Category: Resource

Car problems always seem to strike at the worst possible time—which leaves drivers struggling to visit a mechanic. All too often, vehicles go without vital services because drivers have to prioritize work, family, and other life happenings. Chapel Hill Tire now offers a better way to get the auto repair and maintenance services you need. When you are unable to visit a mechanic, our mobile car care solutions can help. Here is a closer look at remote vehicle services from the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire.  

Pick-Up and Delivery Mechanic Services

Mobile car care makes vehicle service accessible. Whether you are too busy for a mechanic visit or you simply enjoy the convenience, this service is for you. Let’s take a look at how pick-up and delivery mechanic service works: 

• First, the Chapel Hill Tire experts will visit your home or work to pick up your vehicle. 
• Next, we take it back to the shop and give it the care it needs. 
• Along the way, we will update you via text so you know the status of your services. 
• Once it is ready to go, we will bring your car back to you, fully serviced. 

It’s that simple. You may have questions about the service, and our professionals have the answers. Here is a quick FAQ about mobile mechanic service. 

Is Mobile Car Care Safe?

If anyone can drive on thin brake pads, a shaking steering wheel, or with a burnt-out bulb, it is your professional mechanics. In some cases, pick-up and delivery mechanics may even be able to help resolve technical issues preventing you from driving to the shop. For example, if you are stranded with a dead battery, our experts will give your car a jump to get it back for a replacement. However, if a vehicle is broken down or entirely unsafe to drive, it will need to be towed for service.

How Long Does Pick-Up and Delivery Service Take?

Pick-up and delivery times will depend on:

• Your appointment time
• The vehicle service(s) needed
• Driver availability

…and other varying factors. At Chapel Hill Tire, we update our drivers on their service progress via text, so you never have any questions about repair times. 

How Much Does Pick-Up and Delivery Service Cost?

With certain mechanic networks, convenience comes with a big price tag. Chapel Hill Tire is different. Our pick-up/delivery mechanic service is FREE for drivers within our service areas. 

Who Qualifies for Mobile Car Care?

At Chapel Hill Tire, everyone within our service areas qualifies for free pick-up and delivery. This includes drivers in:

• Apex
• Raleigh, near Crabtree Valley Mall
• Hillsborough
• Raleigh, near Atlantic Avenue
• Carrboro
• Durham
• Wake Forest
• Knightdale
• Holly Springs
• Cary
• Pittsboro
• Morrisville
• Chapel Hill, near Cole Park Plaza
• Chapel Hill, near University Place
• Chapel Hill, near West Franklin Street
• Chapel Hill, near N. Fordham Blvd. 

Other Convenient Mechanic Services

If pick-up and delivery service does not sound right for you, there are other ways to make high-quality car care convenient. 

• Curbside service: When you choose curbside service, we will come to you at our curb for your vehicle check-in. When your vehicle is ready to go, the keys and your invoice will be in the car waiting for you. 
• Text updates: You will never have to wonder when your car will be ready to go with Chapel Hill Tire. We offer text updates to keep you informed so that you can plan accordingly.
• Shuttle service: Our experts will take you where you need to go—work, home, or a nearby shop—while your vehicle is serviced and pick you back up afterward. 
• Text to pay: Chapel Hill Tire gives you the option to pay by text so you can grab your keys and go once your vehicle is ready. 

Chapel Hill Tire Mobile Car Care Mechanic Services

You can have your vehicle serviced without ever leaving your seat with the Chapel Hill Tire pick-up and delivery service. We invite you to make your appointment here online or give us a call to start Driving Happy with us today!

There is perhaps no worse feeling than driving down the road and learning you have a flat tire. Bumps, potholes, rim damage, and standard tire wear can all lead to flats. One common question we get from customers—“Can I drive on a flat tire?” The professional mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.

Low Tire Pressure vs. Flat Tire: What is the Difference?

When you see your low tire pressure dashboard light come on, this could indicate a flat tire; however, it is more commonly a minor tire issue. So what is the difference between low tire pressure and a flat tire? 

