Category: Resource

When you are in a car accident, tow trucks will arrive on the scene to whisk away any cars unable to drive. However, if your vehicle does not have evident damage preventing you from going, you might be expected to drive it home. Drivers can feel unsafe in a vehicle with car accident damage. In addition, you might not feel confident that your car is back to normal—even after repairs. 

You must get the car care you need now. If even minor car accident damage is overlooked, it can evolve into much larger problems—and you might end up paying out of pocket after your car accident has been settled. Our local mechanics are here to put your mind at ease. Here are the car concerns to look for after a car accident.

1) Ensure Safety Features are Intact

Naturally, you will first want to inspect your vehicle’s safety features before driving off of a scene. If any safety features are compromised, it is likely best to have your car towed to a mechanic. 

• Airbags: If any of your airbags were deployed, your vehicle is not safe to drive. These airbags will need to be replaced before they can protect you again. 
• Seatbelts: If your seat belts were cut, damaged, or proven ineffective at keeping you secure in the accident, your car might not be safe to drive. 
• Lights: Take a moment to check your car’s safety lights—including your headlights, tail lights, and turn signal lights—to ensure they work well. You do not want to drive off after a fender bender only to find yourself left in the dark once the sun sets. 

If you want a closer look at your car’s safety features, you can read our guide to everything checked during a safety inspection. You will also likely have police officers and other professionals at a car accident sight who can provide their advice and opinions on the conditions of your car. However, it is best left to your judgment on whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive. 

2) Check Your Tires, Rims, and Wheels

Before declining to have your car towed, take a close look at your tires. If you have bent rims, flat tires, and damaged wheels, your vehicle is not safe to drive. 

Otherwise, if you choose to drive off the scene, wait until emergency professionals clear the car accident debris. You could damage a tire if you go over any lingering hardware, glass, or metal components.

Additionally, a mechanic should check your wheel alignment and tire health following an accident. If a car accident throws off your tire alignment, you will begin to experience excessive and uneven treadwear. 

3) Take Extra Caution When Driving

Your car is a network of parts and systems that must work together for you to safely and successfully drive. One slight disconnect has the potential to throw off your vehicle. Additionally, not all of these elements are easy to check visually—such as the brakes and suspension.

If you choose to drive after a car accident, be sure to take it easy—especially before having your vehicle inspected by a mechanic. If any of your vehicle functions feel unusual or unsafe, do not hesitate to pull over and call a tow truck. It can take an expert’s insight to understand what is happening under the hood. 

Other Considerations for Driving After a Car Accident

Car accidents are overwhelming, and it can be easy to delay or avoid some vital steps. While any medical care is the most important, you should next have your vehicle looked at by a professional. Experts can assess the damages and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. 

Additionally, if you wait months to have your vehicle checked out, insurance companies might claim that the damage was caused outside of the accident. There are two shops that you should plan to visit with your car:

• Body shop: A body shop will examine the exterior of your vehicle (such as dents and paint damage). 
• Mechanic: Your mechanic will inspect your vehicle’s interior—including the engine and vehicle safety components.

When you visit the mechanic, mention that your car was in an accident. They will know what to look for and can give you service recommendations tailored to your vehicle. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Mechanics in the Triangle

If your car is damaged in an accident, you can visit the nearest Chapel Hill Tire—or have your vehicle towed to our shop. Our expert mechanics will take care of your vehicle and ensure it is safe for you to drive. We will also provide you with any repair estimates you might need for your insurance. Best of all, our experts provide all of the mechanic services you might need for your vehicle’s car accident recovery—from alignments to full engine replacements and even the detailing you might need for your interior. Chapel Hill Tire has 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. You can make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

As the days get colder, you will perhaps first begin noticing its effects on your tires. So how can you get your tires ready before the freezing temperatures arrive? The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Step 1: Tire Pressure Refill

On the first cool morning of the winter, most drivers will find the low tire pressure light illuminated on their dashboards. Why? When the weather gets cold, the air inside your tires will compress. 

If you have ever ridden a bike with low tire pressure, you will understand why this condition can stress and strain your vehicle. Low tire pressure can:

• Create low fuel efficiency
• Accelerate tire tread wear
• Leave wheels and rims vulnerable
• Debilitate your engine

Thankfully, adding air to your tires is simple, and you can score free tire pressure refills at your local mechanic shop. 

Step 2: Tire Rotation

Most cars have a front-wheel drive steering system—meaning that the front tires twist and turn on the road to control your vehicle’s direction. So naturally, this will cause your front tires to face more wear than your back tires. 

