Category: Resource

We have all been there: you go to turn your car key (or push-to-start), and you find your car battery dead. Thankfully, a simple jump-start can get most drivers moving. However, you might wonder if you can continue driving on your battery or if you need a replacement. Here is a look at when a dead car does (and does not) require a new battery. 

Older or Corroded Batteries

If your battery is 3 or more years old, it will likely need a replacement to avoid repeated failure. While you may be able to get it going with a jump-start, the catalyst for its initial failure is still threatening the lifespan of your battery. It will likely continue to die until you get a replacement. Some signs you need a new battery include:

• Battery Age: Car batteries commonly only last 3-4 years. Your battery will die even sooner if you live in an area with intense heat—as the heat destroys batteries from the inside out. 
• Dashboard Light: In many cases, your battery-shaped dashboard light will indicate the need for a battery service or replacement.
• Corrosion: Do you notice the battery terminal ends corroded? Corrosion can cause premature battery failure. In some cases, a mechanic can service your battery to avoid replacement. Speak with your mechanic to see if this is an option for you. 
• Car Left Sitting: Car batteries recharge while you drive. If you leave your car sitting for a month or two, the battery will likely die while you are gone. In some cases, these batteries can be revived. However, the longer you let it sit, the more likely it is that you will need a replacement. 

For help making it to your mechanic for a battery inspection or replacement, here is our 8-step guide to jump-starting a car battery.

Why Did My Car Battery Die Right After Replacement?

What if your brand-new battery dies? Thankfully, most batteries have a warranty for at least the first year. There are three reasons why your car battery might die right after replacement:

1. Battery Overuse

When your engine is running, your alternator helps power certain electrical elements of your vehicle. However, when your engine is off, your car battery takes over 100% of your car’s power requirements. If you tend to leave your headlights on, for example, your battery will only be able to power these lights for so long before running out of charge. 

Do I need a new car battery? In these cases, you should not need a new battery after you jump-start. Our recommendation is to drive around for a while after your jump-start to give your battery time to recharge. Moving forward, make sure to unplug and turn off any battery-dependant systems when you are not driving.

2. Lemon Battery

In rare cases, you may have gotten a “lemon” battery with a manufacturer defect. 

Do I need a new car battery? In these cases, yes. However, it should not come out of your pocket. Reputable manufacturers and mechanics offer warranty services to protect drivers from “lemon” batteries. Simply bring your car back to the mechanic if you think this is the case. 

However, if your battery dies soon after replacement, it is far more likely that your alternator is the problem rather than the battery itself. Let’s take a look.

3. Alternator Issues

Your alternator is responsible for recharging your car battery as you drive. It also powers certain vehicle functions (like the headlights and radio) while your engine is running. If your alternator has gone bad, your battery will have to power all of your vehicle functions without getting any recharge. In these cases, it won’t be long before your battery dies—even if you have a brand-new battery. In fact, a failing alternator may be the reason you needed a battery replacement in the first place. 

Do I need a new car battery? In these cases, the first step will be to diagnose and repair your alternator. From there, your mechanic will either recharge and reinstall your battery or install a replacement battery. 

Chapel Hill Tire Battery Replacement Services

When you are due for a replacement battery, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you. We proudly offer battery replacement at all 9 of our Triangle-area locations. Our mechanics also serve nearby cities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an online appointment, browse our deals, promotions, & coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many drivers are looking for ways to save at the pump. One of the most common problems with fuel economy is a clogged fuel injector. Have you noticed your vehicle using more fuel than it did in the past? Carbon deposits and debris buildup can begin blocking your fuel injection system. Thankfully, the solution is simple: fuel injector cleaning service. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight into this fuel-saving service. 

What is a Fuel Injector?

Fuel injectors are the vehicle components that send fuel from your gas tank to your engine. With this role, your fuel injectors are also responsible for measuring how much fuel to send and the timing of when to send fuel. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged—creating issues for your engine and your fuel economy. 

What is a Fuel Injector Cleaning Service?

For an engine to function, it needs a carefully balanced mixture of air and fuel. When your fuel injection system becomes clogged, it can disrupt the ratio of this mixture—impacting the combustion process. The results are issues with your vehicle starting, acceleration, engine performance, and gas mileage. Fuel injection service is a professional cleaning of the fuel injector. It removes the carbon deposits and debris that may be blocking your system to restore your car’s performance. 

