Category: Resource

Over the years,  many car care myths have worked their way into the mainstream and become facts to many drivers. While some of these ideas may have been true at one point, advances in car technology have made many car care best practices irrelevant. Since it can be hard to know what’s necessary to properly care for your vehicle, we’re here to set the record straight on six common car myths you may have heard your whole life.

Myth 1: You Should Warm Up Your Car Before Driving 

We’ve all seen it in real life or in the movies. When it’s cold outside, someone will go and warm up the car before setting out for a drive in icy conditions. In the past, older engines needed more time to properly lubricate themselves with oil, but newer vehicles’ engines are usually fully lubricated in less than 30 seconds. 

Due to the advances in vehicle technology, warming up your car for an extended period of time isn’t needed. It can also waste fuel, cause unnecessary wear and tear on your engine, and release excess emissions into the air. Instead of warming your car up before you drive when it’s cold outside, you can drive slowly for a few minutes to prep your engine.  

That said, there are numerous other steps you should be taking to ensure your car stays protected this winter.

Myth 2: Premium Gasoline Is Always Better 

Some drivers believe that using premium fuel in all cars will improve efficiency, but most cars actually aren’t designed to take advantage of the differences that come with using premium gas. If you drive a luxury vehicle, premium fuel may be your best bet, but for standard cars, regular gasoline will almost always be a better choice. Using premium gas can be expensive, so it’s best not to waste your money if your car is not designed to run on higher-octane fuel.

Myth 3: You Need an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles

The standard oil change once you hit 3,000 miles used to be standard practice on every vehicle. However, advancements in both engine and oil technology have made it possible for vehicles can go longer between oil changes. 

Most newer cars can go between 5,000 and 10,000 miles between oil changes and be completely fine, depending on the type of oil you use and driving conditions. While it’s still important to check your oil regularly to make sure it’s topped off, changing it every 3,000 miles isn’t usually necessary.

Myth 4: Inflate Tires to the Number on the Sidewall

The number printed on the sidewall of your car’s tires is actually the maximum pressure you can fill them with, not the recommended amount. The correct tire pressure can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a sticker that is sometimes located on the inside of the door jamb on the driver’s side. 

Overinflating your tires can lead to a harsher ride and uneven wear, and underinflated tires can affect your fuel efficiency and handling. If you can’t find the happy medium that you should be hitting for tire inflation, it’s best to ask a mechanic just to be safe. 

Myth 5: You Need to Replace Both Headlights When One Burns Out

The need to simultaneously replace both headlights is a common belief that has wasted a lot of people’s money over the years. While it’s important to check both headlights when one goes out for dimming or discoloration, there’s no technical reason to replace both at the same time. Your car’s illumination will not be unbalanced if one headlight is older than the other, so you can often wait to replace the older headlight when it actually dies.

Myth 6: Using Dish Soap to Clean Your Car is Fine

While dish soap may be useful for many types of cleaning outside of your plates and silverware, it is not suitable for cleaning cars. When you were younger, you may remember a soapy bucket full of dish soap that your parents handed you when it was time to wipe the family vehicle down, but dish soap actually does more harm than good when it comes to cars. 

Dish soap is formulated to strip away oils, which can damage the protective wax layer on your car and lead to premature rusting and paint fading. A pH-balanced car shampoo is your best bet when it comes to getting your ride clean without causing unwanted damage.  

Chapel Hill Tire: Car Care in the Triangle Area

If you need car care in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, head over to Chapel Hill Tire. Our qualified mechanics will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your vehicle and give you tips on caring for car correctly. Whether you need an inspection or a repair, our team is trained to perform our services quickly and effectively. We also have a great set of coupons to take advantage of for any other maintenance requirements you might have.

Learn more about our inspection and repair services today. When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

You’ve probably had a headlight in your car go out on you—it’s not great. Proper visibility while driving at night is crucial for your safety, and a long-lasting set of headlights can make the difference between a well-lit ride through the dark and one that has you squinting to see the road. As you try to find a pair of headlights that will last a long time and keep the road well-lit, it’s crucial to know the difference between LED and traditional headlights.

If you need to replace your vehicle’s headlights soon, find out more about the differences between LED headlights and traditional-style headlights and the levels of difficulty when it comes to replacing them in certain types of cars. 

