Category: Resource

It seems car problems and routine maintenance have a way of popping up at the worst possible times. Between work, school, family, or other life happenings, you may not always be able to easily fit a trip to the mechanic in your daily schedule. Thankfully, mechanic services are adapting to meet the needs of busy drivers. Here is a look at five ways you can make a mechanic visit work for you.

Free Pick-Up and Delivery Mechanic Service

When you don’t have time to visit an auto mechanic, wouldn’t it make sense to have the professionals come to you? That is exactly what pick-up and delivery mechanic service is designed to do. Our vehicle service technicians will come to your home, office, or any location within our service areas to pick up your car. Then, we will bring it back to our shop for repairs or routine maintenance. Once your vehicle is ready, we will bring it back to you. You can access industry-leading car care—from oil changes to inspections and tire services—without ever leaving your seat. 

Free Mechanic Shuttle Services

Many mechanic shops are conveniently placed near shopping centers and other community hot spots. If you need to run errands while your vehicle is in the shop, you can take advantage of a shuttle service. Mechanic shuttles bring you where you need to go while your vehicle is repaired. Once your vehicle is ready to go, the shuttle will pick you up and take you back to the shop. This service lets you make the most of your time while ensuring your car gets the care it needs. 

Free Curbside Mechanic Service

If you have ever ordered curbside groceries or take-out, you know the convenience of skipping the line and the hassles. Now, you can access this same convenience at the mechanic. Curbside service lets you seamlessly drop your vehicle off with a curbside check-in service advisor. You will get text updates on your car’s progress and the chance to pay-by-text. Once it is ready, you will find your fully-serviced vehicle waiting for you at our curbside with the keys inside. This perk lets you access high-quality car care without ever stepping foot in the shop. 

Free Accommodating Amenities

In the work-from-home era, many drivers can work from almost anywhere—with the right accommodations. Mechanic shops like Chapel Hill Tire have upgraded our lobbies to meet these needs. Today, it is easy to find a mechanic shop with free Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs, and other amenities. These features allow you to get your vehicle serviced without missing a beat. 

Chapel Hill Tire Convenient Mechanic Services

The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire strive to make high-quality car care work for even the busiest schedules. It is part of our values. Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. We also serve nearby communities, including Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Cary, and beyond! You can make your appointment here online, explore our coupon page, or give our local mechanics a call to get started today!

The automotive industry is becoming increasingly more environmentally friendly. Between electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient cars, we work to protect the planet more and more each day. One way that governments ensure your car is doing its part is with an annual emissions inspection. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with all of the insights you need about this annual vehicle check. 

What Does an Emissions Inspection Check?

While drivers commonly think of the annual inspection as a single check, it is actually 2-3 inspections wrapped into one.

• First is your safety inspection: This is required by all vehicles on the road each year to ensure safety components are working as they should. You can read our guide to everything checked during a safety inspection here. 
• The second is your tampering inspection. This check (wrapped into your safety inspection) ensures your catalytic converter and other emissions components have not been tampered with to boost vehicle performance.
• The third is your emissions inspection. This check looks at your engine and sensors to help you catch and address harmful damage early. 

Emissions inspections are primarily checks of your OBD-II (or OBD2) system. OBD stands for onboard diagnostics. OBD2 is the most recent system of diagnostic codes—standard in all vehicles since 1996.

Emissions inspections check to ensure that your sensors, monitors, and dashboard lights all work as they should. It also requires that you complete any related repairs detected by your onboard diagnostics system. 

NC Emissions Inspection Failure

Most emissions inspection failures are caused by the check engine light. When your check engine light comes on, you should always bring your vehicle in for expert insight as soon as possible. While some drivers may ignore the light and hope for the best, it could be warning you of a detrimental issue to your vehicle or your safety. 

In addition to as-needed tests, the emissions inspection annually checks in on your engine and other components that could be causing your vehicle to run inefficiently. Before updated OBD technology, mechanics would have to manually test for troubles in the exhaust. Now, the internal sensors can measure the oxygen levels, temperature, mass air flow, and so much more. Two potential problems could lead to emissions inspection failure:

• Symptom problems: On occasion, your check engine lights could come on because you have a faulty sensor rather than an actual engine problem. In these cases, you simply need to treat the symptom of the issue by having your sensor repaired or replaced. 
• Source problems: Naturally, check engine lights can also indicate an issue somewhere in your engine. A professional mechanic can diagnose these troubles and work with you to create a repair plan. 