Do I Need Fuel Injection Service?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need fuel injection service?” The most common indicator of a failing fuel injector is pool gas mileage. The fuel injector can cause too much fuel to go to your engine, which will result in fuel waste. Conversely, a clogged injector can cause too little fuel to arrive at the engine—causing performance issues or preventing your vehicle from working altogether.

If you notice your engine misfiring or your gas mileage suffering, check with a local mechanic to see if you are due for a fuel injector cleaning. 

Can I DIY Clean My Fuel Injector?

Mechanics use a variety of expensive professional-grade tools to carefully remove, clean, and reinstall fuel injectors. Again, this engine component is vital to your vehicle’s performance. While you may be eager to try and clean your fuel injector yourself, a mistake could cost you thousands long-term in engine damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire Fuel Efficient Services

Chapel Hill Tire uses professional-grade in-house equipment and BG Fuel System Cleaner for our fuel injection services. This service restores your fuel injection system—bringing back optimal fuel economy and engine performance. Our mechanics can help protect your engine and improve your gas mileage! 
We 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!

Your tires are meant to keep you safe on the road. Their traction helps your vehicle start, stop, and maneuver on the road. However, this also provides road resistance, which can send your gas bill skyrocketing. Thankfully, it is possible to have safety on the road while saving money on fuel. Here is everything you need to know about fuel-efficient tires. 

What Are Fuel-Efficient Tires?

Low rolling resistance tires (also known as fuel-efficient tires) are tires with treads designed to improve gas mileage. Fuel-efficient tires require less energy (and less fuel) to move at the same pace as other tires.

How Do Energy-Efficient Tires Work?

Tires have several different design considerations that can impact how they perform, including:

• Tire tread patterns
• Composition of tire rubber
• Thickness of tires
• Tire sizes

…and more. For example, winter tires are designed to capture snow and slush in threads of the tread, helping maintain traction in slippery conditions. 

Fuel-Efficient tire tread is designed to move with the road. The traction grips the road with more friction when turning, maneuvering, and handling. When the tires are facing forward and rolling evenly, the tread is designed to minimize the resistance. 

How Much Gas Do You Save With Fuel-Efficient Tires?

So how much gas can you save with low rolling resistance tires? On average, drivers will save 5% of gas costs each year; however, some estimates suggest fuel-efficient tires can provide up to 15% in fuel savings. This can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings each year and up to thousands in savings over the lifespan of your tires.

Other Ways to Save Gasoline

You can take every gallon of gas further with these other fuel-saving tips:

• Vehicle Services: Maintaining proper vehicle care can help it run efficiently—while saving you money on repairs in the long run. 
• Inflated tires: Make sure your tires are fully inflated to boost your fuel economy. You can read more in our full guide to low tire pressure here. 
• Good driving habits: According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 33% of gas by adjusting your driving habits. This switch includes avoiding unnecessarily rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding. 
• Remove extra cargo: Lugging around extra weight can weigh down your vehicle—resulting in fuel waste. 
• Mindful heating and cooling: At low speeds, rolling your windows down is the most fuel-efficient way to cool down your vehicle. At higher speeds, your HVAC system is most efficient. You can read more in our guide to affordably running car AC. 

Fuel-Efficient Tires Near Me

Chapel Hill Tire has a comprehensive selection of new tires for you to choose from—including fuel-efficient tires. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our professional mechanics also serve nearby communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an appointment, browse our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!

Is your car wasting gas? Rather than flushing money out of your tailpipe, consider investing in a service that can improve your fuel efficiency. These affordable vehicle services can save you hundreds at the pump. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with a look at 8 car services that can improve your fuel mileage. 

Oil Changes

Engine oil is responsible for lubricating your engine, keeping the parts seamlessly moving together. Naturally, clean engine oil also improves your engine performance, which can keep your fuel consumption at a minimum. 

Over time, your oil becomes dirty, depleted, oxidized, and contaminated—putting your engine and its performance at risk. Maintaining your regular oil change schedule can boost engine performance and improve your fuel economy. 

Engine Performance Restoration

Have you noticed your car’s fuel economy steadily decreasing since you purchased your vehicle? While there are a few potential culprits to performance issues, one of the most common we see is low tension in the piston rings. 

Piston ring issues allow oil contamination, oil oxidation, and the loss of pressure in the combustion chamber. Ultimately, this creates poor engine performance, more frequently-needed oil changes, and tanking fuel economy. In these cases, an engine performance restoration service can help save your engine and restore your fuel economy. You can read our full guide to engine performance restoration here. 

