Do I Need a Tire Alignment?

While plenty of vehicle issues are easy to spot, some can be harder to detect than others. Misalignment in your wheels is one problem that is often difficult to spot, but it can cause your tires to wear unevenly and lead to larger vehicle issues as a whole. But how can you be sure when you need to have your wheels aligned? Here are the tell-tale signs that you are due for a tire alignment.

Recent Car Accident

If you were recently involved in a car accident, chances are you need a wheel alignment in addition to your expected vehicle repairs. The impact of an accident often shifts the alignment of your tires, be this shift subtle or highly disruptive. Even subtle shifts can lead to costly tire or steering system damage down the road. You should have your car inspected following even a minor fender bender to ensure that your vehicle has not incurred any structural damage.

Steering Wheel Vibration

Vibrations in your steering wheel are often a direct reflection of a tire issue. You may need tire balancing, wheel alignment, or another vehicle service to correct the source of these steering vibrations. When tires are pointed in different directions they can cause conflict and a pulling back and forth between the two separate courses. Aligning your wheels to be evenly facing is an ideal way to smooth and protect your steering system as a whole.

Vehicle and Steering Wheel Pull

Do you ever feel your vehicle or steering wheel pulling to one side during a drive? These could be a clear sign of an alignment issue. When your tires are not set up straight, your wheels (and thereby your steering wheel) will be led in the direction of your tires. This can make driving more difficult to manage. Similarly, you might also find that to drive straight down the road you need to hold your steering wheel at an angle. If these symptoms arise in your vehicle, have it inspected by a professional as early as possible to prevent an accident from occurring when your vehicle drifts.

Uneven Wear in Tire Tread

Uneven wear in your tire tread might be the clearest indicator of misaligned tires. If you find that the tread on some of your tires or certain parts of your tires wears out more quickly than others, you may be due for a tire alignment. This is caused by the fact that misaligned tires can put added stress on affected areas of your wheels. This uneven tread will lead to more frequently needed tire replacements, the costs of which can add up quickly.

Take Your Vehicle in for Expert Input

Perhaps the most solid sign that you are due for a tire alignment is advice from your professional mechanic. They have diagnostic tools and automotive knowledge tp determine the source of vehicle issues, be they misaligned tires or another culprit. Make careful note of the issues that you are experiencing. If you are worried about the cost of vehicle services, partner with a mechanic network that offers transparent pricing and coupon discounts. It is better to pay upfront for a reasonable repair than to face the costs of more expensive damage down the road.

Visit Chapel Hill Tire | Local Mechanics

If you think you might need a tire alignment, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! With transparent prices, helpful technicians, and 8 convenient Triangle-are locations, you can get the help you need to put your car (and its tires) back on the right track. If you need new tires, not to worry! You will find the best tire prices here thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee. Contact your local Chapel Hill Tire location to make an appointment today!

Chapel Hill Tire Opens New Shop At Crabtree Valley Mall

Our second Raleigh location is our 8th overall

It took 65 years for Chapel Hill Tire to open our first shop in Raleigh. Founded in 1953, we arrived in North Carolina’s capital city in 2018 with the purchase of Atlantic Avenue Tire and Service, in the Millbrook area. After earning 30% growth in our first year, co-owners Marc and Britt Pons felt we could build on that success with a second store.

“We are a values-based local company that is motivated to do great work under the hood to make life better for the person behind the wheel,” says company president Marc Pons. Online appointment scheduling, free shuttle service, a best-in-the-industry 36,000 mile warranty on all service, and employees who are always working to find a way to say ‘yes’ to our customers, are just some of the ways we live our values. Plus, our Price Beat Guarantee makes sure we always have the lowest price on new tires, so that our customers know they can count on us to deliver great value.”

Located at Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 4000, in a car repair shop that had been vacant for a while, Chapel Hill Tire’s new shop opened on January 2nd. “We’ve spent the past few months refurbishing and upfitting the location,” says Pons, “as well as hiring a great team of technicians and service advisors. We are ready to go and excited to get started.”

