Category: Resource

Engine oil provides vital lubrication to help keep your engine parts working together seamlessly. It also offers cooling properties to support the work done by your radiator. Skipping this affordable vehicle service can cause irreparable engine damage. So why are oil changes so hard to remember? If you are like most drivers, you probably have more important things on your mind than oil changes. Our local mechanics have 5 easy ways to remember your oil change.

How Often Do You Need an Oil Change?

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at how often you need to remember to get your oil changed. On average, cars need an oil change every 6 months or 3,000 miles—whichever comes first.  However, sometimes it can feel like you just had your oil changed, even after almost a year. So how can you remember to keep your oil change schedule on track?

1: Take a Look at Your Dashboard Sticker

After your oil change, most mechanics will include a small sticker inside your vehicle that contains the date of your next recommended service. You can keep an eye on this date to help you remember your oil change schedule. However, while this sticker may stand out when it is newly placed in your vehicle, many drivers start to overlook it after a few months. As such, let’s take a look at a few other easy ways to remember your oil change. 

2: Set It In Your Calendar

Whether you keep up with a paper or online calendar, it can be helpful to look ahead and write a reminder. This lets you “set it and forget it,” knowing that you will have a note-to-self waiting for you the next time you need an oil change. 

3: Time Your Bi-Annual Oil Changes with Events

Here is a fun way to remember to get your oil changed—consider timing these maintenance services with other bi-annual events. For example:

• If you get an oil change around your birthday, your next oil change will be due at your half birthday six months later (an extra reason to celebrate). 
• You can time your oil change to the changing seasons. The summer solstice and winter solstice are exactly 6 months apart.
• If you are in school, you might remember that you have an oil change due once each fall and spring semester. 

Countless other biannual work events or milestones can easily double as a reminder to take care of your car by getting your oil changed. 

4: Smart Assistant Support

Keeping your car care on track can be as easy as saying, “Alexa, remind me in six months to get another oil change.” You can set a reminder on your smartphone or digital assistant for a helpful cue of your next service date. 

5: Friendly Reminders

If you know you have a hard time remembering car care dates and schedules, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Consider turning to your partner, family member, or friend to help keep you on track. 

If you found these tips helpful, consider sharing them with a friend—you might just end up saving them thousands of dollars in engine damage. 

Chapel Hill Tire Oil Change Near Me

When you are due for an oil change, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire have you covered. 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! 

Driving services like Uber, Lyft, and Postmates are at an all-time high in popularity. As more and more people switch to these driving jobs, they begin using their personal vehicles for work. Without proper mechanic care, this will create additional wear and tear for your car. Here is a look at 5 routine checks for Uber and Lyft drivers that can help keep your vehicle protected. 

1: Regular Tire Checks

Tires are one of the most important elements of vehicle safety, handling, braking, and movement. As Uber and Lyft drivers, it is essential you routinely check in with your tires:

• Treadwear: Tire tread is vital for vehicle safety, handling, and breaking. Catching uneven tread wear early can also help alert you of alignment issues—which are common for Uber and Lyft drivers. You can read our guide to tire tread depth here. 
• Air pressure: Low air pressure can cause road safety hazards, tire damage, and poor fuel economy. If you frequently have low tire pressure, look for signs of a nail in your tire.
• Tire age: While you do not need routine tire age checks, it is helpful to note these dates. Once your tires hit 5 years old, the rubber can begin to oxidize, which has the potential to create and/or worsen car accidents. You can read our guide to tire age here. 

2: Routine Oil and Filter Checks

When driving is your career, it is especially important to keep your engine healthy. Perhaps the most necessary service (and one of the easiest to forget) is the oil change. Your oil lubricates your engine—ensuring that all of the pieces move together seamlessly. It also helps keep your engine temperature regulated. This small vehicle service can save you thousands of dollars in engine damage. It is essential to routinely check engine oil:

• Oil level: Engine oil can become depleted over time. 
• Composition: Dirty oil will not perform as well as fresh engine oil. 
• Oil filter: Your filter helps catch contaminants in your oil, but it needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly.

