Author: Marc Pons

Car accidents, rocky roads, and driving mishaps can all leave you with bent wheels or rims. This can create poor fuel economy, bumpy driving, uncontrollable wheels, and more severe vehicle troubles when left untreated. So should you get your bent rims repaired or replaced? Thankfully, most bent rims can (and should) be repaired; however, there are also reasons you may opt for replacement. Here is a closer look at bent wheel/rim repair vs. replacement.

Why You Might Choose Rim Repair

You might be wondering, “Can bent rims be straightened?” The short answer is often yes—bent wheels/rims can almost always be repaired with professional-grade tools and expertise. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might opt for rim repairs instead of replacement:

Cost Savings of Rim Repairs

The primary reason many drivers choose rim repair is the cost savings this service provides. With rim replacement, you have to pay for both the new rim and the installation. Rim repair is more affordable with a flat service fee—while providing the same great results. 

Quick Convenience

When you need a rim replacement, your mechanic may need to order a new rim that fits your vehicle. It may be several days before your new rim arrives at the shop. Conversely, rim repair can often be completed within a day. This provides enhanced convenience and quicker service to get you back on the road.

Automotive Sustainability

Our mechanics are big on automotive sustainability (from our rooftop garden to our hybrid loaner cars). One substantial element of this sustainability is avoiding unnecessary part replacement. When you repair a viable bent rim instead of replacing it, you prevent that metal from going to waste. This option is often good for your vehicle, wallet, and the planet. 

Why You Might Choose Rim Replacement

While rim repair is suitable for most vehicles, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s take a look at some circumstances that favor rim replacement:

Extensive Rim Damage

When rims are slightly bent, they can almost certainly be repaired. However, more extensive damage is a different situation. When your rims are severely bent out of shape, they are probably beyond repair. In this case, rim replacement may be your only option.

Rim Upgrades

Have you been considering custom wheel or rim upgrades? In this case, it might be worth paying for replacement rather than having your old rims repaired. You can customize your car by choosing a rim color, style, and material that meets your aesthetic. 

Rim Repair at Chapel Hill Tire Auto Service Mechanics

Are you in need of rim repair or replacement services? Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! Our mechanics offer rim repair services to drivers throughout the greater Triangle area. You can visit any of our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Apex to get industry-leading rim service. Make your appointment here online, or visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire auto mechanic shop to get started today!

As the temperatures outside begin heating up, you might start to worry about your car. The heat presents high risks for your vehicle—especially your battery and other engine components. To keep your engine protected from the heat, your vehicle requires fresh radiator fluid. So are you due for a radiator fluid flush? Here are five signs that you need this car service.

What Is a Radiator Fluid Flush?

So you might be wondering, “What is a radiator fluid flush?” Before we dive in, let’s take a closer look under the hood. Your radiator works to keep your engine cool and protected using a balanced freon (or coolant) solution. Over time, this radiator fluid can become depleted, contaminated, and ineffective—leaving your vehicle vulnerable to the heat.

Without your radiator (and fresh fluid), your engine can begin rusting, warping, and even failing entirely. So how do you keep your radiator working well? This vehicle component requires occasional radiator fluid flushes. During a radiator fluid flush, your mechanic will remove all of your old refrigerant and replenish your radiator with fresh fluid. 

1: High Engine Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge on your dashboard is not referring to the outside temperature—but rather the temperature of your engine. When you see this meter rising or resting higher than usual, it is a sign that your radiator is not effectively cooling your engine. Moderately high heat is often a sign you are nearing radiator trouble. If you wait too long to get a radiator flush, your engine might begin overheating (more on this below).

2: Engine Overheating

When the temperature gauge mentioned above rises all the way—which may be indicated by a red zone in your meter—this is a sign your engine is overheating. In this case, you should pull over if possible to give your engine time to cool down. As you drive your vehicle to safety, consider turning off your AC and turning your heat on high. While this may seem counterintuitive and uncomfortable during the warmer weather, it gives your vehicle a way to release the heat building up in your engine. After your vehicle is safe to drive, you should bring it straight to a mechanic for a radiator fluid flush.

