Author: Marc Pons

It can be hard to keep up with all of the care that your vehicle needs. When a light comes on in your dashboard or a mechanic lets you know you are due for a new service, this can surface lots of questions. One common source of service confusion is the coolant flush. Thankfully, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Here is a look at the answers to all of your common coolant flush questions. 

Is it Really Necessary to Flush Coolant?

Perhaps the most common question surrounding this service is, “Are coolant flushes really necessary?” The short answer is YES.

Your engine creates friction and heat in order to run properly. However, your engine is also made of metal pieces, which are malleable and vulnerable when heated. Extensive heat can cause a blown radiator, cracked gasket head, warped cylinder, and melted seals, among numerous other serious, dangerous, and expensive issues. To protect your engine from this heat, your radiator contains coolant that absorbs excess heat. Over time, your coolant will become worn out, burnt, and contaminated, causing it to lose its cooling properties. While you might not like hearing that you are due for an extra service, coolant flushes are necessary for a safe and healthy vehicle. 

Does Coolant Matter During Cold Weather?

As we approach the fall and winter temperatures, you may become increasingly tempted to ignore coolant services. Does coolant matter in the cold weather? Yes—the friction and power of your engine generate heat year-round. While the summer temperatures certainly do intensify engine heating, coolant is still incredibly important in the winter. Additionally, coolant contains antifreeze, which will protect your engine from the dangers of cold temperatures. 

What is the Difference Between Coolant and Radiator Fluid?

When reading your owner’s manual or various resources online, you might find “coolant” and “radiator fluid” terms used interchangeably. So are they the same thing? Yes! Radiator fluid and coolant are different names for the same material. You might also find it referenced as “radiator coolant,” which offers the best of both worlds.  

Is Coolant the Same as Antifreeze?

Another common question that drivers ask—“Is antifreeze the same thing as coolant?” No, these two are not quite the same. Rather, coolant is the substance used to regulate the temperature of your engine. Antifreeze is the substance within your coolant that prevents freezing in the winter. You might find some sources that refer to coolant as providing cooling properties only; however, since the coolant often contains antifreeze, it has widely become a general term that encompasses both. 

How Frequently Are Coolant Flushes Needed?

Generally speaking, a coolant flush is often needed every five years or 30,000-40,000 miles. However, coolant flush cadence can be impacted by your driving patterns, local climate, vehicle age, make, and model, as well as other factors. Consult your owner’s manual or a local professional for insight on whether or not you are due for a coolant flush. 

Additionally, you can look for signs of a needed coolant flush. These include a sweet maple syrup car smell and vehicle engine overheating. Take a closer look at these and other signs of a needed coolant flush here. 

How Much Does a Coolant Flush Cost?

Many mechanics try to hide their prices from customers, which can create questions, confusion, and unpleasant surprises. While we cannot speak for the costs you will face at other mechanic shops, Chapel Hill Tire offers transparent pricing for every coolant flush and other services. Our coolant flushes cost $161.80, which includes the safe disposal of your contaminated fluid, professional-grade cleaning of your cooling system to remove rust and sludge, high-quality new coolant, coolant conditioner to keep it preserved, and a visual inspection of your entire cooling system. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Local Coolant Flush

When you are due for your next coolant flush, visit one of Chapel Hill Tire’s eight Triangle-area locations, including our mechanics in Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. Our professionals will help you drive happy by getting you in, out, and on your way with fresh coolant. Make your coolant flush appointment today to get started!

Your vehicle’s lights are designed to help you stay safe, promote visibility, and communicate your vehicle’s movements with other cars on the road. Whether it is a dead headlight, a bad brake light, or a burnt-out turn signal bulb, missing one of your vehicle lights could create a serious accident. This is why having a dead bulb is a quick way to earn a ticket or fail your vehicle safety inspection. Here is everything you need to know about vehicle light services and what you can do when one of your bulbs goes dark. 

Turn Signal Bulb Replacements

I think it is safe to say that nobody enjoys an encounter with someone who doesn’t use their turn signals. This is for good reasons, as failure to indicate can create confusion on the road or cause an accident. However, even if you consistently use your turn signal, it will not be effective without a bright turn signal bulb. 

