Our Values: Honoring Educators with Gift Certificates for Teachers

Chapel Hill Tire Values

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s Up with That? The Hidden Heat Hazard for Car Batteries

When it comes to car maintenance, many people are well aware that winter can wreak havoc on a car battery. However, the scorching summer heat can be even more detrimental. Understanding how high temperatures affect your car’s battery can help you keep it in top condition throughout the warmer months.

Can Heat Affect a Car Battery?

Absolutely! Car batteries perform best at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the mercury rises above 80, the heat can negatively impact your car battery, leading to corrosion and a reduced lifespan.

The Science Behind It

Heat causes the evaporation of the battery’s liquid catalyst-electrolyte, which is crucial for the battery’s internal chemical processes. On a hot day, the temperature inside your car’s engine compartment can soar to 140 degrees or higher. This extreme heat accelerates the evaporation process, leading to corrosion of the battery’s lead plates and damage to its internal structure.

Moreover, high temperatures can corrode your battery’s terminals and connectors, speed up the battery’s chemical reactions, and cause a faster discharge. Heat can also lead to battery charging system malfunctions, potentially resulting in an overcharged battery. All these factors contribute to a shortened battery life.

Can Heat Kill a Car Battery?

Yes, it can. Given the multiple problems heat can cause, high temperatures can indeed lead to a dead battery. If your battery suddenly stops working during the summer, there’s a good chance the heat is to blame, and you’ll likely need a replacement.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Car Battery From Heat

  1. Park in the Shade or a Garage: Keeping your car out of direct sunlight can significantly reduce the battery’s exposure to extreme heat. If a garage isn’t available, try to park in the shade or use a car cover to keep your vehicle cooler.
  2. Avoid Shorter Drives: Short trips don’t give your car’s alternator enough time to recharge the battery fully. To help maintain a healthy charge, drive at highway speeds for about 30 minutes once a week.
  3. Protect Your Battery from Corrosion: Regularly clean off any corrosion from your battery and use terminal protectors or anti-corrosion spray to prevent it. This will help prolong the battery’s life and performance.
  4. Receive a Radiator Flush: Your vehicle’s radiator cools down the engine, which helps prevent the battery from overheating. Ensure your radiator is flushed every 50,000 to 75,000 miles to keep your engine and battery cool.
  5. Schedule a Routine Inspection: Before summer hits its peak, have a mechanic inspect your battery. They can check its age, tighten any loose terminals, look for damage, clean off corrosion, and perform a load test to assess its health.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Battery Replacement Services in the Triangle Area

If you suspect heat has impacted your battery, Chapel Hill Tire is here to help. Our certified mechanics can inspect, repair, or replace your battery to ensure your vehicle remains reliable all summer long. Don’t forget to check our selection of coupons to save on your next service.

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

Introducing Carlos Carter: The New Manager at Chapel Hill Tire Woodcroft Location

photo of a set of wrenches beside a bumper sticker with a yellow smiley face that reads "Drive Happy" and a blue ball cap with a yellow smiley face

We are thrilled to announce Carlos Carter as the new manager of our Chapel Hill Tire Woodcroft location! Carlos steps into this role with a wealth of experience and a passion for automotive repair that has been rekindled throughout his impressive career.

Carlos began his journey as a machine repair technician at the airport, where his dedication to precision and excellence was evident. However, his true passion for automotive repair led him to seek an environment that would foster his professional growth. This search brought him to Chapel Hill Tire over six years ago, and he has been an integral part of our team ever since.

During his time with us, Carlos has completed hundreds of hours of company-sponsored training, focusing on both technical skills and leadership development. His commitment to continuous learning and improvement has earned him several certifications, underscoring his expertise and dedication to his craft.

Carlos’s approach to management is inspired by Chapel Hill Tire’s commitment to investing in its employees and implementing proven success principles. He believes in creating a positive, results-oriented workplace that empowers both his colleagues and customers. Under his leadership, we are confident that the Woodcroft location will continue to thrive, providing exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere for all our valued customers.

Carlos is taking over the reins from Troy Hamburg, who has moved to manage our Apex location. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Troy for his outstanding leadership and dedication at Woodcroft and wish him continued success in Apex.

