Expert Honda Service in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro

If you are a proud Honda owner, you probably know that your vehicle requires special care to continually perform at its best. Honda vehicles are known for their excellent craftsmanship, optimized fuel economy, advanced features, and high resale value. To maintain these Honda advantages, you will want to ensure that your vehicle gets the expert care it needs. Here is what you need to know about Honda maintenance and repairs from a Chapel Hill Honda service specialist. 

Timeline of Honda Care

Honda, like all brands, has crafted specialized care routines designed to optimize performance in your car, minivan, or SUV. Depending on the type of Honda you have and the age of your vehicle, there is a wide variety of care routines that it might require. Consult your Honda owner’s manual for the specific details on your vehicle’s needed care cycle, including the preferred oil change schedule, tire rotation suggestions, and more. If you are still unsure of how to care for your Honda, consult a local mechanic for the help and guidance you may need. 

Honda Oil Change

Regular oil changes are essential to your vehicle’s health; these relatively small services can protect your Honda from large damages down the line by preventing expensive engine issues from arising. A Honda oil change is often best left to the experts, especially if you are preserving your warranty agreement. A professional oil change will also include additional services, such as a check of your tire pressure and fluid levels. This routine maintenance can help you comprehensively care for your Honda so that it continues to work like new. 

Honda Tire Care | New Honda Tires

Proper tire care is essential for your Honda, as tire status impacts your vehicle’s overall efficiency, health, and performance. Tire rotations, tire alignment, and repairs are all necessary tire services that your Honda may require throughout your ownership. Finding the right tire experts who can properly accommodate your Honda is important in achieving lasting results. If you are looking for new Honda tires, the dealership might seem like an obvious choice for tire help; however, the experts a Chapel Hill Tire will beat dealership prices by 10%. Get the lowest price on your new Honda tires at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Honda Issues 

Nobody knows your Honda like you do, which is why you should trust your instincts if something feels off. Bring your Honda to the professionals at the first sign of an issue with your vehicle. Complete diagnostics can help determine the source of your Honda’s troubles. After completing the diagnostic services, your Honda experts can create a repair plan to get your car issues resolved. 

Honda Service, Maintenance, and Repair

If your Honda car, minivan, or SUV needs professional service, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! Our specialists have the experience needed to properly care for your Honda. You will find Chapel Hill Tire in 7 Triangle-area locations: Raleigh, Chapel Hill-N Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill-Cole Park Plaza, Chapel Hill-Franklin Street, Chapel Hill-University Place, Durham, and Carrboro. Bring your Honda in for expert care today at Chapel Hill Tire.

Tips for Choosing an Auto Repair Center in Durham

Having a reliable, go-to automotive repair center can alleviate the stress that car troubles create. Whether you are looking for an oil change, an inspection, or routine maintenance,  it is important that you find knowledgeable automotive experts that you can trust. Here is what to look for in your Durham auto repair shop:

Comprehensive Durham Battery Services

When you are looking for a new Durham mechanic, it is key to look for comprehensive battery care offerings. Almost all mechanics can replace your battery, but if they do not repair battery issues you might find yourself paying to address the symptoms of your vehicle’s decline rather than the source of the problem. Additional available battery services should include replacement of battery terminal ends, cleaning battery terminals, and tests for your charging system. 

Trusted and Reputable Durham Mechanics

The best way to know you are getting exceptional service is to partner with experts who are trusted by locals. Mechanics with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification requirements are accredited for their automotive distinction. One way to determine the certainty of a service is to evaluate the service warranty. Generous warranty offerings (such as 3-years/36,000 miles) display mechanic confidence in lasting results. 

Environmentally Friendly Mechanics

The automotive industry is known for negatively impacting the environment. For a clear conscious, you want a Durham mechanic who works to benefit the environment rather than ignore the environmental impact of the industry. Look for a Durham mechanic who keeps up with the eco-friendly trends. This includes the Green Plus certification, which is a mechanic indication of a commitment to better the environment. 

Expert Oil Changes in Durham

When you trust an expert with your car for an oil change, you want to ensure that it is done properly. The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire work hard to go above and beyond during oil changes. Each oil change includes old oil removal, filter replacement, new oil replenishment, a tire pressure check, air filter check, fluid level check, and more. The extra care you receive lets you know you are getting the professional automotive care you deserve. 