How Does Cold Weather Affect Brakes?

While your brake health is important year-round, worn brakes can be especially dangerous during the winter season. Because your brakes are essential to keeping you safe while on the road, the New Year is an ideal time to check your brake pads. Is your car ready for the cooler weather? 

How Do Brake Pads Work?

Have you ever wondered how your vehicle can go from traveling at 70+ miles per hour to a complete stop at just the touch of your foot? This outstanding process is made possible by your vehicle’s braking system. The purpose of your brake pads is to provide the friction that it takes to slow and stop vehicular movement. Most brake pads are made of buffer material and durable metals like steel. When you press your foot to the brakes, your brake pads press against the turning rotor, which then slows and stops the wheels. Over time, this friction wears down on your brake pads, which is why they need regular replacements to stay in good working order. When there is little to no material left on your brake pads, your braking system does not have the buffer it needs to smoothly and effectively slow and stop the turning rotors.

How Frequently Do I Need New Brakes?

The cadence of brake pad replacements depends largely on your vehicle usage, your braking patterns, your tires, and the brand of brake pads you have. Your need for new brake pads can also be impacted by the climate of the area you live in, the road conditions, and the season. Generally, a brake pad begins with about 12 millimeters of friction material. You should have them replaced when 3 or 4 millimeters remain. For a more general estimate, the average brake pad change should happen every 50,000 miles. If you need help gauging whether or not you are due for new brake pads or getting your replacement completed, contact the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Brake Function During Winter Weather

The colder weather and challenging road conditions can be especially taxing on your braking system. Because it is more difficult to slow and stop on icy roads, your brakes have to work harder to operate successfully. This can cause your system to wear more quickly in the winter. During the colder seasons, it is especially important that your brakes are in good health for these same reasons. Ignoring brake pad issues can result in damage to your braking system or can cause you to get in an accident when your vehicle has a difficult time stopping. This is why regular brake inspections and brake pad replacements are essential for keeping your vehicle functioning as it should and keeping you safe while on the road. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire

If you are in need of new brakes to prepare for the winter weather, visit the experts at Chapel Hill Tire! With 8 Triangle-area locations, our professional mechanics proudly serve Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Schedule an appointment with the Chapel Hill Tire specialists today to get started!

The Warmest April We’ve Ever Known

Meet April Thompson, one of our community’s most remarkable people.

For meeting needs big and small, she has the will to find a way

We started a new holiday tradition here a couple of years ago. We call it The 12 Days of Christmas, and it’s our way to honor some truly wonderful people in the Chapel Hill area. After asking members of the community to nominate one of their heroes to receive $1,000 in free car care, we choose the 12 people whose stories of service and triumph moved us most. That’s how we met April Thompson.

It all started after a major storm

April has an inspiring commitment to providing support and resources to people in need. After Hurricane Matthew devastated parts of  central and coastal North Carolina with heavy rains and flooding, she founded Orange County Strong N.C. to help.

“I woke up one morning and said, ‘I have to do something,’” Thompson said. “They have no water, they have no resources. I decided to start by filling my personal vehicle full of supplies to take down.”

Day after day, Thompson brought food, water and other resources to those most affected by the hurricane. Not once did her faith waver. 

A hurricane is a big, dramatic event, but there are so many small storms, and so many ways that a flood of events can overwhelm us. So, April has continued the work of Orange County Strong, focusing on helping people all over the Chapel Hill and Orange County areas.

“We’re just a group of people in the community, not a nonprofit,” Thompson said.

And it continues in a lasting legacy of compassion

With this group of people, April collected enough donations to heat the home of a single mother in the depths of winter. She funded a headstone for a veteran’s grave. She collects backpacks filled with school supplies for local schools. Last Christmas, she helped 84 families put gifts under the tree.

“It’s a labor of love. It’s not easy, it’s very stressful at times,” Thompson said. “At the end of the day, it is the one thing I’m most proud of in my life.” 

The work of Orange County Strong may have started in 2016, but the love has much deeper roots.

