Author: Marc Pons

Over the years, hybrid vehicles have exploded in popularity. Since they’re a more eco-friendly, fuel-efficient option to traditional cars, it’s easy to see why many people opt to go hybrid with their next vehicle purchase. Despite their advantages, you’ll likely want to consider a hybrid’s repair costs before you make a large financial commitment. If you’re interested in purchasing a hybrid vehicle, you should know about repairs that can be more expensive with a hybrid car and ones that are about the same in a car that only uses gasoline.

Hybrid Repairs That Can Be More Expensive Than Traditional Repairs

Due to the difference in their design compared to traditional vehicles, hybrid vehicles sometimes require more expensive repairs. As you consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle, review the most common hybrid vehicle repairs that usually cost more than those for traditional vehicles below:

1. Battery Replacement

Battery replacement is one of the most significant repairs a hybrid vehicle owner can encounter. Hybrid cars have two batteries: one is a 12v battery that is used for smaller functions like starting, locking, and interior lighting, and the other is a much higher voltage battery that is responsible for moving the vehicle.

The larger of the two batteries has a lifespan that usually lasts from 100,000 to 200,000 miles and costs anywhere from $1,000 – $8,000 to replace, making it one of the most significant repairs in hybrid cars. Due to the higher cost of a new battery, you’ll likely want to opt for a hybrid vehicle that runs on a longer-lasting battery to avoid having to replace it before you’re ready to sell your vehicle.

2. Regenerative Braking Systems

Alongside their unique battery system, hybrid cars rely on a regenerative braking system that helps recharge the vehicle’s battery during braking, allowing for a longer-lasting battery life. Regenerative braking is more specialized than braking mechanisms in traditional vehicles and can be more expensive to repair. However, the system means less wear on your brake pads, meaning costs of routine brake pad replacement will be reduced.

The costs to repair these braking systems may vary by the repair shop and the type of hybrid you purchase. As a result, you’ll likely want to research the costs of repairing the regenerative braking system of the hybrid you’re interested in buying. You can also check with local automotive shops to see how much they typically charge for regenerative braking system repairs.

3. Cooling Systems

Hybrid cars have additional cooling systems to regulate the temperature in their electrical components. Because of these more specialized systems, the labor and components can be more pricey than traditional vehicles, as there may be fewer technicians in your area who can repair these types of problems. The parts for hybrid vehicle cooling systems can also be harder to obtain, resulting in a higher cost to repair them. 

Before you purchase a hybrid vehicle, check with local repair shops to see how much they charge to repair hybrid cooling systems to make sure the costs fit your budget. 

Hybrid Repairs That Are Comparable to Traditional Repairs

While you’ll likely pay more for some repairs, there are several repairs that cost about the same for hybrid and traditional vehicles. Find out more about the most similarly priced repairs below:

1. Routine Maintenance 

Standard repairs such as oil changes, tire rotation, fluid flushes, and brake pad replacement are all comparable in price to traditional fuel-powered cars. All of these fixes are essential to the basic functionality of your hybrid car, so it’s good news that they aren’t as costly as some more specialized hybrid repairs. 

2. Suspension and Steering

The suspension and steering systems in hybrid cars do not differ that much from gasoline-powered vehicles. If you need some work done on your hybrid vehicle’s steering rack, shocks, or struts, it should run you about the same amount due to a hybrid’s similarity with traditional vehicles. 

3. Body Repairs 

Any kind of body damage caused by accidents, such as paint issues, dents, or bumper repair, is not drastically different in a hybrid car from a traditional vehicle. If you need routine bodywork, you’ll be spending a comparable amount of money.

4. Exhaust System Repairs 

Fixing the exhaust system in a hybrid car versus a fuel-powered vehicle will cost about the same amount at the end of the day. Components like exhaust pipes and mufflers are similar in both types of cars, and even though the systems differ in a few ways, the repairs will be about as expensive.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for all Hybrid Car Repairs Near You in the Triangle

Once you’ve purchased a hybrid vehicle and are looking for hybrid car repairs near you in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Our team of technicians is trained to service all types of vehicles, including hybrids, and will be happy to provide any repairs or maintenance you might need. We’re also proud to offer several promotions to keep your costs as low as possible.

Learn more about our hybrid vehicle services today. If you need a repair for your gas or hybrid vehicle, please make an appointment at one of our 11 Triangle area locations.