North Carolina State Inspection Durham

Need to get your tags renewed? You need a licensed Durham mechanic who can inspect and sign off on your vehicle. Get your NC State Inspection in Durham at Chapel Hill Tire. Our experts have the means to quickly and affordably complete your inspection. If your car doesn’t pass, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire also have all of the knowledge, tools, and expertise to complete the repairs needed to pass your inspection. With our service, you can be sure that your Durham mechanic is qualified and competent in all of your car’s inspection needs.

Affordable Tires | Tire Services

When you need new tires in Durham, you want quality tires at the lowest possible prices. To find the lowest prices on tires, you need a Price Beat Guarantee. Find a Durham mechanic who is willing to beat your lowest tire estimate, giving you confidence that you are paying the most competitive price. To keep your new tires protected, wheel and rim services are also essential to your tire health and should be offered by your Durham mechanic. This includes tire alignment, wheel and rim repair, flat repair, tire balance, and tire rotations. These are all offerings you should look for in your prospective Durham mechanic. 

Hybrid Service Center

If you have a hybrid vehicle, you need to know that your mechanic is well versed in the unique needs of a hybrid car. This requires a Certified Hybrid Repair Center, such as Chapel Hill Tire. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire specialize in hybrid vehicles, including hybrid battery replacements and service. Bring your hybrid into Chapel Hill Tire’s Durham location for the hybrid help you need. 

Mechanic Coupons, Deals, and Discounts

Another way to ensure that you are getting competitive pricing on your vehicle service in Durham is to find a mechanic with generous coupon offerings. This lets you know that you are getting a great deal on exceptional care. Mechanic coupons also help you feel assured that you are not overpaying for your vehicle service. 

Durham Auto Repair Center

If you are looking for Durham automotive experts, you need the mechanics of Chapel Hill Tire, we offer oil changes, battery services, ac services, brake services, state inspections, and more in Durham! Our experts have everything you need from an auto repair center and so much more. You can find our Durham mechanic shop conveniently located on Hope Valley Road in the Woodcroft Shopping Center. Contact Chapel Hill Tire to schedule your appointment today.

Putting Values In Motion At Southwest Airlines

A Great Culture Builds A Great Business

And a great culture is built on people-centered values

Chapel Hill Tire chose to join the values-based company movement about five years ago, and we’re still learning from other, like-minded companies. Though we’re in very different businesses, we love the way Southwest Airlines is soaring to new heights through its commitment to its core values. 

Last year, Southwest Airlines ranked third on Indeed’s Top-Rated Workplaces. Forbes magazine and the online recruitment service WayUp also consistently recognize the company for all it does to keep employees and customers happy. Not coincidentally, Southwest is also America’s largest domestic airline in terms of market share – and boasts 46 consecutive years of profitability. 

Southwest’s strong, values-oriented business model and consistent success go hand-in-hand. To our team at Chapel Hill Tire, that makes perfect sense.

“The people who are doing really well aren’t talking about revenue, profits, margin, gross margins,” Chapel Hill Tire President Marc Pons said. “They are talking about their culture.”

Culture makes the company. 

At Chapel Hill Tire, our culture is built around five core values. We live by the desire to strive for excellence, treat each other like family, say yes to customers and each other, be grateful and helpful, and win as a team. 

“This is how we make decisions,” Pons said. “Rather than having a huge manual of standard operating procedures, we have five values.” Every day at every location starts with a conversation about these values, usually focusing on the “Value of the Week,” and employees put them into action with every customer we serve. 

Though they word their values differently, Southwest encourages a culture that is very much like ours. To live the Southwest Way is to have a Warrior Spirit, Servant’s Heart and Fun-LUVing Attitude. The Warrior Spirit pushes to strive for excellence. A Servant’s Heart seeks to always say yes to the customer and to work to make sure the company and its customers win as a team. A Fun-LUVing Attitude motivates everyone to treat each other as family.  

What Pons finds most important about Southwest and Chapel Hill Tire’s values is how they reflect on the company. 

Choosing to care is the heart of a great culture

“When you come in every day, caring is a choice,” Pons said. “You can choose not to care about the people you work with. You can choose to care. We choose to care.”

Likewise, Southwest chooses to care about their employees. It chooses to care about the work environment and customer experience equally.  It chooses to care about the quality of its service and the happiness of the people providing it. That caring for employees is reflected in Southwest’s recognition by WayUp. At Chapel Hill Tire, it is reflected in our being chosen as one of America’s best places to work by Tire Business magazine.

