal services in Durham, Chapell Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. We offer car wash and detailing services that can help remove a smoke smell from your vehicle. Bring your vehicle in for an appointment (no need to pre-clean or tidy up!), and we’ll get to work eliminating any smoke smells in your vehicle.

We also recommend checking out our coupons to see how much you can save! Learn more about our interior detailing services today. If you’re ready to bring your vehicle in for detailing, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle area.

If your vehicle’s interior regularly turns into a dumping ground, knowing how to keep your car organized and clean can do wonders for your driving experience. While it can feel overwhelming when you first start to clean up your car, it can actually be pretty easy to maintain a tidy vehicle. Instead of being embarrassed about how your car looks, you’ll be proud to give other people rides once you’ve implemented a few cleaning and organizational tips!

How to Keep Your Car Clean and Organized

From storing wet wipes in your glove compartment and investing in a small trash can to using organizers and shaking out floor mats regularly, there are plenty of easy ways to improve the cleanliness and organization of your vehicle. As you tidy up your vehicle, learn more about how to keep your car clean and organized by following these seven tips below:

1. Store Wet Wipes in Your Glove Compartment

It can be easy to forget to wipe away crumbs or clean off sticky surfaces once you’re out of your car and going about your day. Storing a pack of wet wipes in your glove compartment can make it far easier to stay on top of your car’s cleanliness. Instead of having to go find cleaning supplies, you can quickly pull out a wet wipe and clean up any spills without leaving your vehicle!

2. Keep a Small Trash Can in Your Vehicle

Putting loose wrappers, receipts, and trash into the side compartments of your doors or, worse, on your floor can be tempting. However, this approach only makes your car look messy, and as the trash grows, it can be difficult to work up the energy to finally throw it all away. 

Keeping a small, waterproof trash can in your vehicle makes it easy to throw your trash away, and you can even find small trash cans made to hang off a headrest. Just make sure the trash can has a secure lid to prevent spills.

3. Make a Habit of Shaking Out Your Floor Mats At Least Once A Week

As you get in and out of your car, you’ll track in dirt, leaves, and other debris that will get on your floor mats. If you want to prevent this dirt from building up too much, shaking out your floor mats at least once a week can do wonders for their appearance. Alongside making the floor of your car look cleaner, regularly shaking out the mats makes it far easier to clean them, saving you time in the future.

4. Place Silicone Cups or Liners In Your Cup Holders

Cup holders are one of the easiest parts of your car to get dirty from spilled drinks, condensation, and crumbs. You can prevent dirty cup holders by placing a silicone liner or cup inside them. For example, silicone baking cups can be a great choice, as they’ll line the bottom of your beverages. Since silicone is leakproof, odor-resistant, and durable, it’s an excellent material for lining your cupholders and preventing them from getting dirty.

Before you put any silicone cups or liners in your cup holders, take a minute to clean out any grime in the holder. Typically, spraying the holder with an all-purpose cleaner and then wiping it off with paper towels or an old rag will get any grime or sticky spots out. After the holder is clean, add a liner or place a silicone baking cup in it to protect it from getting dirty in the future. 

5. Use Odor Eliminators Instead of Air Fresheners

While air fresheners can make your car smell nice, they only mask bad smells instead of eliminating them. In contrast, odor eliminations are made to neutralize the cause of a bad smell, leaving your car smelling fresher and cleaner. Whether you’re trying to get rid of stubborn smells from mildew, pets, or smoke, an odor eliminator is a more effective choice than an air freshener.

6. Place Organizers Throughout Your Vehicle

If you have kids or tend to have lots of loose items in your vehicle, investing in some organizers can be a huge help. With backseat organizers, you can hang them around a headrest and use them to store items like a first aid kit, tissues, snacks, water bottles, and toys. 

For your trunk, you can use a storage bag with a zipper to store jumper cables, flashlights, ice scrapers, spare shoes, and anything else you can think of. Cargo nets can be another great item to use for items you only need to keep in your trunk temporarily. For example, they can store loose items like beach supplies and sports gear. Both of these organization options will reduce clutter in your trunk and make it easier to find whatever you’re looking for.

