Author: Marc Pons

What do you do when your engine starts smoking? Is my car safe to drive? There are actually 3 types of engine smoke your car might produce from under the hood. The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to provide further insight and answer your questions about engine smoke. 

1: White Engine Smoke

White engine smoke is commonly caused by burning radiator fluid (also known as coolant or refrigerant). You might also notice a sickly sweet smell (often compared to that of butterscotch or maple syrup). Radiator fluid contains ethylene glycol, which is chemically similar to sugar compounds—causing a sweet smell when burning.

Is white engine smoke dangerous? 

While it might smell sweet, the radiator fluid is toxic to ingest, according to the CDC. Thankfully, ethylene glycol cannot be absorbed well through the skin. You might notice eye or lung irritation when breathing it in, so it is best to limit your exposure. 

As for your car, it can overheat without the cooling properties of your radiator and its fluid. You can read our guide to engine overheating here. In this case, it is best to visit a mechanic immediately to avoid further damage to your engine. If your engine begins to overheat, safely pull over and give it time to cool down. 

2: Black Engine Smoke

Dark engine smoke is a sign of excessive or improperly burning fuel. Most commonly, this issue is caused by a fault somewhere in your fuel injection system. 

Naturally, gasoline is highly combustible. If you fear your car is catching on fire, FEMA recommends you immediately:

• Safely pull over and turn off your car.
• Have all passengers exit the vehicle as quickly as possible. 
• Get at least 100 feet away from the car to avoid harm from the flames and toxic fumes. 
• Call 911.

Black engine smoke could also stem from an electrical issue in your vehicle. Even if your car is not on fire, approach black engine smoke with caution. Do not continue driving without consulting a mechanic for insight.

3: Blue or Gray Engine Smoke

Smoke with a blue hue indicates burning engine oil. Engine oil can burn when it is far overdue for a routine oil change—or if you have replaced this fluid with the wrong oil type. Oil may also burn if you have a failing part somewhere in your engine, including a broken valve, leaking seal, or faulty piston ring. 

Engine oil is vital to keeping your vehicle protected. Burning oil indicates a severe and immediate risk to your engine. 

Is my car safe to drive?

How safe your car is to drive will depend on the source of the smoke. This could be a sign that your car is long overdue for a routine oil change. However, it may also signify a deeper engine issue. If you are unsure of your car’s safety, it is best to have it towed to a mechanic. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Mechanic Car Care in the Triangle

If you fear your car may be a safety hazard to yourself or others—call 911 immediately. However, most of these issues simply require the insight and care of a mechanic. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help. We can find the source of your engine’s problems and repair them for you.

Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the Triangle with our 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our local mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment, browse our promotions, or give us a call to get started today!

When you are due for your registration renewal, you might wonder, “Will my car pass the inspection?” Let the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire put your mind at ease with a closer look at the annual car inspection process. 

What is an Annual Car Inspection?

In North Carolina, there are two inspections your car will require each year to renew your registration:

• Safety Inspection: Every car is required to have a safety inspection. As the name suggests, this inspection checks to make sure your vehicle is safe on the road.
• Emissions Inspection: Required in most counties, the emissions inspection checks any vehicle components designed to keep your vehicle’s production of harmful greenhouse gases in check. 

A Closer Look at the Annual Safety Inspection

One way or another, your car is going to try to warn you of a safety problem. You might be driving along when you notice that something feels off. Before deep-diving into the safety inspections, you might look for more surface-level signs of trouble:

• Dashboard lights: The dashboard light system is designed to notify you of a problem. You can read our guide to dashboard lights here. 
• Unusual noises: Grinding, shuddering, or squeaking noises in your vehicle might be a cause for concern. 
• Performance changes: When your vehicle starts driving differently than usual, it could indicate an issue with a safety component. 

One thing to note: the safety inspection only checks for safety issues. For example, let’s say you are due for an oil change. Low oil might cause some of the above symptoms, and it is best to get this service done as soon as possible to protect your engine. However, because engine oil is not technically a safety component, it will not cause you to fail your inspection. Our safety inspection checklist here details everything checked during the inspection.  

