Resource | Chapel Hill Tire

August 6, 2020August 6, 2020

5 Ways to Make Your Car Last Longer

If your vehicle is your prized possession, chances are that you want to try to make your car last forever. While “forever” may be a stretch, there are easy ways to keep your car lasting as long as possible. Here is a look at 5 tips that can help you preserve your vehicle, brought to you by the local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 1: Maintenance Flushes

While many drivers tend to dismiss the necessity of maintenance flushes, they are essential to the health of your vehicle. If you want to help your car last longer, they become even more necessary. Your vehicle relies on several different liquid solutions for proper functioning—including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and more. Over time, these solutions become worn, depleted, and contaminated, making it essential that they are cleaned and replenished with regular maintenance flushes.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 2: Consistent Oil Changes

Some vehicle services are needed more consistently than others. Perhaps the most frequently-needed service in any car is an oil change. It can be easy to push your oil change off for as long as possible, but this can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle significantly. To keep your vehicle lasting longer, you need to maintain your manufacturer-recommended oil change routine.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 3: Park in the Garage

Harsh environmental factors can take their toll on your vehicle’s health. This includes extreme heat, cold, precipitation, and more. You can protect your vehicle from these stressors by simply parking in a protected spot, such as a garage. If you do not have a garage available to you, parking in a shaded spot or slipping on a vehicle covering when it is not in use may also help prevent damage from the elements.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 4: Quick Repairs

As you continue to drive your vehicle, it is likely to eventually run into a problem. Quick repairs are essential to preserving your vehicle and keeping service costs low. The longer that you ride out a problem your car is facing, the worse it may become. Because all of your vehicle systems work together for proper functioning, one needed repair can quickly spread into other vehicle issues when left unattended. To keep your vehicle lasting longer, bring it in for a repair at the first signs of an issue.

Vehicle Preservation Tip 5: Matching Driving Patterns with Maintenance

It is no secret that your driving patterns will impact your vehicle’s health and longevity. If you drive frequently, you should service your vehicle more frequently. It is also important to factor in the road conditions in your area. Dirt roads, for example, can cause excess engine dust and extra needed filter replacements. Bumpy, uneven, and pothole-filled roads may require more frequent tire replacements, tire rotations, and tire alignments.

Conversely, it is also essential that you do not let your vehicle sit for too long without proper care. Car batteries and engine oil both deteriorate more rapidly when your vehicle is not in use. Leaving your vehicle sitting for too long can also rot its rubber components, which includes everything from your tires to your engine belts. You also risk rusted parts when your vehicle remains sitting for an extended period of time while exposed to moisture. Here is a full overview from our experts on the risks of a dormant car.

Chapel Hill Tire Local Vehicle Service

If you need help keeping your car in lasting shape, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire mechanic location for leading vehicle service. Our experts are skilled in all of the services needed to help your car last longer. Make an appointment at one of our eight Triangle-area locations to get started today.

July 30, 2020

Trailer Hitch Installation for Small Cars

We all know that trucks and large SUVs have extensive towing capabilities. However, compact cars can also benefit from a hitch. While you may not need to tow another vehicle or a large trailer, hitch installations can do wonders for the capacity of compact cars. Here is a look at everything you can do with a trailer hitch on your small or mid-sized vehicle.

Trailer Hitch for Bike Racks

Perhaps the most common use of trailer hitches on small cars is for bike rack attachments. If you drive a compact car, chances are that your bike won’t fit inside. To take it along on your next adventure, you need a bike rack, which can easily attach to your car’s trailer hitch.

Trailer Hitch Help for Canoes, Surfboards, and Paddleboards

For adventurers with a small car, lugging around canoes, paddleboards, surfboards, and other water accessories can feel challenging. If you are looking for a way to stabilize your transportation, a trailer hitch may be the solution you are looking for. Hitch attachments are available to give your compact car the extra support it needs. They provide a centralized security point at the back of your vehicle, perfect for tying down your surfboard, canoe, or paddleboard.