If your check engine light is on, you will need to address the cause of this light trigger before you can pass the emissions inspection. 

What Happens If I Fail My NC Emissions Inspection? 

So what happens when you fail your emissions inspection? Your next steps will depend on the reason(s) you failed. Let’s take a look at common causes of inspection failure and what you can do about it. 

Emissions Inspection Check Engine Light Failure

As mentioned above, the most common cause of emissions inspection failure is a check engine light or a related issue somewhere in your vehicle. While an inspection failure is not ideal, there are simple steps you can take to get back on track. 

First, you must schedule a repair, maintenance, or service visit to address the cause of the failure. Once it is ready, your mechanic will administer another emissions inspection. But what if your vehicle fails the second time? In these cases, you might qualify for a waiver from the DMV. To get a waiver, you will need to prove that you followed all of the necessary steps and attempted to address the problem with at least $200 in repairs.

“Not Ready” Emissions Inspection Failure

Some drivers fail their emissions inspections with a Not-Ready Rejection VIRS. Your OBD-II must have the sensors at the ready before a mechanic can complete the emissions inspection. While most vehicles become ready very easily, some have a hard time getting monitors to the “ready” state. 

If your vehicle returns too many “not ready” scan responses, you will receive a Not-Ready Rejection VIRS. In these cases, you will need to get your vehicle ready and return another day for an emissions inspection. For some drivers, this will require repairs to your OBD-II system. Other drivers may simply need a reset—which often happens while you drive normally for a couple of days. 

If you follow all of the proper steps and your vehicle is still returning a “not ready” response, you might qualify for a waiver from the DMV. 

Non-Communication Emissions Inspection Failure

Similar to the “not ready” failure, non-communication failure can occur when your sensors will not communicate with the scanning device. Rather than returning a “not ready” error, these failures occur when your vehicle returns no communication at all. 

This might happen if a new radio or security system has impacted the wiring, signals, or power in your vehicle. Other issues, such as sensor damage, recalls, or needed vehicle upgrades, can also lead to non-communication. 

In these cases, your mechanic will attempt to reach this communication at least three times. Unless you find a vehicle recall or recommended repair, the next step in non-communication failure is to make an appointment with the DMV.  They will provide further insights and use additional scan tools on your vehicle. If you passed your safety inspection and visual/tamper inspection, you might qualify for a waiver.

Do I Need an NC Emissions Inspection?

Emissions inspections are completed each year alongside the safety inspection for vehicles that do not qualify for an exemption. Exempt vehicles include:

• Antique vehicles
• Diesel-operated vehicles
• Registered farm vehicles
• Vehicles 20 years or older
• And, most commonly, light-duty vehicles less than 3-years old or with less than 70,000 miles

Additionally, these rules only apply to vehicles registered in a county that requires emissions testing.

Which Counties Require NC Emissions Inspections?

According to the NCDOT, emissions inspections are currently required in 22 North Carolina counties:

Annual Car Inspections Near Me | Chapel Hill Tire

If you are due for an annual inspection, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! We complete quick and convenient services that will get you in, out, and driving happy. The Chapel Hill Tire experienced auto service mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Apex, Durham, Raleigh, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

Are your headlights leaving you in the dark? Dim, dead, or fading headlights are both terrifying and dangerous for drivers. Without proper repairs, you could find yourself facing a variety of problems—from a failed annual car inspection to serious accidents on the road. The auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with a comprehensive look at dim headlights and what you can do about them. 

Headlight Problem 1: Burnt Out Bulb

The most common problem that faces headlights is dim, dying, or burnt-out bulbs. Thankfully, this also comes with the most simple solution: bulb replacement. Much like the lightbulbs in your home, headlight bulbs need to be replaced every once in a while. 

Headlight bulbs might need to be replaced more frequently if you tend to leave your headlights on during the day or if you regularly drive at night. For example, your bulbs might burn out more often if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or delivery jobs in the evenings. Older vehicles that have never had bulb replacements are also ticking time bombs for burnt-out headlights.

How can you tell when you need new headlight bulbs? In addition to noticing your headlights looking dimmer than usual, you can check for a burnt-out bulb with a few simple steps. Simply park your vehicle in a safe space and turn on your headlights.  Then, step out of your car and check to ensure that both headlights are bright and functioning. When you notice one or both lights starting to dim, bring your car in for a bulb replacement service.