4 Common Causes of Failed Safety Inspections

Worn Brake Pads

Naturally, your brakes are an essential component of vehicle safety. The most frequent service they require is brake pad replacement. If your brake pads are worn beneath 1/4th of an inch, you will need replacement service to pass your safety inspection. 

Light Troubles

Whether it be a failed brake light, extremely dim headlights, or a burnt-out turn signal bulb, light issues are incredibly common. All of your vehicle lights need to be working to pass your safety inspection. Thankfully, this solution is often a simple light bulb change. If your headlights are extremely dim, you may also need a headlight restoration service. 

Windshield Wipers

During heavy rain, what would you do without your windshield wipers? These vehicle components are essential to keeping you and other drivers safe. As such, your windshield wipers must be working effectively for a pass on your inspection. Most commonly, drivers will face worn, ripped, or ineffective wiper blades. Luckily, this is another easy fix. Windshield wiper blade replacements are a quick and easy solution to help you pass your inspection and stay safe on the road.

Low Tire Tread

Is your tire tread worn out? Tires use tread to grip the road—helping you start, stop, and handle your vehicle. Naturally, this is essential to your vehicle safety. If your tire tread is worn or visibly damaged, you will fail your safety inspection without replacing the tire(s). You can read our guide to checking tire tread depth here. 

4 Common Causes of Failed Emissions Inspections

Check Engine Light

Your check engine light is often telling you that your engine is having performance troubles, which are often tied to fuel waste. A check engine light can cause you to fail your emissions test. The solution here is to have a mechanic find and address the source of your check engine light. 

Stolen Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters work to lessen harmful emissions—in part with the help of precious metals like platinum. These vehicle components are unfortunately easy and lucrative to steal, making them a target of theft. These vehicle components can also fail naturally over time. If your catalytic converter is stolen or failing, you will be unable to pass your emissions inspection. 

Air-Fuel Mixture Issues

Your engine requires a mixture of air and fuel to power its combustion process. Too much fuel in this mixture will lead to unnecessarily high emissions. In most cases, an engine performance restoration will fix this issue.  

Clogged Engine Air Filter

Your engine air filter is responsible for keeping harmful dust, dirt, and debris away from your engine. When this filter becomes clogged, it will deprive your engine of vital airflow.  Suffocating your engine will also cause unnecessary fuel waste while putting your engine at risk. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Car Inspection Near Me

If you need a local car inspection, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! Our experts will get you in, out, and driving happy in no time. If your car is at risk of failing the inspection, our full-service mechanics can take care of any services you need. 
Chapel Hill Tire proudly cares for the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our expert mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

When buying new tires, you might look for ways to save money. Chapel Hill Tire makes saving easy by offering a Price Beat Guarantee; however, some drivers might try to save money by cutting out their tire protection plan. Are tire protection plans worth it? The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Do Tires Include Insurance?

The first common misconception in tire buying is that new tires automatically include insurance. Depending on the tire(s) you choose, there are different kinds of protection options that may apply:

• Limited Manufacturer Warranty: Manufacturers often include a limited warranty to instill buyer confidence. This warranty will protect you against a defective tire, but it will not apply to any hazards you may face on the road. 
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Some manufacturers, like Michelin, include a satisfaction guarantee. While this won’t protect your tires on the road, you can return eligible tires within 60 days if you are unsatisfied. 
• Tread Wear Guarantee: Other tire manufacturers, like Goodyear, offer a tread wear warranty. This plan covers eligible tires if the tread wears out prematurely. 

What about everything else? Road Hazard Tire Protection is the safeguard you need to cover damage you might encounter on the road. While it is not included in your tire buying expenses, it is a necessary coverage for drivers. Like any kind of insurance, tire protection is a small fee that can save you a lot of money in the case of a problem. 

Does My Car Insurance Cover Tires?