You can check your turn signal bulbs regularly by simply parking your car at home or another safe space. Next, press each of your turn signals individually or turn on your emergency lights to set them both off at the same time. Exit your vehicle and make sure that all of your turn signal bulbs are functioning and bright—including the bulbs on the rear and front ends of your vehicle. When you notice a bulb dimming, it is essential to get it replaced before it has the chance to burn out completely. 

Brake Light Bulb Replacement

It is best not to wait until you’re rear-ended before discovering that your brake lights are out. However, checking your brake lights is often more challenging than checking your turn signal lights. If possible, it is easiest to check your brake lights when you have someone’s help. Have a friend, partner, neighbor, co-worker, or family member press the brakes while you inspect the back of the car. If you can’t find someone to help you check your brakes, you may consider driving to a nearby mechanic. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire will check your brake lights for you for free to see if you are due for a new bulb.

Headlight Bulb Replacement

Unlike your brake lights or turn signal bulbs, issues with your headlights are incredibly easy to detect. This is because headlight issues should be apparent to you when you are driving at night. Has one of your lights gone dark? Driving with a single headlight presents serious safety issues and could earn you a ticket, which makes headlight bulb replacement a top priority. Thankfully, this service is quick, simple, and affordable. 

Keep in mind that headlight dimming does not always mean that your bulbs are going out. Headlights are made of acrylic, which can begin to oxidize over time as it is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. The oxidation gives your headlights a foggy, opaque, or yellowish tint. This is made worse by the dirt, dust, chemicals, and debris that can build up on your headlights over time. If your headlights are dimming out and your bulbs are in good condition, you may need headlight restoration. This service involves professional-grade cleaning and protection for your headlights to bring them back to life. 

What to do When a Vehicle Bulb Goes Out

It is essential to get your bulb replaced as soon as an issue arises. If you know your way around a car, your owner’s manual will detail bulb replacement processes that you can follow. However, the wiring, bulbs, and pieces surrounding your lights are often fragile and may be dangerous for inexperienced hands. Depending on your type of vehicle, this service might also require specialty tools. All of this is to say, vehicle bulb replacement is best left up to an expert. 

It is also important to note that your vehicle is a balanced machine, so every light has a pair between the left and right sides. In most cases, both lights in each pair were installed at the same time with the same type of bulbs. While this is not always the case, chances are that if one headlight, brake light, or turn signal light goes dark, its pair is not far behind. Many drivers choose to have the second bulb replaced to ensure that they will not be left immediately returning to the mechanic for the same service. 

Chapel Hill Tire Light Services

If you are due for a bulb replacement or light service, bring your vehicle to the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. We proudly offer these services through our eight Triangle-area mechanic locations, including Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. Make your bulb replacement appointment here online or give us a call today to get started!

Are you finding yourself having a hard time seeing during the rain? Effective windshield wipers are essential to both your safety and the safety of others on the road. While you may not think twice about your wiper blade health until an issue arises, thinking ahead could save you a lot of trouble. This leaves drivers with questions, such as “When do I need to change my wiper blades?” Chapel Hill Tire has the answers here to your common questions about windshield wiper blade replacements. 

How Often Should I Change My Wiper Blades?

Many drivers make the mistake of waiting until their wiper blades are coming undone before having them replaced. For full effectiveness, your wiper blades need to be changed twice each year. This can be impacted, however, by your wiper blade brand quality, your usage patterns, and other external factors. If you are unsure whether or not you need new wiper blades, bring your vehicle by an expert for insight.  

Do I Need New Windshield Wiper Blades?

Beyond just the twice-yearly replacement cadence, you can easily look for additional signs that your wiper blades need to be switched out. 

• Ineffective wiper blades: Perhaps most obviously, the first and most prominent sign that you need new wiper blades is that they have become ineffective. Poor-functioning wipers are a sign that you are past due for replacements. 
• Visual declination: You can also visually inspect your wipers for signs of declination, including tearing, rubber rot, and rusting beneath the rubber. These issues will render your windshield wipers incapable of proper functioning. 
• Irregularities during use: Your wiper blades should swipe smoothly across the glass when you use them. If you notice any squeaking, streaking, or bouncing, this is a sign that you are due for new wiper blades. 

