Category: Resource

The summer heat can be brutal on the components inside your car battery. The heat under the hood (or trunk, for some) significantly rises in temperature, which increases the risk of battery failure. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence during the hotter months, and over the summer, many North Carolina drivers find themselves stuck on the side of the road due to battery failure from the heat.

As you prepare for your road trips this summer, here are a few things to keep in mind so you get the most use out of your car battery. 

How Does Extreme Heat Affect a Car Battery?

When summer comes around, we tend to move at a slower pace because the heat makes us sluggish, and we’re looking to conserve energy. The sun makes us sweat, leaving us thirsty and searching for water to replace what we’ve lost. Your car battery has a similar experience, with the heat impacting it in several ways that harm its performance. Some of the main effects heat has on car batteries include: 

• Heat evaporates the battery’s vital fluids: As your hood or trunk gets warmer, the heat will evaporate the battery’s fluids. Without these fluids, your battery will send a weaker charge to other parts of the car. Eventually, the charge will grow so weak that your battery won’t be able to hold it.
• Heat speeds up the corrosion process: Besides impacting your battery’s charge, heat can increase the speed of corrosion on your battery. Once the internal components become corroded, the damage is irreversible. It’s even worse when the vital fluids have been drained from the battery, as evaporated battery fluid can corrode battery terminals and cause structural damage.
• Heat weakens the battery’s overall function: Heat damage will leave the battery weakened, which may cause your battery to fail in the summer. However, it can also make it so your battery can’t perform well once the seasons change and your battery starts to experience freezing temperatures. If your battery’s overall function is impacted during the summer, cold weather will likely kill the car battery and cause it to die much faster in the winter.

How Does Extreme Heat Affect Electric Vehicle Batteries?

Electric car owners aren’t free from the problems caused by high temperatures. Although electric vehicle (EV) batteries can keep running strong for up to 20 years, extreme heat can reduce their lifespan. Some of the primary effects heat has on EV batteries include: 

• An electric car battery may lose up to 20% of its range: When the temperature is above 95 degrees, EVs that normally make it 100 miles will only go 80 miles under these weather conditions.
• The battery needs to be charged more often: Since distances in hot weather are reduced, EVs can’t make as many trips on one charge. As a result, you’ll find yourself charging your EV’s battery more often in the summer.

How to Protect Your Car Battery In Hot Temperatures

Though heat can be brutal to your car’s battery, there’s plenty you can do to protect your battery and avoid an early car battery replacement. If you want to keep your battery running well all summer long, follow the below tips for how to protect your car battery from heat:

• Clean the battery: If you notice dirt, debris, or greasy buildup on the battery, remove it right away. Examine the battery regularly for these issues to ensure it remains in peak condition.
• Watch for corrosion: Hotter temperatures outside mean even hotter temperatures inside the vehicle’s engine. This can cause corrosion that will restrict the electrical current flow. If you notice any corrosion, a mechanic can use a copper brush or scouring pad to remove it from the battery.
• Drive the car regularly: Since heat drains the battery, it’s important to take a trip of 20 minutes or longer each day to ensure the battery replenishes and doesn’t discharge. If the car will be parked for an extended period, look into using a battery minder or smart charger.
• Park in a shaded area: Just sitting in the hot sun can cause problems for your car’s battery. Whenever possible, park in a shaded area, under a car park, or in a garage to shield it from heat.
• Check the water level: Lead-acid batteries must maintain a certain water level. If it’s low, use distilled water to replenish what was lost.
• Take your vehicle in for an inspection: One of the best ways to protect your car’s battery from heat is to bring it in for an inspection at the start of summer. If the inspection reveals your battery has corroded or is close to running out of power, the mechanic can clean your battery, fix any issues, and potentially provide a car battery replacement service if the battery is past the point of repair. 

How Can EV Owners Protect Their Vehicle’s Battery?

Alongside following the tips above, EV owners can protect their battery by charging it to the midpoint, or 50% to 60% of its total capacity. Since fully charging an EV battery can cause it to degrade faster, not charging it to its full capacity will ensure the combination of heat and a full charge won’t cause your battery to degrade even faster. You’ll also want to avoid using fast-charging stations over the summer, as fast charging can cause a battery to degrade faster.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Car Battery Service In the Triangle

If you need car battery services near you in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire can help. Whether you need a new car battery or an inspection, our team will ensure your vehicle’s battery works at its best before you hit the road again. You can also review our coupons to ensure you get a great deal on our services.