Small Cargo Carriers

Do you have large cargo needs and a compact trunk? If your trunk space simply isn’t cutting it, a small cargo carrier can pick up the slack. These attachments connect to your trailer hitch to give you some extra room. Whether you are hitting the road for an adventure or gearing up for a move, small cargo carriers can help.

Fun and Useful Trailer Hitch Attachments

Trailer hitches are designed for utility, and many manufacturers have gotten creative with their capabilities. Fun and useful trailer hitch attachments are available to help solve common problems faced on the road. Do you frequently lock your keys inside your car? Trailer hitch key vaults are ideal for you—they hold a spare key protected by a coded lock. Do you need an extra seat while camping? Trailer hitch hammock and chair attachments may be the perfect solution.

Does My Car Need a Trailer Hitch?

Many compact car drivers mistakenly believe that their vehicles are unable to tow—especially because they do not come with a trailer hitch pre-installed. However, most small cars can tow between 1,000-2,000lbs, which is enough to sustain small attachments like those listed here. You can find exact towing details for your car in your owner’s manual.

You should not let the lack of a trailer hitch deter you from adventuring with ease. They are easy for experts to add to almost any car, crossover, SUV, or truck.

Small Car Trailer Hitch Installation

Are you ready to gear up with a trailer hitch installation? Visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. Our experts are skilled and experienced in attaching trailer hitches to compact cars, large trucks, and everything in between. Make your appointment here online or give us a call today to get started!

July 28, 2020October 26, 2020

Our People: Bucky Ragan

a wrench set and a hat beside a sticker with a smiley face and the words drive happy

Joy Is Always An Option

Meet Bucky Ragan, for over 30 years, he has worked to brighten each customer’s day

At Chapel Hill Tire, we’ve become convinced that happy employees create happy customers. Over the past 30 or so years, Bucky Ragan has done a lot of that convincing. He has greeted each day with a great attitude, and put forth his best effort to leave people feeling happier than when he found them.

A service advisor at our University Mall location, Bucky followed in his father’s footsteps when he began working with us back in 1989. His dad was part of our University Mall team when we moved to this location in 1972.

“It’s just all around a good experience working right beside my father,” said Bucky. “He’s taught me a lot.”.

Plotting his own course, Bucky has become a customer favorite by creating joyful interactions with the people we serve. “Not everyone is excited to take their car to the shop. They’re already worried about spending money, so I try to put a smile on their face,” he said.

“People love him. He knows everybody,” said Sean McNally, who works closely with Ragan as the University Mall store manager. “One of the main reasons is that, more often than not, he’ll go above and beyond”.

A few years ago, a hurricane rolled through North Carolina, and many people feared it would leave gas shortages in its wake. Knowing that an ederly customer was concerned that they wouldn’t be able to get around, “Bucky came in at 6am and filled her car up with gas and brought it back to her,” said McNally. “He does nice things for a lot of people, but that was over the top.”

“He’s an honest guy,” coworker John Ogburn said. He’ll review bills over and over, and if he has any question about a charge, he’ll come down on the side of the customer.”

Without a doubt, Ragan does his best day in and day out to lift the spirits of those around him. All the while, he feels grateful to have spent the past three decades with Chapel Hill Tire. He said, “They’re all great people here. They do what they say they’re going to do and take really good care of you. I love the line of work I’m in.”

Bucky Ragan goes far beyond just fixing cars and selling tires. He spreads positivity every chance he gets, knowing that a simple smile goes a long way. As we mentioned, here at Chapel Hill Tire we’ve become convinced that happy employees create happy customers, and Bucky Ragan has surely done a lot of that convincing.