When it comes to replacing your windshield wiper blades, it is always better safe than sorry. Waiting too long for this vehicle service can leave you facing hazards on the road. 

Dangers of Waiting on Wiper Blade Replacements

Inclement weather can strike at any moment, and it is essential that you are ready. If you wait too long to get your wiper blades replaced, you could find yourself without the tools you need to safely drive in these conditions. In a best-case scenario, this could leave you waiting under an overpass for the rain to clear. In a worst-case scenario, you could create an accident or cause harm on the road.

Windshield wipers (paired with windshield wiper fluid) also work to clear away unexpected impairments that may obstruct your vision, including bugs, dirt, and more. For all of these reasons, wiper blade issues can also cause you to fail your vehicle safety inspection. 

How Much Do New Wiper Blades Cost?

While we can’t speak for other mechanics, Chapel Hill Tire offers transparent pricing to take the guesswork and the deception out of service visits. New windshield wipers only cost $9.95-$14.95 at Chapel Hill Tire, depending on the brand and type you need. Best of all, this cost includes expert installation. 

What Makes Wiper Blades Decline?

Like any other vehicle part, your wiper blades require care and maintenance. Wiper blades can become damaged by ice and overnight freezing during the winter. During the warmer months, your wipers can also be warped by the sun and the heat. These stressors accelerate the standard wear and tear that your wiper blades will experience during regular usage. 

How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last?

Under normal driving conditions, most windshield wiper blades will remain fully effective for 6 to 12 months, but several factors can shorten or extend that window:

• Average Lifespan:
  Mid‑range blades typically last 6–12 months.
• Quality Matters:
  • Budget blades often wear out in 3–6 months.
  • Premium, all‑season or reinforced blades can last up to 18–24 months.
• Weather Conditions:
  Extreme heat or cold, plus UV exposure, accelerates rubber cracking, stiffening, and splitting.
• Frequency of Use:
  Daily driving in heavy rain or snow wears blades faster than occasional use.
• Signs of Wear:
  Replace immediately if you notice streaking, skipping, hazing, or visible cracks along the rubber edge.

To help your wipers last longer:

• Park in the shade whenever possible.
• Keep your windshield clean to minimize abrasive dirt.
• Refill washer fluid regularly to avoid dry‑rubbing debris.

Chapel Hill Tire Local Wiper Blade Replacement

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we install trusted wiper blade brands, such as Michelin, so that our customers can drive with confidence. Our professionals will inspect your wiper blades and install new, high-quality wipers that perfectly fit your vehicle. Make an appointment with your nearest Chapel Hill Tire mechanic location to get started today!

If your vehicle is your prized possession, chances are that you want to try to make your car last forever. While “forever” may be a stretch, there are easy ways to keep your car lasting as long as possible. Here is a look at 5 tips that can help you preserve your vehicle, brought to you by the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 1: Maintenance Flushes

While many drivers tend to dismiss the necessity of maintenance flushes, they are essential to the health of your vehicle. If you want to help your car last longer, they become even more necessary. Your vehicle relies on several different liquid solutions for proper functioning—including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and more. Over time, these solutions become worn, depleted, and contaminated, making it essential that they are cleaned and replenished with regular maintenance flushes. 

Vehicle Preservation Tip 2: Consistent Oil Changes

Some vehicle services are needed more consistently than others. Perhaps the most frequently-needed service in any car is an oil change. It can be easy to push your oil change off for as long as possible, but this can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle significantly. To keep your vehicle lasting longer, you need to maintain your manufacturer-recommended oil change routine.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 3: Park in the Garage

Harsh environmental factors can take their toll on your vehicle’s health. This includes extreme heat, cold, precipitation, and more. You can protect your vehicle from these stressors by simply parking in a protected spot, such as a garage. If you do not have a garage available to you, parking in a shaded spot or slipping on a vehicle covering when it is not in use may also help prevent damage from the elements. 