Learn more about our car battery services today. If you’re ready to bring your car in for an inspection or car battery replacement service, please find a location close to you and make an appointment.

The Chapel Hill Tire crew has been staying very busy since the last newsletter, and have two exciting announcements to make!

First, we’ve recently opened the doors to our 11th location — this time in Durham, in the former Durham Tire location at 2504 Hillsborough Road. 

Larry Powell, the President of Durham Tire, had this to say about the changeover:

“When we began the search for a new owner, we knew it was crucial to find a business that shared our values and commitment to exceptional service. We are delighted to announce that we have found that in Chapel Hill Tire, a small, family-owned company with 70 years of experience serving the local area. Chapel Hill Tire has an outstanding reputation for delivering great customer service and employee retention, and we are confident that our valued clients and team members will be in excellent hands.”

The shop is up and running now, and taking more and more new customers every day. To celebrate the changeover and thank the team for their hard work, Marc stopped by to cook steaks for everyone. He had this to say about the changeover:

“We believe that we have something really special to offer our customers, and we’re really proud of the culture we have here. We go the extra mile for our employees, so they can go the extra mile for our customers. And we saw those same sorts of values in Durham Tire, so we think their team will be a natural fit for the Chapel Hill Tire family.”

And second, we have been nominated for not one, but three separate business excellence awards! That includes the “Best Places to Work” award from Triangle Business Journal, “Best in Chapel Hill” award from Chapel Hill Magazine, and a nomination for the Business Excellence Awards from the Chamber of Commerce. You’ll be able to find these awards mentioned in a spotlight feature in Triangle Business Journal’s August 25th special publication, as well as in the recent July/August issue of Chapel Hill Magazine.

As of the time of writing, we’ve also been informed that Chapel Hill Tire has made the list for Modern Tire Dealers’ Top 100 independent tire dealerships for the first time ever. We are honored to receive this recognition from a trusted leader in the tire and automotive industry, especially so shortly after being recognized for excellence by our community and our local leaders.

“Winning these awards reaffirms our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and a thriving work culture,” Says Marc Pons, President of Chapel Hill Tire. “These honors inspire the team to continue delivering top-notch services and maintain their position as a trusted leader in the automotive industry.”

We’d love to have you stop by and visit us at the new Durham location, but if you can’t make it by in person, you can always take advantage of one of our convenient and innovative new services like mobile car wash and detailing, or our free pickup and delivery.

A huge part of owning a vehicle is keeping up with its maintenance. If you own a vehicle, regular maintenance requirements like oil changes and tire rotations have probably become routine. However, some issues aren’t so routine but must be taken care of right away. One of those issues is your vehicle’s wheel alignment, which refers to how your tires are angled on your car. During an alignment, your vehicle’s suspension system will be adjusted to better angle your tires and maximize their contact with the road.

When your car is misaligned, you’ll find it harder to control your vehicle, and your tires will experience more wear and tear than normal. Wheel misalignment usually happens over time with standard wear and tear, but passing over bumps or potholes at high speeds or hitting a curb can cause sudden jarring and throw the wheels out of alignment. As you try to prevent the negative effects of a misaligned vehicle, review the top five most common symptoms your car will exhibit when it needs a new wheel alignment.

1. Vehicle Pulls to the Right or Left

When traveling down a road without any curves or bends, does your car try to pull to the right or left? If you’re not sure, pay attention to your hands the next time you’re driving straight. If you use one more than the other to keep the vehicle straight, it’s probably because it’s pulling to that side more often.

Most people believe vehicles should stay straight if you take your hands off the steering wheel, but that’s not true. Each road crowns to some degree which will cause vehicles to pull slightly to one side. However, when the car pulls to the same side on every road, it likely needs an alignment.

2. Steering Wheels Won’t Stay Centered

The steering wheel should stay straight and centered unless you’re making a turn. The easiest way to check for this issue is to look at the emblem in the center of your steering wheel. It’s time to take the car in for maintenance if it’s crooked. Also, if the steering wheel doesn’t naturally return to the center after making a turn, that is usually an indication that the alignment is off.