7. Store Leather Cleaning Supplies in Your Vehicle

If you have leather seats, you’ll want to also keep a microfiber cloth, a soft-bristled brush, and an appropriate leather cleaning solution in your glove box or an organizer. Even if you don’t know how to clean leather car seats, you can safely clean up spills or grime with these supplies without damaging your seats. Having leather cleaning supplies in your vehicle also makes it easier to maintain your leather’s quality by quickly cleaning anything that could stain it.

While cleaning, just make sure to apply the cleaning solution in small areas to stop stains or discoloration from occurring. For small spills or sticky spots, you can just spray your microfiber cloth with the cleaner before wiping away the grime. For deeper cleans, spray the seat directly and move the soft-bristled brush in a circular motion. Next, wipe away the cleaner with a slightly damp towel and then dry the seat with a microfiber cloth.  

Schedule an Interior Detailing Appointment at Chapel Hill Tire

If you’re looking for car cleaning services in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Since we know how overwhelming it can be to clean a dirty, disorganized car, we regularly provide car wash and detailing services to make the first step easy. When you schedule an appointment, you don’t have to pre-clean the car, as we’ll remove any trash and store other items we find in a bag to ensure nothing gets lost.

Learn more about our car wash and detailing services today. If you’re ready to bring your vehicle in for an inspection, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle area. We also recommend checking out our coupons to see how much you can save!

While you drive, your tires will begin to wear down and eventually need to be replaced, usually at the four or five-year mark. Though normal wear and tear is normal, uneven tire wear can reduce your tires’ lifespan and cause issues with handling and traction. These negative effects can be a major safety issue, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates there are close to 11,000 tire-related accidents a year.

As you try to keep yourself as safe as possible while driving, take a moment to review some of the primary symptoms and causes of uneven tire wear.

 8 Uneven Tire Wear Symptoms

Since uneven tire wear can lead to accidents, it’s essential drivers know how to spot the main signs their tires may be wearing unevenly. Some of the common symptoms of uneven tire wear include:

• Vehicle drifting to the left or right on a flat road when you take your hands off the wheel
• Vibrating or shaking wheels
• Excess wear located on the outer or inner edge of tires
• Patchy areas of excess wear around the tire
• Less traction while driving, especially in wet conditions
• Greater wear in the center of the tire tread
• Humming noises that grow louder as you increase your vehicle’s speed
• Scallops or dips in the tire tread (also called tire cupping)

If you notice any of these uneven tire wear symptoms, you should have a mechanic inspect your tires to determine whether your vehicle is safe to drive.

4 Uneven Tire Wear Causes

Uneven tire wear can be caused by several issues, such as misaligned wheels, damaged suspension systems, tire pressure issues, and bent or cracked wheels. Learn more about the primary uneven tire wear causes and their potential solutions below:

1. Misaligned Wheels

Misaligned wheels are a common cause of uneven tire wear, as your vehicle’s alignment ensures your tires are hitting the road at the right angle and your wheels are pointing in the same direction. When your wheels aren’t properly aligned, your tires won’t make contact with the road evenly, resulting in uneven tire wear.

If misaligned wheels are the cause of uneven wear, you’ll need to schedule an alignment service at your local repair shop. During this service, a mechanic will ensure your wheels are parallel to one another and properly aligned.

2. Damaged Suspension

Like misaligned wheels, a damaged suspension system can cause uneven tire wear. Whether it’s failing tie rods, wheel bearings, bushings, or ball joints, your suspension system needs all these components working well to keep your tires and wheels in the right position. If your suspension is damaged, your wheels may lean in the wrong direction, causing excess wear on the inner or outer edges of your tires.

Since repairing a damaged suspension is difficult, you’ll need a mechanic to repair or replace any failing parts. Once your suspension is fixed, your tires should wear evenly again.

3. Tire Pressure Problems

When your tires are either under-inflated or over-inflated, they can suffer from uneven wear. An over-inflated tire will cause the center of your tire tread to wear faster than it does at the sides, and an under-inflated tire will cause the sides of the tread to wear faster than the center. 

Fortunately, properly inflating your tire can prevent the wear from getting worse or even starting in the first place. Before you adjust your tire pressure, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the manufacturer’s tire pressure recommendations. Next, check your tire pressure, and if it’s too high or low, adjust it to meet the recommended levels. In the future, use a tire gauge to check your tire’s pressure monthly to prevent the issue from recurring.

