Category: Resource

How to Get Great Deals on New Tires

Is it time to replace your tires? If so, you probably want to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Chapel Hill Tire is here with four simple steps that you can take to get a great deal on your tires.

Finding the Right Tire for You

One of the easiest ways to save on new tires is by finding the right set of tires for you. Tires come in all sorts of different styles, which are designed for various terrains, areas, and driving styles. The key to getting a good deal is finding the tires with all of the features you need and nothing you don’t. For example, you would never want to pay extra for sports tires if you do not want or need the enhanced traction and performance they provide. 

Conversely, if you choose to save money by getting tires without the features you need, you will pay more long-term for tire repairs and replacements. For example, if you plan to go off-roading, you will want to invest in quality all-terrain or mud-terrain tires to avoid costly damage. Investing in high-quality tires also helps you save down the road. Use a tire-finder tool or speak to an expert to help you decide which tires are right for you. 

Shop Around For Tires

Once you have an idea of what tires you are looking for, you should take the time to gather a few different prices. To get an idea of what constitutes a “great” tire deal, consider requesting a quote from several different sources: automotive shops, dealerships, and tire specialists. You can often get an estimate on the tires you are looking for online or by phone. 

Price Beat Guarantee 

When you are buying new tires, every salesperson is going to try to close the deal by offering you a low price. However, you can take your savings one step further with our Price Beat Guarantee. Once you find the lowest possible tire estimate, bring it to the tire specialists at Chapel Hill Tire. Our experts will beat out your best estimate by 10% of the difference in price. This is how you know you have gotten the lowest possible price on your new tires. 

Buy From a Trusted Source with Available Tire Protection

Part of a good tire deal is not just the price you pay but also the service and protection you get. Find a tire distributor with a reasonably-priced Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan. When you are closing the deal on your new set of tires, consider making sure they are covered in the case of an issue. A high-quality plan from a trusted tire specialist will offer you complete replacement coverage for up to three years. This can cover any unforeseen damages your new tires may incur. Road Hazard Tire Protection preserves your investment and gives you peace of mind on the road. Experts with a customer service orientation, like those at Chapel Hill Tire, may also include free tire services such as flat repair, tire refills, and tire balancing with this protection plan. 

Chapel Hill Tire | Deals on New Tires

The experts at Chapel Hill Tire offer you a quick, comfortable, and easy tire buying experience. Our Price Beat Guarantee and available Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan makes it easy to understand why customers love shopping at Chapel Hill Tire. Visit one of our 8 Triangle-area locations—including those in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro—today to get a great deal on your new tires. 

The automotive industry is becoming increasingly environmentally-friendly. Here at Chapel Hill Tire, we do our part in making the auto industry green:  our rooftop garden, and our hybrid specialty attention. We also help keep our readers in the know about North Carolina emission requirements and testing. Here is everything you need to know about the NC Emission Inspection, brought to you by the experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

What is an Emissions Inspection?

An emissions inspection is an annual assessment that ensures that your vehicle is in compliance with the NC emissions standards implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These are designed to help limit the environmental impacts of the automotive industry. By ensuring vehicle emissions are regulated, North Carolina can do its part to protect the environment. 

Do I Need An NC Emissions Inspection?

If you are registered in a county that requires emissions inspections, you may be required to complete this inspection when renewing your tags each year. Currently, 22 counties require this inspection, which accounts for almost a quarter of those within our state. These regulations and requirements are subject to change. Annual emissions inspections are currently required in the following counties: Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Onslow, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Wake, and Union.

However, not every driver within these counties is required to get an emissions inspection each year. There are a few other parameters of this law that omit you from this inspection:

• Many vehicles qualify for an exemption if they are less than 3 years old and have less than 70,000 miles. Consult this FAQ from the NC Department of Environmental Quality to learn if your vehicle qualifies for this exemption.
• You may also be exempt if your vehicle was manufactured before the year 1995.
• You are exempt from the emissions inspection if you were approved for a waiver or exemption and paid any necessary fees.

