Category: Resource

Even if you’re not a car expert, it’s good to know the basic visual components of your vehicle so that you can know when it’s time to take it into the shop. Tires are some of the most important parts of your car, and keeping them balanced is essential to their long-term performance. One way you can keep your tires in great shape and catch issues early is to know what the red and yellow dots on the sides of your tires mean. 

As you try to keep your vehicle’s tires in the best shape possible, knowing what these dots mean and how they affect wheel balancing can make the difference between a set that lasts you 10 years and having to replace them earlier than you’d like.

What Do Yellow Dots on Tires Mean?

Yellow dots on a tire’s sidewall mark the lightest point of the tire. While manufacturers take great care in making the most perfectly balanced tire possible, there can still be imperfections. In order to make up for the uneven weight most tires naturally have and balance the tires, the lightest part of the tire is lined up with the valve stem, which is installed on the heaviest part of the wheel. 

In the manufacturing phase, the yellow dot helps installers easily find the lightest part of the tire and match it with the wheel’s valve stem. However, mistakes can occur, and the yellow dot might not always be located next to the valve stem. In this case, improper weight distribution can occur, causing tires to vibrate and unevenly wear when driving. Checking that the yellow dot is lined up with the valve stem on a new vehicle or when you install new tires can help prevent improper weight distribution. 

What Do Red Dots on Tires Mean?

Similar to the yellow dot on the sidewall of a tire, the red dot also aims to prevent issues with wheel balancing during manufacturing. On a tire, the red dot indicates the tire’s highest point, which is the most imbalanced part. If you have a red dot on your tire, you’ll likely have another red dot or sticker on the wheel itself behind the rim. On the wheel, the red dot indicates the wheel’s lowest point, and this red dot should line up with the red point on the tire. 

Lining up these dots will offset the unevenly distributed weight of the tire and reduce vibrations caused by the tire’s highest point. If you have yellow and red dots on your tires, you should ignore the yellow dot entirely. Instead, make sure the red dot on the tire is lined up with the red dot on the wheel when you purchase a new vehicle or a new set of tires.

Why Do Balanced Tires  Matter?

Both the yellow and red dots in your vehicle attempt to make it easier for installers, mechanics, and vehicle owners to properly balance a vehicle’s tires. If the red and yellow dots on your tire indicate you have imbalanced tires, you’ll likely run into several issues. You can find the main reasons to check that the yellow or red dots on them are properly aligned below:

• Properly balanced tires will give you a smoother ride in your vehicle. If your tire balance is off, you may feel unwanted rumbling or bumping while you’re on the road. 
• If your tire’s balance is off, it won’t wear evenly. Tire wear is inevitable, but if yours are breaking down unevenly, they will need to be replaced prematurely, costing you money in the long run. 
• Imbalanced tires will cause more rolling resistance in your car, making your engine work harder and use more fuel. 

What Do You Do When Your Tires Aren’t Balanced?

When you notice that the yellow or red dots on your tires aren’t lined up correctly, you’ll likely run into wheel balancing issues. Though it can be tempting to try to fix the issue on your own, tire balancing is not something you should try to do yourself. It is a delicate procedure that is easy to mess up if you don’t know what you’re doing, and improper wheel balancing could land you in a worse situation than when you started. 

Instead of trying to perform wheel balancing on your own, you’ll want to bring your car to a vetted auto mechanic if your tire’s yellow or red dots indicate the wheels are imbalanced. It’s also best practice to bring your vehicle in every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to check your tire balance or if you start to feel strange rumbling when driving. When you get your tires balanced by a professional, you’ll likely save money in the long run, and your car will run smoother and handle exactly like you want it to.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for all of Your Wheel Balancing Needs

If you’re looking for wheel balancing services near you in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, or the surrounding areas, choose Chapel Hill Tire Auto Center. Whether you need a routine inspection of your wheel balance or you’ve noticed your wheels vibrating more than they used to, our mechanics can solve the issue. Before you schedule an appointment, review our promotions to find a great deal on our many services!

Learn more about our tire balancing 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.