As Carlos steps into this new role, his focus will be on ensuring that every visit to Chapel Hill Tire Woodcroft is efficient, professional, and satisfying. He is committed to maintaining the high standards of service that our customers have come to expect and looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with the community.

Please join us in welcoming Carlos Carter as the new manager of Chapel Hill Tire Woodcroft. We are excited about the future and the positive impact Carlos will undoubtedly bring to our team and customers.

NC Window Tint Law: Everything You Need to Know

Window tint on North Carolina car

If you plan to tint your vehicle’s windows and have a vehicle registered in North Carolina, you should know the state has a few window tint laws that likely apply to your vehicle. Once you know all about window tint laws in North Carolina, you can ensure your vehicle’s tint meets state regulations and won’t put you at risk of a costly ticket. 

Explaining the North Carolina Window Tint Law in 2024

If your vehicle has after-factory window tinting, you’re required to have it checked during a North Carolina state inspection to see if it fits North Carolina law (specifically, G.S. 20-127). During this inspection, the inspector will check a few factors, such as your tint’s length, the total light transmission percentage, and the light reflectance transmission. The specifics of each requirement can be found below:

  • Percentage of light transmission requirement: Based on instruction from the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), your vehicle’s window tint can’t be darker than 32% when measured by a window tint meter approved for use in NC. In G.S. 20-127, the law states a tinted window’s total light translation has to be at a minimum of 35%. The law further explains that a measurement of 32% by an approved light meter is presumed to meet the 35% restriction.
  • Length of tint requirement: A vehicle’s windshield tint can’t extend below its windshield’s AS1 line or five inches below the windshield’s top, depending on which measurement is longer.
  • Light reflectance requirement: A tinted window must have a light reflectance of 20% or less.
  • Tinted film design requirement: Regardless of whether you use a film or another material to tint your vehicle’s window, it must be non-reflective. The tint also can’t be amber, yellow, or red.

By following the above requirements when tinting your vehicle, you should pass the window tinting portion of your NC state vehicle inspection.

What Vehicles Don’t Have to Follow North Carolina Window Tint Laws? 

While the above requirements apply to most vehicles, some vehicles don’t have to follow NC window tint laws. These vehicles include:

  • Motor homes (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)d2).
  • Property-hauling vehicles, but the exception only applies to these vehicles’ rear windows (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (31)).
  • Ambulances (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)f).
  • Excursion passenger vehicles (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)a).
  • Law enforcement vehicles.
  • Limousines.
  • Multipurpose vehicles (e.g., SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans) that can carry 10 passengers or fewer and are constructed on a truck chassis or have special features made for occasional off-road operation. The exception only applies if the tinted window is located behind the driver.
  • Vehicles registered in a different state, with the window tint meeting the requirements of the state where the vehicle is registered.
  • Vehicles with an NCDMV-issued medical exception.

Are There Medical Exceptions for NC Window Tint Laws?

North Carolina’s window tint laws do allow medical exceptions for individuals affected by photosensitivity to light. These exceptions allow approved individuals to have darker window tints. To receive a medical exception permit, you must apply for it with the NCDMV’s Medical Review Program. If you receive the permit, you should be aware of the following rules:

  • Medical exception permits remain valid for up to five years.
  • Individuals can’t have more than two medical permits simultaneously.
  • Permits must be in the vehicle that applies to it, and permits aren’t interchangeable.
  • The medical exception sticker needs to be displayed in the left-hand corner of the rear window. Keep in mind that you can receive a $200 fine for failure to properly display your medical exception sticker.

How to Ensure Your Tint Meets NC Window Tint Laws

All you have to do to make sure your vehicle’s window tint complies with NC law is take it to a licensed inspection station. Inspection stations are often located at vehicle dealerships, service stations, and vehicle repair garages. The inspector will confirm whether your vehicle meets North Carolina’s window tint laws. If you fail your inspection, you’ll need to remove your window tint entirely or replace it with a window tint that meets the requirements described previously.

Schedule a North Carolina State Inspection for Your Vehicle at Chapel Hill Tire

If you need a vehicular North Carolina state inspection in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. During our comprehensive inspection, our team can check your window tint to ensure it meets NC requirements. We also offer a wide selection of vehicle repair services, allowing us to quickly fix most problems an NC state inspection might turn up. Whenever you need service, make sure to check our coupons to see how much you can save!