4. Damaged Wheels

A variety of driving hazards, such as potholes and obstructions, can harm your wheels if your vehicle comes into contact with them while you’re driving. If you have alloy wheels, the damage will likely be in the form of a crack, while a steel wheel’s rim will bend. This damage can cause your tires to wear down irregularly, and they can also make your tires vibrate while you’re driving.

If you notice any visible wheel damage or feel a vibration while driving, your wheels should be inspected at a repair shop. If they find your wheels are damaged, they may be able to repair them, but if the damage is structural, you’ll likely need to have them replaced.

Schedule a Tire Inspection at Chapel Hill Tire 

If you suspect your tires are wearing unevenly and need to schedule a tire inspection in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. When you bring your vehicle in for an inspection, our team will thoroughly inspect your tires for uneven wear. Once they’ve determined your tires aren’t wearing correctly, they’ll find the root cause and quickly handle the repairs your vehicle needs to run smoothly. Before you bring your vehicle in for service, we recommend checking out our coupons to see how much you can save.

Learn more about our tire repair and replacement services today! If you need to bring your car in for service, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

At Chapel Hill Tire, we believe that happy employees lead to happy customers. This core philosophy, encapsulated in our “Work Happy, Drive Happy” movement, has not only fostered a positive work environment but has also earned us several prestigious accolades. We are thrilled to share that Chapel Hill Tire has been recognized by the Triangle Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in the Triangle, as well as being honored By Chapel Hill and Durham Magazine in their Best of Polls for Automotive Services. 

Best Places to Work in the Triangle

The Triangle Business Journal’s recognition of Chapel Hill Tire as one of the Best Places to Work in the Triangle is a testament to our commitment to creating a supportive and engaging workplace. We understand that our employees are the backbone of our company, and their satisfaction and well-being are paramount. From offering comprehensive benefits and continuous professional development opportunities to fostering a culture of teamwork and respect, we strive to ensure that our employees feel valued and motivated every day.

Commitment to Employee Growth: Training Program and Paid ASE Testing

A significant part of our commitment to our employees is our comprehensive Training Program, designed to empower our team members with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers. We believe in investing in our employees, which is why we provide paid ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) testing. This program not only enhances their expertise but also ensures that our customers receive the highest quality service from certified professionals. By supporting our technicians in obtaining and maintaining ASE certifications, we help them advance in their careers while also upholding the highest industry standards.

Best of Chapel Hill in Automotive Services

Being named the Best of Chapel Hill in Automotive Services is an honor that reflects our dedication to delivering top-notch automotive care. Our skilled technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction have set us apart in the industry. We are grateful to our loyal customers in Chapel Hill who trust us with their vehicles and continue to support our mission of providing exceptional service.

Best of Durham in Automotive Services

Our recent growth in Durham has been met with enthusiasm and support from the community, and we are proud to be recognized by Durham Magazine. This accolade is a reflection of our team’s hard work and dedication to extending our high standards of service to new areas. As we grow, we are excited to continue building strong relationships with all of our customers and providing the same level of excellence that our Chapel Hill patrons have come to expect.

The Work Happy, Drive Happy Movement

At the heart of these achievements is our “Work Happy, Drive Happy” movement. This initiative is more than just a slogan; it is a guiding principle that shapes our daily operations and interactions. By prioritizing the happiness and satisfaction of our employees, we create an environment where they can thrive and deliver outstanding customer service. Happy employees are more engaged, more productive, and more committed to going above and beyond for our customers.

Our customers notice the difference. They experience the positive energy and dedication of our team members, which translates into an overall excellent customer experience. Whether it’s a routine maintenance visit or a complex repair, our customers know they can rely on us for honest, reliable, and friendly service.

Thank You

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our employees, customers, and the communities of Chapel Hill and Durham for their continued support. These recognitions are a collective achievement, and we look forward to building on this success as we continue to grow and serve the Triangle area.

At Chapel Hill Tire, we are more than just an automotive service provider; we are a family committed to making every workday and every drive a happy one.