At some point in almost all vehicle owner’s lives, they’ll need to break out the jumper cables and ask someone to lend a hand or, in this case, a battery. Though most people have either jumped a gas-powered car or seen someone jump a vehicle, many people aren’t sure how (or if) they can jump an electric vehicle (EV). Typically, EVs shouldn’t need a jump due to their design, but EV owners should still know the ins and outs of jump-starting their EVs just in case.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Jump-Start the Large Voltage Battery in Your EV

EV cars have two batteries: one is a high-voltage battery responsible for moving the vehicle, and the other is a 12v battery used for smaller functions like starting, locking, windows, onboard computers, and interior lighting. If your 12v battery is drained, your vehicle may not start, and it’s safe to try to jump it.

However, if the larger high-voltage battery in your car is drained, you can’t use another car’s battery to jump it. Instead, you’ll need to recharge it at an EV charging station, and if it won’t charge, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic.

6 Steps to Jump-Start Your Electic Vehicle

When your 12V battery is dead and not powering various functions in your EV, you can safely jump-start it by following the steps below:

1. Follow Safety Precautions

Before you try to jump-start your EV, it’s important to make sure you’re as safe as possible. For example, you’ll need to park or tow your car away from potentially hazardous traffic. Next, turn off the EV and confirm it’s in park.

 In addition to turning off the vehicle, check that anything that could draw power from your 12v battery is turned off. For example, headlights, interior lights, and windshield wipers should be turned off. Finally, locate your vehicle’s battery using your EV’s owner’s manual. 

2. Gather Your Tools 

Alongside following safety precautions, you’ll need to have a few tools to jump-start your EV’s 12v battery properly. These tools include:

• Jumper cables that are in good shape.
• A functioning gas-powered vehicle (using an EV or hybrid vehicle to jump an EV isn’t usually recommended).
• A cloth to clean debris off of the battery and the jumper cables.

3. Connecting the Jumper Cables 

While much of the previous two steps are similar to a gas-powered vehicle, the actual process of jumping an EV is different. Review the following steps to connect your jumper cables to your EV and another vehicle:

• Locate the positive and negative terminals on both vehicle’s batteries. 
• Connect the red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead vehicle’s battery. Ensure the red and black connectors never touch while doing so.
• Connect the other end of the red cable to the working vehicle’s battery.
• Attach the black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery.
• Attach the other end of the black clamp to the negative grounding point of the dead EV battery.

4. Starting the Vehicles

Once you’ve properly hooked up your jumper cables by following the steps above, start the working vehicle and let it run for a couple of minutes. The running vehicle will help power get to your dead EV battery. After a couple of minutes, attempt to start the dead car. If it starts, great! If it doesn’t, try again in a few minutes. EVs that won’t start after you attempt to jump them a few times will need to be taken to a mechanic for further inspection.

5. Disconnecting the Cables

Now that your 12v battery is working again, you’ll want to disconnect the jumper cables in the opposite order that you attached them in. The steps to disconnect the cables can be found below:

• Remove the black (negative) cable from the ground point on the jumped EV.
• Remove the black cable from the battery of the jumping vehicle.
• Remove the red (positive) cable from the jumping vehicle.
• Remove the red cable from the jumped EV.

6. Final Steps

Let your EV vehicle run for about 20-30 minutes after it’s jumped to allow the battery to recharge fully. Finally, take your car to your local shop to get your 12v battery checked, as 12v batteries usually don’t need to be jumped. You could need a new battery, or there may be something that malfunctioned that caused it to die. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for all Your Alignment Needs

If you’re looking for an electric vehicle repair shop near you in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Whether you can’t get your 12v battery to work or have another issue with your EV, we can help. With over 60 years of experience, your car will be in safe hands at Chapel Hill. We pride ourselves on being a values-based company and strive to make every visit as seamless and easy on the customer as possible!

If you need a repair, please set up an appointment at one of our conveniently Triangle-area locations. You can also review our promotions to find a great deal on our many services.

Tire alignment may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of routine maintenance for your car, but it is a crucial aspect of keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape. Whether you want to reduce costly repair bills, improve your car’s lifespan, or save money, wheel alignment services are essential. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle is pulling to one side or making noises while turning, it’s time to bring your car into the shop for a wheel alignment.