Vehicle Preservation Tip 4: Quick Repairs

As you continue to drive your vehicle, it is likely to eventually run into a problem. Quick repairs are essential to preserving your vehicle and keeping service costs low. The longer that you ride out a problem your car is facing, the worse it may become. Because all of your vehicle systems work together for proper functioning, one needed repair can quickly spread into other vehicle issues when left unattended. To keep your vehicle lasting longer, bring it in for a repair at the first signs of an issue. 

Vehicle Preservation Tip 5: Matching Driving Patterns with Maintenance

It is no secret that your driving patterns will impact your vehicle’s health and longevity. If you drive frequently, you should service your vehicle more frequently. It is also important to factor in the road conditions in your area. Dirt roads, for example, can cause excess engine dust and extra needed filter replacements. Bumpy, uneven, and pothole-filled roads may require more frequent tire replacements, tire rotations, and tire alignments. 

Conversely, it is also essential that you do not let your vehicle sit for too long without proper care. Car batteries and engine oil both deteriorate more rapidly when your vehicle is not in use. Leaving your vehicle sitting for too long can also rot its rubber components, which includes everything from your tires to your engine belts. You also risk rusted parts when your vehicle remains sitting for an extended period of time while exposed to moisture. Here is a full overview from our experts on the risks of a dormant car. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Vehicle Service

If you need help keeping your car in lasting shape, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire mechanic location for leading vehicle service. Our experts are skilled in all of the services needed to help your car last longer. Make an appointment at one of our eight Triangle-area locations to get started today.

We all know that trucks and large SUVs have extensive towing capabilities. However, compact cars can also benefit from a hitch. While you may not need to tow another vehicle or a large trailer, hitch installations can do wonders for the capacity of compact cars. Here is a look at everything you can do with a trailer hitch on your small or mid-sized vehicle. 

Trailer Hitch for Bike Racks

Perhaps the most common use of trailer hitches on small cars is for bike rack attachments. If you drive a compact car, chances are that your bike won’t fit inside. To take it along on your next adventure, you need a bike rack, which can easily attach to your car’s trailer hitch. 

Trailer Hitch Help for Canoes, Surfboards, and Paddleboards

For adventurers with a small car, lugging around canoes, paddleboards, surfboards, and other water accessories can feel challenging. If you are looking for a way to stabilize your transportation, a trailer hitch may be the solution you are looking for. Hitch attachments are available to give your compact car the extra support it needs. They provide a centralized security point at the back of your vehicle, perfect for tying down your surfboard, canoe, or paddleboard. 

Small Cargo Carriers

Do you have large cargo needs and a compact trunk? If your trunk space simply isn’t cutting it, a small cargo carrier can pick up the slack. These attachments connect to your trailer hitch to give you some extra room. Whether you are hitting the road for an adventure or gearing up for a move, small cargo carriers can help. 

Fun and Useful Trailer Hitch Attachments

Trailer hitches are designed for utility, and many manufacturers have gotten creative with their capabilities. Fun and useful trailer hitch attachments are available to help solve common problems faced on the road. Do you frequently lock your keys inside your car? Trailer hitch key vaults are ideal for you—they hold a spare key protected by a coded lock. Do you need an extra seat while camping? Trailer hitch hammock and chair attachments may be the perfect solution. 

Does My Car Need a Trailer Hitch? 

Many compact car drivers mistakenly believe that their vehicles are unable to tow—especially because they do not come with a trailer hitch pre-installed. However, most small cars can tow between 1,000-2,000lbs, which is enough to sustain small attachments like those listed here. You can find exact towing details for your car in your owner’s manual. 

You should not let the lack of a trailer hitch deter you from adventuring with ease. They are easy for experts to add to almost any car, crossover, SUV, or truck. 

Small Car Trailer Hitch Installation 

Are you ready to gear up with a trailer hitch installation? Visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. Our experts are skilled and experienced in attaching trailer hitches to compact cars, large trucks, and everything in between. Make your appointment here online or give us a call today to get started!

Between regular oil changes, inspections, brake services, battery replacements, air filter checks, and tire care, you might feel familiar with the various care routines that your vehicle needs. However, one important service consideration that is often lost in the shuffle is transmission maintenance. 