Headlight Problem 2: Lens Oxidation 

Some drivers are surprised to learn that headlight dimming is not always caused by burnt-out bulbs. In fact, the lenses themselves may be to blame. Headlight lenses—the plastic pieces that cover the bulbs—are often made out of acrylic. This material is known for chemically reacting with the sun’s UV rays. Over time, your lenses can become oxidized—leading to a foggy, cloudy, or yellowed lens appearance. The opaque shade caused by oxidation does not let as much light pass through as clear lenses. This will leave your headlights looking dim, even if you have brand-new bulbs.

The solution here is simple: headlight restoration service. Using professional-grade tools and experience, your mechanic can address lens oxidation and help protect your headlights from future troubles. You can read our full guide to headlight restoration service here. 

Headlight Problem 3: Wiring Troubles

Your headlight bulb is illuminated by an array of electrical components. In most vehicles, this includes a wiring harness and a fuse. These components provide the power needed to fuel your headlights. Wiring troubles can cause your headlights to dim, misfire, or stop working entirely. Wiring troubles are rare, but not unheard of. They also become more likely if you have tampered with your headlights recently or attempted any DIY repairs. 

This headlight repair will depend on the exact nature of your wiring troubles. You may need a wiring adjustment, a new wiring harness, a replacement fuse, or another electrical repair. An experienced mechanic can diagnose your headlight troubles and work with you to create a repair plan. 

Headlight Problem 4: LEDs vs. Incandescent Bulbs

Have you ever driven past someone with blinding headlights? Even without the brights on, some LED headlights can seem much brighter than traditional versions. As such, if you are driving with traditional incandescent bulbs, you might begin to think your headlights seem dim in comparison. 

Why are LED headlights so bright? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lights can appear brighter than incandescent bulbs without providing any extra light. Why? Traditional headlights have a softer, warmer, sometimes even yellowish hue. Meanwhile, LED lights emit a sharp white light with bluish tones. This color is harsher on the eyes, and it contrasts more starkly with the darkness of the night. As such, LED headlights can seem much brighter than incandescent bulbs—even when producing the same amount of light.

Of course, the brightness of a headlight will depend on other factors, including the vehicle make/model, the headlight lenses, the headlight shape, and more. Overall, the jury is still out on the effects of LED headlights. 

• The pros: Some drivers favor the energy efficiency and longevity of LEDs. Others believe they may also provide more visibility on the road for drivers, even in cases where they do not produce extra light. 
• The cons: Those opposed to LED headlights suggest that they cause more harm than good by creating a glare for other drivers, which could cause accidents and eye strain. 

Regardless of your stance on LED bulbs, you can speak to your mechanic about alternative bulbs available for your vehicle if you are interested in brighter options. 

Headlight Problem 5: Setting Configuration

Vehicles today often have several different lighting options for drivers to choose from. If you find that your headlights are too dim or have stopped working, take a moment to double-check your settings. Most new headlights adjust automatically unless they are otherwise configured. As such, many drivers “set it and forget it.” When an accidental bump or guest driver adjusts your lighting, you might not think to check the setting configuration.

While it might seem obvious, there is a chance that you have your fog lights on instead of your standard headlights. In these cases, a simple adjustment of your headlight settings should get them working again.

Headlight Repair at Chapel Hill Tire

When your headlights are leaving you in the dark, Chapel Hill Tire’s experienced auto mechanics can help. We offer all of the services needed to get your headlights working like new again—including bulb replacement, headlight restoration, and wiring services. Our mechanics are available through our 11 locations across the greater Triangle area, including Raleigh, Apex, Carrboro, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill.

If you don’t have time to visit a mechanic, we will come to you! Our pick-up and delivery service makes it easy to give your headlights the care they need. Make your appointment here online, or give your nearest Chapel Hill tire a call today to get started!

We have all been there—you notice a tire looking flat when you find a small nail or screw embedded in the rubber. So why do nails consistently puncture tires? How can you tell when your tire has a leak, and what should you do about it? The automotive mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to answer all of your questions about tire patching and flat repairs. 

How Do Nails and Screws End Up In Tires?