If you’re debating whether a wheel alignment is worth the cost, review the top four ways regular wheel alignment maintenance can save you money.

1. Better Fuel Efficiency

When your wheels are out of alignment, they make your engine work harder. The tires will create an increased amount of drag on your vehicle, and your engine will have to compensate by consuming more gas to keep your car moving forward. More gas consumption means more trips to the gas station and more money spent at the pump.

Properly aligned wheels won’t fight against each other to keep your vehicle moving straight, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Plus, getting them checked out is as simple as bringing them into your local shop for a tire service appointment. You may have seen some things about DIY alignment online, but it’s a time-consuming job, and it can be very difficult to replicate the results that you would get by sticking to a professional.

2. Improved Tire Lifespan

Are your tires showing wear and tear earlier than they should be? Your alignment could be the culprit. No matter how severe the alignment issue is, improperly aligned wheels will damage your tires over time. Even a small issue could reduce the lifespan of your tires by thousands of miles!

Ideally, a set of tires should last about six to ten years with regular use, and a new set of tires usually costs around $600.00. While you’ll need to get new tires eventually, delaying that process with routine tire alignment services will end up saving you a chunk of change in the long run.

3. Reduced Risk of Costly Repair Bills 

Your tires aren’t the only part of your car affected by faulty wheel alignment. For example, suspension and brake systems can also accrue wear and tear over time if your vehicle’s alignment is off. A suspension repair can cost between $1,000 – $5,000, depending on the severity of the damage and where you take your vehicle. That’s a huge amount of money compared to a visit for alignment maintenance.

When your tires aren’t properly aligned, they can develop different amounts of traction, leading to issues with your brake system not being able to apply the pressure needed to stop your vehicle. Alongside the high costs of brake and suspension repairs, issues with your brakes and suspension can be extremely dangerous. An alignment check is a quick and easy way to give you the peace of mind that you and your passengers are traveling safely.

4. Increased Resale Value 

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your vehicle, it’s important to make sure that your old vehicle is in the best condition possible before putting it on the market. Prospective buyers want to get the most for their money, and you want the best possible value for your vehicle.

A car with properly aligned wheels and tires that are in good shape will net you a better sale than one that has had its maintenance neglected. Additionally, a comprehensive repair history is a major selling point for buyers, and having regular alignment checks on your vehicle’s maintenance reports is crucial to selling your car.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for all Your Wheel Alignment Needs

If you’re looking for alignments near you in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. We’re pleased to offer free alignment checks to our customers, and if you do end up needing to have your wheels aligned, one of our highly qualified maintenance technicians will be happy to get your car back in working order. We pride ourselves on being a values-based company and strive to make every visit as seamless and easy on the customer as possible!

Our customer-friendly portal makes it easy to set up an appointment at our convenient locations in the Triangle area! You can also review our promotions to find a great deal on our many services.

Whether you go over a curb or hit a pothole, any time your tires take any impact it can be a scary moment. Risking a blowout on a long car trip or your morning commute is something that everyone wants to avoid if possible. However, damage to your tire’s sidewall can occur accidentally and cause your tire to suddenly explode while you’re on the road. As a result, drivers should know the main types of sidewall damage that put them at the most risk of a sudden blowout.

4 Signs You’re At Risk of a Tire Blowout Due to Sidewall Damage

The outer facing layer of a tire is called a sidewall, and damage to it can put your tire’s safety in jeopardy. From cuts and punctures to bubbling and cracking, there are plenty of signs that indicate your sidewalls are damaged and could put you at risk of a blowout. Instead of hoping for the best while you’re on the road, review the top four types of sidewall damage that indicate you’re at risk of a blowout below:

1. Cuts

Cuts are probably the most common type of sidewall damage and occur when your tires come into contact with sharp objects on the road, such as glass, wood, or debris. 

Even if the inner parts of the tire are not exposed by the cut, it is important to have a professional assess the damage, as cuts can lead to rapid tire pressure loss or a complete blowout. If the cut is only a few millimeters deep, the tire can still be driven on, but any damage that goes deeper into the sidewall is cause for replacement. 