3: Regular Alignment Checks

Bumps, potholes, and other road hazards can throw off your wheel alignment. The more frequently you drive (especially down less sturdy roads), the more likely your car is to lose alignment. As such, Uber and Lyft drivers are especially prone to alignment troubles. When your wheels are not aligned, it can cause accelerated and uneven tire tread wear. This can come in many forms:

• Tread becomes worn on the inside of your tire, while the outside half of your tire is like-new
• Tread is worn on the outside of your tire, while the inside half of your tire is like-new
• Just one of your tires becomes bald of tread while the rest are still like-new

Here is a quick test: the next time you find yourself in an empty parking lot, try very briefly removing your hands from the steering wheel as you drive at a low speed. Does your wheel turn to one side or continue relatively straight? If your wheel turns, you are due for an alignment. 

4: Brake Pad Replacements

Driving for Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and other services can put extra stress on your braking system. The most common issue we see from drivers is worn-out brake pads. Your brake pads press against your metal rotors to slow and stop your vehicle. Over time, the friction material of your brake pads becomes worn down, which will make your brakes less responsive. Routine brake pad checks can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.  

5: Maintenance Fluid Checks

Your vehicle relies on a vast network of parts and systems to keep it moving forward. Many of these parts and systems rely on specialty fluid that needs to be regularly flushed and replaced. Keeping up with maintenance flushes can help you avoid more costly vehicle services, damages, and repairs down the road. During a routine oil change, your mechanic should check your:

• Brake fluid
• Radiator fluid (coolant)
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering Fluid

Chapel Hill Tire Car Care for Uber and Lyft Drivers

When you find your vehicle in need of service, bring it down to your nearest Chapel Hill Tire. We routinely run special coupons specifically to support Uber and Lyft drivers. Our auto service mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

“Why won’t my car start?” While many drivers immediately assume they are facing a dead battery, it could be an issue with your battery, starter, or your alternator. The professional mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to unpack how these systems work together to power your car’s electrical components. 

Car Battery: How Does a Car Battery Work?

Let’s start at the beginning: what happens when you turn the key (or push a button) to start your engine? Your battery sends power to the starter to get your vehicle running. 

Your car’s battery has three responsibilities:

• Powering your lights, radio, and other vehicle components when your engine is off
• Storing power for your vehicle
• Providing the initial burst of power needed to get your engine started

Starter: A Quick Overview of the Starting System

When you switch on your ignition, the starter will use an initial burst of power from the battery to fire up your motor. This motor puts your engine in motion, kickstarting all of your vehicle’s functioning parts. An essential power component among these moving parts is your alternator. 

Alternator: The Powerhouse of Your Engine

When your engine is turned off, the battery is your car’s only source of power. However, once the engine starts moving, your alternator provides the majority of the electrical power supply. How? While it is a complex system of moving parts, there are two main components at play:

• Rotor—Inside your alternator, you can find a fast-spinning rotor of magnets.  
• Stator—Along the inside of your alternator, there is a set of conductive copper wiring called a stator. Unlike your rotor, the stator does not rotate. 

Your alternator uses the movement of your engine’s belts to turn the rotor. As the rotor’s magnets pass over the stator’s copper wiring, they generate electricity for your vehicle’s electrical components. 

Not only is your alternator supporting your vehicle’s electrical functioning, but it is also recharging your battery. 

Naturally, this also brings us back to your starter. By maintaining the charge in your battery, your alternator ensures the starter has a reliable source of power any time you are ready to drive. 

Why Won’t My Car Start?

Each of these vehicle components has multiple parts at play—all working together to power your vehicle:

• Your battery powers the starter
• The starter kickstarts your alternator
• Your alternator recharges the battery

While the most common issue here is a dead battery, any interruption in this process can prevent your vehicle from starting. Here is our guide to determining when you are due for a new battery. 

Chapel Hill Tire Starting and Charging System Checks

The local auto repair and service technicians at Chapel Hill Tire are here for all of your vehicle’s battery, starter, and alternator needs. We offer everything from alternator replacement services to new car batteries and everything in between. Our experts also offer a starting and charging system check in our diagnostic services. We will check your battery, starter, and alternator to find the source of your car troubles. 
You can find our local mechanics in our 9 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

Tires are often “out of sight, out of mind” until an issue arises. However, many drivers do not know where to start when something goes wrong with their tires. Our local auto service mechanics are here to help! There are three places you can look to find more information about your vehicle’s tires: the tire information panel, the tire sidewall (DOT number), and your owner’s manual. Read on for more insight from the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

Tire Information Panel

What should my car’s tire pressure be? Where can I find information about my tire size? 