One common question we get from customers is, “How do screws puncture tires?” Whether from roadside construction or tool-filled trucks, nails and screws end up on the road far too often. What confuses drivers most is how they end up in tires. You might think your tire would roll over nails and screws on the road—so why is this such a common problem? There are a few reasons why tires and nails so often clash on the road:

• Road shoulders: Nails and other hazards often live on the shoulders of the roads. If you pull over or veer off course for even a moment, your tire is likely to find a hazard waiting. Additionally, nails on the bumpy shoulder of a road do not lay very flat, making it easier to penetrate your tire. 
• Tires kicking up nails: Nails can find your front tires after being kicked up by a vehicle in front of you. Driving with a little extra distance between cars can help keep your vehicle protected from these kinds of hazards. Meanwhile, nails can easily find your back tires after being kicked up by your front tires. 
• Driveways and side streets: Nails can be surprisingly common in driveways—especially when visiting a home that was recently renovated. Your tires might also be more prone to obstructions if you live in an area with lots of construction. 

How Can You Tell If Your Tire Has a Screw or Nail Puncture?

When you begin experiencing tire issues, it can be hard to pinpoint the source of the problem—especially if you are not a professional mechanic. You might find yourself wondering, “Does my tire have a nail in it, or is it something worse?” Here are some clear indicators that you have a nail or screw in your tire: 

• Persistent low tire pressure: The most obvious indication of a punctured tire is persistent low tire pressure. Low tire pressure is common as your tires naturally lose air over time. This is especially true in the winter months when the air inside your tires compresses. However, if you fill your tire with air and find that the low tire pressure light quickly returns—you likely have a puncture in your tire.
• Visual inspection: It is a good idea to give your tires a quick look over every once in a while. Regular visual checks can help you spot uneven tire wear, low tire tread depth, low tire pressure, and tire obstructions. Finding these issues early can help you avoid safety hazards on the road and larger vehicle repairs. Keep an eye out for low tire pressure and tire punctures when giving your tires a routine visual inspection. 
• Professional insight: Your mechanics often pay careful attention to your vehicle when completing routine maintenance. Experience combined with attention to detail makes it easy for them to spot issues right away—such as tire punctures. 
• The soap test: So you think you have a nail in your tire—how can you confirm your suspicions? Spray the tire in question with a healthy amount of soapy water. As the nail lets air out of your tire, it will begin creating bubbles in the mixture. 

What Should You Do When You Have a Nail In Your Tire?

The low tire pressure created by tire punctures can lead to tire damage, low gas mileage, bent rims, and dangerous vehicle handling troubles. Additionally, you may fail your car inspection if your tires are not in tip-top shape. So what can you do when you have a nail in your tire? There are a few possible solutions you can turn to:

Professional Tire Patching Service

The best possible solution is to bring your vehicle to an expert for patching service. A professional can quickly find the puncture, remove the nail/screw, patch your tire, and refill your tire with air. This service provides a reliable repair without any of the hassles or risks associated with the alternative solutions. How much does professional tire patching cost? At Chapel Hill Tire, our local tire patching flat repair services are just $25. 

DIY Tire Patching

Some drivers attempt DIY patching, but this is not the best solution for most drivers. Many of these patch kits can cost as much as professional service, and it can be easy to damage the tire while attempting a patch. Not to mention, the patching process can be physically challenging and it often completely empties the air out of your tire—leaving drivers with a tire too flat to bring in for a refill. If you end up having to tow your vehicle, you will find yourself facing a much larger bottom line than the money you saved on a tire patch kit. 

Fix-a-Flat

Pressurized tire patches like Fix-a-Flat and other synthetic solutions can fix tire punctures from nails, but they come with their own set of risks and considerations. Most severely, they have been linked to risks of tire pressure monitoring sensor damage. Additionally, the sealant can create trouble when you need future tire services, which could result in premature tire replacement and extra labor costs. Much like tire patches, these solutions often cost just as much as professional tire patching, so you can save some trouble and money by turning to the experts. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Patching and Flat Repair Services

When you find a nail in your tire, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help! Our local mechanics have the tools and experience needed to get your tire fixed in no time. Best of all, we offer coupons, deals, and special discounts for our customers. With our everyday low and transparent prices, you can get affordable, high-quality tire flat repairs without any surprises. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

After buying a new car, you might want to go the extra mile to keep it protected. One of the solutions that drivers often turn to is wheel locks. Unfortunately, wheel locks often do more harm than good for drivers. So what are wheel locks? Do you need a wheel lock key? Chapel Hill Tire is here with the answers to all of your wheel lock questions. 

What is a Wheel Lock Key?

So what exactly is a wheel lock? Wheel locks are redesigned lug nuts for tires that contain theft-deterring sockets. They function just like standard lug nuts except they can only be removed with a wheel lock key. 

