Category: Resource

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!

Imagine dropping your car off for a routine oil change, tire service, or brake pad replacement and picking up a fully serviced AND detailed car. This is the reality with Chapel Hill Tire’s new car wash and detailing services. Our professionals can now help your car look as good as it feels. Let’s take a closer look at the new car wash and detailing services from Chapel Hill Tire. 

How Does It Work? Mechanic Car Wash and Detailing Experts

When you bring your car to the mechanic for service, you can now choose to have it returned fully washed and detailed. This is no regular car wash. This service offers a perfect way to preserve the value of your car, treat yourself to a car that feels brand new, or surprise a loved one. So, how does it work? You can get your car serviced and detailed with these 4 steps:

• Step 1) Make your appointment: You can add a car wash and detailing service to any of your traditional services—whether they are routine maintenance or repairs. Our car wash and detailing packages are also available as standalone services. 
• Step 2) Choose your appointment type: Would you like to drop your car off, enjoy a shuttle service, have us pick up/deliver your car, or seamlessly enjoy a mobile detailing service at your location? 
• Step 3) Leave your car with the experts at Chapel Hill Tire: Whether we pick it up or you drop it off, you can trust that your car is getting industry-leading service at Chapel Hill Tire,
• Step 4) Drive Happy in your newly washed and detailed car!

You can find the answers to other questions you might have in our car wash and detailing FAQ.

How Long Does Car Detailing Take?

As the name suggests, a thorough car cleaning service pays attention to the details. To get this job done right, our professionals will spend hours getting into every nook and cranny of your car. As such, this service is not one you will want to wait around in the lobby for. We recommend using our shuttle service, pick-up/delivery service, or planning other arrangements to make the most of your time. 

Our Team of Local Experts

Chapel Hill Tire is known for high standards in car care, and these same values apply to our car wash and detailing services. You might be surprised to hear that you can get your car washed at your local mechanic shop. While you might trust your car repair technician with vital vehicle service, you wouldn’t expect these same experts to be experienced in car wash and detailing service. Not to worry—we have hired a team of car wash and detailing professionals. As the newest members of the Chapel Hill Tire family, our car wash and detailing service experts are trained and experienced to deliver unmatched car cleaning care. 

Where are Car Wash and Detailing Services Available?

So where can you get a signature Chapel Hill Tire car wash? Our mechanic network offers car wash and detailing care at almost all of our 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

Car Wash and Detailing Service Packages and Pricing

Chapel Hill Tire knows that a strong relationship with our clients is built on transparency. We offer full pricing information upfront so that you know what to expect with all of your services—including our detailing and car wash offerings. To meet every car’s unique needs, we have 4 different car comprehensive wash/detailing packages for you to choose from:

Premium Hand Wash

• Sedan & Non-Sedan: $99.00

The Premium Hand Wash package includes:

• Precision hand car wash and towel dry
• Thorough interior wipe-down of all surfaces and windows
• Comprehensive interior vacuuming
• Detailed cleaning of door and trunk jambs
• Wheel cleaning and tire shine

Comprehensive Detail with Wax

• Sedan & Non-Sedan: $199.00

The Comprehensive Detail with Wax package includes:

• Precision hand car wash and towel dry
• Thorough interior wipe-down of all surfaces and windows
• Comprehensive interior vacuuming
• Detailed cleaning of door and trunk jambs
• Wheel cleaning and tire shine
• Protective wax with expert hand polishing
• Upholstery and carpet shampooing
• Leather seat conditioning and restoration

Ultimate Sparkle

• Sedan & Non-Sedan: $329.00

The Ultimate Sparkle package includes:

• Precision hand car wash and towel dry
• Thorough interior wipe-down of all surfaces and windows
• Comprehensive interior vacuuming
• Detailed cleaning of door and trunk jambs
• Wheel cleaning and tire shine
• Protective wax with expert hand polishing
• Upholstery and carpet shampooing
• Leather seat conditioning and restoration
• Smooth out light scratches and enhance paint gloss
• Trim restoration

Mobile Car Wash and Detailing

Our car wash and detailing experts will come to you at no additional cost! Chapel Hill Tire’s mobile detailing service makes high-quality car care unbelievably easy. We will visit your home or business to complete your detailing service. Our mobile detailing experts will visit anywhere within our service areas.

This service is exclusively available through the Chapel Hill Tire app for Google, Android, and Apple smartphones. Download the app to book your mobile detail today, or add a detailing service to your next Chapel Hill Tire in-house appointment!