• Flat tires: Flats are often fully deflated and require repair. This can happen if you have a large puncture, tire damage, or a bent rim. 
• Low tire pressure: When your tire inflation falls slightly beneath your recommended PSI, you have low tire pressure.  Low pressure could be caused by small punctures (such as a nail in your tire), standard air loss, wintery weather, and more. 

While neither of these car issues is ideal, flat tires are more severe iterations of low tire pressure. 

Can You Drive with Low Tire Pressure?

You may be asking, “Can I drive my car with low tire pressure?” Driving with low tire pressure is not ideal, but it is possible. Tires with low pressure will still move along, but they can come with a variety of negative side effects, including:

• Poor vehicle handling
• Rim damage
• Sidewall damage
• Poor fuel economy
• Increased chance of flat tires
• Excellerated tire tread wear

All that is to say, if you are driving with low tire pressure, you should be on your way to a mechanic for free tire inflation. Consider checking your tire pressure each month to ensure that it is not getting too low. Here is our quick guide on finding information about your tires—including recommended pressure.

Can You Drive with a Flat Tire?

The short answer is no—you cannot drive with a flat tire. While you might be tempted to “limp” your tire to the repair shop, you cannot drive with a flat tire. Driving on a flat can lead to all of the same issues listed above for low tire pressure—including vehicle safety and handling troubles—but their likeliness and consequences are magnified. 

Your tire repair will depend on the source of your flat. If there is a screw in your tire, you will need a patching service and tire inflation. Bent rims will require rim straightening service to address flat tire problems. If your flat tire caused serious damage or is the result of an old tire, you will need a tire replacement. 

Chapel Hill Tire Flat Tire Repair and Replacement

Chapel Hill Tire is here to serve all of your low tire pressure, flat tire, tire repair, and tire replacement needs. You can visit one of our 9 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro for support. Our shops are also right down the road for drivers in Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, Holly Springs, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, and beyond. You can make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today! 

Do I need a differential fluid flush? What does differential fluid do? When it comes to differential fluid changes, this service often raises a lot of questions from drivers. The professional auto service mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight.

Mechanic Insights: What is a Vehicle Differential? 

Before we dive into differential fluid service, let’s unpack one common question we get from drivers, “What is a vehicle differential?” A car’s differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. While you might think your wheels all spin together, this is an essential feature required for driving—especially while turning.

Why? Imagine making a sharp right turn around a street corner. Your left wheel will have to travel a great distance to make this turn happen, while your right wheel only moves slightly. For your vehicle to move at a constant speed, your wheels need to accommodate this rotational difference. 

What Does Differential Fluid Do?

Differential systems rely on a variety of moving parts, like gears, bearings, and more. They keep your wheels moving properly through every twist, turn, and winding road your vehicle comes across. This process generates a lot of heat while requiring the proper flow of parts moving together. As such, differential systems require fluid to lubricate, cool, and protect these components. 

Over time, this fluid becomes depleted, contaminated, and ineffective—which is why your vehicle will require occasional differential fluid changes. 

How Does Differential Fluid Replacement Work?

During a differential fluid replacement, a professional auto service mechanic will remove old, contaminated fluid out of your front or rear differential. By flushing out any contaminated fluid, they can ensure your service lasts as long as possible. Then, they replenish the differential with clean, fresh fluid.

Do I Need a Differential Fluid Flush?

On average, vehicles need new differential fluid every 40,000-60,000 miles. However, every car has different requirements, so it is important to check your owner’s manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle. When all else fails, one of the most reliable ways to tell if you need a differential fluid flush is by checking with your local auto service mechanic. Your driving patterns and the roads in your area can impact how frequently you need new differential fluid. As such, professional insight is key to getting the services you need. 

Differential Fluid Service at Chapel Hill Tire

When you are due for a rear or front differential fluid change, the professional auto mechanics are here for you! We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. We are also convenient to nearby areas, including Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Cary, and beyond. We invite you to make your appointment here online, browse our coupons page, or give our experts a call to get started today!