LED vs Traditional Headlights

If your headlights are showing signs it’s time to replace them, there are a few key differences to consider before you choose what type you’ll be installing in your vehicle. Instead of picking a type of headlight at random, review the four main differences between them so you can make an informed decision:

• Brightness: One of the main benefits of LED headlights is how bright they are compared to traditional halogen and xenon bulbs. Unlike traditional headlights, LED bulbs emit light by harnessing a process called electroluminescence, which converts more energy into physical light than heat. Because they don’t waste as much power heating the bulb itself, LED lights produce a much brighter light than halogen or xenon bulbs. Their higher brightness provides better visibility for drivers and a more well-lit night driving experience. 
• Lifespan: Because of their efficiency, LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. While halogen headlights usually last around 500 – 1000 hours, LED headlights can last up to 30,000 hours or more! When you opt for LED lights over traditional bulbs, you’ll save money on replacements in the long run and give yourself peace of mind that it’ll be a while before your headlight goes out. 
• Efficiency: As was mentioned earlier, LED lights use electroluminescence for power. This reduction in energy usage puts less stress on your vehicle’s electrical system than standard headlights and makes your car more efficient in general. In fact, LED headlights consume around 80% less energy than standard headlights, meaning a new set of LED lights can significantly reduce strain on your vehicle’s power source.
• Color Variation: Almost all traditional headlights produce a warm yellowish light that can be irksome for some drivers. LED lights are great because they offer a variety of color temperatures, giving you a chance to choose a light color that suits your preference. LED lights can provide a cooler, more natural light that enhances visibility and can potentially reduce eye strain. 

How Difficult Is It to Install LED Headlights?

When it comes to replacing headlights, the process will vary a bit depending on what type of vehicle you have. Some models are designed to have easily accessible headlights, making replacing them a simple fix that you can do yourself in a short amount of time. In contrast, some higher-end vehicles have more complex designs that make replacing headlights a more difficult job. Find out more about the varying difficulty levels of installing LED headlights below:

• Easier Replacements: Three types of vehicles renowned for their user-friendly headlight replacement process are Honda Civics, Ford F 150s, and Toyota Corollas. These three vehicles have easily accessible headlights that make replacing them easy. Alongside these three vehicles, cars that are less specialized and more popular usually have easily accessible headlights that can be replaced quickly. 
• More Difficult Replacements: Luxury brands, such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi, are notoriously more difficult to work on in general, and this definitely extends to headlight replacement. If you own a car belonging to one of these brands, you’ll need assistance from a mechanic when it’s time to replace your headlights. 
• Considerations: If you’re thinking about upgrading to LED headlights, it’s crucial that you check your owner’s manual for information about headlight compatibility. If you’re having trouble finding out if your car will work with LED bulbs, it’s always a good idea to consult a mechanic so you don’t waste time or money. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for LED Headlight Repair Services in Raleigh

If you need LED headlight repair or replacement services in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire has your back. One of our qualified mechanics would be happy to examine your car and give you an estimate on how difficult bulb replacement would be. After we provide an estimate, we can perform any repairs or replacement services you need to get your car back on the road with bright and long-lasting LED headlights. We also have a great set of coupons to take advantage of for any other maintenance requirements you might have!

Learn more about our headlight repair and replacement services today. When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

Your car only drives as well as the tires that you put on it. If you’re the owner of a luxury vehicle, making sure that you take the time to select quality Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires makes a huge difference in how it feels to pilot your dream car. Investing in a set of wheels helps ensure smooth handling and a comfortable ride for your luxury vehicle.

In this guide, we’ll go over what types of luxury car tires you should have your eye on to get the most out of the car you love. 

Best Luxury All-Season Tires

Luxury all-season tires are great options for drivers who want a tire designed to perform well in all seasons. Typically, all-season tires feature deeper tread depths than summer tires, meaning they often last longer. You can also expect them to perform well in light snow conditions. As a result, drivers who live in more temperate climates can often get the most value out of luxury all-season tires. 

If you’re interested in trying all-season tires, review some of the best luxury car tires for year-round use below:

• Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+: These are Michelin’s finest high-performance all-season tires, with combined wet and dry grip, equipped for sun, rain, and snow. The Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ tires are perfect for drivers who want the smoothest ride, regardless of the season.  
• Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4: The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a tire that does everything well. Due to their ultra-reactive tread patterns, these tires handle exceptionally well on paved roads and are one of the best sets of tires for wet braking. 
• Continental Cross UHP: These tires are a great choice for drivers looking have some fun on the road. With excellent grip, handling, cornering stability, paired with short braking distances, low rolling resistances, and the patented SSR Runflat System, the ContiCrossContact UHP is the perfect choice for drivers looking to get the most out of their luxury vehicle year-round.