What is the Point of an Emissions Inspection?

This might leave you wondering, “What is the purpose of emissions inspections?” By monitoring and regulating the emissions produced by North Carolina drivers, the government can enforce sustainability within the automotive industry. Moving forward, as environmental protections waiver, having these measures in place will make it easy for North Carolina to remain in compliance with changing emission standards. 

What Does the Emissions Inspection Check?

An emissions inspection checks for any engine, tire, and other vehicle issues that could be causing your vehicle to perform inefficiently. This includes catalytic converter problems, worn/deflated tires, air filter issues, air/fuel mixture problems, and more. Depending on your vehicle, your inspection may also include checks for electrical or sensor issues that might misread or misreport your vehicle’s health. Read more here about common reasons for failing the emissions inspection. The specifics of your emissions inspection will depend on your vehicle. If an emissions inspection finds an issue with your vehicle, it gives you the chance to increase your fuel efficiency and avoid costly repairs down the road. 

How Much Does an Emissions Inspection Cost?

When you bring your vehicle to a Chapel Hill Tire location, we will complete a thorough emissions inspection for just $30. We also have the tools and expertise required to complete any repairs you may need to pass your inspection. 

Emissions Inspections in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro

Chapel Hill Tire is proud to provide emissions inspections out of our 8 Triangle-area locations. Our experts will complete a quick, affordable emissions inspection that will have you in, out, and on your way. Visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire to get your emissions inspection today!

What causes a flat tire? If you are experiencing a dreaded flat, it could be sourced by one of many possible culprits. The solution to your flat is dependant on the cause of this issue. Here is the Chapel Hill Tire guide to flat tires and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Nail, Screw, or Puncture Wound

How do nails end up in tires? This is a surprisingly common problem for drivers. Nails can get tossed aside during construction or fall out of open-ended pickup trucks. Because they are usually left lying flat on the ground, it might seem unlikely that they can pierce tires. If a car in front of you kicks up a nail, it can more easily get lodged in one of your tires. Similarly, your back tires are likely to catch a nail if it is kicked up by your front tires. 

Additionally, you might notice most road debris ends up on the shoulders of the street. If your tire ends up getting close to the edge or pulling off to the side of the road, it can easily find the nails, screws, and other hazards that have been waywardly left behind. Not only are these hazards more common on the side of the road, but they often do not lay as flat as they would on the even street surface. This makes your car an easy victim to an unfortunate flat tire. 

Solution: Patch Repair

The solution here is relatively quick and easy: tire patch repair. First, you must locate the puncture wound and determine that this is, in fact, the problem your tires are facing. Then, you must remove the nail, patch the tire, and refill your tires. The experts at Chapel Hill Tire complete this tire service for just $25, saving you the cost of a patch kit, the time and labor of the repair, and the chance that something might go wrong, damaging your tire further. 

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Problem 2: Low Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure can be caused by a flat tire, but it can also create flat tires that might otherwise be fine. Your tires need to be regularly refilled to work properly and maintain their structural integrity. If you go for extended periods of time without inflating your tires or you do not fix a punctured tire quickly, you risk causing a major flat. Driving with low tire pressure causes a wider range of your tire’s surface area to hit the ground. It also weakens your tires and can damage them internally, which will make you more vulnerable to flats as your sidewall is worn away. 

Solution: Regular Tire Refills

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential to preventing this kind of flat tire. An expert mechanic like those at Chapel Hill Tire will refill your tires to the right pressure levels every time you visit for an oil change or a tire rotation. If your flat has already been created, a tire expert will first try to repair the tire, but—depending on the level of damage done—it may need to be replaced. 