You might be thinking, “I pay for car insurance, so why would I need a separate tire protection plan?” So, does car insurance cover tire expenses? The short answer is no—your car insurance is rarely a reliable option for tires. Let’s take a closer look. 

Technically speaking, certain kinds of tire damage might be covered by your car insurance—depending on how comprehensive your insurance is. However, there are a few points to consider before filing an insurance claim:

• Deductible: You will have to meet your deductible before your insurance kicks in. If you are buying a $200 tire and your deductible is $500, you will still have to pay for the tire out of pocket. 
• Insurance Rates: Filing a claim for your tire replacement(s) may raise your insurance rates—costing you more long-term. 
• Type of Damage: Insurance coverage is often limited based on the source of your tire damage. If your tires are slashed, for example, a comprehensive insurance plan will likely cover this kind of damage. However, tire insurance seldom applies to road hazards—such as damage caused by nails, potholes, glass, and debris on the road. 

As such, car insurance is not necessarily an option when it comes to tire damage.  Many drivers choose Road Hazard Tire Protection as a safeguard instead. 

What is Road Hazard Tire Protection?

Tire distributors, local tire shops, and mechanics often sell tires with an optional Road Hazard Tire Protection plan. This tire insurance protects you against damage you might encounter on the road—filling the gap between your manufacturer warranty and your car insurance. A Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan includes three areas of coverage:

• Tire Services: When you partner with Chapel Hill Tire’s protection plan, we will service your tires for their lifespan—so the service coverage (like free tire inflation and balancing) continues even after your warranty period ends. Your tire protection plan can easily pay for itself in the cost you save on tire services and preventing tire damage—such as that caused by low tire pressure.
• Tire Repairs: Flat tires? Nail in your tires? Tires damaged by glass or debris on the road? Your Road Hazard Tire Protection plan has you covered. Your tire shop will complete the repairs for free.
• Tire Replacement: If your road hazard damage cannot be repaired, the tire protection plan will include a free replacement. 

Not only are tire protection plans a worthy financial investment, but they can also put your mind at ease knowing that your tire investment is covered. We invite you to read our guide to Chapel Hill Tire Road Hazard Protection Plans here. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Industry-Leading Tire Protection

When you are due for new tires, Chapel Hill Tire offers a revolutionary tire buying experience. We make it easy to buy tires online with our Tire Finder Tool. Our local mechanics also help drivers protect their investment with our industry-leading Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan.

Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Apex, Raleigh, and Durham. Our expert mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today! 

Each time you turn your wheel, you are guiding your vehicle with the help of power steering fluid and other system components. Like most vehicle parts, your steering system requires regular maintenance—including power steering flushes. Our local mechanics are here with a look at the 4 signs you need a power steering fluid flush. 

1: Heavy Steering Wheel and Other Control Difficulties

Each time you drive your vehicle, you maneuver several thousand pounds of machinery. So why is it so easy to control? The power steering motor pressurizes your power steering fluid to multiply the force you apply to your wheel. This process turns a heavy task into an effortless function. 

Naturally, when your power steering system loses the pressure it relies on, you will begin to bear some of the weight. A jerky, heavy, or hard to control steering wheel is a tell-tale sign of low power steering fluid—and the most dangerous symptom on this list. Visit your mechanic at the first signs of steering difficulties. 

2: Noisy Steering Functions

Does your steering wheel make noises as you turn? If so, you may need a power steering fluid flush. In addition to providing the pressure you need to steer, this fluid also lubricates your steering system’s moving parts—including the valves, pistons, and hoses. This lubrication ensures your steering components can move and work together seamlessly. Without proper steering fluid, these moving parts may begin to make abrasive contact—causing squeaking, whining, scraping, and scratching noises. 

3: Failed Vehicle Safety Inspection

Proper vehicle steering is needed to pass your annual car inspection and renew your registration. The inspection detects any issues that can cause safety hazards on the road. While you will likely notice your steering troubles sooner, you may find out you need a power steering fluid flush once you fail your car inspection. You can find our full safety inspection checklist here. 