As front tire tread wears out quickly, the uneven wear can leave your car vulnerable on the road—especially during inclement weather. However, you can prepare your vehicle for the season with a routine tire rotation. As the name suggests, this service involves rotating your tires to ensure the tread wears evenly. In some cases, uneven wear will be a sign that you need an alignment service. Getting this car care before the peak of winter can help keep you and your vehicle protected.

Step 3: Tire Inspection and Necessary Patching Services

Take a moment to look closely at each of your tires. Is the tread wearing evenly? Do you see any nails, screws, or obstructions in your rubber? 

You should visually inspect your tires every month to ensure they are in good working order. If you catch an issue early, you can help prevent more serious (and expensive) damage. Take a moment to have any nails removed and patched by a professional mechanic. Here is our guide to what your tire tread should look like during a visual inspection. 

Step 4: Tire Replacement

If your tires are low on tread, they will inhibit your ability to brake and handle your vehicle. These safety challenges are especially dangerous in the rain and snow. If your visual inspection reveals low tire tread, you will need tire replacement. Thankfully, buying tires is easier than ever with the latest conveniences. You can click here to read about how our local mechanics are transforming the tire buying experience. 

Step 5: Winter Tires

In climates with extreme weather, you might consider winter tires as a final recourse in preparing your wheels for the season. Winter tire treads are designed to cut through snow and slush to help you stay in control. Additionally, the rubber compounds of these tires resist the hardening effects of cold weather. By staying soft and flexible in freezing conditions, winter tires help your vehicle maintain traction on the road. 

Most likely, divers who live in more moderate climates (like Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Apex) will not need winter tires. However, here is a look at some situations where drivers in the south might consider them: 

• If you plan to travel to areas where wintery weather is more extreme and common, winter tires can help you stay safe on your drive. 
• In North Carolina, most roadways and businesses shut down when the weather gets bad. However, if you work in a profession where you are required to travel even when the snow starts to fall, winter tires can help keep you safe. 
• Wintery weather can strike unexpectedly and at the worst times. Some drivers choose to get winter tires as an extra safety precaution for the season. 

For drivers who choose to invest in winter tires, it is important to note that these tires should only be used in the colder months. The soft rubber of these tires will wear out quickly in the heat. Your local mechanic can help you change out your tires for the warmer weather, while you save your winter tires for next year’s coldest months. 

Tires for Every Season at Chapel Hill Tire

When you are ready to get your tires ready for the winter season, visit one of Chapel Hill Tire’s 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. We offer all of the tire services you might need for the cold weather—including tire patching, repair, rotation, alignment, balancing, and winter tire installation. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve nearby 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! 

Your vehicle requires maintenance to stay in good working condition. Some services are recommended but are not necessary—like AC repair and car wash/detailing services. These types of services can provide comfort and help your vehicle last longer, but it is not critical you complete them right away. Other services, like oil changes and tire alignments, are absolutely essential to the immediate health of your vehicle. So what makes tire alignment so important? The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

1: Keeping You Safe on the Road

Your tires are vital in helping you steer, handle, and stop your vehicle. However, when your tires are not aligned properly, they will begin to wear rapidly and unevenly—impacting their ability to help you control your vehicle. Such tire issues can lead to accidents or prevent your ability to manage driving challenges like inclement weather. 

Additionally, healthy wheels default to pointing straight ahead, while misaligned wheels are known to naturally veer to one side. A key sign of alignment trouble is when your vehicle pulls while driving rather than guiding you straight ahead. If you lose your grip on the steering wheel for even a moment, misaligned tires can begin leading you into oncoming traffic.

2: Protecting Your Tires

Healthy wheels will allow your tires to evenly distribute the weight of your vehicle. However, when bumps in the road throw off your alignment, it will also disrupt this weight distribution. As such, alignment troubles can cause certain tires or tire elements to experience extra friction. The friction will wear away at your tire tread rapidly, requiring you to replace one or more of your tires.  

3: Passing Your Inspections

Healthy tires are required to pass your NC safety inspection and emissions inspection. As mentioned above, alignment troubles can lead to accelerated and uneven tire wear. In these cases, you will need an alignment and tire replacement before passing your inspections and renewing your registration. You can read our guide to everything checked during the annual NC safety inspection here. 

4: Protecting Your Wallet

You might wonder, “Do I really need an alignment service?” Some drivers try to save money by passing on this service when your mechanic recommends it. However, you will end up paying much more long-term by skipping your wheel alignment. In these cases, you can end up paying for an alignment service AND new tires—as well as any additional care you might need to overcome service neglect. 