A transmission issue often ends in replacement, which can cost several thousand dollars. Thankfully, preventative services—such as transmission fluid flushes—can keep your transmission working in good health. Here is what you need to know about the importance of flushing your transmission fluid.

Why Flushing Transmission Fluid is Necessary

Your transmission system depends on transmission fluid to keep its temperature regulated and to keep all of the parts moving together without harmful friction. However, because the transmission fluid absorbs heat to regulate temperature, this substance begins to breakdown and burn over time. If you wait too long to flush your transmission fluid, your transmission will begin to deteriorate from the inside out. 

Transmission fluid flushes are designed to prevent transmission issues and keep your vehicle working as it should. This process involves cleaning out the old, worn fluid from your system, and replacing it with fresh transmission fluid to keep your vehicle healthy.

When Should I Flush My Transmission Fluid?

You might now be wondering, “When do I need to get my transmission fluid flushed?” The cadence of this service will depend on your vehicle and your driving patterns. Check your owner’s manual for insight—which will usually tell you how many miles you need between maintenance flushes. 

If you do not see the recommended transmission flush guidelines, your engine may have “lifetime” transmission fluid due to a sealed transmission. However, sealed transmissions can still let contaminants into your vehicle, simply at a much slower rater than traditional engines. You may still need a transmission fluid flush once every few years. Consult your local mechanic for further insight. 

Transmission Fluid Checks

Transmission fluid checks are another easy and accurate way to tell if you need a transmission fluid flush. By taking a look under the hood, a professional can check the status of your transmission fluid. This process involves verifying that your transmission fluid levels are full (but not overly full), that your fluid is not discolored, and that it is maintaining proper temperatures. 

This inspection is best left in the hands of an expert. Ask your mechanic to check the transmission fluid each time you get your oil changed. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we automatically complete comprehensive fluid level checks with every oil change visit. This can help you stay ahead of needed transmission fluid flushes and ensure that your vehicle is receiving proper care. 

Chapel Hill Tire Transmission Fluid Flush

Putting off transmission care can cost you thousands, so Chapel Hill Tire wants to make this maintenance accessible. We offer transmission fluid flush coupons and promotions to help make our everyday low prices even more affordable. We also offer transparent pricing, so you are not left with any surprises. When you are ready to get your transmission fluid flush, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle in our eight locations—including Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. Make a transmission fluid flush appointment today to get started!

“Performance” is a term used frequently in the automotive industry. It can describe quick acceleration, easy vehicle handling, and advanced engine capability. However, performance is not just something that your vehicle is built with—it is also something that you have to maintain with regular vehicle service and care. So what do you do when your vehicle performance is slipping? Often, the solution to performance concerns is as simple as an engine performance restoration service visit.

Engine Performance Restoration

While your needed engine service depends on the exact issue that you are experiencing, performance restoration addresses one primary problem that can occur across vehicle engines: low tension in the piston rings. Poor functioning piston rings allow oil contamination, oil oxidation, and the loss of pressure in the combustion chamber. This can lead to poor engine performance, more frequently needed oil changes, and lowered fuel economy. Thankfully, engine performance restoration service is available to help get your vehicle back in good health. 

Engine Performance Restoration (EPR) clears out buildup on the piston rings to prevent contamination and oxidization of the oil and restore piston ring tension. Once your piston rings are clean, your engine functioning will see the immediate benefits of this service. EPR service can help solve a variety of vehicle problems and prevent future engine trouble. Here is a look at some of the key benefits of engine performance restoration.

Oil Preservation | Why Is My Oil Leaking?

It is no secret that oil changes are essential to your engine health and performance. When your piston rings are loose, they can allow rapid oil oxidation and contamination. This vehicle issue can also allow your engine oil to escape past the rings and leak out through your exhaust. Collectively, these oil concerns can lead to extra-needed oil changes. An engine performance restoration can stop and prevent these oil troubles by improving the seal of the combustion chamber. EPR effectively protects your engine oil from piston ring issues and keeps it from leaking out of your exhaust pipe. 