4: Leaking Power Steering Fluid

If you notice a red fluid leaking onto the floor of your garage or driveway, this is likely your power steering fluid. Healthy power steering fluid is a light red color, though it becomes amber when it is due for a flush.

Naturally, your power steering fluid will need to be replenished if it is leaking. In this case, however, a mechanic will also need to find and repair the source of the leak.

Is a Power Steering Flush Necessary? 

When you find that you are due for a power steering flush, you might wonder if you can get by and skip this service. So is a power steering fluid change really necessary? The short answer is yes—routine power steering flushes are essential to protecting your vehicle and keeping you safe on the road. Let’s take a closer look:

• Noticing Symptoms: If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, your power steering fluid flush is absolutely necessary—and should be scheduled as soon as possible for the safety of you, your vehicle, and other drivers on the road. 
• No Symptoms: What if you are due for a routine power steering fluid flush but have not yet noticed any symptoms? This service is still necessary to prevent dangerous or inconvenient symptoms from emerging. It can also help protect your power steering system. For example, your power steering pump can begin to degenerate without adequate fluid—turning a simple maintenance flush into a costly repair. A visit to the mechanic is necessary—but not as urgent as it is for drivers seeing symptoms. In these cases, schedule your service at your earliest convenience—or have a mechanic come to you! 

How Often Do I Need a Power Steering Fluid Flush?

On average, vehicles need a power steering fluid flush every 40,000-80,000 miles. In some cases, manufacturer recommendations can go even higher or lower than this range. Your recommended flush routine depends heavily on your type of vehicle—as the steering system and fluid needs can vary. You can check your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer recommendations.

Local Power Steering Flushes from Chapel Hill Tire

In need of a power steering fluid flush? Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! Our local tire experts proudly serve the Triangle with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. We also commonly serve nearby areas, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. Chapel Hill Tire welcomes you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started!

Chapel Hill Tire has been transforming the tire buying experience for nearly 70 years: making it easier, more convenient, and more transparent than ever. Our process helps customers get the tires they need within their ideal price range. Here is a look at 4 ways you can transform your tire buying experience with Chapel Hill Tire. 

Easy Online Tire Shopping

Find your tires without ever stepping foot inside the shop with the Tire Finder from Chapel Hill Tire. Buying tires online lets you quickly and easily compare your options—from the brands to the prices and the tire features. We sort your tire results by the size and brands that fit your car. You can read more about how to use the Tire Finder Tool here. 

Once you make your decision, you can check out online and visit your local Chapel Hill Tire location for your new set of tires.

The Price Beat Guarantee

Naturally, when you buy new tires, you want to ensure you get the best price possible. Chapel Hill Tire can help you buy with confidence—by offering the most affordable prices on new tires. We maintain the lowest prices with our Price Beat Guarantee. Simply bring us any eligible tire quote from a competitor, and we will beat it by 10% of the difference in price.

Transparent Tire Pricing

Most tire retailers and mechanic shops will hide their tire pricing from you—leaving you stunned when they hand you the bill. But why? This is often because their prices are higher. Chapel Hill Tire is different. We show you the full pricing details for each tire—including the breakdown of charges and the out-the-door price. Simply click on your preferred tire in the Tire Finder tool for complete pricing breakdowns. 

Best of all, we do not require you to submit your phone number or email address to view our tire selection and prices. Unlike other retailers, there are no strings attached when shopping for tires online at Chapel Hill Tire.

Road Hazard Protection Plan 

After investing in a new set of tires, you can drive off with confidence knowing they are protected. Chapel Hill Tire’s Road Hazard Tire Protection plan is an industry-leading safeguard for your tires. We will replace or repair your tire within three years or 2/32″ tread depth remaining—including damage from potholes, nails, and curbs. This plan also includes your necessary tire services for the lifetime of your tires, including tire rotations, air pressure refills, and tire patching services.

