Category: Resource

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. 

Each year, North Carolina requires vehicles registered in the state to pass an annual safety inspection. This inspection must be done 90 days before the vehicle’s registration is up for renewal. A licensed mechanic checks the vehicle’s brakes, tires, headlights, and other important components and systems.

For many drivers, part of the annual safety inspection is a vehicle emissions test. While some vehicles are exempt, drivers should know if they’re required to receive an emissions inspection and how to pass one if they do.

Why Do I Need an Emissions Inspection?

Automobiles are major contributors to poor air quality. To control the toxins emitted into the atmosphere from motor vehicles, they are equipped with air pollution controls. North Carolina requires annual emissions tests to ensure these controls are working as intended and that your vehicle meets the state’s environmental standards.

How Much Does a North Carolina Emissions Inspection Cost?

Typically, the most you’ll be charged to complete a local NC emissions inspection is $30. But, if the vehicle has after-factory window tinting installed, there is an additional $10 fee. 

Exemption Guidelines

There are currently 19 counties out of 100 where emission inspections are necessary. If you live in one of the counties listed below, make sure you take your vehicle for its yearly inspection.

Alamance	Davidson	Gaston	Lincoln	Rowan
Buncombe	Durham	Guilford	Mecklenburg	Wake
Cabarrus	Forsyth	Iredell	New Hanover	Union
Cumberland	Franklin	Johnston	Randolph

There are a few vehicles that are exempt from the process if they meet specific criteria. For example, farm vehicles and diesel-operated vehicles do not have to submit to an emissions inspection. Additionally, if the vehicle is 20 years old or older, there is no emissions inspection required.

Light-duty gasoline vehicles with less than 70,000 miles made within the three newest model years are also exempt. These vehicles only have to go through the vehicle safety inspection required by the state. 

Antique vehicles are another emissions inspection exemption. Automobiles at least 30 years old can obtain an antique automobile license plate, which enables them to skip the annual inspection. This exemption for antique vehicles is because they’re generally used for public interest events like exhibitions and parades.

Does North Carolina Offer Any Tools to Help Me Check If My Vehicle Is Exempt From Emissions Inspections?

If you’re still unsure whether or not your vehicle must have an emissions inspection completed, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has an exemption calculator on their website to assist in making a determination. 

Simply enter the current calendar year, vehicle model year, and odometer reading into the calculator. Next, the calculator will use this information to let you know if you need to take your vehicle to an inspection station. 

What Happens If I Fail the NC Emissions Test?

Failing the test is an inconvenience, but it’s not the end of the world. The vehicle can be reinspected once the issue that caused the failure is resolved. The Division of Motor Vehicles’ License and Theft Bureau can issue a year-long waiver under the following circumstances: 

• Parts Waiver: If you fail an emissions inspection due to a part being tampered with or if the part is inoperative or no longer available, you can receive a parts waiver. To receive this waiver, you’ll need to provide three forms of documentation from a salvage yard, a dealership, and an automotive part store that support the claim the part isn’t available. These documents should also feature a signature on the company letterhead.
• Repair Waiver: If the visual and safety parts of the inspection were passed, but the emissions inspection was not, you can sometimes receive a repair waiver. To receive a repair waiver, you’ll need to make a minimum of $200 in repairs to correct the OBDII trouble codes that caused the emissions failure. Next, take the vehicle to the License and Theft Bureau with the proof needed to show that the appropriate repairs have been made. 

Alongside parts and repair waivers, you can receive a non-communication or “Not Ready” waiver. You can review a complete list of all these waivers and their requirements by visiting the North Carolina Environmental Quality’s page on emissions inspection results.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Vehicle Inspection Services Near You in the Triangle

If you’re looking for NC emissions near you in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. When you bring your vehicle in for a local NC emissions inspection appointment, our trained technicians will perform a comprehensive review of your vehicle. Alongside ensuring your vehicle meets safety and emissions standards, our technicians will check that your car is running efficiently and can perform any needed repairs.

Learn more about our NC vehicle inspection services today. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or make an appointment at one of our 11 locations in the Triangle area today!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 622 motor vehicle traffic fatalities were caused by tire-related crashes in 2021. As the saying goes, your tires are the only thing between you and the road. As a result, it’s essential that you understand how to buy the correct tires for your vehicle and maintain them throughout the seasons.

In this article, we’ll dive into tire tread and traction grading so you can play your part in keeping everyone on the road safe, including yourself. 

What Is a Treadwear Grade?

Like most grades, you want to obtain the highest number in order to pass the test. The test you’re trying to pass is all about road and vehicle safety. A treadwear grade is used to indicate the tire’s wear rate. The higher the number, the more time it will take to wear down the tread. 

The treadwear ratings (along with the other grades) can be found on the sidewall of each passenger vehicle sold in the country. A grade of 100 is assigned to a control tire, and then the control is used as a comparison for other tires. For instance, if a treadwear grade is 300, it will take three times as long to wear down compared to the control tire.

What Is a Traction Grade?