Review our NC state inspection services today. If you’re ready to bring your vehicle in for an inspection, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? 5 Possible Reasons

Woman smelling gas in her car

If you smell gas in your car, the safest response is to turn your engine off and wait for a tow truck to take your vehicle to a mechanic. Since the smell of gas can indicate a serious fire risk, it’s not usually recommended to continue driving your vehicle after smelling gas. However, the smell of gas isn’t always a major safety concern, and drivers should be aware of the various reasons why their cars could smell like gas before they call a tow truck.

5 Reasons Why Your Car Smells Like Gas

While we don’t recommend driving your vehicle after smelling gasoline, you may be able to determine the reason for the smell by knowing the main reasons for the smell of gas and the main signs a particular issue is causing it. As you try to stay safe, learn more about the most common reasons for a car smelling like gas and how you can check where the smell is coming from below: 

1. Fuel Line Leak

A fuel leak in your engine compartment is the most dangerous reason for a car smelling like gas. While your car is on, gas travels from your fuel tank to your engine through fuel lines. Since these lines are under high pressure, a leak can cause gas to squirt out of them and onto other parts of your vehicle. If the leak occurs near your exhaust system or engine compartment, it can be an extreme fire risk, as the leaking fuel could catch on fire. 

Besides raising the risk of a fire, the gas fumes from the leak will travel through your car’s ventilation system, causing your vehicle’s interior to smell like gas. If you notice gas on the ground underneath your car, it’s a sign you have a leak, especially if the gas is near your engine or exhaust system.

While a fuel leak isn’t always the reason for the smell of gas in a vehicle, you should immediately turn off your vehicle if you smell gas. The risk of a fire starting while you’re driving isn’t worth it, and you’ll want to contact a tow truck to take your vehicle to a mechanic’s shop for an inspection.

2. A Missing or Loose Gas Cap

A less dangerous reason for the smell of gas in your vehicle is a missing or loose gas cap. If you don’t have a gas cap, it won’t seal the fuel vapors inside your fuel tank, leading to a gas smell. A loose gas cap can also cause the same issue. If you’ve forgotten to close your gas cap, the fix is simply to twist it back in, but if your gas cap doesn’t fully seal your tank after you twist it in, you’ll need to replace it.

3. Evaporative Emissions Systems Issues

All modern vehicles should have an evaporative emission control system (EVAP) that captures fuel vapors before they’re released into the atmosphere. Malfunctioning or damaged EVAP systems can prevent fuel vapors from being properly captured and stored, causing a smell of gas in your vehicle. If you smell gas and your engine light is on, there’s a good chance it’s caused by an issue with your vehicle’s EVAP system.

Sometimes, an EVAP issue is due to a damaged charcoal canister, which is a component of your EVAP system. This component absorbs fuel vapors before releasing them into the engine. When your charcoal canister is damaged, gasoline fumes can enter your vehicle. Regardless of the reason for an EVAP issue, you shouldn’t drive your vehicle if you suspect your EVAP system is at fault. Instead, have your vehicle towed to a mechanic for an inspection.

4. Fuel Injector Problems

Another potential reason for the smell of gas in a car is an issue with the fuel injector. When a fuel injector gets stuck in an open position or is partly clogged, it can produce a rich fuel mixture, which can cause fumes to enter your vehicle’s interior. 

Since a damaged or clogged fuel injector can hurt your vehicle’s performance and even damage your catalytic converter, you should have your vehicle towed if you suspect a fuel injector problem is the issue. A mechanic can often solve this type of problem by either cleaning or replacing the fuel injector.

5. You Have Gas on Your Clothes or Hands

If you smell gas in your car, one of the simplest reasons is that you spilled gas on your hands or clothes while refilling your vehicle. Before you take your car to the shop, exit your vehicle and check that you’re not just smelling gas on your clothes or skin. 

Does Your Car Smell Like Gas? Schedule an Inspection at Chapel Hill Tire

If you live in the NC Triangle and need inspection services for a car that smells like gas, Chapel Hill Tire can help. Our certified mechanics are trained to diagnose the cause of gas smells and repair them. Since it can be dangerous to drive a vehicle that smells like gas, we recommend using our affordable towing service to ensure your vehicle is safely transported to one of our shops. We also recommend checking out our available promotions to see how much you can save on our services.