What is a wheel lock key? Wheel lock keys are special sockets that match the unique pattern on your wheel lock. Without your wheel lock key, the tire, rim, and wheel cannot be easily removed. 

Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft. They are commonly confused with wheel chock locks and wheel lock clamps, which act as a tire “boot” to prevent vehicle theft. 

The History of Wheel Locks

Wheel locks and wheel lock keys were invented by McGard in the early 1960s. At the time, wheel, rim, and tire theft were widespread—especially for dealerships. Dealers often protected their car lots by installing one wheel lock on each tire. Unfortunately, the cars were often sold without the wheel lock key needed to change, replace, or rotate tires. This would chain drivers to their dealership for tire service. 

Thankfully, wheel, tire, and rim theft is no longer a prevailing problem. Additionally, in the unfortunate case of tire theft, most criminals have the right tools on their side—including a specialty wheel lock socket.

What Happens if You Lose Your Wheel Lock Key?

Can you replace a lost wheel lock key? If you have the code to your key, a dealer or manufacturer can replace the key. Additionally, if you know the brand, make, or model of your wheel lock, you can often order a replacement key online. Otherwise, you will have to pay to have your wheel lock removed by a professional.

How do mechanics remove a wheel lock without a key? Occasionally, your auto mechanics will have a key that matches your wheel lock. However, it is impossible to maintain all of the possible key combinations in any given shop. As such, they often use special sockets that dig into the metal to grip the outside of the wheel lock to twist it off.

When removing a wheel lock without a key, it is easy for inexperienced professionals to damage the wheel. As such, it is important to bring your vehicle to a car mechanic you trust. 

The Pros and Cons of Wheel Locks

Pros of wheel locks:

• Wheel locks can prevent wheel theft for vehicles with high risk. 
• These installations may help give you peace of mind if you find yourself worried about tire theft.

Cons of wheel locks:

• Your tire replacements, rim straightening, tire rotations, rim guard installation, and other car appointments may take much longer as mechanics grapple with your wheel locks.
• A misplaced key can make it impossible to change a flat tire in the case of an emergency.
• Roadside assistance does not always have the right tools for wheel locks, which would require you to tow your vehicle. 
• Wheel locks often do not provide much protection due to low risk and potential workarounds for tire theft. 

Are Wheel Locks Necessary?

For most drivers, wheel locks are unnecessary and will likely cause you more harm than good. However, you might benefit from wheel locks in a small variety of situations, including:

• If you live in an area where tire, rim, or wheel theft is common. 
• If you are worried about custom, expensive, or specialty rims being stolen. 
• If you plan to leave your car sitting outdoors and unprotected in areas with low foot traffic for extended periods of time. 

While most drivers are safe without wheel locks—if you choose to install them on your vehicle, make sure you keep the key with you at all times. Otherwise, you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road without any way to change your flat. 

Chapel Hill Tire Mechanic Services

Chapel Hill Tire is your source for automotive service, insight, and all things tire-related. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our mechanic locations in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Cary, and Carrboro. Chapel Hill Tire mechanics also serve drivers from surrounding areas, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can review our variety of car repair services here, or make your appointment online to get started today!

Is your car battery struggling to start this summer? If so, you are not alone. The summer heat can destroy your vehicle’s battery from the inside out—leaving you stranded. So how can you keep your car battery protected? Here is a look at battery heat protection from your local mechanics here at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Why Do Batteries Fail in the Summer?

The summer heat is notorious for killing car batteries. So why do batteries die in the summer? The heat can create a perfect storm for battery trouble, with several stressors working simultaneously:

• Internal evaporation: Your car battery relies on electrolytes (typically water and sulfuric acid) to fuel its internal chemical process. These vital liquids begin to evaporate in the summer heat. Without these fluids, your battery will inevitably begin to fail. 
• Corrosion: High heat and liquid evaporation also accelerate natural battery corrosion and oxidation.
• Sulfation: After every battery recharge, small amounts of lead sulfate remain on the lead plates found in most batteries (this process is called sulfation). The heat can also accelerate sulfation, which leads to battery failure.
• Overcharged batteries: The heat can cause your battery charging system to malfunction, overcharging your battery. Much like all of your electronics, overcharging can lower the lifespan of your battery.

Beyond the Summer: Lasting Car Battery Troubles

The damage of the summer heat will stay with your car battery long after the weather cools down. In fact, the summer heat is often responsible for battery failure in the winter. Many car batteries die in the winter—and drivers mistakenly blame the cold weather. But the cold temperatures do not actually damage your battery. 