Tesla vehicles are unquestionably unique. Their unique nature has some drivers questioning, “Can I visit a local mechanic for Tesla services?” While some issues will require Tesla’s in-house services, most can be completed by a local mechanic shop. Click here to read more about local Tesla auto repair and mechanic services.

New Tesla Tires

Your Tesla tires will need new tires once the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. Low tread depth can create issues with vehicle safety, handling, fuel economy, and so much more. When shopping for new Tesla tires, you can find enhanced customer service, convenience, and support when buying locally. You can also often find deals, discounts, coupons, and promotions at your community auto repair shops. At Chapel Hill Tire, for example, you can get the lowest possible prices on your new Tesla tires with our Price Beat Guarantee. We also allow our customers to buy online with full transparency about potential tires using our Tire Finder tool. 

Rim Protection for Tesla Wheels

Tesla wheel rims are notorious for scratches. Why? Tesla’s tires are aligned closely with the rims—unlike most vehicles, where the tires protrude further than the rims for added protection. This design leaves rim metal vulnerable to damage. To make matters worse, even the Tesla auto-park feature has been known to scuff against the sidewalk. This problem is often called curbing, curb rash, or rim rash. Not only can rim scratches impact the appearance of your Tesla, but they can also lower your resale value. 

Thankfully rim repair and rim straightening services are available to help. However, like most vehicle troubles, prevention and protection should be your first recourse. For example, our Chapel Hill Tire experts install AlloyGator wheel and rim protectors onto Tesla tires. These nylon composite rings mount on the wheel to protect the edges of the rim. You can find a color to match your rims for invisible protection or choose an accent color for a custom look.

Tesla Tire Services: Tire Rotation, Balancing, Alignment, Patching, and Inflation

Tesla tires require the same routine and as-needed services that you would expect from any car. Keeping up with tire services can help you stay safe on the road, protect your vehicle from damage, and keep your range as long as possible. Let’s take a look at tire services for Tesla vehicles:

Tire Balancing Service

For your Tesla to stay protected on the road, it will need balanced tires. Rough bumps, potholes, and standard wear can throw off the balance of your tires. Unbalanced tires will bear the weight of your vehicle unevenly—leading to tire or vehicle hazards. Road force tire balancing service can restore the weight distribution of your tires. 

Tire Alignment Service

Over time, your wheels can fall out of alignment. This issue causes premature tire wear, poor gas mileage, steering wheel shakes, and handling troubles. Thankfully, tire alignment troubles are easy to fix with wheel alignment services. 

Tire Rotation Services

As you steer your Tesla, the front tires will ensure more friction against the road than your back tires. To help your tires wear evenly, you will require regular tire rotation services. Tesla’s maintenance recommendations include a tire rotation every 6,250 miles. However, if the roads in your area are especially rough, you might consider more frequent rotations.

Flat Repair: Tire Patching Services

Nails, screws, and other tire hazards are often kicked up when driving on the road. When you find a nail in your tire, it will require patching service. During the flat repair process, an expert will remove the nail or screw, patch the hole, and refill your tire with air. 

Tire inflation Services

Is your Tesla notifying you of low tire pressure? Low tire inflation can cause your vehicle to use extra power, cutting down on your range and requiring more frequent charging. It can also impact your vehicle handling, destroy your tires, and damage your rims. Thankfully, you can score free tire inflation from Chapel Hill Tire.

Tesla Control Arm Troubles

Tesla control arm components have a record of failing prematurely. Broken, loose, cracked, and worn control arm parts can create suspension safety issues. Thankfully, these control arm components can be easily replaced or repaired by a local auto repair shop. Local shops will help you skip the frustration and long wait times from Tesla dealerships.

Chapel Hill Tire: Tesla Service in the Triangle

If you are looking for high-quality, convenient Tesla service, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! We offer Tesla repairs and services in Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our locations are also easily accessible to surrounding cities, including Wake Forest, Cary, Pittsboro, Knightdale, and beyond! You can make your appointment here online or give our local mechanics a call to get your Tesla serviced today!