5: Preventing Further Issues

Misaligned tires can cause a ripple effect that will begin impacting other vehicle elements. For example, your steering wheel might start to shake as your suspension system struggles. In addition, worn tires can leave your rims more vulnerable to scratches and bends. To prevent further issues, it is best to get your vehicle serviced at the first sign of an issue. 

Car Alignment Service Near Me | Chapel Hill Tire 

If you are wondering whether or not you need an alignment, visit Chapel Hill Tire for a FREE alignment inspection. Our local mechanics have you covered when you need an alignment service, tire replacement, or any other vehice maintenance. We offer all of the services you need to Drive Happy. 

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

When the time comes to renew your registration, you might begin to worry about your annual inspections. One particular point of confusion is the emissions inspection because it is not required for all vehicles. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with some information and an FAQ that will help you determine whether or not you need an emissions inspection. 

Your North Carolina County

Emissions Inspection Question 1: Is your vehicle registered in one of the 22 NC counties that require an emissions inspection? 

If so, you might need this routine inspection each year. Emissions inspections are only currently required in the following counties: 

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

You are immediately exempt from the emissions inspection if your vehicle is registered in one of the other 70+ NC counties. 

Newer Vehicles

Emissions Inspection Question 2: Is your vehicle more than 3 years old?

New vehicles undergo inspections before hitting the sales lot. These vehicles are also at a low risk for emissions issues. As such, the three newest model years of a vehicle are exempt from emissions inspections. 

Older Vehicles

Emissions Inspection Question 3: Is your vehicle less than 20 years old?

Emissions standards are increasingly challenging to meet for older vehicles. Resultingly, classic cars (20 years and older) are exempt from emissions inspections in North Carolina. 

Your Car’s Mileage

Emissions Inspection Question 4: Does your vehicle have 70,000 miles or more on the odometer? 

Low mileage is typically associated with low emissions. As such, vehicles with less than 70 thousand miles on the odometer are exempt from this inspection. 

Fuel Type

Emissions Inspection Question 5: Does your engine run on gasoline? 

Diesel-powered and electric vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections. However, all gasoline-powered vehicles—including hybrids—can qualify for the emissions inspection. 

Vehicle Weight

Emissions Inspection Question 6: Do you have a light-duty vehicle?

Only light-duty vehicles (less than 8,501 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)) require emissions inspections, while medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles are automatically exempt. You can find your GVWR in the tire information panel. You can read our guide (with pictures) here. 

The Verdict: Do I Need an Emissions Inspection?

If you answered yes to all of the questions above, you will likely need to get an emissions inspection to renew your registration. The only other emissions inspection exemptions apply to:

• Farm vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Recreational vehicles (RVs)
• Motor homes

If you are still unsure whether your vehicle requires an NC emissions inspection, speak with a local mechanic for insight. 

What Does It Mean To Be Exempt From The Emissions Inspection? 

Exempt vehicles can renew their registration without taking or passing the NC emissions inspection. However, these vehicles are not entirely off the hook for their emissions. All cars on the road require a safety inspection before renewing their registration. Elements of the vehicle emissions system are checked for tampering during the safety inspection. You can read more details in our guide to everything checked during an NC safety inspection. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Emissions Inspection Near Me

Chapel Hill Tire has you covered if you need an emissions inspection in the Triangle. Our professionals deliver leading safety and emissions inspections—ensuring you can renew your registration. If anything causes you to fail your inspection, our mechanics can deliver the services you need to pass. Chapel Hill Tire boasts 9 impressive locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. We invite you to make an appointment online, browse our promotions, or give us a call to get started today!

Many drivers mistakenly believe the cold weather is to blame for their car battery troubles; however, it is really the summer heat that damages your battery. Our local mechanics are here with 6 ways to tell if the summer heat is taking its toll on your battery. 

Why Do Car Batteries Die in the Summer?

Before we dive in, you might be wondering why car batteries suffer in the summer. Let’s take a closer look. 