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

Can Heat Kill a Car Battery? How to Protect Your Battery in the Summer

Car in summer

When it comes to the health of your battery, cold and hot weather can both affect it. While many people are aware that the winter can cause problems for car batteries, you might not know that heat can be more dangerous for them. As you try to keep your car’s battery in great shape over the summer, take a moment to find out more about how heat affects car batteries and why it can sometimes cause them to die.

Can Heat Affect a Car Battery?

The optimal temperature for car batteries is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature goes above 80, the heat can negatively affect your car battery, causing corrosion and reducing its lifespan. 

Heat negatively impacts car batteries due to the evaporation of the battery’s liquid catalyst-electrolyte. These electrolytes are responsible for fueling the battery’s internal chemical processes. On a hot day, your car’s engine compartment’s temperature can increase to 140 degrees or higher, creating the perfect environment for evaporation to occur. When your battery’s liquid catalyst-electrolyte begins to evaporate, it can corrode the battery’s lead plates and damage the internal structure. 

Higher temperatures can also corrode your battery’s terminals and connectors while speeding up your battery’s chemical reactions, causing a faster discharge. Additionally, heat can cause battery charging system malfunctions, leading to an overcharged battery. All of these factors contribute to a shortened battery life. 

Can Heat Kill a Car Battery? Can Extreme Heat Cause a Car Battery to Die?

Since the heat can cause multiple problems that lead to a reduced battery life, high temperatures can cause your battery to die. If your battery suddenly stops working during the summer, there’s a good chance it was caused by heat, and the battery will probably need to be replaced.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Car Battery From Heat

If you live in North Carolina, you know the temperature over the summer can go well above 80 degrees. As a result, it’s essential to pay attention to your battery’s health throughout the summer. Below, you can find a breakdown of the five main tips to protect your car battery from excessive heat:

  • Park in the shade or a garage: If you have a garage, parking inside it through the summer can keep your battery at a lower temperature when your vehicle isn’t in use, reducing its exposure to extreme heat. Those who can’t park in a garage will want to park in the shade during the summer. When you can’t park in the shade or a garage, you can use a car cover to keep your vehicle cooler by deflecting the sun’s rays.
  • Avoid shorter drives: When you turn on your car, it uses a lot of your battery’s energy, and as you drive, the car’s alternator will recharge the battery. However, shorter drives don’t give your alternator much time to recharge the battery and raise the risk of your battery discharging. Since the heat is already straining your battery, it’s best to drive at highway speeds once a week for around 30 minutes to give your battery time to recharge.
  • Protect your battery from corrosion: You don’t want parts of your battery corroding, as it can reduce the battery’s lifespan and performance. Besides regularly cleaning off corrosion from the battery, you can prevent corrosion from happening in the first place by using terminal protectors or a trusted anti-corrosion spray. Both of these options are designed to lower the risk of corrosion and protect your battery.
  • Receive a radiator flush: Your vehicle’s radiator is designed to cool down your engine, which, in turn, helps stop your battery and other components from overheating. If your radiator isn’t flushed on the right schedule, it can lead to a hotter engine and a battery damaged by excess heat. Most vehicles need their radiators flushed every 50,000 to 75,000 miles, so if you’ve passed the 50k mark, it’s best to flush your radiator to lower the risk of heat-related damage to your battery.
  • Schedule a routine inspection: Before the summer reaches its hottest temperatures, it can be a good idea to schedule a battery inspection. During this inspection, a mechanic can tell you your battery’s age (batteries typically last three to five years), tighten any loose terminals, check for damage, and clean off corrosion. They can also perform a load test with a digital load tester, which tests how well the battery holds voltage. If the test reveals it’s below a 50% state of health, you’ll need to replace your battery.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Battery Replacement Services in the NC Triangle

If you think heat has impacted your battery and need a battery replacement service in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Our certified mechanics can inspect your battery and provide any needed repair or replacement services to ensure your vehicle has the power it needs. We also recommend checking out our selection of coupons to see how much you can save.