Chapel Hill Tire Car Wash and Detailing Service

Our local mechanics are your one-stop shop for all of your car care needs—now including car wash and detailing. These services can help preserve the value of your vehicle and leave you Driving Happy. 

Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 10 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, 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! 

During a season of dangerously high heat, your car’s air conditioning is essential. What happens when you find your AC blowing warm air? Or perhaps your system stops working altogether? The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight on five reasons your car’s AC system is not working.

1) AC Settings

If your car is new (or you are switching it on for the first time this year), you might find yourself re-learning the AC controls. While it seems like it might be self-explanatory, every vehicle has a unique configuration of buttons and controls—some of which might defy your expectations. 

If you find your car’s air conditioning has stopped working, the first thing you should do is double-check your controls:

• The AC Button: Some cars require you to click an AC button to run your air conditioner. In these cases, even if you have the air turned on and set to the lowest possible temperatures, the air conditioning will not activate until you flip this switch. 
• Vents: Next, ensure that all vents are open and pointing in a direction you can feel. You can also double-check the settings to see which vents you have activated. If the air conditioning is turned on but only activated for the vents at your feet, you might not feel its effects as clearly as having them all turned on.
• Windshield Defrosting: If you have your front or rear windshield defrosters on, it can draw power away from your car’s central air conditioning system—or divert the airflow altogether. 

If all of these checks come back clear, you likely have an issue somewhere in your car’s air conditioning that needs service.

2) Low AC Freon

When your car’s air conditioning does stop working, the most common culprit is low freon. This refrigerant is responsible for extracting heat from the air when your AC is running. Without a sufficient supply of freon, the air conditioner will not effectively cool the air running through your car. 

3) Leaky Air Conditioning System

Drivers often believe that low freon requires a simple system recharge. However, your car’s air conditioner is a sealed system. While your oil and other engine fluids will need to be flushed, replenished, or replaced regularly—you should never need a refrigerant top-off. Low AC freon indicates a leak somewhere in your air conditioner. Until a mechanic finds and repairs the source of your leak, your low freon troubles will continue to arise. 

4) Too Much AC Refrigerant (Overcharged Car Air Conditioner)

Have you tried to fix your air conditioner yourself? These systems require a careful balance of the right kind of freon. When you throw off this balance by adding too much refrigerant, your car air conditioner can face several potential problems:

• Car AC Blowing Warm Air: If there is not enough room for your air conditioner to compress your freon into its gas state, it will not be able to perform its cooling functions, leading to warm air pushing through your vents. 
• AC System Damage: The extra pressure inside your system can cause costly leaks and breaks within your car’s air conditioner. 
• Car Performance and Engine Trouble: Most drivers know that air conditioning can contribute to your fuel usage. When your system is struggling to work because it has too much freon, it can draw even more power away from your engine—leading to poor performance or engine damage. 

As such, it is always best to leave air conditioning repairs to your local mechanics. 

5) Failing Component

Your car’s AC is a network of parts that work together to deliver effective air conditioning. When your AC stops working, it could mean a damaged part, such as the:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Motor
• Evaporator
• Electrical connections

When one of these components stops working, you will notice its effects on your air conditioning performance. It is best to have your AC serviced as soon as possible. The more your AC tries to work through this damage, the more stress your system will face—which can potentially harm other air conditioning components. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Car AC Repair Near Me

For air conditioning repair you can trust, visit the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. We can diagnose and repair your car’s AC troubles to get you feeling comfortable and Driving Happy. 

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

Your car has ways of telling you when it needs service. One of the most unpleasant mediums of this communication is car odors. So what does it mean when your car smells bad? The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.

1) Sulfur (Rotten Eggs) Car Smell: Failing Catalytic Converter

Does your car produce a pungent smell when you’re driving? This odor could signify an issue with your catalytic converter. The catalytic converter works to filter your exhaust. This vehicle component successfully translates harmful compounds (like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide) into harmless compounds (like water vapor and carbon dioxide). 

The combustion of your car’s engine can produce sulfur dioxide, which drivers report as a horrible, strong rotten egg smell. When your catalytic converter is failing or stolen, it cannot filter these emissions—allowing the pungent sulfur dioxide smell to carry through your exhaust. You can read more in our guide to why catalytic converter theft is on the rise. 

2) Burning Oil Smell

If you smell burning oil in your car, there is likely a problem under the hood. This is often caused by skipping routine oil changes or maintenance fluid flushes. 