Protect and Boost Your Engine

Just as the name suggests, EPR service restores the performance of your engine. It improves engine functioning by cleaning your piston rings and preventing the loss of combustion chamber pressure that compromised rings create. Additionally, when your oil is frequently compromised, you can be putting your engine under harmful stress and risking costly damage. Performance restoration protects your engine and alleviates this stress by preventing issues and oil loss. 

Restores Fuel Economy and Save Money

Even the most environmentally friendly vehicles can fall victim to piston ring blockage and the fuel economy loss it creates. When your engine is worn down by dirt and grime, it cannot perform with the efficiency it is built for. Engine performance restoration cleans away the contaminants that are causing engine inefficiencies to help you save at the pump. You will also be saving money on piston replacement, extra oil changes, and the potential engine damage that loose piston rings can cause.

Engine Performance Restoration in the Triangle

Get your joyrides back on track with an engine performance restoration visit at Chapel Hill Tire. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle area with our eleven mechanic locations, including those in Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. To accommodate a wide variety of drivers, we proudly offer curbside service and free vehicle pickup/delivery. Make an appointment here online for your engine performance restoration today!

When getting your vehicle serviced, you might not be surprised if your mechanic tells you it is time for your air filter replacement—however, you may be confused if they told you that you need two air filter replacements. Your car actually has two separate air filters: a cabin air filter and an engine air filter. Each of these filters works to keep harmful contaminants out of your vehicle. So what is the difference between your engine air filter and your cabin air filter? 

What is a Cabin Air Filter?

When you think of an air filter, you likely associate this with a device used to clean the air you breathe. This closely aligns with the functions served by your cabin air filter. Located beneath your dashboard, this filter keeps dust and allergens from circulating through your car’s heating and cooling system. It can be challenging to control the pollutants that go through your vehicle, so your cabin air filter works hard to keep your driving experience safe, comfortable, and healthy. 

How to Know When You Need a Cabin Filter Replacement

The cadence of your air filter replacements depends on your vehicle year, make, and model as well as your driving habits. You may begin to notice a change in the air quality inside of your vehicle, though this transition can be subtle and hard to notice. Generally, you will need to have this filter changed every 20,000-30,000 miles. For a more exact estimate, check your owner’s manual or ask your local mechanic for insight. If you have allergies, breathing sensitivities, experience bad pollen in your area, or live in a city with excess smog, you may need to replace your cabin air filter more frequently. 

What is an Engine Air Filter?

As the name suggests, this air filter is located within your engine to keep harmful debris away from this system. While you may not think much of this small service, regular engine air filter replacements are affordable and can save you thousands of dollars in engine damage. It also helps improve your vehicle’s performance and efficiency so that you save at the pump. This is why a clean engine filter is checked during your annual emissions inspection as well as your annual vehicle inspection. 

How to Know When You Need an Engine Filter Replacement

Much like your cabin filter, the cadence of your needed engine air filter replacement depends on your vehicle type. Certain environmental and driving factors can also impact how frequently you need to replace your engine filter. For drivers who often travel on a dirt road or live in a city with excess pollutants, these hazards could overwhelm your engine filter quickly. You may notice a drop in your fuel efficiency and driving performance as a result of an overdue engine filter replacement. This service is usually needed every 12,000-30,000 miles. If you are still unsure whether or not you need an engine filter replacement, visit your local vehicle service experts for insight. 

Local Car Filter Replacement

Whether you need an engine filter replacement, a cabin filter replacement or any other vehicle service, the experts Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you! Our trusted mechanics include free air filter checks each time you get your Chapel Hill Tire oil change to keep you up-to-date on when you need a replacement. Make an appointment at one of our eight Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro—today to get started!

When it is time for your next set of tires, how do you know that you are getting the right tires for your driving preferences and your vehicle? Tires are an investment, and it is important that you get exactly what you are looking for. Here is insight from your local tire experts on getting the right set for you.

Tire Finders and Expert Insight

When it comes to finding the right tires for your vehicle, you are restricted to the tire sizes that will fit; however, you are not limited to the exact tires that come with your vehicle. To find the range of tires that work with your car, you can begin by using a tire finder tool to explore your options. If you are interested in a closer look at the tires available to you, consider making an appointment at your local tire shop. With expert insight on hand to answer any of your questions and offer professional insight, you can get a clear idea of which tires are right for you. 