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

EV Won’t Start? Why You Should Check the 12v Battery

EV that won't start

Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) might not think they have to pay attention to their 12-volt battery. After all, their EV also has a much larger battery that provides the electricity needed to move the vehicle and power the electric motor. Despite the presence of a high-voltage battery, EVs still use a 12v battery to power various electronic components, such as onboard computers, interior lighting, locks, and windows. 

Since the electricity from a 12v battery also helps start your vehicle, you should know why EVs need 12v batteries and how to check if your 12v battery is the reason why your EV won’t start.

Why Do EVs Have a 12v Battery?

While high-voltage batteries excel at powering your EV’s motor and handling propulsion for your vehicle, their high amount of voltage makes them unsafe for other functions. For example, high-voltage batteries in EVs tend to have 400 or 800 volts, and if they powered your vehicle’s smaller systems, hundreds of volts of electricity would be running through these systems all the time. This high voltage could create a significant safety issue, as a driver or passenger could come in contact with a great deal of electricity if a crash causes a short circuit.

Besides the safety concerns of high-voltage batteries, most of your EV’s electrical devices will only use 12 volts or fewer. As a result, your power door locks, HVAC fan, airbags, ADAS technology, power windows, and onboard computer run safely and effectively with a 12v battery. Even when your vehicle is off, your 12v battery will remain on, powering important systems like your vehicle’s alarm and other security features. If an EV used its high-voltage battery to continuously power these systems, it could strain the larger battery and shorten its lifespan.

Can a Dead 12v Battery Cause an EV Not to Start?

Though your EV needs its high-voltage battery for propulsion, the 12v battery plays a critical role in starting it. When you turn on your EV, the 12v battery will start the high-voltage battery pack. If the 12v battery is dead, your high-voltage battery won’t start (and neither will your EV!). 

What Causes a Dead 12v Battery?

Your EV’s 12v battery is almost always on, even when you’re not driving your vehicle. The electrical components in EVs also tend to consume more energy than those in gas-powered vehicles. Both of these factors cause your EV’s 12v battery to die faster, with EV batteries expected to last between three to six years. If your EV won’t start and your 12v battery is past the three-year mark, there’s a fairly good chance the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.

At times, however, dead 12v batteries can be due to mistakes from the manufacturer. In a Wall Street Journal article about 12v batteries in EVs, the writer discusses how software anomalies, sensor failures, and faulty parts have caused some EV 12v batteries to die prematurely and deplete faster than they should. Checking for news about recalls, needed software updates, or faulty parts concerning your EV can be helpful when diagnosing why your battery died. 

How Does an EV Charge the 12v Battery?

12v batteries in EVs will need to be charged regularly to perform at their best. If your EV’s 12v battery discharges too much and goes below its recommended voltage for too long, it can be damaged and need to be replaced. Without enough of a charge, your 12v battery also can’t properly provide enough power to your EV’s electrical components.

As a result, your EV’s high-voltage battery will trickle charge your 12v battery, delivering a small amount of electricity to it while your vehicle is on. Typically, your 12-volt battery will also be recharged when your EV is plugged into a charger. If your EV isn’t trickle charging the 12v battery properly, it could also be the reason for a dead EV battery. 

Turn to Chapel Hill Tire for EV Battery Repair and Replacement Services in the Triangle

If you’re EV won’t start and you’re looking for EV battery replacement services in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Apex, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Our team can inspect your EV to find out if the 12v battery needs to be replaced. After our inspection, we can provide any repair or battery replacement services your EV needs to work at its best. We also offer a selection of coupons to ensure you can get a great deal on our services.

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

100k Miles? 200k? When is the Best Time to Sell a Car?

Used car being sold

If you’re thinking about selling your used vehicle, you can receive more for it by being strategic about when you put it on the market. Since most people know that vehicles depreciate fairly quickly, potential sellers should be aware of the primary factors that often affect the price of a used vehicle. By knowing these factors and considering whether selling your vehicle is worth it in the first place, you can ensure you’re making the best financial decision possible.