• Low Engine Oil: Naturally, burning oil odors are most commonly derived from low, deteriorating, and overheating engine oil. Getting your oil changed as soon as possible is essential to preventing costly engine damage.
• Car Overheating: When you smell burning car oil, check the temperature gauge. Is your car overheating? Overheating engines leave any internal component vulnerable to burning, including your engine oil. 
• Transmission: Your transmission fluid carries a similar smell when burning. In these cases, the burning oil smell could be a sign that your transmission is overheating. A transmission fluid flush can eliminate this odor and protect your transmission.

3) Car Smells Like Burning Rubber: Brakes, Tires, or Engine Components

If your car is putting off the smell of burning rubber, there are a few potential culprits to consider:

• Brakes: As your brake pads press against the brake rotor, it generates heat and friction. If you overwork your brakes (such as with intense, frequent braking), the heat and wear of your brake pads become intensified. In these cases, they may begin emitting the burning rubber smell—as most brake pads contain rubber particles. 
• Tires: Similarly, the rubber of your tires can create heat and friction against the pavement. Especially after rough driving, accelerated tire wear can also emit a burning rubber smell.
• Engine: Your engine is filled with rubber belts, hoses, and other components. Any of these parts can be prone to failure—resulting in this burnt smell. 

4) Sweet Maple Syrup: Failing Radiator 

What about when your car smells sickly sweet? Perhaps you are smelling burning maple syrup or butterscotch pudding? This car odor often indicates a failing radiator. Your radiator fluid is composed of ethylene glycol—a product chemically similar to the compounds of the simple sugar glucose. In fact, researchers have found ways to convert sugar into ethylene glycol. 

When your radiator is due for service, it can begin burning this radiator fluid. As ethylene glycol burns, it produces that signature sickly sweet smell. In these cases, visit a mechanic as soon as possible for radiator service. 

5) Internal Car Smells

The most common source of car smell is not from your car at all; spilling, dropping, or forgetting something stinky in your vehicle can leave a lingering odor. If caught early enough, you may be able to eliminate car smells with a simple cleaning. However, set-in odors require a professional car detailing service. 

Chapel Hill Tire Car Service Near Me

Is your car producing unusual or unpleasant odors? If so, bring it to the local mechanics as quickly as possible for service. Addressing the issue early can prevent more costly and significant damage from occurring. If you don’t have time to visit a mechanic, we will come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. 

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

From your dashboard warning lights to your tread wear indicator bars—your car has clever ways of telling you when it needs service. Here is one less commonly-known device: the brake wear indicator. Your local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.

A Quick Guide to Brake Wear Indicators

So what exactly are brake wear indicators? Brake wear indicators (also known as squealers) are elements of your brake pads designed to squeak once the layers of your brake pads are worn out. 

Yes, you read that right. Drivers are often surprised to learn that their squeaky brakes are designed to sound that way. Effective braking is vital to staying safe on the road (and passing your inspection). Brake wear indicators are one way your car lets you know that your brake pads are becoming dangerously low.

How Do Brake Pad Indicators Work?

So how do these brake wear indicators work? The squealers are metal tabs that protrude to the safe level of brake pad thickness. These elements can be found on the side of your brake pads (as in the picture above) or embedded within the friction material. 

Once your brake pads dip below the safe levels of thickness, this metal squealer will come in contact with your metal rotor—creating loud grinding, scraping, or (as you might have guessed) squeaking sounds. 

Let’s Take a Closer Look at Squeaky Brakes

When your brakes become squeaky, it is often a result of your brake pad wear indicators going to work—letting you know you are due for a replacement. However, there are a few other potential reasons why your brakes might be squeaking:

1) Rusty Brakes

If your car has been dormant during periods of rain, moisture, or humidity, your braking system may be a little rusty. Usually, squeaking noises caused by rust will wear away after driving your vehicle for a bit.

2) Metallic Brake Pads

As vehicles become larger and heavier, they require more braking strength. Some newer brake pads provide this extra reinforcement using metallic or semi-metallic friction material. With a metallic composition of up to 70%, these brake pads can naturally make squeaky sounds when braking. While it might be unpleasant to hear, these cases of squeaky brakes are no cause for concern. 

3) Debris in Brakes

Twigs, mud, and debris can get wedged between your rotors and brake pads—causing squeaking and other unusual sounds. While this is less common, a routine brake check-up will reveal and clear any debris. 

4) Calipers Sticking

Sticky calipers are another potential culprit of squeaky brakes. If your squeaky brakes are paired with unusual brake functioning, visit a mechanic as soon as possible. One signature sign of sticky calipers is when a vehicle pulls to one side while braking. While it is especially uncommon, this is the most severe cause of squeaky brakes. 