“I just grew up with a good family —a very good family — and I was always taught to give back to people in need and to never forget where you came from,” Thompson said.

In 2016, her father, a Hillsborough native and community servant himself, passed away. From then on, it was Thompson’s mission to honor her father’s legacy by continuing what he started. 

As she carries this legacy forward, her big heart imprints the value of compassion on our entire community. From the bottom of our hearts, April, we are honored to celebrate you.

Chapel Hill Tire Crabtree Is Now Open

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are proud to announce that our newest location in Raleigh is now open. We are excited about this new journey as we extend our services to the Crabtree area. Schedule your service appointment with the experts of Chapel Hill Tire of Crabtree today!

Automotive Repair Convenience

The Chapel Hill Tire experts strive to provide quick and convenient service to drivers in the Triangle. When you partner with Chapel Hill Tire of Crabtree, you will never have to wait around for service. Instead, our experts will shuttle you to Crabtree Valley Mall, where you can get your shopping done while we service your vehicle. If you do decide to wait in our shop for your car, you can enjoy our wide variety of advanced amenities. This takes the stress and hassle out of vehicle service. 

Tire Distributor Raleigh

Are you looking for an excellent price on new tires? Chapel Hill Tire of Crabtree offers the lowest prices on new tires in Raleigh. We know our prices are the lowest thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee. Bring our experts a competitor’s tire estimate and we will beat it by 10%. This is in addition to our everyday low tire prices. You can rest assured that you are getting the best prices on your tires when you shop at Chapel Hill Tire Crabtree.

Services Offered

While our name promotes our advanced tire specialty, Chapel Hill Tire Crabtree is a full-service automotive shop. Here you can find any standard vehicle service that you may need. Our services include:

• Vehicle Inspections in Raleigh
• Headlight Services
• Raleigh Wheel Alignment
• Local Oil Changes
• Tire Repair and Services
• Vehicle Diagnostics
• Raleigh Brake Repair
• Maintenance Flushes

These and other services are available at your local Chapel Hill Tire. We even offer a wide range of service coupons to make our everyday prices even lower. For full details and pricing for all of our Raleigh vehicle services, visit our site today or call the experts at Chapel Hill Tire Crabtree.

Why Choose Chapel Hill Tire

The Chapel Hill Tire system has grown to great heights thanks to our experienced, knowledgeable mechanics and outstanding customer loyalty. We build this trust with our customers thanks to our reliable service and dedication to the drivers we serve. Our experts provide transparency with our services and prices, and we treat every customer like a part of the Chapel Hill Tire family. 

Where is Chapel Hill Tire Crabtree Located?

If you are looking for a mechanic on Glenwood, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. You can find our new Raleigh location at  4325 Glenwood Avenue, STE. 4000 Raleigh, NC 27612. Reach our vehicle service experts by phone at (919) 636-4109. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire Crabtree

Make an appointment with the Crabtree experts at Chapel Hill Tire. Our Raleigh mechanic shop is open six days a week at the following times:

• Monday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Tuesday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Wednesday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Thursday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Friday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Saturday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Schedule your appointment today to get started! We look forward to seeing you here at our newest Chapel Hill Tire location. 

New and Affordable Tires in Raleigh

Are you in need of a new set of tires? The Raleigh experts of Chapel Hill Tire make buying your new tires easy and affordable. Learn more here about how our specialists can help you get the best prices on new tires in Raleigh.

Raleigh Tire Finder

Every vehicle and driver are different, which is why tires are not as one-size-fits-all as they may seem. Do you need help finding the perfect tires for your vehicle and your driving patterns? The Raleigh Tire Shopping Tool from Chapel Hill Tire can help! Simply enter basic information about your vehicle and your tire preferences and our system will show you which tires are best for your vehicle. If you are still unsure of which tires are right for you, our Raleigh tire experts can help guide you through your vehicle’s ideal tire options to find what meets your needs and your budget. 