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Problem 3: Overinflation

Conversely, overinflation can also cause flat tires. Not only do overinflated tires impact your vehicle’s performance, but they can also create serious damage. Your tires will wear unevenly when overinflated and incur increased internal pressure. Depending on the severity of the overinflation, you can create a wide range of tire problems and flats. At its worst, overinflation can destroy your tire from the inside out. Much like a balloon, when you fill it past its limit, your tire becomes prone to pop.

Solution: Healthy Inflation Levels

In severe cases, an overinflated tire is likely to cause a major tire blowout. This type of flat tire cannot be repaired. However, if your tire was not severely damaged, a professional might be able to save it. This problem is easy to prevent. Use a gauge when refilling your tires and do not exceed the recommended pressure levels. Or, let the Chapel Hill Tire experts fill them for you. 

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Problem 4: Potholes

The infamous pothole is a primary culprit of flat tires. Severe road damage can easily cut into your tire health. They can quickly become punctured or worn, especially if you regularly hit those unavoidable potholes on your daily commute. In worst-case-scenarios, a pothole can damage your rim or throw off your tire balance. This will break the seal and release the air from your tires (in addition to significantly impacting your car’s performance).

Solution: Tire Rotations, Repairs, and Cautious Driving

Some tire problems simply cannot be avoided. Swerving around a pothole is not worth causing an accident. However, remaining cautious and missing potholes when they can safely be avoided can help you prevent a flat or serious tire damage. 

You likely encounter the same rough patches and potholes on your daily commute. This repetition can wear out the same parts of your tires over and over again. Regular tire rotations can prevent this uneven wear and help your tires fight potholes for as long as possible. If your rim was bent by a pothole, this can be straightened by a tire professional. An expert can also balance or align your tires to repair any damage and prevent any further problems from occurring. 

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Problem 5: Worn Tires

When your tires become worn, even the slightest road turbulence can create a flat. Sometimes, no turbulence is needed to create a flat at all: your tire might just give out. Most tires last between 6-10 years. This depends largely on the type of tires you have, your area’s road conditions, your personal driving patterns, and your frequency of driving. Worn tires are an unfortunately common source of flats. 

Solution: New Tires

Trying to fix worn tires is most likely not worth your time and money. New tires will stay inflated while keeping you safer on the road and improving your gas mileage. The tire experts at Chapel Hill Tire will help you find the best possible price on new tires in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or Carrboro. We make this promise under our Price Beat Guarantee. We will beat out any competitor pricing by 10% of the price difference, ensuring you get the lowest tire prices possible. Use our Tire Finder here online or visit your nearest Chapel Hill Tire location for the tire service, repair, or replacement you need today!

Find Your New Tires in Durham at Chapel Hill Tire

When it comes to Durham tires, you might be wondering “Where can I find quality tires and low tire prices?” Chapel Hill Tire is here to prove that there is no better place to buy new tires in Durham than at our Woodcroft Shopping Center mechanic location. Here is what you can get when you shop at Chapel Hill Tire in Durham. 

Affordable Durham Tires with the Price Beat Guarantee 

When you shop at Chapel Hill Tire, you get the best prices on tires in Durham. We can assure you get the lowest prices thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee. On top of our every-day low prices, we offer an additional promotion to ensure that our customers get the best deals. If you bring our Durham tire experts any competitor pricing lower than our own, we will beat it by 10%. This provides a deal that will help you save over the dealership pricing. 

Wide Selection of Tire Options

The Chapel Hill Tire experts have a wide variety of tires so that you can find the perfect set of tires for you. No matter your vehicle’s make, model, year, or tire preferences, Chapel Hill Tire in Durham has something for you. This is made evident by our wide selection of tire brands. Whether you prefer Continental, BFGoodrich, Toyo, Cooper, Michelin, Uniroyal, or other exceptional manufacturers, we are sure to have what you are looking for. Our tire selection includes All-Season Tires, Car/Minivan Tires, SUV Tires, Crossover Tires, Truck Tires, Summer Tires, Winter Tires, Trailer Tires and so much more! 