July 28, 2020August 3, 2020

Coming Together In Challenging Times

To work through the COVID-19 crisis, we focus on what matters most

“Treat each other like family. That’s one of our five core values, and it’s the one that mattered most when the COVID-19 crisis hit,” said Atlantic Ave. store manager, Chris Davis. “Our company really came together; we had each other’s backs, and that was passed on to the team and the customers,”

While many across the globe stayed home in the early weeks of the pandemic, Chapel Hill Tire, as an essential business, came to work every day. “We really took treating each other like family to heart,” said general service technician Steve Meyer. “How could we help each other? What’s good for customers? Employees? Managers? Staying focused on those questions really helped us through this.”

Although COVID-19 continued to separate many from friends and family, the team at Chapel Hill Tire grew stronger and more united. Technician Brian Fretz said, “We all strive for excellence. That’s what the company has instilled in us.”

“Strive for excellence” is another one of our company values, and another one that we kept at top of mind as we made employee safety a top priority. “I never felt worried about coming to work, ever,” said Fretz. “Everyone made us feel comfortable and safe.”

Steve Meyer echoed Fretz’s statement, “The company did everything they possibly could to take care of us. No expense was spared for us or the customers to be safe.”

“I was very grateful to still have my job and still have income. I felt safe and reassured and felt like the company took preventive steps to have us prepared,” said Chris Davis.

Chapel Hill Tire protected employees and customers alike by implementing the use of steering wheel and seat covers, wiping down all points of contact in vehicles, and having employees wear masks while working. Additionally, we started a free pickup and delivery program so that customers could receive no-contact service. “We’re more alert now and taking steps to be safer and doing our part. I believe the company has changed in a positive way because of COVID,” said Davis.

“We were definitely concerned for our customers,” said Steve Meyer. We wouldn’t want someone to get sick on our watch because we weren’t following proper protocol. We followed CDC guidelines and continued to be compliant with NC guidelines to do our part for our community.”

With the world slowly starting to open back up, Chapel Hill Tire continues to be guided by its values, and is more united than ever before. As Steve Meyer said, “Take a hard situation, put people into it, have a common goal, and people will become closer. I’ve never been more proud of the whole team than when I saw us stick together from Chapel Hill to Raleigh. Living our values, we did our best to root each other on, and to remember that we don’t just take care of cars, we take care of people.”

July 28, 2020July 28, 2020

What’s Up With That? The Cool Science Of Air Conditioning

A look at what goes on behind the vents

Old North State summers get so daggum hot that you could slow-cook a chuck roast on your dashboard. When the outside air temperature is in the 80 to 100 degree range, the inside temperature of a car parked in direct sunlight can shoot up to about 150 – more than enough to braise a slab of beef. So if you feel like you’re roasting when you’re riding in a car without air conditioning, well, you are.

If you’re into that sort of thing, the cult classic cookbook, “Manifold Destiny” will tell you pretty much everything you’ll want to know about the automobile as a culinary device. For those of us who would rather not use our car as an oven, though, its air conditioning (A/C) system was designed solely to keep us comfortable as we’re cruising down those sun-strewn summer highways.

And it works so well, it’s easy to take it for granted. Until it doesn’t work so well. Let’s hope that’s not after your car has been sitting in the middle of a North Carolina parking lot on a summer afternoon.

Actually, you don’t have to hope, because your A/C gives you some clues that it needs a little attention well before it breathes its last cool breath. Even better news is that, if you’re the cautious type, you don’t even have to wait for those clues. When the weather starts turning warm, a little maintenance checkup can sometimes save you from sweating over a hot commute and the cost of a big repair.

Let’s take a quick look at that little comfort machine, so you can recognize the signs that may be about to give out.

A/C: The Basics

There are six main components of your A/C system: a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion valve, an evaporator, an accumulator, and a chemical refrigerant. Each component has to work properly for you to get the relief you want. If one piece underperforms or fails, your body’s cooling system takes over. In other words, you’re sweating like crazy.

Here’s how it works:

The compressor compresses the refrigerant from a gas into a liquid and sends it down the refrigerant line to the condenser.

Inside the condenser, the refrigerant flows through a small grid. Air passes across this grid, removing heat from the refrigerant, which then passes over to the expansion valve.