2. Punctures

Punctures to your sidewall can be harder to notice than cuts. Unless the object that punctured your tire is still lodged in the actual structure, it can be easy to miss with the naked eye. While punctures may not immediately cause a blowout, they weaken the integrity of the sidewall’s structure and, if left unattended, can lead to damage over time. 

Punctures in a tire’s tread can sometimes be repaired, but a puncture to the sidewall warrants a tire replacement. Since ignoring what may seem like a small amount of damage can cause a bigger problem down the road, you’ll need a mechanic to immediately inspect your tires if you’ve noticed a sidewall puncture.

3. Bubbling and Bulging

Bubbling and bulging are more obvious forms of sidewall damage but are just as dangerous as cuts and punctures. Sidewall bubbling can occur because of impact, a manufacturing issue, or even just age. It’s also possible to under-inflate your tires and cause sidewall bulging, as the weight of the car places more stress on the tire’s internal structure. 

Bulges and bubbles should be taken seriously, as they are a major cause of blowouts and cannot be repaired. It is recommended that you replace your tires as soon as possible if you notice any bulging in the sidewall.

4. Cracks and Dry Rot 

As tires age, they may develop dry rot and start to crack. UV exposure, weather changes, and any kind of caustic material that they may come into contact with can put wear and tear on them. 

Cracks that are barely visible may not need to be immediately replaced, but extensive cracking should be addressed ASAP. The internal structure of the tire could be compromised by the cracks, and the tire could be dangerous to drive on. Even if you think the cracking isn’t extreme, it’s worth bringing your car in and having a professional take a look.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire Car Center All Your Tire Needs

If you’ve noticed any of the types of sidewall damage above and are looking for tire service near you in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, or the surrounding areas, stop by one of Chapel Hill Tire’s many locations in the Triangle. Our team can inspect your sidewalls and make any needed repairs to ensure your tires aren’t at risk of a blowout. In the event you end up needing new tires, our online tire-finding tool takes the stress out of wondering if you’re making the right choice when it comes to your vehicle’s wheels.

Learn more about our tire services today. If you need your sidewalls inspected or your tires replaced, please make an appointment. Don’t forget to also check out our promotions to see how much you can save!

Summer’s over, and with the cold weather coming, it’s important to be on top of your car’s maintenance. During the fall and winter, one common issue car owners face is the temperature light turning on. Since this light can indicate your engine is overheating, car owners should know the top four reasons why this light normally comes on and what to do about each of them. 

1. Coolant Is Freezing

Coolant is one of the most important aspects of temperature regulation in your vehicle. When you think of an engine overheating, you may be picturing someone standing on the side of a highway in the dead of summer, looking under the hood of their car, but freezing temperatures can also be dangerous for your car’s temperature regulation. If the temperature light in your car turns on, there’s a high chance your coolant is freezing.

Coolant contains antifreeze, which keeps your fluids from freezing up in the colder months. If your coolant and antifreeze levels are off, it can cause your coolant to freeze. Frozen coolant can lead to your radiator expanding in order to make room for the frozen liquid. As the radiator expands, cracks can develop, and a slew of problems can emerge, including other liquids mixing with the coolant.

If you want to avoid frozen coolant, your coolant should be regularly flushed in order to make sure you don’t run into any issues with your engine temperature. A trained mechanic can also solve frozen coolant issues after they occur and ensure other parts of your car haven’t been damaged. 

2. Old Coolant Temperature Sensor 

A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) is a vital part of your vehicle’s heating and cooling system, as it measures the temperature of your cooling system’s antifreeze and coolant mixture to ensure your engine isn’t overheating. As your coolant tank ages, the CTS, or Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, will age as well, leading to inaccurate temperature readings.

If your CTS is old and malfunctioning, it can trigger the temperature light in your car to turn on. A failed CTS can also lead to much more problematic and expensive issues down the line, including the engine overheating without any warning from your dashboard that something’s going wrong. Instead of ignoring your temperature light and risking engine issues right as the holiday season begins, take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them check if the CTS is working properly. 

3. Defective Thermostat 

Your vehicle’s thermostat regulates the flow of coolant into your engine. As the engine heats up, the thermostat will open to let more coolant in, and as the engine gets colder, the thermostat will close. A defective thermostat can lead to overheating and overcooling—both of which can be a big problem for your engine. 