As the winter weather sets in, drivers frequently find their cars with low tire pressure. Additionally, when shopping for new tires online, you will need to know your tire dimensions. Thankfully, this insight is easy to locate. 

Information about your tire pressure (PSI) and tire size/dimensions can be found in your tire information panel. Simply open your driver-side door and look at the door frame parallel to the driver’s seat. There, you will find information about your recommended tire pressure and your tire size/dimensions listed. 

Tire Sidewalls: Tire DOT Number

Where can I find information about my tire age? 

Information about your tire age and manufacturer can be found on the sidewall of your tires. This one can be a little tricky to read, so make sure you have good lighting ready before you begin. Look on the side of your tires for a number beginning with DOT (Department of Transportation). 

• The first two numbers or letters after DOT are your tire manufacturer/plant code.
• The next two numbers or letters are your tire size code. 
• The following three numbers are your tire manufacturer code. For drivers, these first three sets of numbers or letters are generally just important in cases of recalls or manufacturer issues. 
• The final four numbers are your tire manufacturing date. The first two numbers represent the week of the year, and the second two digits represent the year. For example, if this number was 4221. It would mean your tires were manufactured in the 42nd week (late October) of 2021. 

You can find more detailed information in our guide to reading tire DOT numbers here. 

Vehicle Owner’s Manual

Finally, you can also find information about your tires by flipping through the pages of your owner’s manual or researching your vehicle online. Your owner’s manual is often found in the glovebox, and you can use the index to jump straight to the section on tires. However, this is often a more time-consuming process than getting tire information from the sources listed above. Additionally, if you are still having a hard time finding information about your tires, consider speaking with a local tire professional. 

Speak With a Tire Expert: Chapel Hill Tire

The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are experts in all aspects of tires and automotive care. We are here and ready to tackle any tire questions or problems you are having. With 9 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill, our mechanics are easy to find near you! You can explore our coupons page, make an appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today! 

As we settle into 2022, you might be trying to stay on top of your New Year’s resolutions. Did saving money make your list? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire may be able to help! Here is a look at 4 maintenance services and car care tips that can save you money this year.

1. Maintain Proper Tire Care

Did you know that proper tire care can help you save money at the pump? Imagine riding a bike with a flat, uneven, or damaged tire? It requires much more energy than riding a healthy bike. The same concept applies to your car. If your tires are out of shape, your car will have to work harder (and use more gas) to produce results. This extra effort can also lead to costly repairs as it extends stress to multiple vehicle systems. It is important to keep up with tire rotations and routinely check your tire pressure, age, and tread depth. You can also keep an eye out for signs of a nail in your tires or uneven tread wear (such as one tire becoming more worn out than the others).

2. Keep Up With Routine Oil Changes

Do you find your oil change dashboard light constantly lit? While our mechanics won’t judge you for your oil change neglect, we will warn you of the extra costs this can bring. A simple (and affordable) oil change can save you thousands of dollars in engine damage. Oil has vital cooling properties—absorbing up to 40% of your engine’s heat. It also lubricates your engine, allowing this system of parts to work together seamlessly. Together, these functions can help you dodge the most costly engine problems. 

Dirty, old, depleted, and contaminated engine oil can also cause some extra unexpected costs. For example, did you know that degraded engine oil can cause premature battery failure—especially in the winter? In the colder months, your engine oil will move more slowly—causing strain on your battery. If your engine oil is contaminated, it will require even more effort from your battery—often leading to premature failure. As such, routine oil changes may help extend the lifespan of your battery. Visiting a local mechanic for fresh engine oil can also help you save money at the pump by eliminating unnecessary exertion from your vehicle. 

3. Don’t Forget Cabin Air Filter Changes

When you find your vehicle’s heater or air conditioner broken, many drivers assume they are simply low on coolant. However, your car’s HVAC system circulates coolant through a sealed system. What does that mean? Unlike your engine oil, coolant does not become depleted over time unless there is an underlying problem. It is a much larger service to find and repair the source of the leak. The most common cause of damaged vehicle HVAC systems is dirty cabin air filters. 