3: Your Car Smells like Maple Syrup

Your radiator is filled with coolant containing the compound ethylene glycol. Interestingly enough, ethylene glycol molecules resemble a part of sugar molecules. In fact, sugars can actually be converted to ethylene glycol using a nickel tungsten carbide chemical reaction—according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. As such, burning radiator fluid is known to put off a sugary smell that probably reminds you of pancakes. Many drivers describe this sweet sensation as smelling of maple syrup or butterscotch. 

While this reaction might sound sweet, it can be deadly for your engine. Burning radiator fluid means that your engine is rapidly losing the properties it needs to stay cool and protected. Sweet engine smells are a sign that you need a radiator flush.

4: White Engine Vapor or Orange/Green Fluid Leaks

It is a dangerously common myth that you can detect radiator fluid leaks by looking for a puddle under your engine. Refrigerant naturally enters a gas state at room temperature or above. As such, radiator fluid leaks will quickly evaporate away. However, you may catch a glimpse of your leaking refrigerant before it changes to its natural gas state. Refrigerant is orange or green-colored in its liquid state and a white vapor in its gas state.

5: Routine Maintenance Mileage

If you are seeing any signs of a needed radiator fluid flush, this indicates that a problem is already forming. It is best to get your radiator service completed before an issue can arise. When all else fails, you can determine your needed radiator fluid flush by your recommended service mileage. On average, most vehicles need a radiator flush every 50,000-70,000 miles—though you can find more information in your owner’s manual. 

If you are still not sure whether or not you are due for a radiator flush, visit a mechanic near you. Your mechanic can test the quality of your radiator fluid and check for signs of contamination—such as rust or flecks in your freon. 

Local Radiator Fluid Flushes at Chapel Hill Tire

Does your engine need fresh radiator fluid? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire here to help. We offer quick and affordable radiator fluid flushes to keep your engine protected this summer (check out our coupons here). Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area through our nine locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Apex. You can make your radiator fluid flush appointment here online to get started today!

What happens when you load up your trailer for a summer vacation and find that your new SUV does not have a hitch? Or perhaps you have an expensive bike rack and nowhere to attach it to your car? You might begin wondering about trailer hitch installation.

Thankfully, hitch installations are available for almost any vehicle and can get your summer plans back on track. Chapel Hill Tire is here to answer some of the most common questions drivers have about installing a trailer hitch on their cars. 

What is a Trailer Hitch?

A trailer hitch (also called a tow hitch) is a sturdy metal device mounted to the frame of your vehicle. Trailer hitches connect your vehicle with attachments—like trailers, bike racks, kayak racks, and more—allowing you to tow a wide variety of items.

Can Small Cars Have Trailer Hitches? What about EVs and Hybrids?

So can you install a trailer hitch on your compact car? What about electric and hybrid vehicles?

YES! Many drivers mistakenly believe that trailer hitches are only intended for large trucks and SUVs. Even small cars often have some towing capacity. You can find information about your towing capacity in your vehicle’s owner manual. While you may not be able to tow a full trailer, your car can likely tow a smaller cargo trailer. 

However, especially in electric, hybrid, and compact vehicles, trailer hitches do so much more than towing. Most commonly, trailer hitches are used to add a bike rack to smaller vehicles. You can also find some unique attachments for trailer hitches—such as hammock attachment or hidden key safe. You can read more here about the advantages of trailer hitches on small vehicles.

Can You Install a Trailer Hitch on Any Car, Truck, or SUV?

For the most part, any vehicle could have a trailer hitch. These installations are available from the smallest electric vehicles to the largest trucks. However, two unique situations might make it harder for you to have a trailer hitch. 

• Older Vehicles: The first consideration here is if your vehicle is a much older car. Many older cars can still have a trailer hitch installed, but your auto mechanic may need to look at the frame of your vehicle to ensure that it can accommodate this attachment. 
• Damaged Frame: The second consideration here is if you have any damage or severe rusting on your frame, it may not be suitable for a trailer hitch.

Why Doesn’t My Car Have a Trailer Hitch?

Ideally, your vehicle will come pre-installed with a trailer hitch. However, it is becoming increasingly common for manufacturers to save a few dollars by leaving them off. It is a myth that vehicles without pre-installed trailer hitches cannot have one. 

How do Professional Mechanics Install a Trailer Hitch?