Help Finding Your Perfect Tires in Durham

Our Tire Finder tool can help you explore your Durham tire options. Simply enter details about your vehicle and preferences into this tool and the Tire Finder will show you your options. If you need additional help finding the right tires, our Durham Tire specialists will work with you! Our tire professionals in Durham ensure every customer gets the tires they are looking for, every time. 

Our Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan 

When you buy a new set of tires, you want to make sure that it is protected. The Chapel Hill Tire Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan is designed to do just that. If you incur tire damages that are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, this Chapel Hill Tire protection plan includes:

• 100% tire replacement coverage for three years after purchase
• Tire flat repairs for the life of your tires
• Tire rotation and balancing

This tire protection in Durham is sure to beat out that of any dealership. Visit our tire experts to learn more about the Road Hazard Tire Protection Plan and other unique Chapel Hill Tire offerings. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire in Durham

Our Durham tire experts have the new tires, vehicle services, and other Durham car care offerings you may need. Visit our Chapel Hill Tire experts in Durham, conveniently located in the Woodcroft Shopping Center. This gives you the chance to get your shopping done while our experts work on your car. You can find our tire specialists at 4805 Hope Valley Road, Durham, NC 27707. Schedule your appointment with our Durham tire experts today to get started!

Vehicle maintenance routines can be difficult to stay on top of, but missing a needed service can lead to costly or irreparable damage. The specifics of your needed maintenance schedule are dependant upon your make, model, and driving patterns; however, you can follow a general guideline of services to stay on track and keep your vehicle healthy. Here is a breakdown of services needed by milage, brought to you by the Chapel Hill Tire experts. 

Services Needed Every 5,000 – 10,000 miles

Oil Changes and Oil Filter Replacements

For most vehicles, you will need an oil change between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Your filter will also need to be changed to protect your engine. When you get your oil changed, a professional mechanic will give you an idea of when you will need our next oil change. Many newer vehicles also have internal systems that provide notifications when your oil levels are low.

Tire Pressure Check and Refills

When your tire air levels become low, your car becomes more inefficient on mileage and your rims become more vulnerable to damage on the road. Unless your tire becomes damaged, there is unlikely to be any dramatic changes in your tire pressure over time. The cadence of a tire pressure check often follows the same routine as your oil change, so you can pair these services. Your mechanic will test and refill your tires as necessary during each oil change. 

Tire Rotation

Because your front tires absorb the friction of your turns, they wear quicker than your back tires. Regular tire rotations are needed to protect your set of tires as a whole by helping them wear evenly. Aa a general rule, you should get your tires rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. 

Services Needed Every 10,000 – 30,000 Miles

Air Filter Change 

Your vehicle’s air filter keeps debris out of our engine, but they become dirty over time. This puts unnecessary and harmful stress on your engine if left unchanged. Roughly speaking, your air filter will need to be changed between 12,000 and 30,000 miles. The gap seen here is caused by the fact that air filters will need to be changed more frequently for drivers in big cities and drivers who frequent dirt roads. Your mechanic will also check the status of your air filter during an oil change and let you know when it needs to be changed.

Brake Fluid Flush

Keeping up with brake maintenance is essential to keeping you safe while on the road. Reference your owner’s manual for your brake’s needed care routine. This service is often recommended as early as 20,000 miles. 

Fuel Filter Change

The fuel filter keeps unwanted debris away from your engine. Reference your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle’s fuel filter change routines. This service often begins as early as 30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Service

Your transmission is easy to care for and expensive to replace, making it key to provide your vehicle with a transmission fluid flush when needed. This service comes much more quickly for manual transmissions than automatic transmissions; however, both of these vehicle types can begin to need a transmission fluid flush at around 30,000 miles. 