Best Luxury Summer Tires

There’s nothing like letting the top down on your car when the weather is nice and going for a long drive in the sun. Luxury summer tires make summer driving even better by offering additional grip strength and greater responsiveness in handling. While they’re not rated for snow, they’re designed for rain, making them a great choice for those who love to drive their luxury vehicle in the summer. Some of our favorite luxury summer tires include:

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Summer rains can lead to dangerous road conditions, but the Pilot Sport 4S maintains excellent grip and handling even in some of the wettest weather. Ensure your drive remains smooth and safe with Michelin’s exceptional dry grip and wet-breaking performances.  
• Continental Extreme Contact Sport: These are the ultra-high-performance summer tires ideal for drivers looking to take advantage of everything their luxury car has to offer. Developed by racecar drivers and the preferred tire of the BMW Performance Driving School, the ExtremeContact Sport is chosen by experts for good reason. With state-of-the-art handling, braking, and tread life, these tires are made for the most demanding drivers. 

Best Luxury Winter Tires

If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, winter luxury care tires are a great choice. These tires have deeper tread depths than summer or all-season tires, and they also feature different tread patterns designed to increase traction. Additionally, the rubber used in winter tires is made for greater flexibility and softness to enhance their performance and durability. The following luxury winter tires will keep you and your passengers safe without sacrificing aesthetics or performance: 

• Michelin X-Ice Snow: Michelin’s X-Ice Snow tires are perfect for winter weather handling. With innovative technology that generates micro-roughness on the surface of the tire, the X-Ice Snow tires offer impeccable grip on the slipperiest of surfaces. 
• Pirelli Ice Zero FR: The Pirelli Ice Zero FRs were designed specifically for unparalleled handling in snowy conditions. If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall in the winter months and don’t want to worry about hitting the road, these are the luxury winter tires for you.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for the Best Luxury Car Tires in the Triangle

If you’re looking for a new set of luxury tires in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire has your back. With our Price Beat Guaranty, you know you’ll always be getting the best price on tires. We offer the lowest price on new tires in the area, and if you happen to find a set for cheaper, we’ll match their number guaranteed. If you already have a set of UHP and need a rotation, check-up, or any kind of general maintenance, one of our qualified technicians will be happy to take a look at your wheels. Before you schedule an appointment, check out our tire promotions to find a great deal on your new tires.

Learn more about our tire replacement services and review our available tires today. When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

As electric vehicles become more popular, searches about servicing them are becoming more and more common. Cars are complicated machines, and it can be hard to dedicate the time to learning about the ins and outs of your vehicle, so it’s natural to have a lot of questions. When searching the internet for information about servicing electric vehicles, some of the most common questions you might come across may be about cost, difficulty of repair, types of repairs, and who can even repair an electric vehicle in the first place. 

In this article, we’ll answer all of the above questions to help electric vehicle owners and prospective buyers get a better sense of what goes into electric vehicle repairs. 

Is Repairing Electric Cars More Expensive?

Repairing an electric car is quite different from a classic gas-powered vehicle. Electric vehicles tend to be simpler mechanically than cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE), as they don’t have as many moving parts that need maintenance and observation.

But this simplicity can sometimes come at a cost. EV cars are usually heavier than vehicles with gas-powered engines, and because of this, they tend to cause more damage to other vehicles when involved in collisions. Though they often cause more damage to other vehicles, they’re not immune from damage. If they’re damaged in a collision, the costs can add up quickly due to specialized parts that need to be purchased for electric vehicles. Because electric vehicles aren’t as popular as cars with ICE engines, the parts are less readily available, which drives up the cost. 

That being said, general maintenance for an electric vehicle tends to be cheaper than a gas-powered car. Since EV owners don’t have to worry about maintaining things like oil, the day-to-day fixes and annual service checks will potentially end up costing you less.

How Hard Is It to Repair an Electric Car? Are EVs More Difficult to Repair?

While basic maintenance tasks, like tire rotation or getting your alignment checked, are similar in EVs and ICE cars, some EV fixes can be more complicated. Electric cars have more niche parts than ICE cars, such as electric drivetrains, control systems, and the batteries that power the vehicles themselves. Due to the specificity of their parts, more advanced diagnostic tools and equipment are usually needed to perform more in-depth repairs. These tools will require the mechanic to have undergone specialized training to operate, which may also drive up labor costs.