When you value people, you create real value

There is a world of difference between flying people around the country and helping them care for their cars. But there is one important similarity: both Southwest and Chapel Hill Tire serve people.

“I think that we both just recognize the human element,” Pons said. “Whether it’s cars or planes, there are real people behind every service. And the businesses that choose to care always stay a cut above the rest.”

Where Do I Buy New Tires?

The tires that you choose for your car can affect your budget, your terrain performance, your vehicle’s health, and your overall driving experience. The process of buying new tires can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be when you have the right help. You might be wondering where you can find the best price on new tires in the NC Triangle; Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! Learn more here about finding the right new tires for your car and your budget.

Tire Finder | New Tires Near Me

Finding the right tires is made easier with digital programs like our Tire Finder. Review the tires you are looking for with results filtered by tire size, vehicle make and model, or even by entering your license plate information.

• Make and Model: Here you can find the car tires that best fit your specific vehicle. Simply enter in basic information about your vehicle to find tires available to you. 
• Tire Size: If you are looking for a specific tire size, the tire finder has you covered. This includes small sports tires, large commercial vehicle tires, and everything in between. Enter in your preferences and review the brands that offer tires in your preferred size. 
• License Plate Number: Enter in your license plate number and let the tire finder do the rest! The tire finder will use your license plate to search for the tires that are right for your car, truck, SUV or crossover. 

For almost any brand, manufacturer, tire style, and tire type, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire have what you need. This includes winter tires, racing tires,  commercial tires, SUV tires, truck tires, and more! If you are unsure of what you are looking for in your new tires, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can work with you to help you find what you need for your vehicle! 

Comprehensive Automotive Help

Buying your tires from a mechanic means that you can get your car services and your tire replacement all in one visit. Whether you need an oil change, brake services, an engine flush, a tire alignment or a state inspection, a mechanic offers an affordable and convenient tire shopping option. 

Should I Buy New Tires From A Dealership?

While a dealership might seem like a reliable and convenient option for tire shopping, you can often find the exact same tires elsewhere for much better prices. With our Price Beat Guarantee, Chapel Hill Tire beats out the dealership pricing on your new tires. You simply need to get an estimate from the dealership and Chapel Hill Tire will beat it by 10%. This means that you are guaranteed to pay more for new tires when you shop at the dealership versus a mechanic. Learn more here about the extents and limitations of our incredible Price Beat Guarantee.

How To Tell When I Need New Tires

Reference your vehicle’s user manual to see your car’s recommended tire replacement schedule. This time period changes based on your driving patterns, care routine (or lack thereof), your area’s road conditions, and other variables. The most important component of your tires is the tread, which gives you the traction you need to stop, turn, and control your vehicle appropriately. You can check your tires tread by sticking the top of a penny into one of your tires; if the tread exposes the top of Lincoln’s head, you know it is time for a new set of tires.

Tire Brands 

At Chapel Hill Tire we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of tire brands to fit every budget and every vehicle. If you are looking for new tires in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, or Carrboro, Chapel Hill Tire has the best tires for you! See some of our popular brands below:

• Michelin
• Uniroyal
• Continental
• BFGoodrich 
• Toyo
• Cooper
• Nexen
• Kumho
• Nitto
• Goodyear
• And more!

Chapel Hill Tire | New Tires Near Me

Buy your new tires from the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire. Our experts are here to ensure that you get the new tires you need at a price that fits within your budget. Our tire experts are located in seven different Triangle-area locations, including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Make an appointment with our professionals to get started today!

Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

Proper brake performance is essential to your vehicle’s safety while on the road. It is important that your braking system is always working at its best. When you hear your brakes squeaking, this can be a sign of trouble within your system. Here are some of the most common culprits of brake squeaking:

Rusted or Moist Braking System

If your braking system is beginning to rust, you might find that the brakes start to squeak. This is a common issue that is often caused by leaving your car sitting in a moist environment for an extended period of time. It is almost impossible to avoid moisture as a driver, so you will be happy to know that this kind of issue is often relatively superficial, in which case it clears on its own after a little while. One way to prevent this kind of brake squeaking is to store your vehicle in the garage overnight instead of outdoors. This climate control will minimize the moisture that your braking system is exposed to. 