If you see the small U-shaped light on your dashboard with an exclamation point in the middle, this indicates low tire pressure. While you might think you need to head to a gas station air pump, the auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to show you an easier way.  Let’s take a look at 4 easy ways you can get your tire pressure checked and refilled for free. 

What Causes Low Tire Pressure?

Before we dive in, let’s unpack why your tires are low on air. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of low tire pressure:

• Standard air loss: If your tires are low on pressure, it is easy to assume there is a problem. However, the most common cause of low tire pressure is standard air loss that occurs over time. 
• Cold outdoor temperatures: When the temperature outside drops, the air inside your tires will compress.  
• Puncture: Nails or screws stuck in tire rubber are unfortunately common. The puncture opening will allow air inside your tire to escape. Here is a look at what to do when a nail punctures your tire.
• Wheel, tire, or rim issues: In a worst-case tire pressure scenario, your low pressure could be the result of a larger underlying issue with your wheel, tire, or rim. 

Low tire pressure can cause poor fuel economy, vehicle handling troubles, and tire damage. You can prevent these troubles by checking your tire pressure each month. Here is our guide to checking your tire pressure. Now, let’s look at some easy ways you can score free tire refills. 

Oil Change with Tire Inflation Included

Routine tire pressure refills often fall within the same cadence as your needed oil change visits. Select mechanic networks (like Chapel Hill Tire) will check and refill your tire pressure for free each time you get an oil change. This perk helps offer an added incentive for drivers choosing a mechanic. It also shows that your mechanic cares about your car and your safety. In addition to air pressure refills, Chapel Hill Tire offers a fluid level check, air filter check, and inspection of your engine’s belts and hoses free with each oil change visit. 

Free Air Pressure Refills with Tire Services

If you get your tire patched, rotated, aligned, or otherwise serviced, your mechanics will work up close and personal with your tires. Part of this service routine includes making sure your tires are ready to hit the road once they are finished. Any reputable mechanic will include tire pressure checks and refills with tire services.

Tire Road Hazard Protection Plan

When you buy a new tire or set of tires, you are often offered a protection plan. Some mechanics include it in their pricing, while others make this optional. At Chapel Hill Tire, our Road Hazard Tire Protection goes above and beyond most plans. This offering includes:

• Free tire pressure refills for the lifespan of each protected tire
• Free flat repairs for the lifespan of each protected tire
• Free balancing for the lifespan of each protected tire
• Up to $399.99 in tire replacement for each protected tire (included for 3 years or 2/32″ tread depth remaining)

Coupons, Deals, and Promotions

When visiting a local mechanic, you should always browse their coupons page for potential savings. In addition to potential tire pressure refill coupons, you might find other deals and discounts for your vehicle. At the time of publication, Chapel Hill Tire has a free tire pressure check and refill coupon available for our community. 

Free Tire Refills from Chapel Hill Tire

If your tires need a boost, the mechanics here at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. You can visit us at one of our 9 Triangle-area locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro for industry-leading car care. Make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today!

We all know someone who ignores their dashboard warning lights. Unfortunately, this can lead to vehicle failure and safety hazards on the road. Other drivers see dashboard lights and fear their car might not be safe enough to drive to a mechanic. Chapel Hill Tire is here with insight on what your dashboard warning lights mean and what you can do about them. 

Check Engine Light

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As the name suggests, your check engine means a sensor detects an issue with your engine. The most common (and easy to fix) cause of a check engine light is a loose gas cap. Check to ensure your gas cap is tightly secured before worrying about your engine. Another common cause is a sensor issue, which requires sensor replacement. Beyond these issues, a check engine light could indicate a serious problem under your hood. 

Is it safe to drive with your check engine light on? This depends on the cause of the check engine light. In mild cases, like a sensor issue, you should be safe to drive until you can visit a mechanic. However, in serious cases, it could lead to engine damage or failure if not addressed promptly. When you see your check engine light on, you should visit a mechanic as soon as possible. 