Services Needed Every 30,000+ Miles

Brake Pad Replacements

When your brakes become worn down, they will not be able to provide the friction you need to safely slow and stop your vehicle. Brake pads can last up to 50,000 miles, but you may need a replacement before then. Keep an eye on the width of your brake pads, or ask an expert for insight into when you may need a brake pad replacement. 

Battery Replacement

While it can be inconvenient when your battery dies, it helps to know when you should expect to need a replacement. Your vehicle’s battery often lasts between 45,000-65,000 miles. Battery services can help them last longer. 

Coolant Flush

The coolant in your engine prevents it from overheating and creating costly damage. You should plan to get a coolant flush between 50,000-70,000 miles to keep your engine protected. 

As-Needed Vehicle Services

Rather than following a specific maintenance routine based on miles or years on your car, certain vehicle maintenance services are completed as needed or as preferred. Here are the services that you should keep an eye out for and the symptoms that they are needed. 

• Tire Balancing – If your tire balance becomes thrown off, it will cause shaking in your tires, steering wheel, and overall vehicle. Tire balancing can repair this issue. 
• New Tires – Your tire change schedule occurs as you need them. When you need new tires depends on the road conditions in your area, the types of tires you buy, and more. 
• Wheel Alignment – Alignment keeps your vehicle’s wheels pointing in the right direction. You can get a free alignment inspection if you think you may need this service. 
• Windshield Wiper Replacements – When your windshield wipers become ineffective, visit a maintenance professional so that you can stay safe during adverse weather conditions. 
• Headlight Restoration – If you’ve noticed your headlights dimming, visit an expert for headlight restoration. 
• Wheel/rim repair – Often needed after an accident, a pothole issue, or a driving mishap, a wheel/rim repair can save you on costly replacements. 
• Maintenance Flushes – Besides the core variations of fluid services, some maintenance flushes can be completed as-needed. The better you take care of your vehicle, the longer it will last. 

A vehicle service expert will let you know when you need a specialty service. Regular tune-ups will help you stay ahead of needed car care. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire

Chapel Hill Tire is here for all of your vehicle service needs. Visit one of our 8 Triangle-area locations to get started today!

What is the Difference Between Tire Rotation, Wheel Alignment, and Tire Balancing?

Tires can be costly and inconvenient to replace, which is why tire repairs and protections are so important. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between the various tire services and determine when you may need them. Your Chapel Hill Tire experts are here to help with this quick guide to tire rotation, tire alignment, and tire balancing. 

What is a Tire Rotation?

The tread on your tires is what keeps you safely controlling, slowing, and stopping your vehicle on the road. Over time, the tread on your front tires becomes worn more quickly than your back tires because they absorb additional friction as you turn your wheels.  A tire rotations involve switching your tires so that they wear more evenly, protecting your set of tires as a whole and keeping them lasting for as long as possible. 

How Often do I Need a Tire Rotation?

The ideal cadence of your tire rotation can depend on your brand of tires, your vehicle’s steering system, your driving patterns, and the road conditions in your area. On average, you will need a rotation every 5,000-8,000 miles. Consult your owner’s guide for more information, and consider keeping an eye on the changing tread of your tires to stay ahead of needed rotations. 

What is Tire Balancing?

Road bumps, potholes, tire wear, and other negative conditions can throw off the balance of your tires. Tire balancing is the process of eliminating uneven points in your tires to provide a smooth, comfortable ride. This is often done by match mounting. Match mounting is the tire balancing process of inspecting your wheels and matching the high and low points in your rims with that of your tires. 

When do I Need Tire Balancing? 

Tire balancing is not a routine service, so you should only get your tires balanced as needed. You can tell that you are in need of tire balancing if your vehicle or steering wheel shakes and vibrates as you drive. These symptoms are usually heightened at faster speeds. You might also opt for occasional tire balancing if you have invested in specialty or expensive rims. Tire balancing can keep your rims protected by maintaining vehicle stability on the road and keeping your rims evenly covered. If you are unsure of whether or not you need tire balancing, speak with an expert at your local tire and mechanic shop. 