At the expansion valve the pressure in the line is reduced, and the refrigerant turns back into a gas. This gas goes into the accumulator.

The accumulator removes moisture from the refrigerant, and sends its drier, cooler product to the evaporator.

Air from outside blows across the evaporator core, giving its heat to the refrigerant, and becoming cool in exchange. Since cooler air holds less moisture, it also becomes less humid (that’s why you see puddles of water under recently parked cars on hot summer days; just a few minutes ago, that water was making the air sticky).

Finally, that delightfully cool, dry air passes through your cabin air filter and reaches you as a fresh, cool breeze (or a nice cold blast, if you’re in the mood).

Noticing There’s an A/C Problem

There are two main clues that will let you know your A/C system has a problem: smell and noise. If it exudes a damp or musty stench, that’s your first clue. Typically, this smell means that microorganisms like mold, mildew, or fungi have taken up residence in your system. Why did they start to grow there? They like moist surfaces. So, the smell is a sign that your A/C is not cooling the air enough to reduce its humidity to the desired level.

Maybe the air smells fine, but you hear a noise coming out of your vents. That’s clue number two. A buzzing sound is usually the result of too much refrigerant passing into the compressor, which could leak and cause damage to your car.

Maintenance Beats Repair

Bad smells and buzzing usually mean trouble, but you don’t have to wait for trouble. To keep everything cool, just ask us to give your A/C a quick check-up when the weather starts to turn warm. You’ll not only avoid unpleasant smells, irritating noises, and unwelcome roasting, you can avoid the larger repair – or replacement – that can follow those signs of trouble. Or, if you’re into that sort of thing, you could just pick up a copy of “Manifold Destiny,” and explore your talents as a “chef de cruise-ine.”

July 28, 2020July 28, 2020

More Relentless Than Kudzu

Decades of community service have shown Steve Price that nothing dampens the Chapel Hill spirit

Once it started pouring, Steve Price was sure all the volunteers he had gathered to clean up overgrown kudzu around Chapel Hill would just call it a day. But it seems, even after decades of service, Chapel Hill still had some surprises for him.

“They refused to leave until they had gotten this area cleared,” Price said. “Even when it was rainy and miserable, they wanted to get this done.”

It says a lot about the Chapel Hill community – but it also says a lot about Price.

Steve Price has lived here since 1983, working at UNC-TV, serving as youth minister of his church, sitting on the Town Parks and Recreation Committee for seven years and now continuing to serve in various advisory roles. But he never just lived here.

A UNC-Chapel Hill graduate with a degree in Radio, TV, and Motion Pictures, Price worked at UNC-TV for 30 years documenting the community. His work telling local stories would translate into his passion for bettering the town he had grown to love.

“You want to make the community a better place for yourself and everyone around you,” Price said.

Price’s most recent project, the kudzu clean-up, was one he had taken on from the Community Tree Committee and coordinated with UNC-Chapel Hill as well as the local Adopt-A-Trail program. Price had his first surprise of the day when, after having to reschedule once because of rain, the project saw a huge turn-out from people from all parts of town.

“It was this crazy cross-section of the community,” Price said. He noted seeing people from all walks of life, including students and older folks. What struck him, he said, was how unified everyone was, even when the rain started picking up.

“It was one of the most amazing service projects I’ve ever done,” Price said. “It was fun and people were really enjoying what they were doing.”

And they kept working, even when they could barely stand up. As he saw his team slipping and sliding as the ground turned to mud, Price had to be the one to call it a day because no one wanted to stop.

For Price, the collective tenacity he saw that day illustrates why he loves Chapel Hill.

“When one person takes the initiative, it’s amazing how people will rally around that cause,” Price said. “It’s what makes the Chapel Hill community so unique and wonderful.”

And, while he might be humble about it when asked, Price has often been that one person who others rally around as he stands up for a better town, and a better world.