Oil Change Warning Light

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Engine oil is essential for protecting your engine and preventing costly vehicle damage. Your vehicle requires regular replacements as oil becomes depleted and contaminated over time. 

Is it safe to drive with your oil light on? Driving with your engine oil light on is a bit like playing with fire. Oil changes are inexpensive routine services, but skipping them risks serious and costly engine damage. It can also create potentially unsafe driving situations once that engine damage sets in. If you are driving with your oil change warning light on, you are hopefully on your way to a mechanic. 

Dashboard Battery Warning Light

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Most frequently, this light means your battery is due for a replacement. Battery replacement is a routine service you will need roughly every 3 years. 

Alternator issues are a bit more complicated. Your alternator is responsible for recharging your battery as you drive. It also helps power essential vehicle electrical elements, like your headlights. A professional mechanic will be able to diagnose your alternator troubles and work with you to arrive at a repair plan.

Is your vehicle safe to drive with the battery warning light on? When you are close to a battery replacement, your vehicle should still be safe to drive for a few days until you can visit a mechanic. If your schedule is too tight, simply have a mechanic come to you. However, if you choose to ignore your battery warning light, you will not want to get stranded with a dead battery. It is best to keep jumper cables or a battery pack in your car—just in case. Here is our 8-step guide to jump-starting your car. 

If the issue is with your alternator, this is a different story. Faulty alternators could have your car dying in the middle of the road (rather than simply failing to start). Alternator troubles could also cause your headlights and other vehicle safety elements to turn off.

Windshield Washer Fluid Light

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This fluid is designed to help clear your windshields when bugs, debris, or other hazards impair your vision. 

Is it safe to drive with the windshield warning light on? The windshield warning light lets you know your fluid is low, not depleted. You will be fine to continue driving—as long as you get it refilled before you run out entirely. 

Seatbelt and Airbag Warning Light

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While this doesn’t present a vehicle concern, seatbelts are vital to keeping you safe during an accident. While it does not require a visit to the mechanic, skipping the seatbelt can earn you a ticket. If you need further encouragement, your car may also trigger a seatbelt warning noise that may persist throughout your trip. 

A similar dashboard light is the airbag warning. This light often indicates an issue with your airbag system that may prevent it from deploying in an accident. In these cases, you can consult a mechanic to ensure your airbag is working safely. 

Coolant Warning Light

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This light is also commonly called a temperature warning, refrigerant warning, or radiator fluid warning. It is often a sign that your engine is getting too hot. It could also indicate that you are low on coolant.

Is it safe to drive with the thermometer warning light on? Driving with an overheated engine could create costly engine damage or even begin smoking. If your engine is overheating, pull over and give it a chance to cool down. Contact a mechanic for professional insight on whether or not it is safe to drive. Otherwise, you might need a tow service to bring it to the mechanic instead. 

In a best-case scenario, the light is simply telling you that your coolant levels are low. In this case, it is safe to drive as long as you schedule a visit to the mechanic for a coolant flush. It is best not to wait when it comes to your radiator. 

Exclamation Point in a Circle: Brake Warning Lights

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This could be a routine warning or a sensor detecting depleted brake pads or low brake fluid.

Is it safe to drive with the brake warning light on? Your brakes are essential to your safety on the road. In most cases, you will need brake pad replacements to keep you safe on the road. You may also need a brake fluid replacement service. Regardless of the source of your brake problems, the sooner you get them serviced, the better. 

Horseshoe Shaped Dashboard Light: Low Tire Pressure

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Low tire pressure happens naturally over time from driving. Cold weather also causes low air pressure as the air compresses inside of your tires. In a worst-case scenario, you may have a nail in your tire letting air out, which will require both a patch and refill. Driving with low tire pressure can cause poor fuel economy, present risks to your tires and rims, and impact your vehicle handling. 

Is it safe to drive with your low tire pressure light on? Poor vehicle handling can present safety concerns—especially in inclement weather. You could also risk a tire blowout or rim damage. Thankfully, many mechanics make it easy to score free tire pressure refills. At Chapel Hill Tire, every oil change comes with free tire pressure checks and refills. You can also get free refills for the lifespan of your tires when you buy tire protection from our experts. 