What is a Tire Alignment?

Does your vehicle feel as though it is not driving perfectly straight? Or maybe it seems to be drifting towards one side of the road? You might be due for a wheel or tire alignment. Wheel alignment is a vehicle service that makes sure your tires are pointed straight and aligned within the axis of your vehicle. Misaligned tires can cause accidents, uneven tire wear, and other dangerous driving situations. This is why it is important to find a tire professional who offers free alignment inspections and get your vehicle checked at the first sign of an alignment issue. 

When Do I Need Tire Alignment?

Much like tire balancing, tire alignment should be completed as needed rather than routinely. The signs and symptoms can be hard to distinguish between that of a tire balancing issue, as vehicle and steering wheel shaking can be caused by alignment problems. One key distinction is that misaligned tires often drift or pull your vehicle and steering wheel to one side. Still unsure if you are due for an alignment? Read our five signs that you need a tire alignment, or contact our tire experts today for insight and a free alignment inspection. 

Tire Service in the Triangle

When you are due for a tire rotation, balancing, or alignment, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire have you covered. We have eight Triangle-area locations, spanning Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, and Carrboro. Visit your local Chapel Hill Tire or schedule your tire service appointment right here online to get started!

The average lifespan of a car battery is roughly three to five years. However, you might notice that your battery struggles more during seasons of extreme weather—especially when it is nearing a needed replacement. According to the experts at AAA, a car battery can lose up to 60% of its charge during periods of severely low temperatures. The cold weather can take a toll on even the newest and healthiest batteries, so here is what you can do to protect your battery from the effects of the cold. 

Drive Your Car Regularly

If the weather permits, you can protect your car battery during the winter season by driving it regularly. Because your battery recharges while you are driving, leaving your car sitting for weeks or months at a time can leave your battery drained, especially during intense cold seasons. Driving it regularly will give it the chance to recharge.

If you are worried about your battery in the cold weather, you should also try to avoid driving your car in short bursts. When the cold weather drains some of the life out of your battery and then you use its charge to crank your car, your battery will likely be running low on life. If you then drive it for only a minute or two before turning it off and letting it sit again in the cold, it will not have the time it needs to recharge. Especially if it is an older battery, this can leave it defenseless to the cold weather. 

Park in the Garage

You can provide your battery with protection from the cold by parking in a garage or underneath a covered area. This will keep snow or ice from landing and freezing on your vehicle. Garages, while often not heavily insulated, can also provide a warmer space for your car. If you are not used to parking in the garage, remember to always open your garage door before starting your car so that you are not trapped with the exhaust fumes.

Quality Battery Selection

A helpful way to assure the cold weather does not get the best of your car battery is to set yourself up for success with a high-quality battery. If you aim for a lower-quality battery, you might find it fading sooner than a more quality alternative. In the moment of purchase, you might save a little money, but you will likely pay more long-term with the more frequent battery replacements. This is especially true during the seasons of extreme weather. If you find your battery does not survive the winter weather, replace it with one that will last you as long as possible. Your vehicle and your future self will surely thank you for this investment. 

Preventative Maintenance and Care

If you notice that your battery is corroded or has defective terminal ends, it will be more susceptible to the adverse effects of cold weather. In fact, these conditions can cause your battery to stop working at any possible time, in any season. You can also have your battery, your starting system, and your charging system tested by a local mechanic. These services can protect your battery, allowing it to persevere through harsh weather. 

Keep Jumper Cables or a Battery Pack

If your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is important to keep a battery pack or jumper cables in your car. This will give you the charge you need to get your car to a mechanic for a new battery. Read our eight-step guide to jump-starting a car if you need help getting it going. Once your car is running, schedule an appointment with your local vehicle service experts to get it replaced before it fails you again.