Fuel Injection Service

Your fuel injector is responsible for sending fuel to your engine. While this might sound simple enough, it is actually one of the more sensitive and complex vehicle systems. Your fuel injector must inject the right amount of fuel at the right time and the right angle. Over time, this system becomes clogged—throwing off the fuel injection process and creating issues, like:

• Poor fuel economy
• Too much fuel going to your engine
• Not enough fuel going to your engine
• Engine misfiring

…And a wide variety of other vehicle performance problems. A fuel injection service will restore the functioning of your fuel injection system—bringing back optimal fuel economy and engine performance. 

Tire Pressure Refill

Sufficient tire pressure is one of the most vital contributors to a healthy fuel economy. Have you ever ridden a bike with a flat tire? It requires much more energy than riding a bike with fully-inflated tires. The same concept applies to your car. Driving with low tire pressure will require much more energy and fuel. 

Thankfully, low tire pressure comes with an easy fix. Use your tire information panel to locate your desired tire pressure. Then, fill up your tires at a nearby gas station or score a free tire pressure refill at your local mechanic.

Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Healthy tires are essential to your safety on the road — promoting sufficient vehicle braking, traction, and handling. The only downside to thick tire tread is its impact on your fuel economy. As your tires grip the road, they offer some resistance that makes your engine work harder to move forward. The solution? Low rolling resistance tires. These tires have tread designed to promote safe driving while optimizing your fuel economy. 

Engine Air Filter Changes

Your engine air filter catches harmful dust, dirt, pollen, and debris that may circulate your engine. However, once your air filter becomes clogged, it will restrict airflow to your engine—impacting your fuel economy and putting your engine health at risk. Protect your gas mileage and your engine by getting your engine air filter replaced every 12,000-15,000 miles. 

Replacing Failing or Damaged Oxygen Sensors

Oxygen is essential for the fuel combustion process. However, your car requires a balanced ratio of oxygen and gas (often 14.7:1) to run efficiently:

• Too little oxygen will result in gas waste. Your engine can only burn fuel with the help of oxygen. Any gas that cannot combust due to low oxygen levels will discharge from your exhaust. 
• Too much oxygen in this mixture can lead to engine performance issues, which will decrease your fuel economy. 

Your car uses the oxygen sensor to determine how much fuel to send to the engine to achieve the perfect air-fuel mixture. Replacing failing or damaged oxygen sensors can help your vehicle work efficiently again. 

Catalytic Converter Service

Catalytic converters are vital for improving vehicle emissions. They convert harmful pollutants (like carbon monoxide) into eco-friendly emissions (like hydrogen). However, drivers have a history of removing their catalytic converters to improve horsepower and fuel economy. 

However, newer catalytic converters can actually help boost fuel efficiency. Additionally, failing or removed catalytic converters can impact your oxygen sensors to increase fuel consumption. This will also cause you to fail your annual emissions inspection. 

If your catalytic converter is stolen, damaged, or failing, you can bring it in for a replacement to restore your fuel economy. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Car Service

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help local drivers save at the pump. You can bring your vehicle to one of our 9 Triangle-area locations for the services you need. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

As gas prices continue setting record highs, many drivers are cutting back on certain conveniences—like vehicle air conditioning. Thankfully, there are easy ways to get the comfort of air conditioning without emptying your pockets. The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight on how to affordably run your air conditioning. 

How Much Gas Does a Car’s Air Conditioner Use?

Switching on your car’s air conditioning system will use some gas. There are estimates that the air conditioning system will lower mileage by about 3 MPG. However, it is more likely that the cost of running your car’s air conditioner will depend on your vehicle’s age, make, model, and driving speed—as well as external factors like the outside temperature. However, one of the most important factors to consider is your car’s HVAC health. 

Proper Freon Levels

When your car is low on refrigerant, your compressor will need to work harder to produce cool air, leading to a greater toll on your fuel efficiency and your wallet. Ensuring that your air conditioner is evenly charged with freon can help you affordably run your car’s AC system. 

However, your air conditioner circulates refrigerant in a sealed system, meaning that it should not need refrigerant recharged regularly throughout the lifespan of your vehicle. In most cases, low AC refrigerant is the sign of a leak or break somewhere in your system. 

Low AC vs. High AC: Which Settings are Best for Gas Mileage?