Easy Tire Buying at Chapel Hill Tire

If you need new tires in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or Apex—Chapel Hill Tire is here for you. We strive to promote the best possible tire buying experience. 
Our local tire experts proudly serve the Triangle with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. We also commonly serve nearby drivers, including those in Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. Chapel Hill Tire welcomes you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started!

If your car is struggling to keep you cool in the warmer weather, you need AC service. One question many drivers have is, “How much does car air conditioning repair cost?” The answer is more complex than it may seem, as your repair will tailor to your air conditioner troubles. Here is a look at three factors that can influence your car’s air conditioning repair costs. 

1: Type of Freon

Air conditioning services often begin with a system check and freon recharge. One of the most significant influences on this AC service price is the type of freon it requires. While you might think that all air conditioning refrigerant is the same, there are three distinct kinds of car AC Freon:

• R-12 Freon: Cars produced before 1995 have the most expensive freon, the R-12. Because it has long been phased out, it is low in both demand and availability—driving the price way up. In most cases, when an R-12 HVAC needs service, drivers will choose to retrofit their vehicles with a newer air conditioning system.
• R-134a Freon: The most affordable freon is R-134a, which is the most common refrigerant used in vehicles on the road today. R-134a is the standard refrigerant for most vehicles manufactured between 1995 and 2021. Its wide availability and use make it both accessible and affordable. However, much like the R-12, the R-134a freon may rise in price as it continues to be phased out by the new R1234YF freon. 
• R1234YF Freon: R1234YF is a newer eco-friendly refrigerant, but it also comes at a higher price—making it the second most expensive freon. Why? There is a similar demand issue with R1234YF freon: it is in high demand for manufacturers as it becomes the industry-mandated standard. Conversely, it is also in low demand for mechanics. Most vehicles on the road still use R134a freon, and newer vehicles are also far less likely to experience AC troubles requiring a refrigerant recharge. The supply/demand struggle here also drives up the prices of this freon. 

For more information, you can read our guide to car AC freon here.

2: Finding and Repairing the Leak

In most cases, drivers attribute their car’s AC troubles to low freon. However, a freon refill is only the first step to this air conditioning repair. your air conditioning freon is in a sealed system: it recirculates the same refrigerant without requiring refills or replacement. If you are low on freon, it almost always means there is a leak somewhere in your car’s air conditioning system. The true cost of the repairs lies in finding and servicing the leak.

Your mechanic will add a special dye to your freon during the recharge. After driving your vehicle for a week or two, the dye will circulate throughout your system. Then, you can return to the mechanic to have a second air conditioner check. Under a UV light, this dye will show where your freon is leaking and how severe the leak is. Your mechanic will work with you to develop a repair plan and share the estimated costs of this service with you. 

3: Replacement Parts Needed

In some cases, you may have a key AC component that is broken, failing, or leaking. AC parts prone to issues include:

• Sensors
• Hoses
• Condensers
• Dryers
• AC compressors

In these cases, your repair costs will be largely determined by the cost of your replacement parts and how time-consuming they are for professional mechanics to install. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Local Car AC Service

If you need air conditioning service in Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or Durham—Chapel Hill Tire is here for you with our 9 Triangle-area locations. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve nearby communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. Chapel Hill Tire offers a comprehensive array of car air conditioning services to keep you cool and comfortable this summer. We invite you to make an appointment, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today! 

As the summer heat begins rolling across the south, drivers start to feel the effects on their cars. One common problem drivers may face is an overheating engine. Our local mechanics are here with a look at the 6 signs your engine is overheating, why engines overheat, and what you can do about it. 

Sign 1: Temperature Gauge

Most cars contain a temperature gauge on the dashboard. While you might be tempted to think this reflects the outdoor temperature (some cars have this feature, too) the temperature gauge reflects how hot your engine is. When you see it rising towards the red temperature indicator, your engine is overheating. Once it reaches the red indicator, your engine has become dangerously hot. 

Sign 2: Overheating Dashboard Light

You may also see a dashboard light telling you that your car is experiencing trouble. If you notice a thermometer dashboard light sitting above a wavy line, this is your radiator fluid light (also known as a coolant warning). The radiator warning lights up when your engine begins overheating. 