Hybrid and Electric Car Batteries in Cold Weather

The cold weather and its impacts on battery life can be especially challenging for drivers of electric and hybrid cars. The depletion of charge can impact your vehicle’s driving range, requiring more frequent charges and hindering trips of longer distances. This makes these measures of protection especially important for your vehicle. Visit a Certified Hybrid Repair Center for help to have your battery regularly inspected and cared for.

New Car Battery in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

When you are due for a new battery, the Chapel Hill Tire experts in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro can help you identify and resolve your battery troubles. Our team provides quick, affordable, and high-quality battery services and replacements. Visit your local Chapel Hill Tire location or make an appointment here online to get started today!

Oil Change Prices

Why do most mechanics and dealerships hide the costs of their services? You might be wondering if they will try to take advantage of your visit and overprice their services. Or perhaps they think that their oil changes are so expensive that displaying their service costs would deter customers from visiting the shop. At Chapel Hill Tire, we value our customers, which is why we display transparent pricing for all of our services. Here is everything you need to know about the actual price of oil changes. 

What Does an Oil Change Involve?

One of the most common vehicle services—and arguably the most important for keeping your engine protected—is the oil change. This product keeps your engine lubricated so that it can function without harmful friction. Over time, your oil becomes filled with debris, making it less effective in providing proper protection for your engine. Your oil levels also become depleted as your engine burns through your oil supply. This is where an oil change comes in. Not only do you need to supply your vehicle with oil, but you also need to remove the old oil and replace the filter that prevents the harmful debris from entering your engine. If you partner with an outstanding oil change expert, you will also receive routine vehicle checks included in the price of your oil change. On average, you need an oil change every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes sooner. Maintaining regular oil change services will keep your vehicle protected and prevent costly engine damage from occurring. 

How Much Does an Oil Change Actually Cost?

Every mechanic has to price their oil changes in a way that helps keep business open. However, you want to ensure that this number does not take advantage of your visit. Here is how much an oil change actually costs your mechanic:

• Oil Costs: Perhaps the most obvious expense, the mechanic will pay for several quarts of oil to fill your reserve. There are multiple different types of oil that vary in thickness, which can affect your oil change costs. If you take a look at your oil cap, it will tell you which type of oil your engine requires. 
• Labor Cost: Here, you pay for the years of experience and the professional care provided by your oil change technician. You also reap the convenience of having an expert take care of your vehicle. 
• Filter Cost: Your oil filter keeps contaminants out of your engine. These contaminants can wear away at your filter over time, which is why you require regular filter replacements. The cost of your filter may vary slightly depending on your vehicle make, model, trim, and year. 
• Disposing of Used Oil Cost: Part of the hassle of an at-home oil change is navigating the disposal of the old, messy, and contaminated oil. An expert mechanic has the resources and an established process to ethically dispose of old oil. 

Collectively, what you pay will reflect the cost of the oil change for your mechanic. Even with all of these offerings, oil changes are often reasonably priced—usually running between $40-$70. You can also find oil change coupons to help offset the cost of this service. 

Transparent Oil Change Prices

You won’t find hidden costs here at Chapel Hill Tire. Instead, we keep all of our prices clear and transparent on our services page.

The only variance possible in this price is if your vehicle requires a filter or oil that is non-standard or higher in cost. This price includes five quarts of oil, an oil filter change, an air filter check, a fluid levels check, an inspection of your belts and hoses, and a tire air pressure check. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire | Oil Changes with Transparent Prices

If you are ready to ditch the traditional hidden oil change costs, visit your local Chapel Hill Tire location. With 8 Triangle-area shops—including mechanics in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro—you can get a quick and affordable expert oil change no matter where your day takes you. Schedule your Chapel Hill Tire oil change today to get started!

Do I Need a Tire Alignment?