3. Steering Wheels Feel Loose

When the steering wheel feels wobbly and unstable, poor wheel alignment is usually the cause. You’ll find yourself constantly making small corrections to keep the car straight. Let a mechanic take a look at the issue to determine if a wheel misalignment is the source of the problem.

4. Tire Wear Patterns May Be Abnormal

Are your tires worn in certain spots but not in others? This inconsistent wear is usually a sign that the vehicle’s wheels need to be aligned. For instance, you’ll probably need a wheel alignment if the treads closer to the vehicle are in great shape but the treads on the opposite side are almost bald. Additionally, if the tire treads are worn down too quickly, that may be another indication that the wheel alignment is off.

5. Squealing Tires

When it comes to keeping your wheel aligned with the ground and other wheels on the vehicle, the camber and toe settings come into play. When one of them strays from its position, it creates friction which leads to strange noises.

One of the strange noises coming from the tires will be squealing. When you hear this obnoxious sound, don’t hesitate to take your car to a local mechanic.

Wheel Alignment Near Me in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh

If you’re looking for a wheel alignment near you in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, or the surrounding Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. With over 11 convenient Triangle locations, Chapel Hill Tire makes it easy and convenient for you to receive wheel alignment services. Once you bring your vehicle in, one of our certified mechanics will identify the exact issue and get you back on the road in no time.

Instead of spending one more second worrying about that shaky steering wheel or loud squeaking coming from the tires, schedule an appointment today for a free alignment inspection. Don’t forget to view our promotions and take advantage of any discounts related to your service. 

So you’re driving to work or out running errands when one of your tires suddenly gives out. No matter how many years you’ve been driving, this is a scary experience for anyone. It’s completely unexpected and unpredictable—or is it? 

Tire blowouts can be caused by numerous factors, including potholes or sharp objects in the road, like nails or shrapnel. But, some blowouts can be prevented with regular car maintenance. Keep reading to find out just what a tire blowout is and the warning signs you should pay attention to in order to keep yourself and other road users safe. 

What Is a Tire Blowout?

When one of the vehicle’s tires bursts out of nowhere, and all of its air rapidly escapes, it’s called a “blowout.” Now, the first thing you may think when this frightening situation occurs is that the tire has too much air. Why? Because we tend to associate something bursting with it being overinflated, but that isn’t always the case. 

Did you know that underinflation is just as dangerous as overinflation? Whether it’s over or under, an improperly inflated tire will blow out under the right circumstances.  

If the tire is underinflated, it will begin to flex and overheat, and during the hotter months – when eggs can be fried on asphalt – a tire without enough air is likely to burst.

As a nation, we use our cars to travel a lot during the summer, transporting our families and luggage to visit relatives and friends. When the tires aren’t inflated correctly, the extra weight and very hot roads are a recipe for disaster.

The 4 Most Common Tire Blowout Warning Signs

Since a blown tire can throw a serious wrench in your plans and even cause an accident, it’s important you know the main warning signs you’re nearing a burst tire. As you try to keep your vehicle and tires in the best shape possible, review the four most common signs you’re at risk of a tire blowout below:

1. Worn Out Tire Tread

When was the last time you checked the treads on your tires? If it’s been a while, you might want to head outside. 

The treads are full of bumps and ridges that allow the tire to get a tight grip on the road. If you regularly travel for long periods or have not changed the tires in a while, your tires are likely worn out. This wear can be risky for drivers as more wear means the tire has a weaker grip on the road and is more likely to burst.

Luckily, there’s something you can do to find out if your treads are the right thickness – it’s called the “old penny trick.” Take a penny and stick it into the tread to measure its depth. If the tread doesn’t rise above President Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a new set of tires.

2. Bubbles in the Tires

Bubbles are one of the most common tire defects. The part of the tire affected by this issue is the sidewall, which is made up of several layers of rubber. Sidewalls are not as thick as treads, and an improperly inflated or overheating tire’s wall layers will begin to separate.

When the separation happens, air can easily seep in between the layers of the sidewall. The area around the bubble is then stretched over the air pocket, causing this section of the wall to become thinner. Without warning, this spot can pop and cause a tire blowout.