When the temperatures start rising, your car battery will feel the heat. The standard car battery contains lead plates combined with other metals and materials, activated and maintained by an electrolyte-filled mixture of water and sulfuric acid. The high summer temps can begin to overheat the liquid mixture and throw off the chemical balance of your battery. Let’s take a closer look at what the heat does to hurt your car’s battery: 

• Corrosion: High heat and moisture can create corrosion on your battery’s metal components. These corroded elements will not function as they should for your engine.
• Internal evaporation: Your car battery is filled with liquid (typically the water and sulfuric acid mixture mentioned above). In the summer, the engine’s naturally high heat will be accelerated by the outside temperatures. This can cause internal evaporation—leaving your battery without the fluid it needs to operate.
• Sulfation: As you drive your car, your alternator will recharge your battery. During this process, trivial amounts of lead sulfate will stick to your battery’s lead plates in a process known as sulfation. Sulfation leads to the gradual decline of most batteries (which is why you need a new one every few years). However, extreme temperatures can cause lead sulfur to accumulate rapidly on your battery’s lead plates, creating a lower battery life expectancy. 
• Overcharged batteries: High temperatures can also lead to battery overcharging. While it might sound like a good thing, the overcharging process can cause overheating and other issues that lead to premature battery failure.

Now, let’s explore the 6 signs you can look for to determine if the summer heat is killing your car battery. 

1) Corrosion on Car Battery Terminal Ends

Heat, evaporation, and moisture together create a perfect storm for car batteries. Particularly, you will notice the metal terminal ends begin to corrode. If you catch this issue early, you might be able to get by with a cleaning or replacement service for your terminal ends—rather than a full battery replacement. 

2) Battery Dashboard Light

If you notice your battery dashboard light come on, it could indicate that your battery is overheating. However, it is important to note that several other issues could cause this light to come on. For example, it might be indicating an issue with your alternator. In other cases, the battery light might come on when you hit a routine suggested battery replacement service. You can have a mechanic read the dashboard light to diagnose the exact nature of your battery troubles. 

3) Warped, Bumpy, Swollen, or Bulging Battery

As mentioned above, high temps can bring your battery fluid to a boil. The heat can also make the components of your battery more malleable. As the boiling pressure begins to build, it can cause your battery to bulge, swell, or warp. This problem is even worse if your battery is overcharged from the heat. In these cases, you will likely need an immediate replacement service. 

4) Struggling to Start

Naturally, a battery that is struggling to start is on its way out. If you notice your car battery working well in certain temperatures but struggling slightly more in the heat, that is a sign the high temps are to blame. You can read our guide to the signs you need a new car battery here. 

5) How To Prevent Car Battery Damage in the Heat

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to help protect your car battery from the heat. Look for a shady parking spot or try parking in a covered garage, when possible. If not an option, you can buy a car cover that will help reflect the heat away from your car. Not only will this help protect your battery and your engine, but it can also help keep your car feeling comfortable when you are ready to drive. 

6) Expert Insight

If you are still unsure about your car battery, bring it to a local mechanic. Your car care professional will be able to tell you if it is the heat causing your battery troubles or another issue. Once they uncover the underlying problem, a mechanic can deliver the repair, replacement, or service you need. 

Battery Replacement Near Me | Chapel Hill Tire

If you need a new car battery, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We proudly offer industry-leading battery replacement services in the greater Triangle area with locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, & Durham. Our professional mechanics also 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!

Every driver wants a high resale value when they are ready to trade in their car. One of the easiest ways to preserve your car’s value is to give it thorough ongoing care. While this naturally includes regular oil changes and other routine services, this preservation also extends to detailing services. Our local car care experts are here with insight on how regular car wash and detailing services can help your car hold its value. 

Keeping the Interior Fabric Preserved

Your car’s interior is prone to staining, scratching, and lasting odors that can tank its value. Fabric interior is more prone to these issues, while leather interior is more costly to repair and replace. Car detailing services offer a two-fold solution to protect your interior:

• First, detailing professionals will vacuum out abrasive crumbs, sand, and debris that can slowly wear away at your interior.
• Next, they will condition your leather interior to keep it safeguarded against preventable damage. 

Preventing Certain Technical Failures

Sticking dashboard buttons, failing USB charging ports, and faulty switches: all these issues can stem from crumbs, dust, and debris floating around your car. While it might seem like you need a simple vacuum job, these particles can get wedged deep within your dashboard and interior. An occasional interior detailing service is the only way to prevent these annoying and costly technical issues.

Protecting the Paint Job

Your car’s paint job can face corrosion and deterioration caused by tree sap, pollen, and other harmful chemicals. Car wash and detailing services offer several solutions to these common problems:

• First, car wash professionals will clean away sap, pollen, and other harmful sediments.
• Next, they will buff, wax, polish, and smooth out your exterior for a protective coating that will leave your car shining. 

How Much Can Detailing Services Save You?