With the right tools and expertise, installing a trailer hitch can be a straightforward process:

• First, your mechanic will clear rust and debris off the mounting frame at the back of your vehicle.
• Next, they use professional-grade tools to attach a compatible trailer hitch to your vehicle’s frame.
• Then, your mechanic will configure the hitch with the receiver, ball mount, trailer ball, and hitch pin.
• Finally, they will electrically wire your trailer hitch. When larger units cover your turn signal lights, this wiring can activate the lights in your trailer.

Trailer Hitch Installation Near Me

If you have any additional questions about trailer hitch installation services, please do not hesitate to contact the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire. Our auto mechanics are here and ready to install a trailer hitch on your vehicle today. Make an appointment at one of our nine Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Apex to get started today. Then, you can load up your trailer or bike rack and begin your summer adventure!

Brake fluid can become an “out of sight, out of mind” vehicle component—we often do not think of it until something goes wrong. However, your brake fluid is working hard every day to keep you safe on the road. Over time, it can become burnt out, depleted, or contaminated, which will prevent proper brake functioning. Be on the lookout for these 5 signs you are due for a brake fluid flush. 

Soft, Bouncy, or Spongy Brake Pedal

When you press on your brake pedal, does it feel soft, spongy, loose, or even bouncy? Do you have to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor before it slows and stops your vehicle? This is a sign you need a brake fluid change. 

Low brake fluid will cause air to fill the gaps in your brake line—leading to soft brakes. Spongy brake pedals can be both terrifying and dangerous—especially if you do not get them serviced at the first sign of an issue. 

ABS Dashboard Light

The ABS dashboard light indicates an issue with your anti-lock braking system. This system stops your wheels from locking up during braking to prevent skids and maintain traction. Low brake fluid automatically turns on the ABS system to help keep your vehicle stopping safely. 

Ineffective Braking Performance

Your brakes should be quick and responsive to help you stay safe in an emergency. Any delays or difficulties while slowing or stopping your vehicle is a sign that your brakes need servicing. Such issues could be the sign you need a brake fluid flush. 

Other possible culprits include warped rotors, worn brake pads, or an issue with another brake system component. Ineffective braking could also be caused by an underlying problem, such as worn tire tread, shocks, or struts. A professional can check your brake system and tell you which service you need to restore brake performance.  

Strange Noises or Smells when Braking

If you notice strange sounds when you are braking, this could be caused by low brake fluid or another brake system issue. Common sounds include scraping or grinding noises.

Burning smells after hard braking could mean that you have burnt-out brake fluid. In this case, you should pull over your vehicle into a safe place and give it time to cool down. You should also contact a local mechanic for insight and schedule a service visit. Driving with burnt brake fluid could create more serious issues—including brake failure. 

Routine Maintenance for Brake Fluid Flushes

When all else fails, you can fall back on your recommended maintenance schedule for brake fluid replacement. On average, you will need a brake fluid flush every 2 years or 30,000 miles. 

Routine maintenance also heavily depends on your driving patterns. For example, if you tend to drive shorter routes with frequent braking, you may need more frequent brake fluid flushes. You can check your owner’s manual for any brake fluid information specific to your vehicle. 

Brake Fluid Flushes: Chapel Hill Tire

Still unsure if you need a brake fluid flush? Bring your vehicle to the local auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. Or better yet, our mechanics will come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. We will replace all of your old, dirty, and depleted brake fluid to restore your brake functioning.

Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 11 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Durham, and Carrboro. We also serve surrounding communities, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Knightdale, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can make your appointment here online to get started today! 

As schools are released for the summer and the weather continues heating up, you may be packing your bags for a road trip or a destination vacation. Before you hit the road, you will need to ensure that your vehicle is ready to go. Here is a look at nine checks and steps you may need to help your vehicle handle the long-distance journey. 

Step 1: Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is essential to your vehicle safety, handling, tire protection, and fuel economy. Setting off on a road trip with under- or over-inflated tires could lead to a wide number of problems. To do this, you will need a tire pressure gauge. You can view your ideal PSI (tire pressure levels) within your driver-side door panel and compare them with your gauge reading. If you need a hand managing your tire pressure, bring it to a mechanic. You can get your tire pressure checked and refilled for free with certain mechanic services, such as oil changes.