Overheating can cause extreme damage and even combustion of your engine. Overcooling drastically reduces your engine’s lifespan by wearing out key elements. It can also lead to increased fuel consumption. Either issue can trigger your temperature light to come on. Fortunately, vehicle thermostats are relatively cheap, and a trained technician can replace them fairly quickly to prevent overheating or overcooling. 

4. Water Pump Failure 

Cold weather can affect your vehicle’s water pump and cause it to fail, which is a surefire way for your engine to overheat. Water pumps push coolant from the radiator to the engine and back around to the radiator again. Low temperatures during the fall and winter can cause the seals on a car’s water pump to weaken and eventually crack, messing up your car’s temperature regulation system. This issue can cause your temperature light to turn on and your engine to overheat.

If you’ve noticed your coolant is leaking, dirty, or thickening, your water pump could be to blame. Another key sign you have a water pump issue is if you’re hearing grinding noises and your temperature light has turned on. A trained mechanic can replace a failed water pump and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive in the cold.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Temperature Light Inspection Services

If you’re looking for temperature light repair services near you in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. When your temperature light is on in your car, you can easily schedule an appointment with us for a complete inspection. Once you bring your car in, one of our trained technicians will be happy to diagnose why your temperature light is on and perform a comprehensive repair. Our cooling fluid maintenance services can also help prevent your temperature light from coming on in the first place.

If your temperature light is on in your car, please make an appointment at one of our 11 locations in the Triangle area. You can also review our promotions to find a great deal on our many services.

The service covered by your car insurance company will largely depend on the type of coverage you’ve chosen. Policies have different parts that cover different expenses. You may have one section of the policy reserved for repairing your vehicle after an accident. Another section of the policy is set aside for other vehicle repairs. If you want to save money on repairs and take advantage of other auto services, it’s important to know what common car services are usually covered by insurance companies.

4 Car Services Usually Covered by Insurance

If you want to get the most out of your car insurance policy, you’ll need to know what’s typically covered by major car insurance companies. Whether it’s car accident repair coverage when an accident occurs without another involved driver or rental car reimbursement, you can often save money by taking advantage of your policy’s coverages. While you’ll want to check your policy for specific policy details, the following four car services are typically covered by insurance:

1. Rental Car Reimbursement

Most policies include rental car reimbursement. This reimbursement keeps you on the road when your vehicle can’t. After an accident occurs, you’ll likely have to take your car to the shop and leave it there for a few days or even weeks. 

Since you’ll still need to get to work and run errands after an accident, taking advantage of rental reimbursement can ensure you have a means of transportation while your car is in the shop. If rental car reimbursement isn’t automatically included, auto insurance companies often offer it for an extra fee.

2. Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance covers several problems that will arise during your lifetime as an automobile driver. For example, you can run over a nail or hit a serious pothole that causes a flat tire. Or maybe you’re at a friend’s house and realize you accidentally locked your keys in the car. Perhaps you forgot to stop and fuel up, and before you know it, you’re drifting onto the shoulder. 

For those in muddy or snowy areas, you’ll need help getting back on the road if you find yourself stuck. Alongside these potentially dangerous or inconvenient situations, something else could go wrong, like the engine or transmission giving out, leaving you in need of a tow. Each one of these issues is covered under roadside assistance. There’s usually an additional fee for this service, but it’s worth every penny.

3. Damage Due to Natural Disasters

There are a number of scenarios in which your car can be damaged. When Mother Nature unleashes her power, your vehicle may be the victim of damage beyond your control. Heavy tree branches may embed themselves in your car’s roof, or strong winds may sweep your vehicle to the other side of town.

Typically, a comprehensive insurance plan will cover repairs due to natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other similar weather events. This coverage is an essential part of any car insurance policy, as natural disasters can significantly damage your vehicle and cause you to need to receive costly repairs.

4. Accidents With No Other Driver

Collision insurance not only covers accidents with other drivers but also accidents where there’s no other driver involved. You may swerve to avoid a deer and crush your front end against a light pole, or a pedestrian may suddenly jump in front of your car, causing you to run up on the curb and hit a fence.