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Car? 3 Factors to Consider

The general rule for selling a car is to sell it before you need to since it can help you avoid accepting an offer below your asking price. Though this rule is a good one to follow, you can increase your chance of receiving your asking price by selling at certain times. Before you put your car on the market, review the following three main factors that affect when it’s the best time to sell a vehicle:

1. Between Periods of Major Depreciation

According to Edmunds’ data, vehicles tend to lose the most value in their first two years and then again in their fourth year. For example, they discuss how a Ford F-150 pickup would lose 28.6% of its value in the first year, 6.8% in the second, 5.1% in the third, and about 15% in the fourth year

This spike in depreciation in the fourth year is largely due to warranties expiring. As a result, selling your vehicle in the two or three-year range tends to help you receive the best return due to the amount of depreciation that typically occurs in the fourth year. After the fourth year, you can expect another major drop in value at the eight-year mark, so selling before your car reaches its eighth year is another good strategy if you plan to keep it for more than four years.

2. Mileage 

Alongside the age of your car, its mileage can affect its price. Below, you can find a breakdown of how different mileages can affect a vehicle’s selling price:

  • 30,000 to 40,000 miles: Most manufacturer general vehicle warranties tend to expire between 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This mileage range also tends to be when more costly maintenance or repairs are needed. The expiration of warranties and costlier repairs mean car owners can often receive more money by selling before they reach 30,000 miles (or the mileage when the warranty runs out). Conversely, if you sell between 30,000 to 40,000 miles, you’ll likely receive less money for it.
  • 60,000 to 70,000 miles: The next major mileage range you’ll want to watch out for is 60,000 to 70,000 miles. In this mileage range, vehicles tend to need another costly maintenance service, and their manufacturers’ powertrain warranties will likely expire. Like the previous range, you’ll want to sell your car before the powertrain warranty expires (usually below 60,000 miles) to receive the best price for it.
  • 90,000 to 100,000+ miles: When a car reaches the 100,000-mile mark, buyers can be far less willing to meet your asking price for it. Though cars don’t automatically stop running well past 100,000 miles, many buyers will see any number over 100k and either try to get a better deal or write off buying the car entirely. Due to this common reaction to a vehicle over the 100,000 mark, it’s best to try to sell in the 90,000 range to receive a higher payment.

Keep in mind that though higher mileage will often result in a lower selling price for a vehicle, other factors can also affect it. For example, keeping up with maintenance can help you sell your car for more compared to a similar car with the same mileage that hasn’t been properly maintained. 

 3. Time of Year

Typically, used cars sell faster and for more in the spring and early summer. During this time of year, people will have just received their tax refunds, meaning they’ll likely have more spending money. Additionally, people are often looking for vehicles for road trips over the summer, family vacations, or for a bit of joyriding when the weather is nice. Since it’s more enjoyable to drive during the spring and summer, vehicles like convertibles and sports cars tend to do especially well during this time period.

Can It Pay Off to Keep Your Car Until It Can’t Be Repaired?

Unless you love always having a new car, you may want to keep your current vehicle as long as possible. In a May 2024 Wall Street Journal article, Joe Pinsker discusses how the increased cost of new vehicles, insurance policies, and maintenance is leading some car owners to hold onto their vehicles longer.

The article goes on to state that the average cost of a new vehicle in March 2024 was $46,660 compared to $39,950 three years prior. Insurance costs were also up 22.2%, and maintenance costs were up 8.2% in 2024. 

These stats make selling a used vehicle that runs well less attractive for many car owners, as the buying cost for a new vehicle is much higher than years before, and you may have to pay more for insurance when switching to a new one. While maintenance costs are up, an older vehicle might also need fewer specialized parts compared to newer vehicles, helping to keep repair costs lower. 

Besides the financial downsides of new cars, vehicles are lasting longer on average, with the average age of U.S. vehicles reaching 12.6 years in 2024, a record high. As vehicles tend to be more durable now, your vehicle will likely last longer before it suffers from a repair that can’t be fixed (or is too costly to justify). 

While a variety of factors can affect how long a car lasts, it’s actually quite common for vehicles to reach the 200k mark before being replaced. As long as the vehicle is well-made and regularly maintained, it can be worth driving longer after 100,000 miles. Plus, by that point, you’ll likely have paid off your car loan, making it far more affordable to own compared to a new vehicle.