Many of Price’s projects, like the kudzu clean-up and his quarterly road clean-ups on highway 86, focus on improving Chapel Hill, but he also takes time to care for the people of his hometown. This year, he coordinated the delivery of Thanksgiving meals at the Inter-Faith Council pantry in his church, where he also regularly leads the volunteers who clean up the food pantry’s kitchen. Plus, he plans weekly activities for the youth, and just this last October he spent hours creating a haunted trail that went above and beyond anyone’s expectations.

“I see it as just giving back to this community that gave me so much,” Price said.

He’s also looking for socially-distant ways to keep bringing together those large groups that come out for his projects. At the kudzu clean-up, everyone was spread out in small teams, and they clearly weren’t letting anything stop them. In the future, Price mentioned getting families to volunteer together so they could work as a socially-distant team.

Either way, Price is not just excited to get back to giving back – he never stopped for a second. Price knows that it only takes one person, one voice and everyone will gather together to support this unique and wonderful place he is proud to call home.

And we think we’re speaking for everyone when we say that we’re proud to have Steve as a neighbor.

July 24, 2020July 24, 2020

The Importance of Flushing Transmission Fluid

Between regular oil changes, inspections, brake services, battery replacements, air filter checks, and tire care, you might feel familiar with the various care routines that your vehicle needs. However, one important service consideration that is often lost in the shuffle is transmission maintenance.

A transmission issue often ends in replacement, which can cost several thousand dollars. Thankfully, preventative services—such as transmission fluid flushes—can keep your transmission working in good health. Here is what you need to know about the importance of flushing your transmission fluid.

Why Flushing Transmission Fluid is Necessary

Your transmission system depends on transmission fluid to keep its temperature regulated and to keep all of the parts moving together without harmful friction. However, because the transmission fluid absorbs heat to regulate temperature, this substance begins to breakdown and burn over time. If you wait too long to flush your transmission fluid, your transmission will begin to deteriorate from the inside out.

Transmission fluid flushes are designed to prevent transmission issues and keep your vehicle working as it should. This process involves cleaning out the old, worn fluid from your system, and replacing it with fresh transmission fluid to keep your vehicle healthy.

When Should I Flush My Transmission Fluid?

You might now be wondering, “When do I need to get my transmission fluid flushed?” The cadence of this service will depend on your vehicle and your driving patterns. Check your owner’s manual for insight—which will usually tell you how many miles you need between maintenance flushes.

If you do not see the recommended transmission flush guidelines, your engine may have “lifetime” transmission fluid due to a sealed transmission. However, sealed transmissions can still let contaminants into your vehicle, simply at a much slower rater than traditional engines. You may still need a transmission fluid flush once every few years. Consult your local mechanic for further insight.

Transmission Fluid Checks

Transmission fluid checks are another easy and accurate way to tell if you need a transmission fluid flush. By taking a look under the hood, a professional can check the status of your transmission fluid. This process involves verifying that your transmission fluid levels are full (but not overly full), that your fluid is not discolored, and that it is maintaining proper temperatures.

This inspection is best left in the hands of an expert. Ask your mechanic to check the transmission fluid each time you get your oil changed. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we automatically complete comprehensive fluid level checks with every oil change visit. This can help you stay ahead of needed transmission fluid flushes and ensure that your vehicle is receiving proper care.

Chapel Hill Tire Transmission Fluid Flush

Putting off transmission care can cost you thousands, so Chapel Hill Tire wants to make this maintenance accessible. We offer transmission fluid flush coupons and promotions to help make our everyday low prices even more affordable. We also offer transparent pricing, so you are not left with any surprises. When you are ready to get your transmission fluid flush, visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle in our eight locations—including Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. Make a transmission fluid flush appointment today to get started!

July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

What is Engine Performance Restoration Service?

“Performance” is a term used frequently in the automotive industry. It can describe quick acceleration, easy vehicle handling, and advanced engine capability. However, performance is not just something that your vehicle is built with—it is also something that you have to maintain with regular vehicle service and care. So what do you do when your vehicle performance is slipping? Often, the solution to performance concerns is as simple as an engine performance restoration service visit.