Hitting an empty parked car is another accident typically covered by collision policies. To receive car accident repair coverage, you’ll have to submit a claim for damage to the insurance company before they pay to repair the damage.

What Isn’t Covered by Car Repair Insurance?

It’s good to know what your insurance company will cover, but it’s equally important to understand what claims will be denied. For example, general maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations won’t be covered. On that same list are personal items that end up damaged after an accident, normal electrical wear and tear, damage committed by the previous owner, and any damage that’s deemed intentional.

It’s also important to understand your policy’s limitations. If the damage caused is your fault, but the repairs to the property exceed your coverage limits, there won’t be an insurance payout.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Repair Near You in the Triangle

If you need affordable car service near you in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Whether or not your policy covers the repair, you can expect to receive cost-effective services at every Chapel Hill Tire location. We offer a number of comprehensive car repair services that will get you and your vehicle back in the swing of things. You can also review our coupons to receive a discount on our already low prices. 

If you need a car repair, schedule an appointment at one of our 11 conveniently located service locations today.

If you own a car, you’ve likely experienced trouble at one point or another getting it to start. No matter how many times you push the start button or how hard you turn the key, your car just won’t respond. As frustrating as this can be, especially when you have important plans, most know to call a friend or pull out a battery pack and jump-start the car. Sometimes, however, these tried and true methods don’t work, and you’ll be stuck with a car that won’t start.

While a car that won’t jump-start can be frustrating, the problem is usually due to a few solvable issues. When you want to protect your car and know what could be causing the reason for it not jump-starting, review the six most common reasons a car won’t jump-start.

1. The Battery is Dead or Damaged

The car battery is arguably the hardest working part of the vehicle. Each day, it powers up your car and gets you to where you’re going. Unfortunately, it won’t last forever, and at some point, it will die and need to be replaced. When it hasn’t died due to standard wear and tear, it could contain a defect or short circuit. If your starting system is working just fine, then replacing the battery should have you back cruising down the road.

2. The Alternator Has Gone Bad

If the jump-start fails, it’s possible that the alternator is the real issue. This component returns energy to the battery in an effort to replace the power the battery loses when it starts up the car. When the alternator begins failing, it exhibits symptoms similar to that of a dying car battery.

Signs that your problem is the alternator include the battery light making an appearance on the dashboard or dimming car lights. Before you rush out and get a new car battery, have a professional take a look at the alternator.

3. You Need New Jumper Cables

When purchasing jumper cables, don’t skimp on the price. You want a thick set of cables that can carry a sufficient current to your battery. The length of the cables is also important, as the longer they are, the more internal resistance they produce. If your cables are too long, they may not be able to transfer enough power to your car.

A quality set of cables will be the right length and thickness to give you the power you need. Most vehicles will need four or six-gauge cables that run around fifteen feet long. If you need advice about the right cable to buy, make sure to ask your local mechanic for help to receive expert guidance.

4. You Have Loose or Corroded Battery Terminals

When your battery terminals are covered in corrosion or aren’t tightly connected, these elements will obstruct the power flow. For example, loose cables won’t be able to carry the necessary electrical current to the starter, and corroded battery terminals can also disrupt the proper flow of energy. Instead of driving with loose or corroded battery terminals, you can have a mechanic clean up the corrosion with a wire brush or tighten the cable clamps. After they clean off the corrosion and tighten the clamps, the car should start again.

5. The Neutral Safety Switch Is Out

If you have a manual transmission car, you won’t have to worry about this issue. But for those with automatic transmissions, beware. This switch is designed to prevent the car from starting unless it’s in park or neutral. When this switch goes bad, it doesn’t send the right information to the engine’s computer, and you’re unable to move.

Your mechanic can determine if this is really the problem, and if so, they can make the proper repairs.

6. Something Other Than the Starting System Is Wrong

It’s very possible that none of the above-mentioned issues are the source of your pain. Your starting system may be in great condition, but a bad fuel pump or clogged fuel filter will also cause the same problems.

One of the most obvious causes is if the car is out of gas. But it could also be worn-out spark plugs, a bad catalytic converter, or an issue with the carburetor. The list doesn’t end here, so be sure to visit your local mechanic for a battery inspection.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Battery Replacement Services in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

If you’re looking for battery services near you in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. With our 11 Triangle area locations, we’re confident we can solve whatever issue is impacting your car battery. Whether you need an inspection, a new car battery installed, or a repair, we have you covered.