If you are unsure of the source of your squeaky brakes, bring your car to a local mechanic. Better yet—you can also have our mechanics come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Brake Pad Replacement Services Near Me

When you find your brakes squeaking, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire can help. We offer comprehensive brake services, including brake inspections, brake pad replacements, braking fluid flushes, rotor replacement, caliper services, and so many others. Our professionals are here to get you in, out, and Driving Happy on the road. 

Chapel Hill Tire is a network of mechanics locations across the greater Triangle area—with 9 shops across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. Our professional mechanics also commonly serve nearby areas, 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! 

Catalytic converter theft is ballooning, with insurance companies like State Farm reporting a more than 200% increase in claims. (If you need help catching up to speed on this issue, you can also read our guide here on everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft.) So why is catalytic converter theft so common? The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

1) War in Ukraine

While devastating in so many different ways across the globe, it is worth noting here that the war in Ukraine is also contributing to the rise in catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum. According to WorldAtlas, Russia is the second-highest platinum source in the world. Sanctions, war efforts, and other natural market effects from the war have been disrupting the availability of this metal. As such, they have become more valuable—providing additional incentives for theft. 

2) Higher Crime in the Summer Months

It has long been reported by the US Department of Justice that theft rises during the summer months. While the Bureau of Justice Statistics does not provide reasoning, this rise in crime could relate to several factors:

• Increased Opportunity: People are more active during the summer, providing extra opportunities for crime. For example, what happens when you leave your car behind as you head out on vacation? It could be an easier target for catalytic converter theft. Additionally, the seasonality of some school and work schedules may lead to more free time during the summer months. 
• Higher Payouts: Markets tend to raise prices during warmer months as people are more active and product demand increases. As mentioned above, higher prices mean more incentive to steal.

3) Car Market Bubble

Supply chain disruptions continue to cause a shortage in the new car market. This has raised the value of used cars. With this, it is natural that the car service industry has also started to inflate. As consumers fix up older cars to wait out the market bubble or make the most of their higher value, car part demand is rising. One common source of trouble for used cars is catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters can fail naturally over time. However, catalytic converter theft is a rampant issue—creating a vicious cycle for drivers:

• Catalytic converters are stolen.
• More cars need catalytic converters to replace their stolen ones. 
• The demand shifts, so the price of catalytic converters rises.
• As the price rises, theft is further motivated. 

4) Economic Hardships

Financial and economic stress could be contributing to increased catalytic converter theft. Not only does it raise the payouts and incentives for stolen metals, but it can also increase the number of people desperate for income. As such, more individuals may turn to theft. 

5) Increase in Eco-Friendly Vehicles

The automotive industry is in a race toward environmental protection. One way these companies lower emissions is with larger catalytic converters and more precious metals. Naturally, this also raises the payout of catalytic converter theft and further motivates this crime. 

Catalytic Converter Replacement and Protection Near Me

Thankfully for drivers, catalytic converter theft is often covered by insurance. Simply bring your vehicle to the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire for a catalytic converter replacement. We can also prevent catalytic converter theft by installing a Cat Security protective device. 

You can access these mechanic services at any of our 9 Triangle-area locations within Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. We invite you to make your appointment here online, browse our deals, or give us a call to get started today! 

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

1: White Engine Smoke

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

Is white engine smoke dangerous? 

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

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

2: Black Engine Smoke

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

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

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

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

3: Blue or Gray Engine Smoke

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

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

Is my car safe to drive?

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

Chapel Hill Tire: Mechanic Car Care in the Triangle

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

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

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

What is an Annual Car Inspection?

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

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

A Closer Look at the Annual Safety Inspection

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

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

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

4 Common Causes of Failed Safety Inspections

Worn Brake Pads

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

Light Troubles

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

Windshield Wipers

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

Low Tire Tread

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

4 Common Causes of Failed Emissions Inspections

Check Engine Light

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

Stolen Catalytic Converters

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

Air-Fuel Mixture Issues

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

Clogged Engine Air Filter

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

Chapel Hill Tire: Car Inspection Near Me

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

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

Do Tires Include Insurance?

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

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

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

Does My Car Insurance Cover Tires?

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

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

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

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

What is Road Hazard Tire Protection?

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

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

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

Chapel Hill Tire: Industry-Leading Tire Protection

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

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

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

1: Heavy Steering Wheel and Other Control Difficulties

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

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

2: Noisy Steering Functions

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

3: Failed Vehicle Safety Inspection

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

4: Leaking Power Steering Fluid

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

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

Is a Power Steering Flush Necessary? 

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

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

How Often Do I Need a Power Steering Fluid Flush?

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

Local Power Steering Flushes from Chapel Hill Tire

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