As the air filters become clogged, they will have to work harder to pass air through. This added stress can cause costly HVAC system damage. You can save money and stay comfortable by ensuring your cabin air filter stays clean this year. 

4. Accept Help When You Need It

Between work, family, friends, and other obligations, you might not always have time to visit a mechanic. Busy scheduling can make it impossible to take advantage of cost-saving services. This year, we implore our drivers to accept a little help when they need it. If you need help keeping up with your car care, Chapel Hill Tire will come to you with our pick-up and delivery mechanic service. During this service, our professionals will come to your home or work and bring your vehicle back to the shop. Once it is fully serviced, we will drop it back off to you. Car care (and New Year’s resolutions) have never been more simple. 

Chapel Hill Tire Convenient Car Care

The professionals at Chapel Hill tire are here to help you meet all of your car care resolutions and save money this year. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham. Our professionals also serve surrounding communities, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, Knightdale, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give our professionals a call to get started today!

As the weather begins cooling down, drivers often find themselves stranded with a dead battery. However, there are still some tips and tricks that may be able to help you make it to a mechanic for a battery replacement. The local auto service mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Check Your Engine Oil

If your car is having a hard time turning over, you might be able to give it a boost by ensuring your oil is fresh. When the cold weather sets in, it makes your engine oil move slower—which causes your vehicle to require an extra surge of power from your battery. Tainted, contaminated, and expired engine oil can add even more stress to your battery. Ensuring you have fresh engine oil may be able to buy you a little time while you get your battery replaced.  

Phone a Friend: How to Jump a Car Battery

When you find your car battery dead, naturally, you are due for a battery replacement service. However, it can be hard to make it to the mechanic when your car refuses to turn over. In these cases, a simple jump-start can get you on your way. Jump-starting your car can be easy with the help of a friend. All you need is a set of jumper cables and a second running vehicle. You can read our 8-step guide to jumping a car battery here.

Find the Right Tools: Can I Jump a Car Battery By Myself?

With the right tools, it is possible to safely jump-start a car battery by yourself. However, it can be hard to get the right tools without a running car. Primarily, you will need a special battery pack to jumpstart a dead car battery by yourself.

Individual jump-starting battery packs are available for order online and in some major retail/hardware stores. These batteries have attached jumper cables and the power needed to jump-start most car batteries. Simply follow the included instructions to charge and jump-start your car battery.

Give it Some Time

Here is a common myth: the cold weather kills your car battery. Rather, the cold weather slows down the electrochemical reaction that fuel’s your battery power. As such, it is during the coldest times of day that your battery will struggle the most. By giving your car a little time to warm up, you might have better luck with your battery later in the day. 

Additionally, if your car does start, it does not mean your battery is good to go. Without proper replacement, you will likely find your car battery dead again in the morning. Instead, take the time to have a new battery installed by a professional mechanic.

Check for Corrosion

Corrosion can also prevent your battery from starting—especially on colder days. It drains the charge out of the battery while limiting its ability to accept a jump-start. You can have your battery terminal ends professionally cleaned or replaced to eliminate corrosion concerns.

If your battery is still struggling to start, you may be far overdue for a battery replacement. There could also be an issue with your alternator, starting system, or another component failure. In this case, you may need to see a mechanic for a battery/starting system inspection or professional diagnostic services. 

Chapel Hill Tire: New Battery Installation Services

When you are almost due for a new battery, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We install new batteries throughout the Triangle—with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. If you sense that your battery is getting ready to die but do not have time to visit a mechanic, our pick-up and delivery service can help! We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

Damaged, scratched, and bent rims can happen occasionally on the road. However, since the introduction of the Tesla car brand, mechanics like Chapel Hill Tire have seen an uptick in rim damage and services. Why? Tesla vehicles are especially prone to rim damage. Our local Tesla mechanics are here with a look at why Tesla rims become scratched and what you can do to protect your wheels. 

What Is Curb Rash?