Engine Performance Restoration

While your needed engine service depends on the exact issue that you are experiencing, performance restoration addresses one primary problem that can occur across vehicle engines: low tension in the piston rings. Poor functioning piston rings allow oil contamination, oil oxidation, and the loss of pressure in the combustion chamber. This can lead to poor engine performance, more frequently-needed oil changes, and lowered fuel economy. Thankfully, engine performance restoration service is available to help get your vehicle back in good health.

Engine Performance Restoration (EPR) clears out buildup on the piston rings to prevent contamination and oxidization of the oil and restore piston ring tension. Once your piston rings are clean, your engine functioning will see the immediate benefits of this service. EPR service can help solve a variety of vehicle problems and prevent future engine trouble. Here is a look at some of the key benefits of engine performance restoration.

Oil Preservation | Why Is My Oil Leaking?

It is no secret that oil changes are essential to your engine health and performance. When your piston rings are loose, they can allow rapid oil oxidation and contamination. This vehicle issue can also allow your engine oil to escape past the rings and leak out through your exhaust. Collectively, these oil concerns can lead to extra needed oil changes. An engine performance restoration can stop and prevent these oil troubles by improving the seal of the combustion chamber. EPR effectively protects your engine oil from piston ring issues and keeps it from leaking out of your exhaust pipe.

Protect and Boost Your Engine

Just as the name suggests, EPR service restores the performance of your engine. It improves engine functioning by cleaning your piston rings and preventing the loss of combustion chamber pressure that compromised rings create. Additionally, when your oil is frequently compromised, you can be putting your engine under harmful stress and risking costly damage. Performance restoration protects your engine and alleviates this stress by preventing issues and oil loss.

Restores Fuel Economy and Save Money

Even the most environmentally-friendly vehicles can fall victim to piston ring blockage and the fuel economy loss it creates. When your engine is worn down by dirt and grime, it cannot perform with the efficiency it is built for. Engine performance restoration cleans away the contaminants that are causing engine inefficiencies to help you save at the pump. You will also be saving money on piston replacement, extra oil changes, and the potential engine damage that loose piston rings can cause.

Engine Performance Restoration in the Triangle

Get your joyrides back on track with an engine performance restoration visit at Chapel Hill Tire. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle area with our eight mechanic locations, including those in Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. To accommodate a wide variety of drivers, we proudly offer curbside service and free vehicle pickup/delivery. Make an appointment here online for your engine performance restoration today!

July 9, 2020March 18, 2021

Cabin Air Filter vs. Engine Air Filter – What is the Difference?

Engine air filter change in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, and Carrboro

When getting your vehicle serviced, you might not be surprised if your mechanic tells you it is time for your air filter replacement—however, you may be confused if they told you that you need two air filter replacements. Your car actually has two separate air filters: a cabin air filter and an engine air filter. Each of these filters works to keep harmful contaminants out of your vehicle. So what is the difference between your engine air filter and your cabin air filter?

What is a Cabin Air Filter?

When you think of an air filter, you likely associate this with a device used to clean the air you breathe. This closely aligns with the functions served by your cabin air filter. Located beneath your dashboard, this filter keeps dust and allergens from circulating through your car’s heating and cooling system. It can be challenging to control the pollutants that go through your vehicle, so your cabin air filter works hard to keep your driving experience safe, comfortable, and healthy.

How to Know When You Need a Cabin Filter Replacement

The cadence of your air filter replacements depends on your vehicle year, make, and model as well as your driving habits. You may begin to notice a change in the air quality inside of your vehicle, though this transition can be subtle and hard to notice. Generally, you will need to have this filter changed every 20,000-30,000 miles. For a more exact estimate, check your owner’s manual or ask your local mechanic for insight. If you have allergies, breathing sensitivities, experience bad pollen in your area, or live in a city with excess smog, you may need to replace your cabin air filter more frequently.