Chapel Hill Tire: Car Mechanic Services

If your dashboard warning light comes on, bring it to the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with 11 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Cary, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. You can browse our selection of coupons, deals, and discounts on top of our everyday low service prices. We invite you to make your appointment here online, or give us a call to get started today! 

If you look closely at any tire, you can find an engraved DOT number. This number gives you valuable insights into the tires keeping you safe. However, it is not always clear to drivers what their DOT number is communicating. The local auto mechanics are here with the full breakdown of how to read a tire’s DOT number.

The Beginning: DOT 

Every tire identification number begins with the letters DOT (Department of Transportation). It is a marker that verifies you are getting tires that meet the Department of Transportation’s guidelines. It also serves as a clear, universal starting point for a tire’s TIN (tire identification number). 

Tire Plant Code: Manufacturer’s Identification Mark

The next group of numbers contains two characters that indicate your tire’s plant code. Every tire manufacturing plant has a unique two-character code, often made with one number and one letter. Why is this important? If there is a tire recall, safety issue, or another tire concern, it can be traced back to the plant that produced the tire(s) in question. 

Tire Size Code

The next two numbers or letters are your tire size code. The tire size code is a little less straightforward than other markings. Originally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had a universal list of tire sizes and the two-digit codes that represented them. However, the DOT now lets manufacturers determine their own code for tire size, according to the US Federal Register. This change was intended to make it easy for manufacturers to produce new tires without requiring the NHTSA to update its code list. Unfortunately, it makes it challenging to translate the tire size on your tire’s DOT number. Thankfully, there is an easier way to tell your tire size (more on this below). 

Tire Manufacturer Characteristics

The third set of values indicates the manufacturer’s characteristics. It is essentially a space for manufacturers to provide tire distinction or other brand-specific insights. The US Federal Register states, “The third grouping may be used at the manufacturer’s option to provide any other significant characteristics of the tire. Except for cases in which a tire is manufactured for a brand name owner, the third grouping is not required.” Manufacturers then submit their list of codes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Much like the tire size code, this grouping often does not provide valuable information for drivers. It is more so used for recalls, errors, and other official identification needs. 

Tire Age

Without ever touching the road, a tire can go bad simply due to its age. After 5 years of age, tires begin experiencing thermo-oxidative degradation. This chemical reaction can severely impact tire safety on the road. 

The final four digits on your DOT number will tell you the tire’s age. The first two numbers of this grouping indicate the week of the year your tire was manufactured. The final two digits indicate the year that your tire was manufactured. For example, if your final four DOT numbers are 3020, your tire was manufactured in the 30th week of 2020. You can find more information in our full guide to tire age here. 

Finding Tire Size, Recommended Tire Pressure, and Other Information

While DOT numbers are helpful, they might not tell you everything you need to know about your tires. As tire experts, we often have customers ask:

• How can I tell my tire size dimensions? 
• What is the recommended tire pressure (PSI) of my car’s tires?
• What about cold tire pressure recommendations?

Many drivers expect to find the answers to these and other questions in their DOT number, but this is not the case. Tires brands often include additional insights on the face of the tire. However, it is frequently much easier to view tire information on your tire panel. If you open your driver’s-side door and turn to face the seat, you will find a sticker against your door frame with information about your tires. You can also find additional details in your owner’s manual.

Your Local Tire Experts: Chapel Hill Tire

When you are due for new tires, the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 11 locations across Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our mechanics also commonly serve nearby areas, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. You can conveniently buy your new tires online using our Tire Finder tool. For all of your tire services, vehicle services, and car care needs, make an appointment today with your nearest Chapel Hill Tire.

When you take up a driving career, your car becomes your lifeline. However, driving for services like Uber, Lyft, Postmates, DoorDash, UberEats, and more can take a toll on your vehicle. The auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here with insight on how you can keep your car protected with these 5 services. 