In terms of Tesla wheels, drivers and mechanics alike often use words like “curb rash,” “rim rash,” and “curbing.” So what exactly does this mean? When a tire scrapes across a curb during a turn, it can leave a harsh scratch across the rim. In worst-case scenarios, drivers may find bent, damaged, or torn rim metal. Tesla vehicles are notorious for “curb rash.” Why? Let’s take a closer look at why Tesla rims become scratched so effortlessly. 

Why Do Tesla Rims Become Scratched?

Tesla wheels are built with foam in the middle, making the design slightly different from most cars. While the foam provides a smooth and quiet ride, drivers often find that the Tesla wheel design creates a perfect storm for curb rash and rim scratches:

• Tesla Optical Illusion: Some Tesla drivers have reported that the design of the Tesla can present an optical illusion of sorts—making the car seem more narrow than it actually is. As such, drivers are more likely to misjudge the width of turns and “kiss” the curb. 
• Thin Tires: Most rubber tires jut out beyond the rim—providing an added layer of protection. On the other hand, the metal of Tesla rims sticks out further than the tire rubber. This design leaves the metal rims as the first point of contact for curbs during misjudged turns.
• Curb Level: Teslas are relatively low to the ground. Unlike larger cars, trucks, and SUVs—which might elevate the rims slightly above certain hazards—this design puts Tesla rims level with the curb. 
• Self Driving and Parking: Some drivers have reported that Tesla vehicles have scratched the rims while engaged in self-parking or self-driving features. 

Collectively, these hazards have led to a significant uptick in rim rash—specifically in Tesla vehicles. 

How Can You Protect Tesla Rims?

There are a few options available to drivers when it comes to protecting their rims. Some drivers choose to drive more defensively—carefully trying to avoid curbing. However, it can be challenging (if not impossible) to dodge everything the road throws at you. 

For comprehensive protection, our mechanics install AlloyGator rim guards on Tesla wheels. Using a blend of super tough nylon, these installations fit seamlessly onto your wheels while providing enhanced damage prevention. At the time of publication, AlloyGators are the only TUV- and MIRA-certified wheel protectors on the market. 

5 Benefits of Rim Guards

• Higher resale value: Rim damage can lower the resale value of your Tesla. By preventing rim damage, you can avoid this costly depreciation. 
• Preventing costly damage: While rim guards are an investment, they pay for themselves in preventing even more costly wheel and rim damage. 
• Preventing structural wheel damage: In addition to preventing scratches, AlloyGator rim guards can absorb the impact of potholes and other road hazards. 
• Avoiding metal hazards: In severe cases, scratched rims can result in sharp, jagged edges around your metal wheels. These could become safety hazards, especially if you have small children that could become poked, cut, or scratched.
• Custom aesthetic:  Rim guards allow you to customize your Tesla vehicle. You can match your existing rim color, match your Tesla exterior color, or choose from a variety of other color options. 

Is AlloyGator Rim Protection Available for All Vehicles?

Yes, AlloyGator rim guards can safeguard almost any vehicle. However, not all cars require this level of protection. Most rims have built-in security, with the tire rubber jutting out further than the metal rims. AlloyGator rim guards are perfect for drivers with specialty rims or luxury vehicles with more extravagant rims.

Tesla Rim Protection from Chapel Hill Tire

When you are ready to get your rims protected, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We provide and install AlloyGators in-house at our 9 Triangle-area locations. As Tesla service experts, our local mechanics can provide comprehensive care for your vehicle. You can find our shops conveniently located in Raleigh, Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

If you notice the u-shaped dashboard light with an exclamation point illuminate, you know it is time for a tire pressure refill. Most drivers find that this light is most active during the colder months. So why do tires deflate in the winter? How can you keep your tires protected from cold weather? The mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight. 

Winter Air Compression and Tire Pressure

The reason your tires deflate in the winter is the same reason doctors tell you to put ice on an injury—cold temperatures cause contraction. Let’s take a closer look at the science:

• Warmer molecules move faster. These fast-moving molecules spread further apart and take up extra space.
• Colder molecules move slower and stay closer together—taking up less space as they contract.

For injuries, this is why ice can help reduce swelling. For your tires, however, it means that the air is no longer supplying the same amount of pressure. As your tire air compresses, it can leave your vehicle vulnerable on the road. 