There are two air conditioner settings to consider in your vehicle: the temperature and the speed settings. Each of these settings affects your gas mileage in different ways. Let’s take a closer look:

• Temperature settings: Lower AC temperatures will require more gas than moderate temperature settings, so consider setting your car’s AC temperature as high as comfortably possible to save gas. 
• Speed settings: Truthfully, once you turn your air conditioner on and set the temperature, it does not matter how high you run it. Your air conditioning compressor uses gas to run your system. However, the motor that controls how high or low your AC system runs is often powered by the alternator. In other words, running your air conditioning on full blast will use just as much gas as running it on its lowest settings.

As such, it is best to use the most moderate comfortable temperature setting on the highest speed for maximum comfort and savings. 

Other Ways to Stay Cool and Save at the Pump

Combining these insights with other fuel-saving methods can help you stay cool while saving money at the pump. Easy tips and tricks include:

• Low tire pressure will gravely impact your fuel economy. You can save at the pump with free tire pressure refills.
• Use your air conditioner to stay cool at high speeds and roll down your windows at lower speeds. 
• Park in a covered garage, shady spot, or use sun shades to keep your cabin comfortable while parked.
• Make sure you keep up with all the maintenance and routine services that help your car run efficiently. 

Chapel Hill Tire Car AC Service in the Triangle

If you need an air conditioner recharge or repair, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! We proudly serve our customers through 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Our local mechanics also commonly support 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!

What happens when you find that the funny noise your car is making stems from severe engine damage? Perhaps your catalytic converter was stolen from under your vehicle, and now you are stuck paying for a replacement? Unfortunately, costly car damage can be unpredictable and challenging to prevent—even with routine maintenance.

In some cases, your car insurance will help cover your mechanic bill. In other cases, you may get stuck with repair costs greater than your paycheck. At Chapel Hill Tire, we help customers with unexpected car repair costs by partnering with Snap Finance. Here is our quick guide to financing your car mechanic services. 

Snap Finance for Mechanic Services

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we have partnered with Snap Finance to help drivers afford unexpected costs. This option provides financing benefits for drivers with little or no credit, including:

• High Approval Rates: Snap Finance says “yes” when other lenders say “no,” even in cases of no credit or poor credit.
• Quick and Easy Financing: Their quick and easy application process can be completed online in no time. Best of all, you receive your approval decision in seconds. 
• Flexible Payment Options: Snap Finances gives customers multiple ways to pay—allowing you to select a plan that fits your budget. 

Much like credit card financing, this option comes with a few considerations:

• Assorted Financing Structure: Every offer and contract you receive from Snap Finance is created uniquely for you. Because there is not a blanket financing or fee structure, it is essential you carefully read your offer to ensure you fully understand your Snap contract, fees, final payoff amount, and other details. 
• Minimum Qualifications: While Snap Finance is known for its high approval rates, you will need to meet their minimum qualifications, outlined here. 

Credit Card Mechanic Financing

As an additional recourse for drivers,  many customers finance their mechanic services with one of their existing credit cards. This is an ideal option for drivers who have credit cards with low APRs and high credit limits. Financing with a credit card offers several benefits, including:

• Existing Account: By financing with an existing credit card, you will not need to complete an application or set up a new account. 
• Rewards Programs: If you get rewards, cashback, or other credit card perks, you can reap these benefits while getting your car the care it needs.

However, this option does come with a few considerations:

• Credit Card Capacity: Naturally, you will need to first ensure you have enough lending capacity to fund your mechanic services. If necessary, you may be able to request a credit line increase. Many credit card companies offer instant responses to credit line increase requests.
• Credit Limit: Putting your mechanic bill on your credit card can max out your credit limit and restrict the routine costs that you may ordinarily apply to the card. 

If you have a high-interest rate on your credit card, it can be helpful to see how this rate compares to other financing options. Naturally, the lower your APR, fees, and additional costs are, the less money you will have to pay for your services. 

In addition to your credit card and mechanic financing options, you might consider consulting with your bank to examine your credit or personal loan options.

Chapel Hill Tire Mechanic Service Financing

Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we are committed to helping our customers Drive Happy, and we are excited to offer new ways for drivers to get the car care they need. If you are looking for a local mechanic shop with financing services, look no further than your nearest Chapel Hill Tire. 

We have nine convenient locations across Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, Durham, and Raleigh. Chapel Hill Tire also proudly serves nearby communities, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an online appointment, explore our promotions, or give us a call to get started today!