Worn Brake Pads

Your brake pads need to be replaced regularly, as the system relies on brake pad friction to help your vehicle arrive at a complete stop. Over time, the brake pads become worn down and thin. When the brake pads are nearing the need of replacement, they may cause your braking system to squeak. Read more here about how to tell when you are in need of new brake pads. It is important that you get your brake pads replaced before they begin to affect your vehicle’s function.

Brake Fluid Issues

If your brake fluid has become worn or diluted, it can affect your overall brake function. A brake fluid flush is an easy solution to this specific type of issue. This service allows the mechanic to remove all of the old and ineffective fluid and replenish it with a fresh variant. 

Heavy Loads and Difficult Terrains

If you are carrying significantly more weight in your vehicle than usual, this creates added pressure and heat within your braking system. You can create similar strain and heat with long drives and difficult terrains. This type of squeaking should clear after you relieve the vehicle of this extra strain and your braking system has time to cool. If not, you might find that your vehicle has additional needed service to be addressed. 

Dirt in Your Braking System

Whether you have recently been driving on dirt roads, near sandy beaches, or on off-road paths, this dirt and debris have the potential to get caught in your braking system, causing some disruption. This often clears over time or can be cleared with a braking lubricant. You can also prevent this type of damage to your system by minimizing your time spent on driving on these different terrains.

Cold Weather

Colder weather can comprehensively cause strain on your vehicle, including your braking system. Unfortunately, this time of year is when it is especially important that your brakes are working at their best. If possible, parking your vehicle in the garage can be helpful in preventing weather-related issues. If you feel that the squeaking and strain on your brakes are a cause for concern, bring your vehicle in for a checkup. This will prevent any dangerous situations that may arise with the combination of wintery weather and poor brake function. 

Type of Brake Pad

Certain types of brake pads are more prone to squeaking than others, including more metallic brake pads and harder brake pads. While these often work equally as well or better than other brake pads, the squeaking will likely not go away over time. If you find that this kind of brake pad impedes on your driving experience, you can ask for a different brand of brake pads during your next mechanic visit. 

Brake Service Near Me

If your brakes are squeaking, they are likely in need of mechanic inspection and brake service. Chapel Hill Tire has everything that you need to get your brakes working like new. With mechanics in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Carrboro, and Durham, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are easily accessible to drivers throughout the Triangle. Make an appointment today with your local Chapel Hill Tire mechanics. 

Choosing a Mechanic in Raleigh

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire know that you have a lot of options when choosing a Raleigh mechanic. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we only hire the most knowledgable vehicle service technicians, and we work hard to keep our prices affordable for our customers. Here we offer some insight into what makes Chapel Hill Tire the right choice for Raleigh drivers. 

North Carolina Vehicle Inspections

NC vehicle inspections can be complicated, which is why it helps to have a knowledgable mechanic on your side. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are equipped to complete your annual inspection, your emissions inspection, as well as any services you may need to pass. Our mechanics are both quick and experienced, meaning that your vehicle inspection will not be a full-day affair. However, if the service you need takes longer than anticipated, the Chapel Hill Tire valet service will provide you with a courtesy car to borrow while your vehicle is being repaired. Once the service is finished, the Chapel Hill Tire technicians will bring your car to you! This helps you easily fit your NC vehicle inspections and repairs into your busy schedule. 

Hybrid Mechanic in Raleigh

Vehicle manufacturers are switching over to include hybrid options at an exponential rate. If you have a hybrid vehicle, you want to ensure that your hybrid mechanic is well attuned to the unique needs of your engine. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire enthusiastically support the environmental conservation movement currently happening within the automotive industry. Not only are our Raleigh mechanics trained in servicing hybrid vehicles, but we also have created a “green” shop to meet all of the service needs of these specific vehicles. With Chapel Hill Tire, you can get the excellent care and peace of mind you are looking for from a Raleigh mechanic. 

Affordable Oil Change in Raleigh

The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire work hard to provide a quick and high-quality oil change here in Raleigh. The Chapel Hill Tire oil change also includes a fluid levels check, an air filter check, an inspection of belts and hoses, and tire air pressure check to more comprehensively service your vehicle. Get your Raleigh oil change at Chapel Hill Tire today!

Tire Prices in Raleigh | Affordable Tires Near Me

If you are looking for affordable tires in Raleigh, you want to find a mechanic with a “best price guarantee” tire policy. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire will beat any competitor’s pricing, effectively providing the most affordable tires in Raleigh. Our tire specialists also offer a wide variety of tire brands. This allows you to get the tire that perfectly matches your vehicle, your budget, and your driving preferences. 