3. Vibrating Tires

If the tires are vibrating while driving, this is definitely a sign that something is wrong. Instead of ignoring it, pull over as soon as possible and call a mechanic to ensure you don’t have a serious problem on your hands. The wheel may be misaligned or even bent, which can lead to other damages. You could also have a defective tire that is more likely to burst, and you’ll need to replace it with a new one before you can drive safely.

4. Deflated or Overinflated Tires

As we discussed previously, underinflation and overinflation can cause tire blowouts. If you’ve noticed your tires deflating faster than normal or you haven’t checked your tire’s pressure recently, you could have a deflated or overinflated tire. An overinflated tire is usually due to heat or user error where you accidentally put too much air in your tires. Additionally, under-inflated tires can be due to damaged valves or seals, cold weather, or a lack of regular maintenance and tire pressure checks.

Regardless of the cause, deflated and overinflated tires put you at risk of a burst tire. If you haven’t checked your tire pressure in a while, take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for New Tires in the Triangle Area

If you’re looking for new tires near you in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Our team can provide several tire services, including rotating, balancing, and replacing tires. We also carry a large inventory of new tires to ensure we can get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Before you schedule an appointment, check out our coupons to get a discount on our already low prices. Don’t spend more time worrying about your tires, and let us help you confidently travel the roads. 

Schedule an appointment with Chapel Hill Tire today, and take advantage of our top-quality tire services. 

Many students attend a traditional college or university to earn a degree so they can begin a career they are passionate about. However, you’ve probably heard the phrase college isn’t for everyone, and if you’re one of those people who doesn’t think college is right for them, you should know you still have plenty of ways you can find a fulfilling and well-paying career. 

Recently there has been a surge of interest in trade schools as many individuals choose to circumvent the traditional system and look for direct training for the job they wish to pursue. If you have a real love for cars and don’t mind getting your hands dirty fixing things, a career as an automotive mechanic may be right for you. 

As you decide between a trade school or college, learn more about their differences and what you should do to become a certified automotive mechanic.

What’s the Difference Between Trade School and College?

The biggest difference between a trade school and a traditional college is the omission of general education classes and liberal arts courses at a trade school. Instead of making you take classes you’ll likely never use again, trade schools offer practical training in a specific vocation, which is why they’re also called vocational schools.

Trade schools offer mechanic training and job-specific coursework for other skilled trades. Students are known to finish their education in about half the time it takes a college student. For example, a trade school tends to only last one to two years, while an undergraduate degree usually takes four years. Not to mention, trade school costs less, and students are usually guaranteed a job upon graduation.

College degrees do carry a certain amount of prestige, but certification from a trade school shouldn’t be looked at as any less important. The education and skills learned in trade school are just as vital to our functionality as a society.

After all, who’s going to unclog the shower drains, fix the cars that have broken down on the side of the road, or repair the hot water heater? A graduate of a trade school, that’s who.

Is Becoming a Mechanic The Right Move?

Mechanic jobs are physically demanding, and you’ll need adequate training to get into this field. While the job can be demanding, it gives you a chance to work with your hands, not sit behind a desk all year, and earn a higher salary than many college-degree holders (the average salary of automotive mechanics in the United States is close to $49,000 as of July 2023). 

Becoming a mechanic is also a great choice if you love problem-solving. Since tons of things can go wrong with vehicles, mechanics who know how to break down problems and come up with a solution are highly sought after. Of course, those who love working with cars and aren’t interested in attending college are also well-suited for working in the automotive industry.

How Do You Receive Mechanic Training? 

If you think becoming a car mechanic sounds like a rewarding career for you, the process of becoming one is relatively simple. Review the main steps of landing mechanic jobs below:

• Attend a trade school after college: After graduating high school, you’ll need to finish a mechanic training program. Some programs even partner with high schools to find potential trainees. Quite often, you’re allowed to train as a mechanic while working on your high school diploma. Whether you start in high school or after, pick a trade school near you and complete the required courses to prepare yourself for a mechanic job. 
• Gain an entry-level certification: After you finish your trade school coursework, the next step is an entry-level certification. To gain this credential, you’ll need to take a test developed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). 
• Land a mechanic internship: After you pass the exam, you’ll need to enter into a mechanic internship or apprenticeship before getting hired. Once you have everything you need to become a certified professional technician, you’ll take another ASE exam.
• Apply for a job and continue your education: After you’ve passed your ASE exam, the company you interned for may offer you a position, but you could also need to apply to other shops. Once you begin working, don’t think your education stops. You’ll need to keep up with the current trends in your field. Technology is constantly making improvements and introducing new features, meaning you’ll need to stay on top of trends in the automotive industry.