Step 2: Make Sure Your Oil Change is Up-To-Date

Engine oil changes are essential for keeping your engine protected from heat and damage. Skipping this affordable service could cost you thousands in engine repair or replacement. If you are due for an oil change, you’ll need to get this done before your road trip. Otherwise, the stress of a long-distance journey without the help of adequate engine oil could spell trouble for your vehicle.

Step 3: Check Your Cabin and Engine Air Filters

Summer vacations often align with the pollen and allergy seasons. This pollen can help quickly clog your engine and cabin air filters, along with dust, dirt, debris, and other contaminants. 

• Your cabin air filter cleans the air you breathe inside your car as it circulates through your AC system. Clogged cabin filters are not only ineffective at cleaning the air—but they also create stress for your car’s AC system, leading to costly damage.
• Engine air filters keep dust, dirt, contaminants, and debris away from your engine. When these filters become clogged, they can restrict the airflow in your engine. This issue creates combustion problems and puts your engine at risk. 

If you’re not sure how to check or change your air filters, bring your vehicle to an auto mechanic for help.

Step 4: Check Vehicle Light Bulbs

It is always a good idea to regularly check your vehicle lights. Dead bulbs can earn you a ticket on the road—which is sure to put a damper on your vacation. They can also cause you to fail your annual safety inspection. Even more seriously, they can create serious safety hazards on the road. Before taking off for your next vacation, take a moment to check:

• Headlight functioning
• Turn signal functioning
• Brake light functioning

Thankfully, if you find one of your lights not working, it can often be repaired with a vehicle light bulb replacement. 

Step 5: Battery Check

When you are getting your car ready for vacation, this often involves preparing it to drive you to your destination. However, what if you are going out of town without your car? How do you prepare it for prolonged sitting? The biggest concern here is your battery. Batteries are likely to die when left sitting for too long. Before heading out on your vacation, see if you can get a friend or neighbor to drive your vehicle around the block (or perhaps a little further) once a week. Here is everything you need to know about leaving your car sitting. 

Before a road trip, you should check your battery for corrosion, terminal end issues, and signs that your vehicle is having a hard time starting. You should also pack a fully-charged battery jump-starter or a set of cables—just in case. 

Step 6: Vehicle Air Conditioning Checks

The last thing you need on during a long summer drive is a broken air conditioning system. When preparing for your trip, check to make sure your vents are blowing cool and comfortable air. If not, this is often a sign of low refrigerant. In this case, an AC recharge service will get your air conditioner working for your trip. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks are often the sign of a deeper system issue that may require additional service—but you can worry about that after your vacation.

Step 7: Measure Tire Tread Depth

Before setting out on a road trip, you will want to check your tire tread depth to ensure you can start, stop, and handle your vehicle effectively. This requires at least 2/32 inch tread depth. You can check this using your tread depth indicator bars or the penny test. Learn more in our guide to checking your tire tread depth.

It might be easy to assume that if one of your tires is fine, all of your tires are fine. However, it is essential you check all four tires. Your tires often wear unevenly, which is why regular tire rotations are necessary. You will also experience disproportionately uneven wear if your wheels are out of alignment. For example, poorly aligned vehicles can leave you with three perfectly healthy tires and one completely bare tire.

Step 8: Fluid Level Check

Your vehicle relies on a wide variety of engine fluids to keep it running. This includes transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator fluid (coolant), power steering fluid, and so much more. Every one of these is essential for your vehicle’s safety, health, and functioning. Before your vacation, take a moment to check your engine fluid quality and levels. If any of your engine fluids are contaminated or depleted, they may need a full maintenance flush and replenishment.

Step 9: Brake Check

While you may be eager to go, go, go when it comes to your vacation—it is also important to make sure your vehicle is ready to stop. Take a moment to check your braking system—specifically your brake pads and rotors. Brake pads are made a fictitious material that gradually wears away every time you slow or stop your vehicle. Your brake pads press against your metal rotors, which can be bent and warped by the braking friction. On average, you will need brake pad replacement every 40,000-50,000 miles and rotor replacement as necessary.