Raleigh Battery Services

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire do so much more than just replace batteries. Here you can also find battery services that will preserve your existing battery, when possible. This includes replacing the battery terminal ends, cleaning the battery terminals, and testing the starting system to detect any issues that may be depleting your battery. With a well-rounded set of battery services, you can avoid paying more for your battery replacement and repairs when you partner with Chapel Hill Tire. 

Vehicle Service Warranty

If you find yourself concerned with the longevity of a vehicle service visit, you need a mechanic with a service warranty. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire offer an unbelievable 3-year/36,000 vehicle service warranty, which often beats out the warranty agreements provided by the dealerships or even the vehicle manufacturers. You can feel confident in your vehicle service investment with the Chapel Hill Tire service warranty. 

Raleigh Mechanic

If you are looking for a mechanic in Raleigh with everything you may need and more, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you!  We have two Raleigh mechanic locations: Atlantic Avenue and Crabtree Valley Mall. Make a Chapel Hill Tire appointment to get in touch with our Raleigh mechanics today!

How Long Does it Take to Get an Oil Change? 

While an oil change may be inconvenient to schedule, this service is essential to keeping your vehicle in working order. The oil protects your engine, and a simple, quick, and affordable service can prevent much more costly damage to your vehicle. So how long does an oil change take?

Oil Change Time Frames

Generally speaking, the duration of an oil change can vary based on whether or not your service is completed by a professional mechanic. A seasoned professional will often complete the oil change process in 15-30 minutes. However, for those trying to complete an oil change on their own, the process can take upwards of an hour. If you are in need of a quick oil change, you should visit a reputable mechanic for fast and convenient service. For these experienced professionals, the oil change process is routine, moving the process along much quicker than a DIY oil change attempt.

What is Involved in an Oil Change?

Beyond simply changing out the old oil and adding in fresh oil, a proper oil change also involves the removal of the old oil filter and the replacement with a new one. This allows the oil to be properly regulated and keeps debris out of your engine. The oil changing process can be both complicated and messy. A professional oil change may seem costly, but the cost of the oil (up to 5 quarts) and the filter are included in the price, in addition to the time and hassle you save by leaving this task to the professionals.

You may even find that a professional oil change includes other services to your vehicle as a whole. For example, here at Chapel Hill Tire, an oil change also includes a tire air pressure check, a fluid levels check, an inspection of your engine’s belt and hoses, and an air filter inspection. This additional level of attention makes your oil change both quick and comprehensively beneficial to your vehicle’s overall health.

When is it Time for an Oil Change?

The exact time you need between oil changes varies between vehicles. This depends on a multitude of factors including the type of vehicle you have, the age of your car, the type of engine you have, the oil capacity it contains, the type of oil you use, and the frequency and distance of your driving patterns. You can check your owner’s manual or consult a professional to determine your oil change schedule. You can also manually check the oil levels in your engine to see when your levels are low. If all else fails, the check oil light found in most dashboards is usually a close indicator of when you need an oil change; however, the potential of a technical error in this signal makes it dangerous to depend entirely on this feature.

Where to Get an Oil Change | Oil Change Near Me

If you are looking for an oil change in Raleigh, Carrboro, Durham, or Chapel Hill, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. Our mechanic professionals complete your oil change quickly and efficiently so that you can spend more time doing what is important to you. We offer transparent oil change prices, and you can even check our coupon site for a potential oil change discount. Schedule your oil change appointment here today at Chapel Hill Tire.

How to Jump-Start a Car in 8 Simple Steps

Finding that your car won’t start? A dead battery can be a major inconvenience, but less so if you know how to jump-start a car. Thankfully, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help! The jump-starting process is easier than you might expect; here is a quick guide to jumping a car battery:

Jumping a Dead Car Battery

If your battery is dead, all you need to get it started is another car to jump your battery and the cables needed to connect them. It is best to always keep a pair of cables in your vehicle in case you or someone else needs a jump. Once you are ready to go with both of these, here is how to jump your car:

• Bring the Engines Close

  • First, bring the working car engine close to your own. Parked either parallel or facing your car is fine, but ideally, the two engines should be within two feet of one another. 

• Shut off Power:

  • Next, turn both vehicles off. 