Regular Oil Changes

As a delivery or rideshare driver, one of the most important services to maintain is your oil changes. Oil is essential in keeping your engine parts working together smoothly. It also helps keep your engine clean, prevents winter battery failure, and so much more. 

While oil changes are the most prominent and frequently needed service, it is also important to keep up with other routine maintenance flushes—including brake fluid changes, radiator flushes, transmission fluid flush, and others.

Battery Services

If you drive your vehicle for Uber, Lyft, taxi, or other rideshare services, you may frequently find passengers using your car’s battery-powered features. This includes turning on your interior lights and plugging their cellphones into your charging ports. It is essential to unplug any chargers and turn these lights off each time you exit your vehicle. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a dead battery upon return. However, even the most careful and energy-conservative driver will need a new battery on occasion. 

To avoid getting stranded with a dead battery, it is best to keep an eye out for signs that your car battery is due for replacement. Additionally, you can extend the lifespan of your battery by protecting it from the effects of warm summer weather and cold winter temperatures. 

As a rideshare driver, it is best to keep jumper cables in your car—just in case your battery dies. Better yet, battery packs are easy to order online and allow you to jump-start your car without needing help from a second vehicle. Our mechanics offer an 8-step guide to jump-starting your car here. 

Check Breaks

Naturally, your brakes are essential for slowing and stopping your vehicle on the road. When you drive for services like Lyft, Uber, Postmates, and others, you will find yourself stepping on the brakes more frequently. This is especially true if your routes often involve driving on busy city roads rather than long highway or country stretches. Each time you press your foot against the pedal, the friction material of your brake pads wears away. When taking up a driving career, you will likely need more frequent brake pad changes. 

Wheel Alignment 

Tire and wheel alignment troubles can happen quickly when you drive your car frequently. This issue is especially prominent for drivers in areas where the roads contain lots of bumps and potholes. When your wheels are out of alignment, they will ruin your tires with uneven wear. Instead of needing a single alignment service, you will now need to also invest in a new set of tires. You might notice your alignment is off if your steering wheel shakes or pulls to one side of the road. 

Tire Inspections and Services

Tires are essential to your vehicle’s safety on the road. Additionally, as a driver for Uber, Lyft, or Postmates, you will likely want to save as much gas as possible. Tire issues—like insufficient tire pressure and worn tire tread—can take a serious toll on your fuel efficiency. You should regularly check your tires for: 

Tire Pressure Checks and Refills

Over time, your tires will gradually let out small amounts of air. Low tire pressure is an especially prominent issue during the colder months as the air in your tires compresses. Poor tire pressure can lead to low fuel economy, poor vehicle handling, and tire damage. If you visit service experts like Chapel Hill Tire, we check and refill your tire pressure with every oil change visit. 

Tire Tread Depth Checks and Tire Replacements

The tread on your tires is what helps it grip the ground. This is essential for braking, starting, stopping, turning, and vehicle handling. When your tread becomes worn, it will seriously impact your safety and fuel economy. If your tire tread is even with your tread wear indicator bars, it is time for a new set of tires. 

While investing in a new set of tires is not always fun, skipping this service can put your life, your passengers’ lives, and your career at risk. Chapel Hill Tire helps you meet your budget by making our tire prices transparent in our Online Tire Finder Tool. You can see all of the tires that fit your vehicle in one place, compare their prices and features, and buy the right tires for you hassle-free online. You can learn more about how to use the Tire Finder here. 

Regular Tire Rotations

As you drive, your front tires endure more wear and tear than your back tires. Tire rotations can protect your tire set by ensuring the wear and tear is more evenly distributed. It also helps your mechanic catch tire issues early—such as alignment problems and dangerous tread wear. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Mechanic Services

The professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and other drivers keep their vehicles protected. You can find coupons, deals, discounts, and promotions on top of our everyday low prices to keep our mechanic services affordable. We proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 9 locations across Chapel Hill, Apex, Raleigh, Durham, and Carrboro. Make your appointment here online to get started today!