Sign 3: Clicking or Clanking Car Noises

Engine oil is responsible for keeping your engine working together. In an overheating engine, your oil will begin to lose its lubrication properties. In these cases, you might begin to hear your engine components clicking or clanking as they work together without the buffer of your oil. 

Sign 4: Steam, Smoke, or Vapor

Radiator fluid is a mixture of antifreeze, water, and corrosion inhibitors. The boiling point of radiator fluid is often between 223°F and 235°F (depending on the mixture ratios). Meanwhile, the average temperature of a normally operating car engine is between 195°F and 220°F. 

As your engine starts overheating, its temperature will exceed the boiling point of your radiator fluid. When your radiator fluid boils, it may escape from under your hood in the form of steam, vapor, or white smoke.

Sign 5: Unusual Engine Smells

In the case of an overheated engine, some drivers say they can smell the heat. Here is a look at three smells that may indicate an overheating engine:

• Burning plastic smell: From plastic valves to rubber seals, vulnerable engine components may begin to melt as your engine overheats, emitting the smell of burning plastic. 
• Sickly sweet car smell: The coolant in radiator fluid is ethylene glycol, which is molecularly similar to the sugar compound. As such, it can smell sweet when it burns. Some drivers describe it as smelling like maple syrup or butterscotch.
• Burning oil smell: As your engine oil begins to burn, it is said to carry a sulfur-like smell. Other drivers describe this smell as similar to burning fuel. 

Sign 6: Performance Troubles

When your engine is overheating, your vehicle may face acceleration and performance struggles. Why? If you think back to your high school days, you might remember that cold air is denser than warm air. The density of the cool air intake helps sustain your engine’s combustion process—which fuels your vehicle’s momentum. As such, the excess heat can throw off your air/fuel mixture, creating performance issues. 

Why Is My Car Engine Overheating?

So what causes a car engine to overheat? In most cases, an overheating engine is an issue with the radiator. The radiator is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature. It relies on coolant, which can become depleted, contaminated, and burned over time. If your engine is overheating, you are likely overdue for a radiator fluid flush or another radiator service. 

Your car’s engine oil also has cooling properties. While it likely is not the main source of your overheating engine, depleted engine oil can be a contributing factor. In these cases, you may also need an oil change. 

What to Do When Your Engine Overheats

You might be tempted to open the hood and get to the bottom of your overheating engine troubles. However, your engine is likely dangerously hot. One common mistake drivers make is to open the radiator cap of an overheating engine. This mistake can result in severe third-degree burns as you release the pent-up pressure in the radiator, resulting in a boiling explosion of water/coolant. So what should you do instead?

• Pull Over: If you can safely stop your car, pull over and give your engine time to cool off. This is especially important when you see smoke/vapor or sense that your car is dangerously overheated. 
• Turn Up The Heat: While it might seem counterintuitive, it is helpful to roll down your windows and turn your car’s HVAC heat up. This will help vent heat away from your engine. 
• Visit a Mechanic: A professional will be able to diagnose, service, and repair your overheated engine. 

It is essential you see a professional before your simple radiator service turns into thousands of dollars in engine damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Radiator Service Near Me

When your car engine is overheating, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire can help! We offer radiator flushes, radiator repair, and radiator replacement services. Chapel Hill Tire offers 11 locations across Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our local mechanics also serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today! 

Brakes are essential to keeping drivers safe on the road. Your braking system requires routine care, especially brake pad replacement. So how can you tell when you need new brake pads? Our local mechanics are here with a look at 5 signs you are due for brake pad replacement.

1: Unusual Brake Noises

Why are my brakes squeaking? While a few potential issues can cause squeaky brakes, this is likely a sign that you are due for new brake pads. In these cases, the squeaking is caused by the brake wear indicator. These are small metal tabs on your brake pads that extend to the safest level of brake pad wear. Once your brake pads are worn out more than the safe limit, the tabs will begin squeaking against your rotor to let you know you are due for service. 