• Connect Positive to Positive:

  • Start by connecting the positive (often red) clamps of the jumper cables to the positive terminals of your battery. These are often marked, but they can be hard to see. Be sure to look closely to ensure that you are connecting to the right portion of the battery.

• Connect Negative to Negative:

  • Connect the negative (often black) clamps of the jumper cable to the negative terminal of the live battery. In your car, stick the negative terminal to an unpainted metal surface. 

• Safety First:

  • Remember, when connecting the positive cables to the batteries, you should always start by connecting the dead battery first. If you feed energy into the cables before they are connected to your battery, you can cause a safety hazard. If you feel unsure or unsafe at any point, it is important to call for professional help instead of risking your safety. 

• Start the Working Car:

  • Start the working vehicle. You can give the engine some gas and then leave it running for a couple of minutes while it charges up your battery.

• Start your Car:

  • Start your vehicle while it is still connected. If it doesn’t start right away, give it another minute and then try again. 

• Disconnect the Cables:

  • Carefully disconnect the cables in the order reverse from their placement in the vehicles. Disconnect the negative cable from your car, then the negative cable from the other car, then the positive cable from your car, and, finally, the positive cable from the other car. 

Remember, your battery charges while you drive. After getting your car started, consider taking the scenic route to your destination to give your battery the time it needs to recharge. Even if your battery jumps and recharges, this initial dead battery is a sign that you are due for a replacement. Bring your vehicle to a local mechanic at your earliest convenience.

Additional Jump-Starting Options

If the traditional jump-starting option does not work for you, there are two additional options to getting your battery jumped:

• Battery Pack Jumping:

  • The alternative to the traditional jump is buying a battery jumper pack, which is a portable battery with cables that can jump-start your car. Be sure to carefully follow the directions included within this battery, as all devices are made differently. 

• Mechanic Valet and Pickup/Drop off:

  • The final option is to call for expert help. AAA is a reliable roadside service that can find you and replace your battery. If you do not have a membership, you can get in touch with a mechanic pick-up/delivery service options. While your car will need to be drivable, these car experts can replace or service your battery and bring you your car when it is ready.

My Car Still Won’t Start After a Jump

If you find that your car still isn’t starting, there may be an issue beyond a dead battery. Here is a closer look at how your battery, alternator, and starter work together. Bring your vehicle in for professional help. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire have everything you need to get your car up and running. You can also read our guide to jump-starting hybrid vehicles here. With 11 Triangle-area locations, you can find our trusted car experts in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Cary, and Carrboro. Schedule your Chapel Hill Tire appointment to get started today!

What is a Transmission Fluid Flush?

Your vehicle’s transmission is costly to replace and essential to your car’s function, health, and longevity. A transmission flush is a cost-effective way to preserve this element of your vehicle. Here is everything you need to know about transmission flush:

Do I Need a Transmission Fluid Flush?

Your transmission relies on transmission fluid to keep the system’s parts seamlessly working together. Over time, this fluid becomes worn down, depleted, and filled with contaminants. This can cause damage or failure within your transmission and the systems that depend on it. A transmission fluid flush removes old, ineffective fluid and the containments it contains and replaces this with fresh, high-quality transmission fluid. A transmission flush eliminates the common risks that ineffective fluid poses to your vehicle and helps maintain your car’s health. If you are still unsure of whether or not you need a transmission flush, consult an expert for professional input.

Benefits of Transmission Flush on Engine Temperature

The exact components of transmissions vary between vehicles, but frequently the transmission fluid also has a cooling effect on this element of your engine. Heat is one of the leading causes of transmission decline and failure. A transmission flush can prevent an overheated transmission by keeping it properly cooled. This service can reduce the overall stress on your vehicle and maintain its health longer. 

When Should I Get a Transmission Flush?

Ultimately, the timeline on your transmission fluid maintenance is dependant on your vehicle type and its patterns of use. For many vehicles, transmission fluid service is needed every 30,000 miles.  Consult the transmission maintenance suggestion in your owner’s manual or available online resources regarding your specific make and model. If you are still unsure, consult a professional to see if they think you may be due for a transmission fluid flush. 

A Transmission Fluid Flush or Transmission Fluid Change?

A transmission fluid change is when you remove the fluid in the oil pan and replace it with a clean variant. This service is less effective than a flush as it often removes and changes less than half of the old fluid. The remaining older fluid outside of the pan will mix with your new transmission fluid. A transmission flush removes all of the old fluid and replaces it with a clean variant. Burned fluid can be the downfall of your transmission, so a full fluid flush is needed to eliminate this risk.