Price: Balancing Budget and Quality

It is no secret that tires can be costly, but this necessary investment will also help you save money by improving your fuel efficiency, helping you pass your inspections, and keeping you safe on the road. It is still essential to make the most of the money you spend on new tires so that you can find something within your budget. Consider all of the tires that fit your vehicle and compare their prices, ratings, and features. 

Ideally, the tires with the highest ratings will also be the ones that cost the least—but you often get what you pay for when it comes to tires. You may need to pay a little more upfront to save money long-term. For example, investing in tires that are slightly more expensive but will last much longer can help you optimize these costs. You can also consider staying within your budget by shopping from a tire distributor that offers a Price Beat Guarantee, coupons, and available tire warranties. 

Tire Brands and Where to Buy

When considering your options for new tires, you might think that you need to get a certain brand. If you buy from your dealership, they may even insist that you stick to their preferred tire brand. However, a tire shop can offer you the best of both worlds. You can get a high-quality tire brand—whichever you may prefer—at an affordable price. This also relieves you of the dealership wait times and service hassles. 

Features: Finding Tires with Everything You Need (and Nothing You Don’t)

When choosing your next set of tires, consider the features available to you and how you intend to use your vehicle. For a luxury joy ride, you might prefer a set of performance tires. If you go off-roading, you might need a set of all-terrain tires. As mentioned in our pricing considerations, you will also want to avoid paying for features you will not use. For example, North Carolina drivers who have no choice but to hit the road during icy seasons or spend the colder months traveling could benefit from winter tires. On the other hand, if you know you will stay indoors at even the slightest chance of inclement winter weather, you do not need to invest in this feature. 

Chapel Hill Tire, Your Local Tire Shop

If you are due for a new set of tires, you have come to the right place. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are known for getting customers new tires at affordable prices. Our eight Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro—are here for you. Make an appointment with your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location to get your new set of tires today!

The automotive industry often shows its creativity in the small details. There are several examples of hidden car insights, one of which is that of tire wear indicator bars. This modest innovation is embedded in most tire treads to indicate when you are due for a new set of tires. While this detail is one that you may have missed in the past, a closer look can help you stay safe on the road. Here is everything you need to know about tread wear indicator bars. 

What are Tire Wear Visual Indicator Bars?

Designed specifically to help you gauge your tire health, indicator bars are small tread marks that are cut off at the lowest safety point in your tire tread. These bars are often raised to 2/32”, the hazard point in most tires. When your tread aligns with the wear bars, it means you are ready for a new set of tires. 

Why Does Tire Tread Matter? Safety, Inspections, and Efficiency

Tire tread provides the resistance necessary for starting, stopping, and steering properly. It grips the road and keeps you stable during turns and inclement weather. This level of control is essential to the safety of all vehicles on the road. Due to the hazards of worn tires, tread is examined on all NC vehicle safety inspections. Paying attention to your wear indicator bars can help you stay safe and avoid an inspection fail 

No Visual Indicator Bars? No Problem

Tire indicator bars are standard on new tires. However, if you do not see them or your tires are not equipped with indicators, that is no problem—the traditional ways of measuring tire tread still stand. One popular tread measurement is that of the Penny Test. Try inserting a penny into your tread with Lincoln upside down. This lets you see how close the tread is to Lincoln’s head. Once you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it is time to replace your tires. We have a more detailed guide to checking your tire tread depth here! If you remain unsure if your tread is overly worn, bring your vehicle to a tire specialist. A trusted mechanic like Chapel Hill Tire will take a look at your tread for free to let you know if you need a new set of tires. 

New Tires in the Triangle

When you are due for a new set of tires, contact the experts at Chapel Hill Tire for help. As suggested by our name, we specialize in tires, among inspections and other popular vehicle services. You can get a great deal on your new tires when you shop with us. Our mechanics offer warranties and coupons to help you save on our high-quality tire brands. We even offer a Price Beat Guarantee—if you find a lower price on your new tires, we will beat it by 10%. Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves drivers throughout the Triangle with our eight locations across Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Make your appointment with Chapel Hill Tire today to get started!