What if your brakes start making loud metallic or grinding noises? These noises are signs that your rotor is coming in contact with the caliper because your brake pads are badly worn out. 

In both of these cases, it is best to visit a mechanic right away for service. 

2: Slower Stopping Speeds

Your brakes are designed to help your vehicle slow and stop on the road. This crucial function is essential to keeping you safe on the road. If you notice your brakes becoming ineffective, it is time for new brake pads. Signs of ineffective brakes include:

• Taking longer to stop
• Having to press harder on your brakes
• Find it challenging to keep your distance in traffic

Of course, your brakes rely on several different vehicle factors, from your brake fluid to your tires. Here is a quick reference guide to potential underlying causes of ineffective braking. 

3: Service Routine

Take a look at your owner’s manual for recommended brake service routines for your vehicles. Most cars will need new brake pads every 40,000-50,000 miles. However, this service can depend on several factors, including:

• Driving patterns: Aggressive driving with heavy acceleration/braking patterns will lead to more frequent brake pad changes.
• Roads: City roads with more braking will lead to more frequent brake pad changes.
• Brand: Your brake pad brand/quality can affect your routine brake maintenance. 

4: Signs of Warped Brake Rotors

As you press your foot down on the brake pedal, it pushes your brake pads into your car’s metal rotors. This friction and heat can make the rotors malleable—bending and warping the metal. Your vehicle is especially prone to rotor warping if you wait too long to get your brake pads replaced. Why? Low brake pads will make it more challenging to slow and stop your vehicle, requiring you to press harder against the rotors. Signs of warped brake rotors include:

• Vibrating, shaking, or shuddering brake pedal
• Steering wheel shaking each time you brake
• Squeaky brake noises

5: Visual Inspection

Brake pads need at least 1/4th of an inch of fictitious material to be effective. To check your brake pads, you simply need to glance between the holes of the wheels. However, it is also easy (and free) to ask a mechanic whether or not you are due for new brake pads. 

Do Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Require Brake Pad Replacements?

You might be wondering if these same brake pad replacement routines apply to electric and hybrids? The short answer is no. 

Electric and hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking systems, which absorb the energy created by braking and convert it into battery power. As such, the brake pads absorb very little of your braking friction. Unfortunately, you are not entirely off the hook for brake pad replacements. 

In electric and hybrid vehicles, including Teslas, you will need to be more cautious of brake pad age rather than thickness. After 5 years, the adhesive of the brake pads can become unreliable, marking a potentially dangerous braking situation. As such, it is best to get your brake pads changed every 5 years, even if they are still in a safe range of thickness. 

Chapel Hill Tire Brake Pad Replacement

When you are due for a new set of brake pads, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help with our comprehensive selection of brake services. Our local mechanics serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. The Chapel Hill Tire also commonly serves surrounding areas, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today! 

If your car’s air conditioner is struggling to work this summer, it may need a freon recharge. While this sounds simple enough, there are actually 3 different types of car AC freons. So, which kind of freon does your car use? Our local mechanics are here with insight. 

R-12 Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Before 1995

R-12 is the original car AC freon. While it was effective at cooling car cabins, this refrigerant was pinpointed as a source of growing environmental concerns. In the 1980s, the R-12 composition of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was linked to ozone damage. The 1987 Montreal Protocol required automotive manufacturers to discontinue their use of this refrigerant by the end of the 1994 model year—though the phase-out officially began in 1993. 

It is rare, but some older cars still use R-12. Older cars still running today are encouraged to have their air conditioners retrofitted with an R134a system.

R134a Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Between 1995 and 2021

In the 1990s, R134a Freon (also known as HFC-134A) emerged as the alternative to R-12. The majority of vehicles on the road today use R134a to fuel their air conditioning systems. 

What is R134a? R134a freon is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant. While it does not create the same ozone deterioration as R-12, it still presents substantial environmental risks. According to the EPA, R134a is a “Potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is 1,430 times that of CO2.”