Can I Change My Transmission Fluid at Home?

It requires special equipment to complete a transmission fluid flush, which you often will not have access to at home. Changing your transmission fluid at home is possible, but it does pose some risk. There are a few myths that changing your transmission fluid can lead to a decline in transmission function. This happens when burned fluid that has been overused causes blockage in your transmission. A professional can detect signs of this issue and run the proper checks and procedures necessary to protect your vehicle. A top-notch mechanic will also have a service warranty that will protect you from repair costs if an issue arises. So by leaving a fluid change or flush to a professional, you save yourself a mess, hassle, and the risk that something damaging could happen. 

Cost of Transmission Flush

Most automatic transmission failures are linked to poor quality fluid. A fairly-priced transmission flush will usually run around $220, which does not compare to the $4,000-$8,000 that a new transmission usually costs. Additionally, you may be able to find a coupon for your transmission flush to help you lower the cost. By preserving your transmission, you can save thousands in repair and replacement costs the long run. 

Where Can I Get a Transmission Fluid Flush?

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with affordable, professional transmission flushes. You can find Chapel Hill Tire locations in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. With eight accessible locations in and around the North Carolina Triangle, Chapel Hill Tire offers affordable and accessible transmission flushes to NC residents. Contact our mechanics to schedule your transmission flush today!

How Often Should I Change My Car’s Air Filter?

Your vehicle’s air filter is central to both your engine health and overall vehicle protection. While it is often considered a small service matter, neglect to this vehicle component can pose a severe risk to your engine. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight on “How often should I change my car’s air filter?” and other air filter questions. 

Benefits of Clean Vehicle Air Filters

Air filters benefit a multitude of vehicle components, making them necessary to pay careful attention to. Regular care for your air filter can boost your vehicle’s health. Here are a few advantages of providing regular care for your car’s air filter:

• Improved Gas Mileage—By keeping dirt and other harmful particles out of your air/fuel mixture, a clean air filter can help you save money at the pump. This can also help you pass your NC Emissions inspection.
• Engine Protection—Dirt and particles can harm the engine if not properly filtered, leaving you with much larger damages and repair costs down the line. 
• Vehicle Longevity—Regular air filter service can help extend your car’s lifespan by helping to prevent damage. 
• Improved Performance—A clean engine and a healthy air/fuel mixture allow your vehicle to run more smoothly. 

With these benefits in mind, it is easy to see how a small air filter service can save you a significant amount of money on larger services and repairs. 

How Often Should I Get My Air Filter Changed?

While there is no exact science to the change in air filter, on average, you should get your car’s filter changed each year or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. However, if you live in an area with heavy smog or dirt roads, you should consider changing your air filter more frequently. These external factors will expedite the decline of your filter and cause an enhanced threat to your vehicle’s health. 

Signs it is Time for an Air Filter Change

Your car will often display the need for any service in its performance, appearance, and the sounds it makes. It is always best to pay careful attention to what your vehicle may be trying to tell you. Here are a few signs that might signify the need for an air filter change:

Lower Fuel Efficiency—If you find that your car is not operating at the fuel efficiency you are used to, this could be due to an unbalanced air/fuel mixture and serve as a sign that you require an air filter change. 

Emissions Inspection—When your NC emissions inspection is coming up, you may need an air filter change. A dirty air filter (or the resulting air/fuel mixture problems) can cause you to fail your emissions inspection.

Dirty Air Filter—Perhaps the most obvious sign of the need for an air filter change is the appearance of your air filter. If it looks worn out and dirty, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. 

Engine Issues—If your engine begins to show signs of decline, take a look at the air filter. This could be causing or contributing to these engine issues, and it is best to replace it as a preventative or restorative measure. 

As a best practice, maintenance and inspection visits each year should help you keep an eye on your air filter. If you begin to have car troubles between these yearly visits, take a second look at your air filter or bring it to an expert to examine. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire even take a look at your air filter for free with each oil change visit. This cautionary measure could save you thousands on repairs down the line. 

Where to Find a Car Air Filter Change | Air Filter Service Near Me

For a quick, affordable, and convenient air filter change, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire have what you need! Our experts can get you in and out in no time, and we proudly serve drivers in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, and beyond. Make an appointment with our air filter experts to get started today!