Join Our Family of Qualified Mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire

If you want to become a mechanic, you can find a mechanic position for you at Chapel Hill Tire. At Chapel Hill Tire, we support all of our mechanics at our 11 Triangle area locations by paying for unlimited training. We also care about our automotive technicians’ work-life balance, so we stick to a five-day work week, never require night shifts, and offer paid vacations and holidays. Additionally, our industry-leading 401k retirement plan, health care package, and performance bonuses ensure you’re well-compensated for the work you do. 

When you’re ready to see for yourself what working with Chapel Hill Tire is like, apply for a position today.

Do you know what’s worse than sitting in a car on a smoldering summer day with no working air conditioner and the windows rolled up? Sitting in the same car on the same day with an AC unit pushing stinky air throughout the vehicle. Instead of dealing with the bad smell and possibly letting an issue with your car get worse, you can learn more about the most common car AC smells and how to solve them.

The Four Common AC Odors to Watch Out For

There are a number of reasons that the cool air coming out of your car’s vents does not smell fresh or pleasant. Fortunately, the particular smell of the air will often give you an idea of what’s going wrong and how severe the issue is. As you try to figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle, review our guide to the four most common car AC smells below:

1. Why Your Car’s AC Smells Sweet

If your car’s vents are releasing a sweet yet pungent odor, the heater core may be leaking, and engine coolant is seeping into the system’s ducts. If you notice a slimy film forming on the windows, this is probably the case, and the heater core needs to be replaced by a mechanic.

Another cause could be burning engine oil or coolant. These fumes can get sucked up into the unit, causing your AC to churn out an unpleasant odor when you first turn the AC unit on. Take a look under the hood and make sure there are no oil stains or leaks, and go see your mechanic to take care of any necessary repairs.

2. Why Your Car’s AC Smells Like Must, Mildew, and Mold

When the under-hood air intake has dust and debris build-up, water and moisture get trapped on the unit’s evaporator and in the evaporator case. This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for nasty mold and germs to grow. If you have trapped moisture, you’ll get a mildewy aroma when you turn on the AC.

One solution is to flush the evaporator case and use an antibacterial spray to clean the ducts. But don’t try to do this at home. Instead, see a professional mechanic so they can apply the commercial-grade chemicals that will get rid of the contaminants.

If there’s no water dripping from your car when the AC is on, it may be indicative of the evaporator case drain hole being clogged. For instance, it’s possible that leaves or some other debris has gotten in there and needs to be removed. Since you don’t want to be breathing in mold while you drive, take your car to a mechanic, and they’ll check for a clog and remove it for you.

3. Why Your Car’s AC Smells Like Chemicals and Mold

A strong chemical odor that also smells a little moldy is usually a sign that refrigerant is leaking from the AC evaporator. Listen for the blower fan, and if you can hear it running strong, but there’s little to no air coming out of the vents, your car’s refrigerant has probably leaked onto the evaporator fins. Besides making your car smell like chemicals, the leakage will stop the air from efficiently flowing through the vehicle. Take your car in and explain the issue to your mechanic so they can repair the AC.

4. Why Your Car’s AC Smells Like Vinegar

There can be a few reasons the air from the AC system smells like vinegar. It could be as simple as mold or a much bigger problem. Battery acid may have leaked, adding this sulfuric smell to the air. Or, it could have to do with ozone emissions. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to take your car to your local mechanic to solve the issue.

Come To Chapel Hill Tire for Car AC Service in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the Surrounding Areas

If you live in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Carrboro, or Chapel Hill, the team at Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Whether it’s a cabin air filter replacement or a new heater core, we’re ready to serve you. Our vehicle air conditioning services can help you fix everything from poor performance and warm air to bad smells and strange smells. Before you come in, be sure to check our service coupons for a discount on our affordable services. So, don’t spend any more time getting hot and sticky in that car; schedule a service appointment with Chapel Hill Tire to get your AC smelling at its best again.