Chapel Hill Tire Trip Checks

Are you wondering if your vehicle is ready to handle your next vacation or road trip? Bring it by Chapel Hill Tire for a trip check. This service is designed to ensure you have everything your vehicle needs for a successful trip. You can even check out our promotions page for coupons, deals, and discounts. Make your appointment here online at one of our 9 Triangle-area mechanic locations across Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro today!

A passed NC state car inspection is essential to the tag renewal process. However, you do not want to wait until your tag expires before scheduling your state inspection. You will want to leave enough time for any services or repairs that you may need to pass your inspection. So here is a look at when you should get your vehicle inspected.

When Should You Have Your Car Inspected?

Annual vehicle safety inspections and emissions inspections should be completed within 90 days of your registration (tag) renewal. This is not required until the day your tags expire—but it is best to get your vehicle inspected sooner than later.

When Do My Tags Expire?

When you look at your license plate, you will notice a sticker in the upper right-hand corner with month and year listed—your license plate registration expires on the last day of that month. 

You should also get a renewal registration notice from the NCDOT with all of the information you need about this process. If you lost your renewal registration notice, you can find all of the information you need on the DMV website. 

Finally, you can check your current vehicle registration, which lists your registration expiration date.

FAQs: Do I Need a Vehicle Inspection?

North Carolina vehicles often need two inspections: a safety inspection and an emissions inspection. Let’s take a look at some common registration FAQs:

• So can I skip my annual car safety inspection? The short answer is no—you cannot avoid your state safety inspection. 

• What happens when you skip your inspection? Without your inspection, you cannot renew your registration when your tags expire. Having expired tags can earn you a ticket on the road and extra fees when you renew your vehicle. Safety inspections also help you catch safety hazards present in your vehicle, which can lead to problems on the road.

• Do I need an emissions inspection? You may be exempt from your annual NC emissions inspection if you meet one of the following requirements:
  • 22 NC Counties: Emissions inspections are currently only required within 22 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. If your vehicle is registered in a county that does not require emissions inspections, you can skip this step.
  • Older Vehicles: Vehicles older than 20 years are exempt from emissions inspections.
  • Diesel Vehicles: Diesel-operated vehicles are also not required to get emissions inspections.
  • Farm Vehicles: If your vehicle is registered as a farm vehicle, it is exempt from this inspection.
  • New Vehicles: If your vehicle is less than 3-years old with fewer than 70,000 miles, you may qualify for an exemption. You can use the North Carolina Environmental Quality Exemption Calculator to see if you meet this exemption requirement.

NC Expired Tag Grace Period

Will I get a ticket when driving with expired tags? According to the NCDOT, you can drive for up to 15 days after your registration renewal date in North Carolina without getting a ticket. This window is a “grace period” to give you more time for your registration renewal. However, even though you will not get a ticket on the road, you will still qualify for late fees.

Vehicle Registration Renewal Late Fees

In North Carolina, your registration renewal late fee depends on how long your tags have been expired:

• Less than 1  month: $15 fee
• Between 1-2 months: $20 fee
• More than 2 months $25 fee

What Happens When You Fail Your Vehicle Inspection?

While failing your inspection is not ideal, it is also not as bad as you might fear. You will simply need a service or repair to address whatever factor is causing you to fail.  Here is a closer look at everything checked during an annual NC safety inspection and the services you might need to pass.

NC Car Inspections at Chapel Hill Tire

When you are due for your next state inspection, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. We also offer trip checks to ensure your vehicle is ready to go on your next summer vacation. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with nine locations throughout Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Apex, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give our experts a call today to get started!

Is it time for your next oil change? This service is essential for keeping your vehicle protected long-term, and it is one of the most frequently needed maintenance visits. So, where should you go for your oil change? Should you visit a dealership? Or how do you choose a mechanic? The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help. 

Oil Change at the Dealership

Should you get your oil changed at the dealership? For most drivers, the answer is no. However, there are a few cases in which you may opt for dealership car services. 

Dealership Service Warranties

One of the biggest reasons you may visit a dealership for an oil change is if you have a service warranty. These are often included for a limited time in most new car purchases. If you are covered under a service warranty, it is often best to take advantage of these free oil changes. 