Impacts and Risks of Low Tire Pressure

What happens when you ignore that dashboard light and drive with low tire pressure? It could put your vehicle, your tires, and your safety at risk. Here are some of the issues you can expect from driving with low tire pressure:

• Worsened Vehicle Handling: Your tires play a vital role in helping your vehicle start, stop, and steer. Low tire pressure can reduce the responsiveness of your vehicle handling—impacting your safety on the road. 
• Increased Tread Wear: Low tire pressure causes more of your tire tread to be exposed on the road—causing increased and uneven wear. 
• Worsened Fuel Efficiency: Have you ever ridden a bike with low tire pressure? If so, you will understand that low tire pressure causes your vehicle to work much harder. This can cause a sharp increase in fuel consumption—making you pay more at the pump.

What to Do When Your Low Tire Pressure Light Comes On

Can I drive with low tire pressure? When your low tire pressure light comes on, there is no need to panic. You do not want to drive for extended lengths of time with low tire pressure, but you should be fine to drive to work or school—as long as you plan to get your tires inflated soon thereafter. You can even score a free tire pressure refill at a local mechanic shop. 

If your tire pressure is low for reasons other than the cold weather, you may require additional services:

• If your low tire pressure is caused by a nail in your tire or another puncture, it will need a simple patching service. 
• If your tire is struggling to maintain tire pressure due to sidewall issues, old age, or other signs of decline, you will need new tires. 

How Much Should I Refill My Tire Pressure?

Many drivers assume that the information about tire pressure (PSI) is found in the tire’s DOT number. While some tires contain printed information about pressure, this is not always the case. Even so, there are easier ways to find out how much you should refill your tire pressure. 

The most straightforward way is to check your tire information panel for details about your desired PSI. This insight can be found inside your driver’s side door frame. Simply open your door, turn around to face the rear of the car, and look along the metal frame for a sticker with tire information. It will tell you the ideal pressure for your tires. You can also often find this information in your owner’s manual. 

Tire Pressure Refills and Tire Services: Chapel Hill Tire

If the cold weather is keeping your tires down, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We offer complimentary refill services, among other conveniences designed to help the Triangle Drive Happy. Chapel Hill Tire has 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham. We also proudly serve nearby communities, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, and beyond. You can make your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!

How does cold weather impact your vehicle? What can you do to protect your car from the winter season? As the temperatures continue to drop, you may begin to notice signs of your vehicle struggling. The cold weather can challenge your vehicle from all angles. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help with 7 cold weather car tips and services.

1) Maintain Your Recommended Oil Change Schedule

Oil changes are essential year-round, but they are especially important during the colder months. The cold weather makes your oil and other engine fluids move more slowly, which requires your vehicle to work harder to operate. Dirty, contaminated, and depleted engine oil can substantially enhance this stress. Double-check to ensure you are on track with your manufacturer-recommended oil change schedule. If you are close to needing an oil change, it might even be worth getting this service a little early to safeguard your car against wintery weather. 

2) Watch Out For Your Battery

While the cold weather does not damage your battery, it can deplete your battery’s charge. Combined with the fact that your vehicle requires an extra surge of power to start due to slow-moving engine oil, battery failure can leave drivers stranded in the winter. You can prevent battery troubles by ensuring your terminal ends are clean and preserving battery life, when possible. This includes unplugging chargers and turning off your lights when the vehicle is not running. You can also get a battery replacement at the first signs of a dying car battery. 

3) Park in the Garage

Naturally, the temperatures get colder after the sun sets—making this the most vulnerable time for your vehicle. You can help keep your car protected by parking in an enclosed garage each night. While most garages are not climate-controlled, they can insulate your car while keeping away the frost—with the added bonus of keeping morning ice off of your windshield. Just be sure to open your overhead garage door before starting your engine to avoid exhaust venting into your home and car. 

4) Keep an Eye on Tire Tire Pressure

When the temperatures drop, the air inside your tires compresses. Low tire pressure can lead to a wide range of troubles, including:

• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Poor vehicle handling
• Increased risks of tire sidewall damage 
• Enhanced and uneven tire wear

By ensuring you maintain the recommended pressure (as indicated on your tire information panel), you can help keep your tires protected. You can often even score a free tire pressure refill from a local mechanic shop.