What is an Engine Air Filter?

As the name suggests, this air filter is located within your engine to keep harmful debris away from this system. While you may not think much of this small service, regular engine air filter replacements are affordable and can save you thousands of dollars in engine damage. It also helps improve your vehicle’s performance and efficiency so that you save at the pump. This is why a clean engine filter is checked during your annual emissions inspection as well as your annual vehicle inspection.

How to Know When You Need an Engine Filter Replacement

Much like your cabin filter, the cadence of your needed engine air filter replacement depends on your vehicle type. Certain environmental and driving factors can also impact how frequently you need to replace your engine filter. For drivers who often travel on a dirt road or live in a city with excess pollutants, these hazards could overwhelm your engine filter quickly. You may notice a drop in your fuel efficiency and driving performance as a result of an overdue engine filter replacement. This service is usually needed every 12,000-30,000 miles. If you are still unsure whether or not you need an engine filter replacement, visit your local vehicle service experts for insight.

Local Car Filter Replacement

Whether you need an engine filter replacement, a cabin filter replacement or any other vehicle service, the experts Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you! Our trusted mechanics include free air filter checks each time you get your Chapel Hill Tire oil change to keep you up-to-date on when you need a replacement. Make an appointment at one of our eight Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro—today to get started!

July 2, 2020

How to Find the Right Tires For Your Car, Truck, or SUV

Picture of tires and wheels for an alignment, balance, or rotation

When it is time for your next set of tires, how do you know that you are getting the right tires for your driving preferences and your vehicle? Tires are an investment, and it is important that you get exactly what you are looking for. Here is insight from your local tire experts on getting the right set for you.

Tire Finders and Expert Insight

When it comes to finding the right tires for your vehicle, you are restricted to the tire sizes that will fit; however, you are not limited to the exact tires that come with your vehicle. To find the range of tires that work with your car, you can begin by using a tire finder tool to explore your options. If you are interested in a closer look at the tires available to you, consider making an appointment at your local tire shop. With expert insight on hand to answer any of your questions and offer professional insight, you can get a clear idea of which tires are right for you.

Price: Balancing Budget and Quality

It is no secret that tires can be costly, but this necessary investment will also help you save money by improving your fuel efficiency, helping you pass your inspections, and keeping you safe on the road. It is still essential to make the most of the money you spend on new tires so that you can find something within your budget. Consider all of the tires that fit your vehicle and compare their prices, ratings, and features.

Ideally, the tires with the highest ratings will also be the ones that cost the least—but you often get what you pay for when it comes to tires. You may need to pay a little more upfront to save money long-term. For example, investing in tires that are slightly more expensive but will last much longer can help you optimize these costs. You can also consider staying within your budget by shopping from a tire distributor that offers a Price Beat Guarantee, coupons, and available tire warranties.

Tire Brands and Where to Buy

When considering your options for new tires, you might think that you need to get a certain brand. If you buy from your dealership, they may even insist that you stick to their preferred tire brand. However, a tire shop can offer you the best of both worlds. You can get a high-quality tire brand—whichever you may prefer—at an affordable price. This also relieves you of the dealership wait times and service hassles.

Features: Finding Tires with Everything You Need (and Nothing You Don’t)

When choosing your next set of tires, consider the features available to you and how you intend to use your vehicle. For a luxury joy ride, you might prefer a set of performance tires. If you go off-roading, you might need a set of all-terrain tires. As mentioned in our pricing considerations, you will also want to avoid paying for features you will not use. For example, North Carolina drivers who have no choice but to hit the road during icy seasons or spend the colder months traveling could benefit from winter tires. On the other hand, if you know you will stay indoors at even the slightest chance of inclement winter weather, you do not need to invest in this feature.

Chapel Hill Tire, Your Local Tire Shop

If you are due for a new set of tires, you have come to the right place. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire are known for getting customers new tires at affordable prices. Our eight Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro—are here for you. Make an appointment with your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location to get your new set of tires today!