If you’re looking for battery services near you in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. With our 11 Triangle area locations, we’re confident we can solve whatever issue is impacting your car battery. Whether you need an inspection, a new car battery installed, or a repair, we have you covered.Learn more about our car battery replacement services today. If you’re in need of a new car battery or an inspection, please make an appointment.

The most common belt in modern cars is the serpentine belt. This long snake-like piece of rubber keeps the alternator, power steering pump, and AC in working condition. On some vehicles, it’s also the source of power for the water pump. If you haven’t already figured it out, your car desperately needs this belt. While it’s not a fancy piece of machinery, its failure can prevent you from safely or comfortably driving your vehicle. 

Due to the importance of a serpentine belt, it’s critical you know how they work, the main warning signs your serpentine belt is failing, and when you should have them inspected.

How Does a Serpentine Belt Normally Work?

The serpentine belt uses a tensioner belt and pulleys to transfer power from the engine to other parts of the car. It’s also referred to as the drive belt because you can’t drive without it. This part powers the crankshaft, which is the component that powers the alternator. 

Why Is the Serpentine Belt Tensioner Important?

Most of the vehicles made today have a self-tensioning device. This device is referred to as the automatic belt tensioner. The amount of tension the belt tensioner holds over the serpentine belt is predetermined.

The serpentine belt must maintain a specific balance of tension and flexibility. The tensioner’s internal spring and pulley apply just the right amount of force against the serpentine belt, so it remains tight. When the amount of tension is insufficient, the serpentine belt slips, makes noise, or overheats. This lack of tension can put your AC, power steering, and other accessories powered by the engine out of business.

5 Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Serpentine Belt

When the belt is about to go bad, you’ll likely notice multiple things going wrong with your vehicle. As you try to keep your vehicle in the best shape possible, make sure to bring your vehicle to a mechanic immediately if you notice any of the following five signs you need a serpentine belt replacement:

• You hear strange sounds, smell burnt rubber, or see steam: When a serpentine starts to go bad, you’ll often hear an annoying squeaking or chirping sound under the hood. Another sign you’ll want to look out for is the smell of burnt rubber, as this smell can indicate the serpentine belt is failing. You’ll also want to look out for steam or vapor coming from the engine.
• Your engine or battery light comes on: Another indication that you need a replacement is if the check engine light or battery light has turned on. While these lights could be related to other issues, it’s best to bring your car to a mechanic to see why the lights are on and what you need to do to fix it.
• Power steering or your AC stops working: If the AC or power steering stops working, you likely have a broken serpentine belt or tensioner. Instead of risking driving to a mechanic without power steering, you’ll want to have your car towed to their shop. 
• Your engine overheats: If your engine overheats, you could have an issue with your serpentine belt. Since an overheated engine can be due to several different serious causes, you’ll want to have your car inspected as soon as possible. 
• You spot visual signs of wear: Cracks, splits, and fraying are visual indicators of a worn belt. If the belt’s sides are glazed over, the belt won’t last much longer. Take the belt and twist it. If the layers separate or chunks are missing, a mechanic will need to replace your serpentine belt.

Should You Change Your Serpentine Belt On Your Own?

While you may think that a broken serpentine belt is a simple fix, it’s best to leave the repair to the professionals. If you aren’t trained to replace the belt and tensioner, you may destroy other parts of the engine. Most who decide to take on this task all by themselves also run into trouble accessing the belt.

The process requires a special set of tools, and you have to be careful not to damage any of the pulleys or other crucial components. To avoid making any mistakes, take your vehicle to a trained mechanic’s shop for serp belt service.

When Should You Inspect Your Serpentine Belt?