To be fair, the cold does cause your car battery to lose some of its power by slowing down its electrochemical process. It also makes your vehicle require a little extra charge to get started due to the cold slow-moving engine oil. However, your battery will structurally remain unaffected by the cold, and a healthy battery can handle these challenges with ease. So even if your car battery survives through the summer, a heat-damaged battery will likely fail when facing the challenges of the winter season. 

How to Protect Your Car Battery From The Heat

Thankfully, there are some quick and easy steps you can take to keep your car safe from the heat. Here are 9 tips for protecting your car battery during the summer:

Battery Car Care Tip 1: Garage parking

When possible, park your car in the garage. While garages are often not cooled by air conditioning, they help your car beat the heat by keeping it away from the sun. Your garage can also help protect your car from other hazards, such as catalytic converter theft and pollen—so it is best to make use of your garage whenever you can.

Battery Car Care Tip 2: Parking in the shade

When an enclosed garage is not available, your next best option is shade. Trees, buildings, and other shade providers can keep your vehicle from facing direct sunlight, which the EPA reports can leave surfaces 20-45℉ cooler than unshaded surfaces. Consider parking underneath a shaded area, when possible. 

Battery Car Care Tip 3: Car covers

Similar to garage and shade parking, you can keep your car protected from the heat with an all-weather vehicle cover. These covers will work to deflect heat and protect your car from the effects of UV rays. It is best to put this cover on after giving your car time to cool down or dry off so it does not trap in any heat or moisture.

Battery Car Care Tip 4: Watch out for corrosion

Corrosion on your battery can quickly drain its power and shorten its lifespan. It can also prevent your battery from sending electrical signals to your engine. If you see your battery corroding, check with a mechanic to see if cleaning or replacing your terminal ends will help. If not, you may be due for a battery replacement.

Battery Car Care Tip 5: Mind your car battery usage

No matter the time of year, you can overextend your car battery by leaving lights on, chargers plugged in, or using vehicle features (like the radio) when your engine is off. While you are driving, your alternator takes over some of the work involved in powering these features. However, after you turn off your engine, this work falls back on your battery. While you might like to sit in your air-conditioned car and listen to the radio or talk on the phone after turning off your engine, doing this excessively can shorten your battery lifespan. You should also double-check to ensure that you unplug your chargers and turn off your lights after each usage. 

Battery Car Care Tip 6: Radiator fluid flush

Your radiator is responsible for keeping your engine cool, which protects your car parts (like your battery) from overheating. Your battery will face worsened heat damage without a properly functioning radiator. Not to mention, you can risk costly car problems and even complete engine failure without your radiator. As such, it is essential that you make sure you are up-to-date on your radiator maintenance flushes. 

Battery Car Care Tip 7: Starting system check

When your starting system is due for care, it will require more power and energy to function. A failing alternator will also not recharge your battery as you drive. This can put more stress and strain on your car battery. If you think something is amiss in your starting system, bring it in for a test/check. It is also helpful to keep a jump-starting pack or jumper cables in your car—just in case. Here is our 8-step guide to jump-starting your car.

Battery Car Care Tip 8: Check your water levels

Some batteries contain a water level indicator that tells you how much evaporation your battery has faced. While your battery is sealed and you cannot refill it, knowing your battery is low on water can help you prolong its lifespan by being extra mindful of heat exposure. It can also allow you to get a car battery replacement before you are left stranded with a dead car battery.  (You can also keep an eye out for these 4 signs you are almost due for a battery replacement).

Battery Car Care Tip 9: Smart driving patterns

Your alternator recharges your battery as you drive. If you leave your car dormant for extended periods, it will drain your battery and shorten its lifespan. Similarly, short stop-and-go trips will use more power than your battery can replenish. You can protect your battery and prolong its lifespan by taking the scenic route every once in a while as you run errands. 

Chapel Hill Tire Vehicle Battery Replacement Services

The local auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you with all of your car battery needs! Whether you need a new car battery, replacement terminal ends, or another starting system service, we have you covered. 

Are you stranded with a dead car battery? Our mechanics will come to you! With our vehicle pick-up and delivery mechanic services, the Chapel Hill Tire experts will come to your home or work, jump-start your battery, and bring it back to our shop for a replacement—no AAA fee required. 
Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Apex. We also commonly serve drivers from nearby cities, such as Cary, Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Knightdale, and beyond! You can explore our coupons page, make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today!