Price Beat Guarantee

You might be wondering, “Where can I get the lowest prices on new tires in Raleigh?” Chapel Hill Tire is here for you. Thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee, we can ensure that our tire prices are the lowest in Raleigh. If you find a tire estimate that is lower than our prices, we will beat it by 10%. However, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire work to ensure that our everyday prices low, so you will not need to run around collecting estimates to feel confident in your purchase at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Tire Repair

If you are experiencing a minor issue with your tires, a full replacement may not be needed to resolve your tire troubles. Our tire experts will work with your vehicle to see if your issue can be solved with an expert tire repair instead of a replacement. The tire services and wheel services at Chapel Hill Tire include:

• Flat Repair
• Tire Balance
• Tire Rotation
• Wheel Alignment
• Alignment Inspections
• Wheel Straightening
• Rim Repair

Proper tire and wheel care can help you save money on new tire replacement. If you are wondering whether or not you need tire services, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location in Raleigh for an expert consultation. 

Full-Service Auto Repair

At Chapel Hill Tire in Raleigh, you can find so much more than just tires. Our automotive experts offer full-service automotive repairs. Here is what you can expect from your local Raleigh mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire:

• Battery services
• Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
• Maintenance Flushes
• Oil Changes
• Brake Services
• Vehicle Diagnostics
• Air Filter Change
• A/C Service
• Vehicle Inspections

If you are looking for affordable vehicle services in Raleigh, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire work to keep our prices competitive and transparent for our customers. On top of our everyday low prices, you can also find a promotion or coupon for your next vehicle service in Raleigh at Chapel Hill Tire.

Visit Chapel Hill Tire in Raleigh

The Chapel Hill Tire network has eight Triangle-area locations, two of which are conveniently located in Raleigh. You can find our Atlantic Avenue location at 2131 Harrod St. Raleigh, NC 27604, and our soon-to-open Crabtree location is in the Crabtree Valley Mall vicinity. Schedule an appointment today with our Raleigh automotive experts to get started. We look forward to serving your car and tire needs here at Chapel Hill Tire in Raleigh.

Passport Motors Joins Chapel Hill Tire

Two long-standing Franklin Street businesses combine to ensure continued access to high-quality car care in downtown Chapel Hill

Responding to a change in plans by his landlord, Passport Motors owner Jim Youngman closed his shop at 600 West Franklin Street back in early December. Without missing a beat, Jim and his master technician, Johnny Feathers, moved into their new location, just down the block, in the Chapel Hill Tire shop at 502 West Franklin Street.

“About a year ago,” said Youngman, “our landlord informed us that they were selling the building. We immediately started looking for a new location, and after carefully considering all of our options, we chose to join the team at Chapel Hill Tire. They’re a great company that’s been in business in Chapel Hill since 1953. There’s a reason they’ve been around so long, it’s the reason they’re growing and expanding throughout the Triangle area, and it’s the reason we’re moving in with them. They take great care of their customers, they take great care of the people who work there, and they do great work. We couldn’t be happier.”

“Passport Motors has built a well-deserved reputation as the go-to shop for owners of European cars, especially Volkswagens and Audis” said Marc Pons, president and co-owner with his brother, Britt, of Chapel Hill Tire. “So, from the moment Jim mentioned his need to find a new location, I was hoping he’d choose to come here. We are a values-driven company that is built on the idea that happy employees create happy customers. We strive for excellence, always say ‘yes’ to the customer, and always look for ways that we and our customers can win together. Jim and Johnny’s expertise, the quality of their work, and their concern for their customers make them a great fit for us.”

“Jim and Johnny will only be working at our West Franklin Street shop,” said Pons. “You can make an appointment with them at chapelhilltire.com, just specify the West Franklin Street location and tell us in the notes that you’d like to have them do your work. Or, you can just give us a call at (919) 967-7092. They’ll be here to welcome you when you drop off your car, and our free shuttle service will be here to take you where you need to go next – and pick you up when your car is ready. We look forward to being your go-to car care resource for many years to come.”