Turn to Chapel Hill Tire for Car Repair Services in the Triangle

If you’d like to keep your car in great condition before you sell or want to extend its life for as long as possible, Chapel Hill Tire can help. As a leading automotive repair shop in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas, we’re prepared to provide the maintenance, repairs, and replacement services you need to keep your car running at its best. We also offer a great set of coupons you can take advantage of to save money on our services. Learn more about our vehicle repair services today. If you need to bring your car in for service, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

Vehicle Alignment: Why It’s a Serious Risk for New Cars

New car with vehicle alignment issue on a road

If you’ve purchased a car in recent years, chances are it has an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). These systems aim to prevent injuries and death while driving through various safety technologies. For example, a vehicle with an ADAS will often have features like lane departure warnings, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and automatic parking. When your vehicle isn’t properly aligned, however, its ADAS can be impacted, raising your risk of an accident. 

As more and more cars rely on an ADAS to enhance vehicle safety and performance, it’s essential drivers understand how an improper vehicle alignment could put them at risk while driving.

Vehicle Alignment Explained

Otherwise called wheel or tire alignment, vehicle alignment refers to adjusting a vehicle’s suspension with alignment tools to ensure tires are angled correctly when the vehicle is on the road. If the vehicle isn’t evenly aligned, its tires won’t make contact with the road at the correct angles, and the wheels will be pointed in different directions, resulting in poor handling and excess tire wear.

By aligning the wheels of a vehicle with vehicle alignment tools, mechanics ensure the vehicle will stay straight when you’re driving, handle corners more smoothly, and keep your tires in good shape for longer. Proper alignment can also help your vehicle’s gas mileage and provide a safer driving experience. 

Why Is Proper Vehicle Alignment So Important for New Cars With an ADAS?

For older vehicles without an ADAS, improper tire alignment can cause several issues. For instance, an out-of-alignment vehicle will often pull to one side of the road instead of staying straight, leading to accidents. Improper alignment also causes tires to wear faster, which raises the risk of poor traction and tire blow-outs. 

While all these issues are serious for old and new vehicles, the increased use of ADAS in new vehicles increases the risks of improper tire alignment. When your vehicle uses an ADAS, the system relies on your vehicle’s sensors and cameras to make the proper calculations. If your alignment angles (i.e., toe, camber, and caste angles) aren’t properly aligned, these calculations can be thrown off. Without the right calculations, features associated with your ADAS won’t have the correct information to work properly.

This incorrect information can result in issues that range from the merely annoying to the very dangerous. For example, if your vehicle alignment is off and is causing your vehicle to pull to the right, its lane assist feature may start sending you alerts to stop and take a break. These alerts would be due to the ADAS thinking your constant corrections to the left are indicators you’re not driving safely.

Besides causing your ADAS to send you mistaken alerts, vehicle alignment problems could make your vehicle take a corrective maneuver when it doesn’t actually need to. For instance, your vehicle might brake or swerve unexpectedly due to ADAS sensor errors caused by an improper alignment. Of course, unexpected braking and swerving are major safety issues that lead to wrecks and serious injury. 

How to Avoid ADAS Issues From Poor Vehicle Alignment

Cars with ADAS must be properly aligned to ensure the sensors can send accurate data to the ADAS. If you notice any of the following signs of an alignment issue, you should take your car to a trained mechanic for an inspection:

  • Your steering wheel won’t stay centered
  • Your tire wear patterns are abnormal
  • Your vehicle pulls to the left or right
  • Your tires make squealing noises while driving
  • Your steering wheel feels loose

By taking your car in as soon as you notice any of the above signs, you can prevent ADAS issues from occuring. Since vehicle alignment problems can significantly reduce your safety, an alignment repair isn’t something you want to put off. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Vehicle Alignment Services in the Triangle

If you need vehicle alignment services in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Whether your vehicle has an ADAS or not, our mechanics have the vehicle alignment tools and training to properly align your vehicle and ensure its safety before you take it out of the shop. Since our team knows how important your ADAS is to your car’s safety and importance, we take great care to ensure our work doesn’t impact the proper functioning of your ADAS’s sensors and cameras.Learn more about our wheel alignment services today. If you’re ready to bring your vehicle into our shop, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area. We also offer a great set of coupons you can take advantage of to keep your costs low!