While every vehicle and situation is different, let’s take a look at some rough estimates on how much money you could save with regular car wash and detailing services:

• A new car paint job: $300 – $4,000+
• New leather seats: $1,000 – $2,000+
• Fixing a failing USB port: $50 – $100+
• Dashboard replacement: $1,000 – $2,000+

All in all, regular detailing services could help your car hold $8,000+ in value. 

Here is a not-so-secret truth about your car’s interior and paint job: you are going to pay for it one way or another. You can invest in car detailing services, which leave you with a clean, attractive, and withstanding interior while maintaining your car’s value. Or, you can have even more money taken out of your pocket in repairs and depreciation once it is time to sell. 

Every scratch, scuff, and stain will be scrutinized by the dealership and used as leverage for a lower price evaluation. Detailing services can pay off even more long-term and put more money back in your pocket—while offering the benefit of letting you enjoy a professionally cleaned car.

Chapel Hill Tire Car Wash and Detailing Services

You can now get your car washed and detailed while it is at the mechanic for routine services. Simply drop your car off at Chapel Hill Tire, and we will take care of the rest. Our newest offering makes it easier than ever to keep your car value preserved with regular car wash and detailing services. Our car wash and detailing packages are currently available at the following Chapel Hill Tire locations: 

• Fordham Blvd. Location in Chapel Hill
• West Franklin Location in Chapel Hill
• University Place Location in Chapel Hill
• Cole Park Plaza Location in Chapel Hill
• Durham – Woodcroft Shopping Center Location
• Carrboro Location
• Raleigh – Atlantic Ave. Location
• Raleigh – Crabtree Valley Mall Location
• Apex Location
• Cary Location

We invite you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today! 

When it is time to buy new tires for your car, you might need to locate your tire specs. Thankfully, finding information about your car’s tires is incredibly easy. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

1) Tire Information Panel: The Easiest Way to Find Car Tire Size

What tire size should I get for my car? The easiest way to find your tire size is by checking your tire information panel. The tire size dimension information you are looking for is posted right inside your driver’s door. Simply open up your door and look at the frame of your car. There is a sticker placed by the manufacturer to give you all of the information you need about your tires—including the tire size dimensions and recommended tire pressure. 

The only time this information will be inaccurate is if you have had the wheels replaced with larger or smaller variants. Additionally, if a previous owner removed or damaged the tire information sticker, it might be unavailable to you. Thankfully, there are other ways to check your tire sizes. 

2) Reference Your Owner’s Manual

If you have a hard time finding your tire information panel, you can also check your owner’s manual for specific details about your tires. The index at the back can help you locate the section on your wheels and tires. Once you find this information, you should be able to view the full details of your tire sizing. 

3) Quick Online Search

If you can’t find your owner’s manual, you can also do a quick online search with your car’s model name, year, and trim level for the car specs. Of course, it is not safe to trust everything you read online. However, you can find reliable information by looking for resources published directly by the manufacturers—including insight on your recommended tire sizes. 

4) Your Tire DOT Number

Technically, the tire size you need is written on the side of your tires. While the DOT number on your tire does contain size information, it is perhaps the most complicated way to find these dimensions. The second set of characters after DOT is a code for your tire size. However, these codes are often different for every tire manufacturer. 

According to the Federal Register, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) used to have a universal coding system for tire sizes. Unfortunately, this made it complicated for manufacturers to produce new tires, with each update requiring the NHTSA to update its code list. 

To make things easier for both the NHTSA and tire manufacturers, the DOT now lets manufacturers determine their own coding system for tire sizes. Now, you will need to locate both your tire’s DOT number and the coding system your tire manufacturer uses to translate these numbers. 

5) Ask Your Local Tire Experts

If all else fails, you can visit a local mechanic (as your first line of defense or a last resort) for insight. Naturally, your local mechanics can help you determine the tire size you need. 

They can also help you calculate any difference in tire sizes. For example, if you want to make your tires/wheels higher, lower, larger, or smaller, you need specific calculations to determine how these changes affect your center of gravity, RPM, and other vehicle functions. The best place to start is at your local tire shop. 

Local Tire Replacement and Services

When you are due for a new set of tires, you can buy them here online with the Tire Finder at Chapel Hill Tire. This tool will sort through available options—giving you a full catalog of tires compatible with your vehicle. You can then compare these tires by their pricing and features until you find the right ones for you. Once you find your perfect tires, you can buy them online and schedule your service to have them installed at your nearest Chapel Hill Tire. 

Our local mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our professional 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!