While plenty of vehicle issues are easy to spot, some can be harder to detect than others. Misalignment in your wheels is one problem that is often difficult to spot, but it can cause your tires to wear unevenly and lead to larger vehicle issues as a whole. But how can you be sure when you need to have your wheels aligned? Here are the tell-tale signs that you are due for a tire alignment.

Recent Car Accident

If you were recently involved in a car accident, chances are you need a wheel alignment in addition to your expected vehicle repairs. The impact of an accident often shifts the alignment of your tires, be this shift subtle or highly disruptive. Even subtle shifts can lead to costly tire or steering system damage down the road. You should have your car inspected following even a minor fender bender to ensure that your vehicle has not incurred any structural damage.

Steering Wheel Vibration

Vibrations in your steering wheel are often a direct reflection of a tire issue. You may need tire balancing, wheel alignment, or another vehicle service to correct the source of these steering vibrations. When tires are pointed in different directions they can cause conflict and a pulling back and forth between the two separate courses. Aligning your wheels to be evenly facing is an ideal way to smooth and protect your steering system as a whole.

Vehicle and Steering Wheel Pull

Do you ever feel your vehicle or steering wheel pulling to one side during a drive? These could be a clear sign of an alignment issue. When your tires are not set up straight, your wheels (and thereby your steering wheel) will be led in the direction of your tires. This can make driving more difficult to manage. Similarly, you might also find that to drive straight down the road you need to hold your steering wheel at an angle. If these symptoms arise in your vehicle, have it inspected by a professional as early as possible to prevent an accident from occurring when your vehicle drifts.

Uneven Wear in Tire Tread

Uneven wear in your tire tread might be the clearest indicator of misaligned tires. If you find that the tread on some of your tires or certain parts of your tires wears out more quickly than others, you may be due for a tire alignment. This is caused by the fact that misaligned tires can put added stress on affected areas of your wheels. This uneven tread will lead to more frequently needed tire replacements, the costs of which can add up quickly.

Take Your Vehicle in for Expert Input

Perhaps the most solid sign that you are due for a tire alignment is advice from your professional mechanic. They have diagnostic tools and automotive knowledge tp determine the source of vehicle issues, be they misaligned tires or another culprit. Make careful note of the issues that you are experiencing. If you are worried about the cost of vehicle services, partner with a mechanic network that offers transparent pricing and coupon discounts. It is better to pay upfront for a reasonable repair than to face the costs of more expensive damage down the road.

Visit Chapel Hill Tire | Local Mechanics

If you think you might need a tire alignment, the experts at Chapel Hill Tire are here for you! With transparent prices, helpful technicians, and 8 convenient Triangle-are locations, you can get the help you need to put your car (and its tires) back on the right track. If you need new tires, not to worry! You will find the best tire prices here thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee. Contact your local Chapel Hill Tire location to make an appointment today!

Chapel Hill Tire Opens New Shop At Crabtree Valley Mall

Our second Raleigh location is our 8th overall

It took 65 years for Chapel Hill Tire to open our first shop in Raleigh. Founded in 1953, we arrived in North Carolina’s capital city in 2018 with the purchase of Atlantic Avenue Tire and Service, in the Millbrook area. After earning 30% growth in our first year, co-owners Marc and Britt Pons felt we could build on that success with a second store.

“We are a values-based local company that is motivated to do great work under the hood to make life better for the person behind the wheel,” says company president Marc Pons. Online appointment scheduling, free shuttle service, a best-in-the-industry 36,000 mile warranty on all service, and employees who are always working to find a way to say ‘yes’ to our customers, are just some of the ways we live our values. Plus, our Price Beat Guarantee makes sure we always have the lowest price on new tires, so that our customers know they can count on us to deliver great value.”

Located at Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 4000, in a car repair shop that had been vacant for a while, Chapel Hill Tire’s new shop opened on January 2nd. “We’ve spent the past few months refurbishing and upfitting the location,” says Pons, “as well as hiring a great team of technicians and service advisors. We are ready to go and excited to get started.”