Specialty Parts and Vehicle Care

It is a prominent myth that certain vehicles—like European cars, hybrids, and high-end models—require specialist care and unique parts that you won’t find at a mechanic. Most mechanics are certified and equipped for these services, perhaps even considering them a specialty. However, you should give your local mechanic a call if you are concerned they won’t have the parts needed for your vehicle. In the rare case that they will not service your vehicle, you might want to opt for a dealership. 

With these exceptions in mind, your dealership is often not the best recourse for an oil change. Dealerships are often associated with long wait times, poor customer care, and more expensive services.

Auto Mechanic Oil Changes

Most drivers will visit a mechanic for their next oil change. Mechanics are associated with high-quality services, lower wait times, affordable prices, widespread expertise, and better customer service. 

What To Look for in a Mechanic

So how do you choose which mechanic to bring your vehicle to for your oil change? Here are some things to look for:

• Coupons: You can save on your oil change by finding a mechanic that offers coupons, promotions, specials, and discounts.
• Transparent pricing: Why would your mechanic keep their pricing a secret? Not only does this raise suspicion, but it can also leave you with a surprise bill at the end of your service. It is best to opt for a mechanic that offers transparent pricing. 
• Good reviews: Find a mechanic that is trusted and supported by your community by looking at reviews and social media.
• Shuttle services: Shuttle services are offered by certain mechanics who will drive you to your work or home while your vehicle is getting the care it needs.
• Convenient locations: It is helpful to find a mechanic located conveniently to your home, work, or a local shopping center. 

Oil Changes in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Carrboro.

Chapel Hill Tire offers oil changes near you! Visit us for your next:

• Oil change in Apex—on Old Raleigh Rd.
• Oil change in Raleigh—near Crabtree Valley Mall
• Oil change in Raleigh—on Atlantic Ave.
• Oil Change in Durham—near the Woodcroft Shopping Center
• Oil Change in Carrboro—on West Main St.
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—in the University Place Shopping Center
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—on West Franklin Street
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—on North Fordham Blvd. 
• Oil Change in Chapel Hill—in the Cole Park Plaza

Our professional auto mechanics will have you in, out, and driving happy. Make your appointment here online to get your oil change today!

If your car’s air conditioning system stops working this summer, you may think that you need a simple AC refrigerant recharge. Unfortunately, automotive AC repairs often require much more. Here is a comprehensive look at vehicle air conditioning repair and why recharges are often just the first step.

AC Trouble: The Symptoms vs The Problems

When you visit a mechanic for an AC recharge, they will put more than just refrigerant in your air conditioner. They also add a specialty dye that can be tracked under UV light. Why? Because low refrigerant is often a symptom of your AC problems—not the source of your AC problems. Let’s take a closer look at how vehicle air conditioning works.

Understanding Sealed Air Conditioning Systems

Your manufacturers often recommend you get an oil change every ~6 months. Most vehicles need a brake fluid flush every few years. However, you will not find any manufacturer recommendations about AC refrigerant refills. This is because most vehicles do not need refrigerant refills unless there is an issue. 

Your refrigerant exists in a sealed system between your compressor, condenser, expansion valve, receiver/drier, and evaporator. It uses the same refrigerant over and over for the lifespan of your vehicle. As such, low refrigerant is a sign that there is a leak somewhere in your system. Repairing your car’s air conditioner involves finding and addressing the source of this leak. 

Finding Your AC Leak

How do mechanics find your automotive AC leak? This is where the aforementioned dye comes in. By mixing dye with your freon during a recharge, mechanics can later use an Ultraviolet light to track its movement throughout your AC system. This process pinpoints where the pressure is lost and how your refrigerant is escaping.

In most cases, your AC repair comes weeks (or even months) after your AC recharge. You need to drive your vehicle in between services to give the refrigerant time to circulate before it effectively reveals the leak.

Repairing Your AC System

So how do you get your AC system working like new again? After pinpointing the source of your refrigerant leak, your mechanic will create a repair plan. Air conditioning repairs often involve replacing the damaged part(s). After your system is working like new, your technician will refill your freon one final time to get your AC up and running.

Preventing Car Air Conditioning Troubles

Thankfully, one essential routine maintenance service can help prevent vehicle air conditioning problems—cabin air filter changes. Your cabin air filter captures dust, pollen, and other contaminants circulating through the air inside your car. When your filter becomes clogged, your AC system has to work harder to forced air through. This added stress can accelerate or create air conditioning troubles. Routine cabin air filter changes can help protect your system and keep you breathing cleaner air.