How can you tell when you are due for an oil change? Your car will often show a variety of signs that it needs care. Here is a closer look at the top five signs your car is due for an oil change.

Sign 1: Low Oil Levels

Here is a quick overview of how to check your oil levels:

• Locate the oil area of your engine (this is marked by the same symbol found in your oil dashboard light).
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with an old rag. This will remove old oil for a clear reading.
• Reinsert the dipstick and pull it back out.

Most engines run on between 5 and 8 quarts of oil. You can find more specific details about your recommended car care in your owner’s manual.

Sign 2: Contaminated Engine Oil

Oil composition is another indicator of a needed oil change. Clean engine oil is often a light amber color. It should be somewhat translucent and glossy. If you notice dirt, sludge, or discoloration when you check your oil levels, it is time for an oil change.

Sign 3: Engine Oil Leaks

If you notice engine oil stains in your driveway and along other surfaces you frequent, chances are that you are low on oil. Oil leaking is a two-fold problem: 

• Leaking oil means you likely have a break somewhere in your engine allowing oil to escape
• As oil leaks, you will put yourself at risk for further engine issues

A professional will need to replenish your engine oil and find the source of your leak. 

Sign 4: Oil Change Schedule

Routine oil changes can be calculated based on your mileage or the time since your last oil change. Here is a quick guide on how to keep up with your oil change schedule. 

Sign 5: Driving Differences and Performance Issues

Ideally, drivers will get an oil change before their car starts showing signs of struggle. However, there are a few cues that you might notice in your car once your engine oil is low:

• Noises: Engine oil helps all of your car’s mechanical parts move together. When engine oil is low or depleted, you might begin to hear some straining noises coming from your engine. 
• Overheating: Your radiator is responsible for most of your engine cooling. However, your oil also has vital cooling properties essential to your vehicle. If your engine is showing signs of overheating, this could mean low engine oil. 
• Performance: If you notice your car driving differently than usual, such as trouble starting or slow acceleration, it could be a sign of engine oil troubles. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Oil Changes

When you are due for an oil change, the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We 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!

What are catalytic converters? What do they do? Is my catalytic converter failing? Our mechanics are here to answer all of your questions about catalytic converters. 

What Do Catalytic Converters Do?

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting toxic car emissions into compounds that are better for the environment and human health. As your emissions pass through the catalytic converter, they transform from toxins like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into harmless compounds like carbon dioxide and water vapor. 

Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters have been at the top of many drivers’ minds recently for an unfortunate reason: they are being cut out and stolen from cars across the nation. But why? There are two main reasons catalytic converters are rampantly stolen: 

• Catalytic converters rely on expensive precious metals (including platinum) that can be sold for hundreds of dollars aftermarket. 
• These vital vehicle components are highly accessible to thieves and easy to steal. It is essentially like having an expensive piece of jewelry hanging from your tailpipe at all times.

You can read our full guide to catalytic converter theft and what to do if yours has been stolen here. 

How Can You Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft?

The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to install a protective device (like the Cat Security). These metal shields are laborious to cut through, keeping them safe from theft. You can learn more about Cat Security in this video from our mechanics, or see the final installation results here. 

How Can I Tell If My Catalytic Converter is Failing?

While the most common issue with catalytic converters is theft, these vehicle components can fail like any other car part. They are responsible for filtering your exhaust, which can cause clogs. Additionally, car exhaust is incredibly hot, which can lead to melted, deformed, or broken catalytic converters. 

Here are the 5 main signs your catalytic converter is going bad:

• Sulfur (or rotten egg) smell coming from your exhaust
• Poor vehicle performance and acceleration
• Exhaust becomes darker in color
• You sense extra heat near your exhaust
• Check engine light comes on

Catalytic converters are also routinely checked during your annual emissions inspection. 

Can Catalytic Converters Be Cleaned or Repaired?

In most cases, failing catalytic converters will need to be replaced. Attempting to clean or repair catalytic converters often results in an in-depth, expensive service with low success rates. This process can leave drivers bearing the cost of both replacement and a failed repair attempt. 

Chapel Hill Tire Catalytic Converter Replacement and Protection

If you suspect that your catalytic converter is failing or has been stolen, bring your car down to the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. Our professionals are skilled at catalytic converter replacement services. We also install protective devices to prevent future theft and keep your new car safe. 
You can find our mechanics at 9 locations across Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, and Durham. Our mechanics also commonly serve surrounding areas, including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make an appointment, explore our coupons, or give us a call to get started today!