It all depends on the fix, though. For example, a problem with a combustion car’s transmission will be a more complicated fix than if you just have some bad battery cables in your EV. Since combustion and electric vehicle repairs vary in complexity, there’s no clear answer about which one is harder. However, electric vehicles utilize more unique parts that some mechanics may not be trained to repair or replace, so it’s best practice to always go to a mechanic who has been properly trained to repair EVs. 

What Kind of Maintenance Do Electric Cars Need?

While EV cars may require less maintenance than traditional gasoline-powered cars, they still require regular checkups. Below, you can find a few things to stay on top of to keep your electric vehicle running smoothly: 

• Battery Health: The battery in an EV vehicle is what makes everything go, so you’ll want to keep a close eye to make sure that it is functioning properly. One way to ensure your battery is working properly is to compare the projected mileage range on your display to the miles covered on your trip. If there is a difference in the numbers, you should probably have a mechanic give it a look.
• Braking System: EV cars use a regenerative braking system that takes the power that would normally be used in a classic braking setup and siphons it back into your car’s battery, conserving energy. Much like brakes in ICE cars, regular checkups from trained mechanics on your EV’s brakes will save you money in the long run if you catch problems early.
• Cooling Systems & HVAC: While they don’t have a gasoline-powered engine, EV cars still require coolant. Coolant is easy to check yourself, so be sure to look at your levels periodically and refill as needed. The heating and cooling systems in your car will also require regular service to ensure they’re working as they should be.
• Software Updates: Keeping up to date on your vehicle’s firmware and software is essential to your electric vehicle functioning efficiently. Make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s instructions on regular updates. If you’re having difficulty figuring out how to download the updates, take your car to a qualified mechanic so they can help you out.

Who Can Repair EV Vehicles? Can a Mechanic Repair an EV?

Not every mechanic will be qualified to work on an electric vehicle. When searching for a shop to take your EV to, be sure to do your research and make sure that their mechanics have the qualifications to service electric-powered cars. Since EVs require more specialized repairs, it may take a little longer to find a mechanic who can help you out, but it’s worth taking a little more time to find a properly certified mechanic to ensure your EV is properly maintained and repaired. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for All Your Electric Vehicle Repairs 

If you need electric vehicle repairs near Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Our team of technicians is trained to service all types of vehicles and will be happy to provide any repairs or maintenance you might need. We’re also proud to offer several promotions to keep your costs as low as possible.

Learn more about our hybrid and electric vehicle services today. If you need a repair for your gas or electric vehicle, please make an appointment at one of our 11 Triangle area locations.

Getting new tires can be a bit overwhelming at times. There are a lot of steps that go into getting a new set of wheels on your vehicle, and you’ll want to get the right set of tires so they last their entire lifespan. If you have an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, making sure that all of your new tires match is extremely important if you want to ensure that your car is performing at its best.

If you need all-wheel drive tire replacement, find out more about why it’s important to have matching AWD tires and review some best practices for car owners with AWD vehicles.

Why Having Matching AWD Tires Matters

While it can be tempting to select nonmatching AWD tires, they can impact your vehicle’s performance. Before you pick a new set of AWD tires, learn more about the top three reasons why having a matching set of AWD tires is essential to your vehicle’s performance:

• Uniform tire size ensures proper traction: Having the same-sized tires is necessary for maintaining consistent traction on all four of your wheels. Since nonmatching tires will wear at different rates, they can severely affect the AWD system in your car from distributing power efficiently. Besides impacting power distribution, their uneven wear and lack of consistent traction can compromise your car’s handling and performance.
• Tread depth uniformity enhances stability and traction: Tread depth uniformity, like tire size, also affects how your AWD system functions. A set of tires that don’t match and have different tread depths can compromise traction and reduce stability. Without proper stability and traction, your vehicle will be harder to control, resulting in an increased risk of accidents, particularly in bad weather conditions. 
• Brand consistency reduces the risk of premature wear and tear: While you may find tires that are the same size and tread depth made by different companies, sticking to the same brand is the way to go. Tires from different brands often vary in their rubber compounds, tread patterns, and overall construction. These differences can make a big difference when it comes to wear and tear and overall performance. As a result, you’ll want to purchase matching AWD tires from the same brand.