What’s the distance your vehicle will travel on a wet road before it comes to a complete stop? The answer to this question can be found by looking at your tire’s traction grade. The grading scale is “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C,” with higher grades indicating the tire can stop faster on wet pavement. “AA” is the highest ranking, and currently, only 15% of tires have this rating. Typically, you’ll want to avoid tires with ratings of C or B, as this rating means they’ll take longer to stop on wet pavement. 

What Is a Temperature Grade?

Alongside tire tread and traction grading, you can determine the quality of a tire by checking its temperature grade. This grade measures the tire’s resistance to heat, which is a concern when driving long distances, especially during the summer.

The grading system, from highest to lowest, uses “A”, “B”, and “C” grades to measure this aspect of tire quality. Currently, 34% of tires have a “B” rating, while 4% have received a “C”. Generally, “A” rated tires will be the right choice for most drivers, as they offer the highest level of protection from sustained high temperatures that can cause your tires to deteriorate.

What to Consider When Buying New Tires

When your old tires need to be replaced and you need to buy new ones, it’s a good idea to be armed with the above information. Most drivers will want to go with tires that have “A” ratings for traction, treadwear, and temperature, as they all provide significant protection from wear and environmental factors.

As you look for a new set of tires, be sure to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual when it comes to tire size. The information is also posted inside the driver’s side door, and you should review it to ensure you’re purchasing tires in the right size for your vehicle. 

Besides checking their grades and size, you’ll also want to make sure you’re purchasing the right type of tire. Before you make a purchase, check if the tires are all-season, winter, summer, or all-terrain. Basically, you’ll want to base your tire type on the weather you typically drive in. For example, if you live in an area where snow, extreme temperatures, and mud aren’t a major concern, all-season tires are a great choice. 

However, if you often find yourself driving in deep snow, winter tires are a better option. In warm weather, summer tires will withstand high temperatures but aren’t designed for snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, making them a good choice for those who live in climates that are hot year-round. When you love taking your vehicle off-road, you’ll need all-terrain tires to navigate between different landscapes.

Tire Maintenance

Alongside checking your tires’ grades and types before you buy, you’ll want to properly maintain them to keep them performing at their best for as long as possible. Review some of our top tips for tire maintenance below:

• Keep your tires inflated at the right levels: Proper tire inflation is crucial to your car’s performance and safety. If you’re looking to save money on gas, this is one way to do so. 
• Receive regular tire rotation services: Tire rotation is also important because it ensures the treads are evenly worn, making your ride much smoother. Keeping them balanced and aligned is also recommended to extend their longevity. 
• Review your tire treads monthly: Check the treads once a month using the penny trick or the built-in treadwear indicators. If using a penny, place it between the treads, and if Lincoln’s head disappears, you’re in good shape. 
• Check treadwear indicators: Treadwear indicators are raised sections between the treads. Replace tires when they are level with the indicator.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Tire Replacement Services in the Triangle

If you’re looking for new tires near you in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. At Chapel Hill Tire, we offer free lifetime and flat repairs on tires purchased from us. Pressure checks are free, and you’ll receive an annual risk-free alignment evaluation. We even have a handy tire shopping tool on our website so you can find the right tire for your vehicle.

Remember, tires are the only thing separating you and the road, so this is one area where being cheap can put you at risk of having an accident. Take advantage of our price-beat guarantee and schedule an appointment for a tire replacement service.

The summer heat can be brutal on the components inside your car battery. The heat under the hood (or trunk, for some) significantly rises in temperature, which increases the risk of battery failure. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence during the hotter months, and over the summer, many North Carolina drivers find themselves stuck on the side of the road due to battery failure from the heat.

As you prepare for your road trips this summer, here are a few things to keep in mind so you get the most use out of your car battery. 

How Does Extreme Heat Affect a Car Battery?

When summer comes around, we tend to move at a slower pace because the heat makes us sluggish, and we’re looking to conserve energy. The sun makes us sweat, leaving us thirsty and searching for water to replace what we’ve lost. Your car battery has a similar experience, with the heat impacting it in several ways that harm its performance. Some of the main effects heat has on car batteries include: 

• Heat evaporates the battery’s vital fluids: As your hood or trunk gets warmer, the heat will evaporate the battery’s fluids. Without these fluids, your battery will send a weaker charge to other parts of the car. Eventually, the charge will grow so weak that your battery won’t be able to hold it.
• Heat speeds up the corrosion process: Besides impacting your battery’s charge, heat can increase the speed of corrosion on your battery. Once the internal components become corroded, the damage is irreversible. It’s even worse when the vital fluids have been drained from the battery, as evaporated battery fluid can corrode battery terminals and cause structural damage.
• Heat weakens the battery’s overall function: Heat damage will leave the battery weakened, which may cause your battery to fail in the summer. However, it can also make it so your battery can’t perform well once the seasons change and your battery starts to experience freezing temperatures. If your battery’s overall function is impacted during the summer, cold weather will likely kill the car battery and cause it to die much faster in the winter.

How Does Extreme Heat Affect Electric Vehicle Batteries?