Audi, BMW, and Volvo Service Specialists

It is no secret that some vehicles are more difficult to service than others, which can lead to longer wait times and more expensive repairs for the owners of foreign vehicle brands. The specialists at Chapel Hill Tire work hard to keep our prices transparent and our services convenient for all customers. With the acquisition of Passport Motors, the Chapel Hill Tire team has added to our years of experience comprehensively caring for cars in the Triangle. This new team of experts is well attuned to the needs of all vehicles, but provides a specialty in the unique needs of Audi, BMW, Volvo, and other luxury European vehicle services and repairs. Learn more here about how you can get your Audi, Volvo, and BMW vehicle serviced in Chapel Hill with the team at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Oil Change and Engine Protection

Regular oil changes are necessary no matter what type of vehicle you have. By partnering with an expert who knows your vehicle, the oil change process becomes more efficient, making Chapel Hill Tire the right choice for Volvo, Audi, and BMW drivers. We can also help you take additional steps to protect your engine with a maintenance flush. The Chapel Hill Tire maintenance flush offerings include:

• Coolant Flush
• Front Differential Fluid Service
• Rear Differential Fluid Service
• Transfer Case Full Synthetic Fluid Service
• Fuel Injection Service
• Transmission Fluid Flush
• 4×4 Driveline Service
• Manual Transmission Full Synthetic Fluid Service
• Engine Performance Restoration (EPR)
• Brake Fluid Flush
• Power Steering Flush

By giving your engine the care it needs, you can keep it running like it did the day you bought it. 

Tire Repair and Replacement

Tires can be expensive to replace, especially when your vehicle is an Audi, BMW, or Volvo. This is why it is important to partner with a mechanic that is familiar with your vehicle and ready to beat the dealership prices. When it is time for a tire replacement, Chapel Hill Tire’s Price Beat Guarantee lets you know that you are getting the best price on new tires in Chapel Hill. Bring us an estimate from your dealership or tire provider, and we will beat their lowest price by 10%. 

Our experts also have the tools and experience needed to complete essential tire repairs such as flat repair, tire rotation, tire balancing, rim repair, and more! This can help you keep your tires protected for as long as possible.

Brake Services

Keep your vehicle protected on the road with proper brake services. Keeping your brake pads in good working order is essential for helping you slow and stop safely. With the proper brake pad replacements for all vehicles, including BMW, Volvo, and Audi, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help you inspect your brakes and determine when they are due for a replacement. 

Diagnostics and System Services

With the latest technology used by brands like BMW, Audi, and Volvo, your system may need service or updating. Our experts have the diagnostic tools needed to detect any issues with your vehicle before they become costly problems. We can also check to ensure your internal system workings are operating as they should. When you sense a problem with your vehicle, bring it to the experts at Chapel Hill Tire for proper, attentive care. 

Chapel Hill Tire Service

For these and other Volvo, Audi, and BMW vehicle services in the Triangle, Chapel Hill Tire is the place for you. You can find eight Chapel Hill Tire locations throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. To meet the experts at Passport Motors, visit the Chapel Hill Tire on West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Schedule your vehicle service appointment here today to get started!

Is My Car Ready for Winter?

The holiday season serves as a reminder of the winter weather ahead. Whether you are planning on taking a holiday road trip or preparing for winter storms, here is what you need to know about cold weather vehicle services, brought to you by a Triangle mechanic expert. 

Tire Tread

Perhaps the most prominent winter weather vehicle hazard is worn tires. Your tire tread provides the friction needed to safely stop, slow, and control your vehicle’s movements. You can test your tread depth by sticking the top of a penny into your tire with Lincoln’s head facing downward. Once it passes the top of Lincoln’s head is exposed, it is time to visit the shop for tire replacements. If the tread on your vehicle tires is thinning, pre-winter weather is the best time to visit a shop for a consultation and tire replacement. 

Battery Care

Harsh winter weather is known for depleting car battery charge, which means that proper battery service is an essential part of your winter care routine. Keep a set of jumping cables or a battery pack in your car to prepare for an emergency. If your battery terminal ends are bad or you are due for a battery replacement, bring your vehicle in before you get stuck in the winter weather. 