Once your vehicle hits the 60,000-mile marker, it’s time to have the serpentine belt inspected. Maintenance is simple as it only requires a quick check to ensure it’s not showing signs of wear. While 60,000 miles require an inspection, 90,000 miles is when a replacement is recommended, even if it appears to be in tip-top condition. Replacing your belt at 90,000 miles can prevent serious problems from occurring, such as your power steering going out.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Serpentine Belt Replacement Services

If you notice any warning signs and think you need serp belt services in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Once you bring your vehicle in for a serp belt service appointment, we’ll provide a comprehensive engine diagnostic service and pinpoint what’s happening to the vehicle. If we find you need a serpentine belt replacement, we’ll replace your serpentine belt quickly and get you back on the road. 

Learn more about our vehicle maintenance and repair services. If you need a serpentine belt replacement or an inspection, please make an appointment.

Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day due to the lack of visibility. Unfortunately, not all roads are well-lit, leading to an increase in accidents. That’s why headlights are such a crucial component of the safety and performance of your vehicle. As you look for a new vehicle or consider upgrading your current set of lights, it’s important to know why LED lights are so popular and the disadvantages of sticking with traditional halogen headlights.

Why Have Vehicles Moved Away From Halogen Headlights?

For years, halogen lights have been the standard bulb used in vehicles. However, the development of automotive lighting throughout the years has shown that halogen lights aren’t the most effective, and many vehicle manufacturers have switched to LED bulbs as a result. 

For example, halogen bulbs consume a lot of energy, which is an issue if you’re an eco-conscious driver. This excess energy usage also puts more demand on your vehicle’s electrical system and can impact your vehicle’s overall efficiency. These headlights also have a short lifespan and need to be replaced more frequently than LED bulbs. Their shorter lifespan means you’ll have to spend more time at the repair shop and more money on replacement bulbs.

Besides their high energy usage and shorter lifespan, they don’t shine as bright as LED lights. Since their energy usage often gets turned into heat rather than illumination, their dim, yellowish glow can struggle to fully light the road as you drive.

4 Benefits of LED Headlights

Due to the greater energy use, reduced visibility, and shorter lifespans of halogen headlights, many drivers prefer LED lights. If you’re considering replacing your headlights with LED bulbs, learn more about the top four benefits of LED headlights below:

1. Greater Energy Efficiency

Eco-friendly individuals who prefer electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles will appreciate the energy efficiency of LED lights. Why? Because they don’t need as much power as halogen lights to operate at a similar level of brightness. In fact, LED headlights consume about 80% less energy than halogen lights.

For a battery-operated car, this reduced energy consumption means the strain on the power source is greatly decreased, and the driving range is increased. Even if you use a gas-powered vehicle, the greater energy efficiency of LED lights reduces the strain on your electrical system and promotes greater energy efficiency.

2. Longer Lifespan

LED lights also have a longer life span that extends far beyond that of a halogen bulb. A typical halogen bulb lasts about 500-1,000 hours, while LED lights continue shining for up to 30,000 or more hours. This longer lifespan reduces the number of replacements and keeps maintenance costs low. 

3. Improved Brightness and Visibility

When driving through a low-light area or in inclement weather conditions, visibility is a priority. Halogens are not as bright as LEDs, nor is the beam of light as intense and focused. This improved illumination allows for a broader field of vision during nighttime driving, thus enhancing safety.  

Moreover, the crisp, white light emitted by LEDs provides better color rendering, allowing drivers to discern objects and road hazards more accurately. This improved color rendering is especially needed when weather conditions adversely affect visibility.

4. Lower Longterm Costs

When it comes to upfront costs, the halogen bulb is more affordable. They’re generally cheaper to manufacture and are easy to find, making replacing them a cinch. However, they will have to be replaced more often, causing you to spend more money over time. The drain on the vehicle’s electrical system can also lead to other components of the vehicle needing a replacement sooner than expected. 

While the initial cost of LED headlights is higher than halogens, the long-term monetary benefits are greater. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Headlight Restoration Services

If you want to replace your halogen lights with LEDs and are looking for headlight services near you in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. At Chapel Hill Tire, we can quickly swap out old halogen lights with LEDs and provide any LED headlight repair services you might need. Our headlight restoration services are also perfect for times when your headlights begin to dim. We have experts who will use professional-grade cleansers to remove oxidation and restore their brightness.

Learn more about our headlight repair, replacement, and restoration services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule a headlight restoration service, please make an appointment online or visit one of our 11 Triangle-area locations.