Chapel Hill Tire: Local Vehicle AC Repair

When you are ready to get the AC service you need for the summer, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We offer trusted AC recharge services and vehicle air conditioning repairs. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area through our 9 locations across Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Apex, and Chapel Hill. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give our professionals a call to get started today!

You have probably noticed your car dusted yellow at some point this year from the pollen. While you might think pollen only hurts the look of your car and triggers your allergies, it can have serious implications for your vehicle’s health. If you want to keep your car protected from pollen, you’ll need more than just a simple car wash. 

As you try to prevent pollen from affecting your vehicle, learn more about how to clean pollen off cars and the ways pollen can impact your vehicle engine, HVAC system, and paint.

Does Pollen Affect a Vehicle’s Engine Health?

Pollen does not directly disrupt your engine or its functioning. However, without the right care, it can create or accelerate engine damage. Contaminants like dirt, dust, debris, and (of course) pollen can impact engine components. Thankfully, a vehicle’s engine and oil filters are designed to keep these contaminants away from sensitive vehicle systems. 

These filters become clogged when exposed to extra contaminants. For example, if you frequently drive on dirt roads, you will need a filter replacement more frequently. The same concept applies to pollen season. As pollen season reaches its worst, it can quickly begin to clog your filters. 

What Happens When Pollen Clogs a Car’s Engine Air Filter?

Clogged engine filters restrict the airflow into your engine. Fresh oxygen is an essential part of your vehicle’s combustion process. Without proper airflow, your clogged filter can lower your fuel economy and impact your vehicle’s performance. If your engine filters are clogged with pollen and other contaminants, they’re also naturally less effective in protecting your engine from them. Over time, these issues can collectively lead to costly engine damage.

How Does Pollen Affect Cabin Air Filters?

Your car has two separate air filters: your engine air filter (mentioned above) and your cabin air filter. Also called pollen air filters, cabin air filters are designed to remove contaminants from the air circulating through your car’s HVAC system. When working correctly, pollen air filters help you and your passengers breathe cleaner air while protecting your heating and cooling unit. Much like your engine air filter, cabin air filters can become clogged quickly as they fill with pollen.

What Happens When You Have a Pollen-Clogged Cabin Air Filter?

When pollen and other contaminants clog your pollen air filter, your HVAC system will have to work harder to force air through your unit. When your HVAC system has to work harder, it requires more energy and can put your system under stress. As such, pollen-filled cabin air filters can damage your AC system—requiring extensive AC repairs. 

How to Protect Your Vehicle’s Engine and HVAC System From Pollen

While pollen can cause costly vehicle damage, you can protect your vehicle’s HVAC system and engine with regular pollen filter and engine filter checks. Since these preventative maintenance services are quick, easy, and affordable, they’re the most cost- and time-effective way to protect your vehicle from pollen and prevent the need for costly repairs.

Before hitting the road on your next adventure, have your air filters checked by a local professional. If your filters are clogged, a mechanic can replace them for you. Otherwise, they can give you an idea of when you are due for a filter replacement.

Does Pollen On Cars Harm Their Paint? 

In addition to increasing the risk of engine or HVAC damage, pollen on cars can also hurt their paint job. When pollen lands on your car, acidic pollen spores will start to dig into the paint and expose the coating to rust and oxidation. Since pollen can impact your vehicle’s paint, it’s important to regularly clean it off your car.

How to Clean Pollen Off Cars

During pollen season, it’s almost guaranteed your vehicle will get pollen on it unless you leave it stored inside all season long. If you’re wondering how to clean pollen off your car, you can do so via a number of methods. Some of the most common ways to clean pollen off cars can be found below:

• Microfiber cloths: Using a microfiber cloth to wash off pollen is a great choice. Microfiber cloths are specifically designed not to harm a vehicle’s paint, and they can quickly pick up pollen. When you have pollen on your car, dampen the microfiber cloth with an approved cleaning product or water and then use it to wipe away any pollen.
• High–pressure water hoses: Another fast way to remove pollen on cars is with a high-pressure water hose. As long as your garden hose has a high-pressure setting, spray each panel of your car with it until the pollen washes off. You’ll also want to spray your roof, windshield, and hood to remove any pollen. Doing this before you park your vehicle in the garage after a day of driving can help prevent pollen damage.
• Car wash soaps: If you want to give your vehicle a more thorough wash, you can use standard car wash soaps to remove pollen from your vehicle’s exterior. As long as the soap is approved for your vehicle, follow the product’s instructions for mixing it with water in a bucket. Next, you can use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge to apply the soap to your vehicle’s entire exterior and remove any pollen. You might also want to try specialized pollen removal cleaners, but make sure they’re approved for your vehicle.