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By celebrating these recognitions, we reaffirm our dedication to excellence and our promise to maintain the highest standards in everything we do. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us create a workplace and customer experience that is truly exceptional.

Discovering a puddle under your car can be concerning, but it doesn’t always spell disaster. The type, color, and location of the fluid can provide crucial clues about your vehicle’s health. Here’s a guide to help you identify the different puddles you might encounter and what they signify.

1. Clear Water

Appearance: Clear and odorless.
Location: Usually found near the front of the car, under the engine.
What it Means: This is often just condensation from your air conditioning system, especially if you’ve been running it on a hot or humid day. It’s typically harmless and nothing to worry about.

2. Brown or Black Oil

Appearance: Thick, oily, and dark brown or black.
Location: Under the engine area.
What it Means: This indicates an oil leak, which could be coming from the oil pan, valve cover gasket, or oil filter. It’s important to address this promptly, as running low on oil can cause significant engine damage.

3. Red or Brown Transmission Fluid

Appearance: Slick and either red or light brown.
Location: Usually under the middle of the car.
What it Means: This is a sign of a transmission fluid leak. Leaks can occur from the transmission pan, lines, or seals. Low transmission fluid can lead to poor shifting and potential transmission failure, so it’s best to have this checked out soon.

4. Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue or Pink Coolant

Appearance: Brightly colored, thin and somewhat sticky.
Location: Often found under the front of the car, near the radiator or engine.
What it Means: Coolant leaks can stem from the radiator, water pump, or hoses. Coolant is essential for regulating your engine’s temperature, and a leak can lead to overheating and serious engine damage.

5. Light Brown or Amber Brake Fluid

Appearance: Slightly oily and light brown or amber in color.
Location: Near the wheels or under the driver’s foot area.
What it Means: Brake fluid leaks are dangerous and can lead to brake failure. If you notice this type of puddle, it’s crucial to have your brake system inspected immediately.

6. Dark Red or Brown Power Steering Fluid

Appearance: Oily and either dark red or brown.
Location: Under the front of the car.
What it Means: This could indicate a power steering fluid leak, which can make steering difficult and unsafe. Leaks can occur from the power steering pump or hoses.

7. Blue Windshield Washer Fluid

Appearance: Blue and watery.
Location: Under the front of the car, near the windshield washer reservoir.
What it Means: A blue puddle usually points to a leak in your windshield washer fluid reservoir or lines. While not critical to your car’s operation, it’s still worth fixing for convenience and visibility.

While finding a puddle under your car can be unsettling, understanding what the different fluids mean can help you take the appropriate action. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to leaks can keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. If you’re ever unsure about a puddle or any other issue with your car, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your vehicle’s health and your peace of mind are worth it.

Need help with a leak or any other car issue? Visit us at Chapel Hill Tire at any of our 11 Triangle locations. Our experienced technicians are here to keep your car running smoothly.

At Chapel Hill Tire, we believe in the power of gratitude and the importance of being helpful to our community. That’s why we’re proud to continue our tradition of supporting local educators with our Gift Certificates for Teachers initiative.

In 2024, we took this initiative to new heights by giving away over 5,000 free oil change gift certificates to teachers and school staff across the Triangle. This program not only eased the financial burden on educators but also served as a token of our immense gratitude for their unwavering commitment to shaping the minds of future generations.

Our dedication to recognizing teachers has always been a cornerstone of Chapel Hill Tire’s values. This year, we launched a dedicated web page where community members could nominate schools for these certificates. The response was overwhelming, with more than 50 schools participating in this heartfelt program.

“We believe in treating each other like family at Chapel Hill Tire,” said Marc Pons, president. “Our Gift Certificates for Teachers program is a way to extend that family spirit to our local educators, who do so much for our community.”

Through initiatives like these, guided by our core values of gratitude and helpfulness, Chapel Hill Tire continues to make a positive impact. We’re grateful to everyone who participated in this program, from the nominators to the educators who received the certificates. Your support allows us to keep giving back to the community we cherish.

As we look to the future, Chapel Hill Tire remains committed to finding new ways to support our community and express our appreciation for those who make a difference every day. To learn more about our initiatives and community involvement, visit our website or stop by any of our 11 Triangle locations. Together, let’s continue driving forward with gratitude and kindness.