Electric car owners aren’t free from the problems caused by high temperatures. Although electric vehicle (EV) batteries can keep running strong for up to 20 years, extreme heat can reduce their lifespan. Some of the primary effects heat has on EV batteries include: 

• An electric car battery may lose up to 20% of its range: When the temperature is above 95 degrees, EVs that normally make it 100 miles will only go 80 miles under these weather conditions.
• The battery needs to be charged more often: Since distances in hot weather are reduced, EVs can’t make as many trips on one charge. As a result, you’ll find yourself charging your EV’s battery more often in the summer.

How to Protect Your Car Battery In Hot Temperatures

Though heat can be brutal to your car’s battery, there’s plenty you can do to protect your battery and avoid an early car battery replacement. If you want to keep your battery running well all summer long, follow the below tips for how to protect your car battery from heat:

• Clean the battery: If you notice dirt, debris, or greasy buildup on the battery, remove it right away. Examine the battery regularly for these issues to ensure it remains in peak condition.
• Watch for corrosion: Hotter temperatures outside mean even hotter temperatures inside the vehicle’s engine. This can cause corrosion that will restrict the electrical current flow. If you notice any corrosion, a mechanic can use a copper brush or scouring pad to remove it from the battery.
• Drive the car regularly: Since heat drains the battery, it’s important to take a trip of 20 minutes or longer each day to ensure the battery replenishes and doesn’t discharge. If the car will be parked for an extended period, look into using a battery minder or smart charger.
• Park in a shaded area: Just sitting in the hot sun can cause problems for your car’s battery. Whenever possible, park in a shaded area, under a car park, or in a garage to shield it from heat.
• Check the water level: Lead-acid batteries must maintain a certain water level. If it’s low, use distilled water to replenish what was lost.
• Take your vehicle in for an inspection: One of the best ways to protect your car’s battery from heat is to bring it in for an inspection at the start of summer. If the inspection reveals your battery has corroded or is close to running out of power, the mechanic can clean your battery, fix any issues, and potentially provide a car battery replacement service if the battery is past the point of repair. 

How Can EV Owners Protect Their Vehicle’s Battery?

Alongside following the tips above, EV owners can protect their battery by charging it to the midpoint, or 50% to 60% of its total capacity. Since fully charging an EV battery can cause it to degrade faster, not charging it to its full capacity will ensure the combination of heat and a full charge won’t cause your battery to degrade even faster. You’ll also want to avoid using fast-charging stations over the summer, as fast charging can cause a battery to degrade faster.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Battery Service In the Triangle

If you need car battery services near you in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire can help. Whether you need a new car battery or an inspection, our team will ensure your vehicle’s battery works at its best before you hit the road again. You can also review our coupons to ensure you get a great deal on our services.

Learn more about our car battery services today. If you’re ready to bring your car in for an inspection or car battery replacement service, please find a location close to you and make an appointment.

The Chapel Hill Tire crew has been staying very busy since the last newsletter, and have two exciting announcements to make!

First, we’ve recently opened the doors to our 11th location — this time in Durham, in the former Durham Tire location at 2504 Hillsborough Road. 

Larry Powell, the President of Durham Tire, had this to say about the changeover:

“When we began the search for a new owner, we knew it was crucial to find a business that shared our values and commitment to exceptional service. We are delighted to announce that we have found that in Chapel Hill Tire, a small, family-owned company with 70 years of experience serving the local area. Chapel Hill Tire has an outstanding reputation for delivering great customer service and employee retention, and we are confident that our valued clients and team members will be in excellent hands.”

The shop is up and running now, and taking more and more new customers every day. To celebrate the changeover and thank the team for their hard work, Marc stopped by to cook steaks for everyone. He had this to say about the changeover:

“We believe that we have something really special to offer our customers, and we’re really proud of the culture we have here. We go the extra mile for our employees, so they can go the extra mile for our customers. And we saw those same sorts of values in Durham Tire, so we think their team will be a natural fit for the Chapel Hill Tire family.”

And second, we have been nominated for not one, but three separate business excellence awards! That includes the “Best Places to Work” award from Triangle Business Journal, “Best in Chapel Hill” award from Chapel Hill Magazine, and a nomination for the Business Excellence Awards from the Chamber of Commerce. You’ll be able to find these awards mentioned in a spotlight feature in Triangle Business Journal’s August 25th special publication, as well as in the recent July/August issue of Chapel Hill Magazine.

As of the time of writing, we’ve also been informed that Chapel Hill Tire has made the list for Modern Tire Dealers’ Top 100 independent tire dealerships for the first time ever. We are honored to receive this recognition from a trusted leader in the tire and automotive industry, especially so shortly after being recognized for excellence by our community and our local leaders.

“Winning these awards reaffirms our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and a thriving work culture,” Says Marc Pons, President of Chapel Hill Tire. “These honors inspire the team to continue delivering top-notch services and maintain their position as a trusted leader in the automotive industry.”

We’d love to have you stop by and visit us at the new Durham location, but if you can’t make it by in person, you can always take advantage of one of our convenient and innovative new services like mobile car wash and detailing, or our free pickup and delivery.