Car Key Fob Not Working? 4 Next Steps 

Young woman with broken key fob.

Key fobs are extremely convenient—until they stop working. If you own a car that doesn’t use a physical key, you may run into issues starting or getting into your vehicle if your key fob dies. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take that may help you diagnose the problem so you can get back on the road. In this article, we’ll go over four steps to follow if your key fob dies and some answers to frequently asked questions about key fobs.

Step 1: Check Your Key Fob’s Battery

Fixing your key fob might be as simple as replacing the fob’s battery. Typically, key fob batteries last between three to four years. If your fob isn’t working and the battery is older than three or four years, you probably need to replace the battery.

If you don’t know what battery to use when replacing the old one, your car’s manual should have directions on what type of battery you need to order for your fob. Once you have your new battery, open your fob with a small screwdriver, take out the old battery, put the new one in, and test it out.

If your key fob starts working, you’re good to go! If it still isn’t working, move on to the next step. 

Step 2: Reprogram the Key Fob

If your key fob isn’t working after you replace the battery, the programming could be at fault. While the exact steps may vary by model, you can find a general overview of how to program a car key fob below:

  • Enter Programming Mode: Get into your car and close all the doors. Put your key into the ignition and turn it so it’s in the “On” position without starting the engine. Typically, a vehicle will signal that its programming mode is on by making a chime or causing the doors to lock and unlock. Some cars will require you to go between “On” and “Off” several times before the programming mode starts, so check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out how many times you need to switch between the positions.
  • Press the Key Fob Button: With the vehicle in the “On” position and the programming mode started, press and hold the lock or unlock button on the fob for about 10 to 30 seconds. Your car may make a noise indicating that the fob has been programmed. 
  • Test the Fob: Test and see if your key fob is working. If it is, you’re all set!

Some vehicles require the fob to be programmed at the dealership or by a professional. If you own a vehicle with a fob you can’t program yourself, there isn’t really a workaround, and you’ll need to take it to a qualified professional.

Step 3: Check for Physical Damage

Like any piece of technology, key fobs can suffer from physical damage, which can break them. Give your fob a good once-over to make sure that there aren’t any cracks, the buttons are working, and it isn’t overly dirty. 

You can also open the key fob to inspect the circuit board if you’re comfortable doing so. Check for any signs of corrosion or visible damage on the circuits, as those can definitely cause problems. If your fob is damaged, you can see if it can be repaired at an auto shop, but you may need to replace it entirely.

Step 4: Seek Professional Help

If you still can’t get your fob to work, you should take it to your preferred auto shop. A technician can help you diagnose the problem and get your fob working again. If the mechanic can’t repair your key fob, the shop might be able to replace it for you.

Broken Key Fob FAQ

If you have additional questions about key fobs, review our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to key fobs below:

1. How to Start Car With Dead Key Fob? 

If your car uses a keyless fob to start, knowing how to start a car with a dead key fob is essential to ensure you can still drive your vehicle. Most cars with keyless technology will start if you hold the “dead” fob up to the ignition button and try again. There may also be a small key in the fob for situations like this! If your key fob has one of those, look at the manual to find where you put the key into.

2. How to Unlock Car With Key Fob Inside? 

If you’ve accidentally locked your car with the fob inside, you can try to get the door open with a hanger or similar tool. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a locksmith or a roadside assistance provider should be able to get your car open for you in just a few minutes!

3. What Do I Do If I Got My Key Fob Wet?

If you dropped your key fob in water or got it wet, you can try to place it into a bag of rice to dry it out. Unfortunately, water will damage the chip inside the fob and may break it. Try drying the fob out for a bit in uncooked rice before you see if it works. If it’s still not functioning after drying it out, you may have to get a new fob. 

Key Fob Problems? Turn to Chapel Hill Tire

If you’re having issues with your key fob and you live in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire can help. Whether your vehicle uses a keyless fob system or a traditional key fob, our mechanics can diagnose and fix the problem so you can get back on the road. If your fob doesn’t end up being the issue, we can perform a diagnostic on your vehicle to get to the bottom of the problem and get your car fixed.

When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area. You can also check out our promotions to find a great deal on our many services