Recently, auto manufacturers have switched to a new type of freon that is even better for the environment. R134a freon was “totally banned” for auto manufacturers in the European Union in 2017. Meanwhile, US manufacturers were required to phase out R134a freon by the 2022 model year. 

R1234YF Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Since 2021

Over the past decade, manufacturers have been making the switch to R1234YF freon. 

What is R1234YF freon? R1234YF is a hydrofluoric-olefin refrigerant, which is substantially better for the environment than both earlier freons. While the R134a freon has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1430, the new R1234YF freon has a GWP of just about 3. 

As mentioned above, this is the refrigerant used in the HVAC systems of all US cars manufactured after 2021 and all European cars manufactured after 2016. However, many manufacturers made the switch sooner than required. You might find R1234YF freon in vehicles as early as the 2014 model year. 

Thankfully, newer vehicles rarely require freon refills. Freon exists in a sealed system—it does not need to be replenished regularly like your engine oil, for example. You will only need a refill if there is a leak in your car’s HVAC system, which generally only occurs after an accident or several years of use. 

If you are still unsure of which freon your car takes, bring it to a local mechanic for insight. 

Chapel Hill Tire Mechanics: Local Car AC Repair

If your air conditioning system is not working properly, bring it to the experts at Chapel Hill Tire for AC repair services. Our local mechanics can help recharge your refrigerant, find the source of the leak, and get it repaired for you. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, & Durham. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, & beyond. We invite you to make your online appointment, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today!  

If you are looking for easy ways to stay safe on the road, our mechanics suggest keeping an eye on your tire tread. Low, worn-out tire tread can leave you vulnerable to accidents on the road. So what should your tire tread look like? The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Even Tread Across Tires

Most cars operate with front-wheel drive. As your front tires twist and turn on the road, they will face extra tread wear—which is why regular tire rotations are so important. When visually inspecting your tires, all of your tire tread should look evenly worn.

If you notice one tire worn out more than the others, it could be a sign that you need a tire rotation or wheel alignment service. If all of your tires are looking worn, you are likely due for a new set of tires. 

Tread Thickness

Tire tread is designed to grip the road, helping you safely slow down, stop, and maneuver your vehicle. The grooves in your tire tread can also help filter out dirt and precipitation on the road—keeping your tires grounded. As such, worn tire tread can cause safety hazards for drivers. To pass your annual inspection and stay safe on the road, all of your tires should have at least 2/32” in tread thickness. 

How do you measure your tire tread thickness? There are a few different methods you can use: 

• Tread indicators: Modern tire designs include tread wear indicator bars. These bars mark the depth at which your tire tread becomes unsafe. Once your tread is flush with your wear indicators, it is time for a new set of tires. 
• The penny test: The penny test is a quick and easy way to check your tread depth. Insert a penny upside-down between your tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are due for a tire replacement.
• Expert insight: If you are still unsure, ask your local mechanic to check your tire tread depth. Many mechanics will also naturally check over your tires during car maintenance routines, such as oil changes. 

Tire Rubber Coloring

Naturally, tires get dirty when they are driving on the road or through different terrains. But what if your tires are discolored even after a thorough car wash? Discolored rubber is often a sign of oxidation. Rubber can naturally oxidize over time, making it prone to tearing. Oxidized rubber is a proven safety hazard—so much so that older tires are illegal in other countries. If your rubber is lightened in color, cracking, or rough to the touch, bring your car in for support as soon as possible. 

(Hint: Rubber can oxidize on the inside of your tire—even when the outside of your tire looks brand-new. Even if you don’t see signs of oxidation, be sure to keep an eye on your tire age. You can read our full guide to tire age here.)

Chapel Hill Tire: New Tires Near Me

If you need a professional opinion on your tires, Chapel Hill Tire is here to help! Our experts can take a look at your tires and let you know which services you may need, including a tire rotation, alignment, or replacement. 
We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Chapel Hill Tire’s mechanics also serve nearby communities, including Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment online, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today!