Should You Take Your Car in for a Professional Car Wash During Pollen Season?

Though you can clean pollen off your car yourself, nothing beats a professional car wash performed by hand. Drive-through car washes aren’t recommended because they’re not as thorough, and their brushes can become more abrasive as they wear out, resulting in damaged paint. 

A professional who washes your vehicle by hand will ensure your entire vehicle is properly cleaned, dried, and protected from pollen. If you go to a professional who offers detailing packages, they can apply a finishing polish on the vehicle that stops pollen from latching onto your paint. These finishes also put another layer of protection between pollen and your vehicle’s paint job, reducing the risk of pollen-related paint damage. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Seasonal Car Service in the Triangle

If you’d like to protect your vehicle from pollen and live in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Apex, or Durham, bring your vehicle to Chapel Hill Tire. When you make an appointment with us, our team can provide an engine air filter change, cabin air filter change, and oil filter change to ensure your vehicle runs at its best during pollen season. We also offer mobile detailing services, where we’ll visit your home or office to hand wash your vehicle.  

Learn more about our comprehensive car services today. If you’re ready to bring your vehicle into one of our Triangle-area locations, please make an appointment online or call your local Chapel Hill Tire shop.

Brakes are one of the core safety features necessary for keeping you protected on the road. However, your braking system requires frequent care to avoid trouble. Fixing your brake issue requires you to address the problem at its source. Here is a look at the 5 most common causes of brake issues and what you can do about them.

You May Need a Brake Fluid Flush

Over time, your brake fluid becomes depleted and contaminated. Not only does this impact your brake functioning, but it can begin to corrode and rust the internal metal of your braking system. Your car needs a brake fluid flush every 2-years or 30,000 miles. You can read our guide to brake fluid flushing here.

Worn Brake Pad Problems

Your brake pads are the friction layer of material that presses against your rotors to slow and stop your vehicle. Over time, they wear away, leaving your brakes without the friction layer they need to function properly. Worn brake pads are one of the most common sources of braking troubles. Your vehicle needs new brake pads roughly every 40,000-50,000 miles, though this service will depend on your vehicle and driving patterns. 

Warped Rotors

When you press down on the brake pedal, your brake pad presses against your rotors—providing the friction needed to stop your wheels. This friction generates heat, which makes your metal rotors malleable. It also provides the pressure needed to warp the metals. Once your rotors are warped, they will no longer provide the smooth surface needed for your brake friction. Warped rotors will require replacement services. 

Worn Shocks and Struts

Each time you brake, your vehicle shifts its weight using its shocks and struts. When your driving and braking practices are controlled and steady, this weight is carefully distributed. However, turbulence on the road can impact weight distribution. Uneven distribution can throw off your braking and your vehicle suspension. Thankfully, worn shocks and struts can be easily replaced by a professional mechanic. 

How Worn Tires Impact Your Brakes

While your brakes may stop your wheels from turning, your tires are responsible for stopping your car. Their tread grips the road to slow and stop your vehicle. When your tire tread is worn, it will be unable to efficiently and effectively brake. Worn tread can impact your braking time and the responsiveness of your vehicle. As you need to push your pedal down harder to compensate for worn tires, this can lead to accelerated braking troubles. Addressing worn tread requires you to purchase new tires.

Chapel Hill Tire Brake Service

Chapel Hill Tire has all of the services you need to keep your vehicle braking effectively. This includes local brake fluid changes, brake pad & rotor replacement, worn shocks & struts service, and—of course—new tires. Our 9 Triangle-area mechanics locations are stationed across Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, and Apex. You can make your appointment here online or give our mechanics a call to get started today!