Best Practices for AWD Vehicle Owners

If you own an AWD vehicle, you should get into the habit of practicing general maintenance to keep your car and its system functioning properly. Learn more about some AWD tire best practices below:

• Replace tires in sets of four: When it comes time to replace one or all of your AWD tires, it’s best to do it all at once, even if only one tire is experiencing issues. If your tires are at different stages in their lifespan, it could compromise your entire system, potentially putting you and your passengers at risk. 
• Regular tire rotations: Consistent tire rotation can help your tires wear at an even pace. Rotation extends the life of tires and helps maintain the consistency of tread depth. Your vehicle’s manual should have instructions on how often you should rotate your tires, and it’s best to stick to that schedule. 
• Check and adjust tire pressure: An easy fix you can do yourself is keeping your tires filled with air according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Most gas stations have tire pressure devices that allow you to check how much air is in your tires and fill them if necessary. Lower tire pressure can put you at risk for uneven wear and even flats, something nobody wants to deal with when they’re on the road. 
• Invest in a full-sized spare: If you get a flat, you should have a full-sized spare in your car. Using a smaller-sized spare tire for an extended period of time can lead to complications with your vehicle, especially if it’s engaged in an AWD system. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for All-Wheel Drive Replacement Services

If you need all-wheel drive replacement services in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire can help. When you bring your vehicle for service, our certified mechanics can help you select matching AWD tires from a trusted brand. Our team can also perform regular tire inspection, rotation, and alignment services to maximize your AWD tires’ lifespans. Before you schedule an appointment, check out our promotions to find a great deal on our many services!

Learn more about our tire replacement services today. When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re wondering what to get that special person in your life that will show your love, look no further! Car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to upgrade their ride, whether it’s with new parts or some kind of cosmetic glow up. It can be hard to know exactly what they need for the vehicle that they love so much, and asking them up front would ruin the surprise!

Don’t worry though, Chapel Hill is here to help! In this article we’ll go over 4 Valentine’s Day gifts for car enthusiasts that’ll have them swooning. 

Gift Option #1: Quality Tools & Tool Set

When it comes to working on your own car, investing in a quality set of tools will not only make projects easier, but also save you money in the long run. Cheaper tools will break easier and have you running back to the auto shop or online retailer at the worst moments. Your car enthusiast may be thiiiis close to being done with his or her current project, just to have a problem with his tools that halts all of the progress. 

You’ll want to do a bit of research before you buy the first set of mechanic’s tools that you find online. Once you’ve found a well reviewed set that’s within your budget get ready for a Valentine’s Day to remember as you watch your partner’s face light up!

Gift Option #2: Mobile Detailing Package

A glow up for your car enthusiast’s prized possession is a great way to show how much you care. Mobile detailing packages will have his or her ride shining and looking like it just rolled out of the lot. Detailing packages usually include, but aren’t limited to, exterior waxing, interior detailing, and tire care. Getting your car detailed in the winter time is also a great way to protect it from all types of damage as well. Things like ice, snow, and salt on the roads can beat up cars pretty badly, so getting detailing done before the warm months roll around is an awesome gift idea.  

Chapel Hill offers a great selection of mobile detailing packages that will fit almost any budget!

Gift Option #3: Gift Certificate for Detailing, Repairs, & More

If you’re having trouble singling out something that special someone in your life may need for his car, a gift card to their favorite auto shop is always a great idea! Gift cards are great because they’re so flexible, and that way you won’t have to try and single out a single part or thing that his or her car needs without trying to hide the surprise.

Whether it’s a DIY project, a new set of tires, or a repair that’s been putting off for a while, your partner will be all set!

Gift Option #4: A Model of His or Her Car

Last but not least, a smaller version of the car he or she loves is a cute idea that’s sure to bring a smile to his or her face. If one is available, this would make a great gift for the office, the desk, or garage.

With the amount of online retailers today that make custom items, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a vendor who’s willing to either make a custom model of a car, or already has that specific version in their shop.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for a Gift Your Valentine Will Love 

If you live in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, or the surrounding areas and are looking for a Valentine’s Gift for the car enthusiast in your life, stop by Chapel Hill Tire. 

From Mobile Detailing Packages to Gift Cards, we’re sure to have something that he’ll love. A repair that he’s been putting off can also be a great gift idea as well. Sometimes nothing says I Love You more than crossing something off of your partner’s to do list for them!

Before you schedule an appointment, check out our promotions to find a great deal on our many services!

When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.