Car Heater Services

When the temperatures drop, you want to know that you will be able to stay warm with a working car heater. If your heater is experiencing problems this season, bring it into a professional before the weather turns severe. This will give you enough time to get the care you need before the peak winter season.

Brake Checks

Making sure your brakes are in good shape is essential to keeping your vehicle stopping safely, especially during winter weather. If your brake pads are worn down, the will not be able to provide the friction you need to slow and stop safely. You can also take extra measures to prepare your brakes for the winter weather with a brake fluid flush. Are you unsure of whether or not your vehicle needs brake services? It is always better safe than sorry when it comes to your vehicle’s braking system. Read our guide on when to change your brake pads here. If you are still unsure, bring it in for a visual or comprehensive brake inspection. 

Do I Need Snow Tires?

Snow tires are a popular way to prepare your vehicle for cold weather. However, these tires are an investment that you should first ensure that you need. Evaluate the projected winter weather patterns in your area and how frequently you will need to drive in the inclement conditions. If you are still unsure of whether or not you need snow tires, contact a local tire professional for expert insight. 

Chapel Hill Tire Winter Car Care

If you need vehicle service to prepare your car for winter, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. Whether you need service in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or Carrboro, the specialists at Chapel Hill Tire have you covered. Our prices are always transparent, and you can even check our site for service coupons to help you save even more money on your winter vehicle care. Schedule an appointment with our Chapel Hill service and tire professionals to get started today.

Tires in Chapel Hill

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire work hard to provide exceptional tire prices and a comprehensive range of tire offerings to customers in and beyond Chapel Hill. If you are looking for a network of tire specialists who can help you get the new tires you need, our professionals are here for you. Read more here about buying your from the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Finding the Right Tires

Finding the right tires for your car can be difficult, but Chapel Hill Tire makes it easy. Our Tire Shopping Tool gives you tire recommendations based on your vehicle’s make and model as well as any tire size and season that you may prefer. You can then choose which of the available tires best meets your budget and your driving tendencies. Our shop proudly offers quality tire brands, including Michelin, Uniroyal, Continental, BFGoodrich, Toyo, Cooper, and others. If you need help deciding on a tire brand for you, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help point you in the right direction. Try our Tire Shopping Tool here today! 

Price Beat Guarantee

Where can you find the most affordable tire prices in the Triangle? With the network of mechanics that go the extra mile to ensure that it can offer the best prices. Chapel Hill Tire can offer the lowest prices on new tires thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee. If you find a lower price on tires in Chapel Hill, we will beat it by 10% of the difference. This is how you know you are getting the best prices on tires in Chapel Hill when you shop from Chapel Hill Tire. 

Do I Need New Tires? Tire Services in Chapel Hill

Are you wondering whether or not you actually need new tires? Our Chapel Hill Tire professionals will never try to sell you on new tires that you don’t need. Not every tire issue requires a replacement, as some tire, wheel, and rim problems can be resolved by our outstanding service team. Rim repair, tire alignment, flat repair, and other exceptional tire services are available right here at Chapel Hill Tire. These services can help you keep your tires working for as long as possible in between replacements.

Chapel Hill Tire Locations | Mechanic in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Tire now has 8 Triangle-area locations, four of which are located in Chapel Hill. You can find our Chapel Hill Tire professionals at the following spots:

• Cole Park Plaza Location
  • 11470 US-15 501 Hwy N
  • Chapel Hill, NC 27517 

• University Place Location
  • 201 South Estes Drive
  • Chapel Hill, NC 27514

• West Franklin Location
  • 502 W. Franklin Street
  • Chapel Hill, NC 27516

• N Fordham Blvd. Location
  • 1809 N. Fordham Blvd.
  • Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Make an Appointment with Chapel Hill Tire

Are you in need of tire help? For a tire consultation, help finding new tires, or a tire service appointment, contact the experts at Chapel Hill Tire today. You can even check our site for a service coupon to help make our offerings even more affordable. Schedule an appointment to get started today.