5) Check-in on Your Radiator, Belts, and Hoses

One lesser-known risk of cold weather is the damage it can cause your radiator, belts, and hoses. Radiator fluid is a mixture between antifreeze and water. While antifreeze has an impressive freezing point of -36℉ (hence the name), water has a freezing point of 32℉. As such, your radiator fluid is susceptible to partial freezing during cold winter nights. This is especially true if your fluid is old, contaminated, or depleted. A radiator fluid flush can help keep your radiator protected. A mechanic will also check its supporting components—including the belts and hoses—for signs of wear.

6) Complete Tire Tread Checks

When the roads accumulate snow and ice, your tires will have to be extra responsive to keep you safe. To keep you and your vehicle protected, you will want to ensure that your tires have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. You can read our guide to checking tire tread depth here. It is also necessary to keep an eye out for uneven tread wear and signs of rubber rot. 

7) Headlight Bulb Checks and Restoration Services

The cold, dark winter days and nights will put your headlights to the test. Double-check to ensure your headlights are bright and functioning properly. You may need a simple bulb replacement if you notice one of your headlights dim or burnt-out. If your headlights are dim or yellowing, this could be a sign of oxidized lenses. A headlight restoration service can repair this issue to keep you safe on the road during the darkest days of the year. 

Winter Car Care from Chapel Hill Tire

You can get the winter car care you need without ever stepping foot in a mechanic’s office with Chapel Hill Tire’s pick-up and delivery services. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call today to get started! Chapel Hill Tire proudly serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We also serve surrounding communities, including Wake Forest, Cary, Pittsboro, Morrisville, Hillsborough, and beyond! Save time and trouble this holiday season when you Drive Happy with Chapel Hill Tire.

We all know someone who is impossible to shop for during the holiday season. With supply chain issues and product shortages, this year can bring additional challenges to gift-giving. It is time to start getting creative. The local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with some suggestions on auto repairs and updates you can give this holiday season. 

1: New Tires

Tires are an investment, one integral to your vehicle safety, handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. If your parents, partner, or child is due for a new set of tires—this could be the perfect holiday gift. You can shop online with ease using our Tire Finder tool. It shows you all of the tires available for your loved one’s vehicle—allowing you to compare prices and features. You can also view the full pricing breakdown to avoid any hidden fees or surprises. The gift of new tires is an investment that will keep them safe and moving forward for years to come. 

2: Oil Change

As one of the most frequently-needed car maintenance visits, an oil change is a small service that can feel like a huge inconvenience. By giving the gift of an oil change, you can save your love one time while protecting their engine with this affordable service. Best of all, with pick-up and delivery, you won’t even need to leave your seat to show your loved ones you care.  

3: Brake Pads and Rotors

Responsive brakes are a necessary element of vehicle safety. Over time, most braking systems will wear out the brake pad friction material and warp the brake rotors. If your loved one is due for brake services, this could be the gift that saves their life on the road. A professional mechanic can assess their brakes to determine the needed course of action. 

4: Trailer Hitch Installation

Do you have anyone in your life who loves adventure? A trailer hitch installation could make a great gift. Unfortunately, these vital installations no longer come standard on many capable vehicles. Giving the gift of trailer hitch installation can help your loved one unlock new adventures. Even small cars can make use of a trailer hitch for bike racks, small cargo carriers, and other unique attachments.

5: Headlight Restoration

Headlights are another key safety feature that can often go unchecked. Most headlights are made with acrylic lenses. The sun’s UV rays oxidize acrylic—causing yellowing, foggy, opaque, and dim headlights. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to oxidized headlights: restoration service. During this process, an expert will use professional-grade tools to remove and resurface the oxidized layer of the lenses. They will then polish on a protective layer to deter future oxidization.

Chapel Hill Tire Auto Service and Repairs in the Triangle

When you are ready to give the gift of car care, the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We offer a comprehensive array of gift-worthy services. If you are busy during this holiday season, we can come to you with our pick-up and delivery service. Chapel Hill Tire serves the greater Triangle area with 9 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We invite you to explore our coupons, make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today!