At some point in almost all vehicle owner’s lives, they’ll need to break out the jumper cables and ask someone to lend a hand or, in this case, a battery. Though most people have either jumped a gas-powered car or seen someone jump a vehicle, many people aren’t sure how (or if) they can jump an electric vehicle (EV). Typically, EVs shouldn’t need a jump due to their design, but EV owners should still know the ins and outs of jump-starting their EVs just in case.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Jump-Start the Large Voltage Battery in Your EV

EV cars have two batteries: one is a high-voltage battery responsible for moving the vehicle, and the other is a 12v battery used for smaller functions like starting, locking, windows, onboard computers, and interior lighting. If your 12v battery is drained, your vehicle may not start, and it’s safe to try to jump it.

However, if the larger high-voltage battery in your car is drained, you can’t use another car’s battery to jump it. Instead, you’ll need to recharge it at an EV charging station, and if it won’t charge, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic.

6 Steps to Jump-Start Your Electic Vehicle

When your 12V battery is dead and not powering various functions in your EV, you can safely jump-start it by following the steps below:

1. Follow Safety Precautions

Before you try to jump-start your EV, it’s important to make sure you’re as safe as possible. For example, you’ll need to park or tow your car away from potentially hazardous traffic. Next, turn off the EV and confirm it’s in park.

 In addition to turning off the vehicle, check that anything that could draw power from your 12v battery is turned off. For example, headlights, interior lights, and windshield wipers should be turned off. Finally, locate your vehicle’s battery using your EV’s owner’s manual. 

2. Gather Your Tools 

Alongside following safety precautions, you’ll need to have a few tools to jump-start your EV’s 12v battery properly. These tools include:

• Jumper cables that are in good shape.
• A functioning gas-powered vehicle (using an EV or hybrid vehicle to jump an EV isn’t usually recommended).
• A cloth to clean debris off of the battery and the jumper cables.

3. Connecting the Jumper Cables 

While much of the previous two steps are similar to a gas-powered vehicle, the actual process of jumping an EV is different. Review the following steps to connect your jumper cables to your EV and another vehicle:

• Locate the positive and negative terminals on both vehicle’s batteries. 
• Connect the red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead vehicle’s battery. Ensure the red and black connectors never touch while doing so.
• Connect the other end of the red cable to the working vehicle’s battery.
• Attach the black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery.
• Attach the other end of the black clamp to the negative grounding point of the dead EV battery.

4. Starting the Vehicles

Once you’ve properly hooked up your jumper cables by following the steps above, start the working vehicle and let it run for a couple of minutes. The running vehicle will help power get to your dead EV battery. After a couple of minutes, attempt to start the dead car. If it starts, great! If it doesn’t, try again in a few minutes. EVs that won’t start after you attempt to jump them a few times will need to be taken to a mechanic for further inspection.

5. Disconnecting the Cables

Now that your 12v battery is working again, you’ll want to disconnect the jumper cables in the opposite order that you attached them in. The steps to disconnect the cables can be found below:

• Remove the black (negative) cable from the ground point on the jumped EV.
• Remove the black cable from the battery of the jumping vehicle.
• Remove the red (positive) cable from the jumping vehicle.
• Remove the red cable from the jumped EV.

6. Final Steps

Let your EV vehicle run for about 20-30 minutes after it’s jumped to allow the battery to recharge fully. Finally, take your car to your local shop to get your 12v battery checked, as 12v batteries usually don’t need to be jumped. You could need a new battery, or there may be something that malfunctioned that caused it to die. 

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for all Your Alignment Needs

If you’re looking for an electric vehicle repair shop near you in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Whether you can’t get your 12v battery to work or have another issue with your EV, we can help. With over 60 years of experience, your car will be in safe hands at Chapel Hill. We pride ourselves on being a values-based company and strive to make every visit as seamless and easy on the customer as possible!

If you need a repair, please set up an appointment at one of our conveniently Triangle-area locations. You can also review our promotions to find a great deal on our many services.

Whether you go over a curb or hit a pothole, any time your tires take any impact it can be a scary moment. Risking a blowout on a long car trip or your morning commute is something that everyone wants to avoid if possible. However, damage to your tire’s sidewall can occur accidentally and cause your tire to suddenly explode while you’re on the road. As a result, drivers should know the main types of sidewall damage that put them at the most risk of a sudden blowout.

4 Signs You’re At Risk of a Tire Blowout Due to Sidewall Damage

The outer facing layer of a tire is called a sidewall, and damage to it can put your tire’s safety in jeopardy. From cuts and punctures to bubbling and cracking, there are plenty of signs that indicate your sidewalls are damaged and could put you at risk of a blowout. Instead of hoping for the best while you’re on the road, review the top four types of sidewall damage that indicate you’re at risk of a blowout below:

1. Cuts

Cuts are probably the most common type of sidewall damage and occur when your tires come into contact with sharp objects on the road, such as glass, wood, or debris. 

Even if the inner parts of the tire are not exposed by the cut, it is important to have a professional assess the damage, as cuts can lead to rapid tire pressure loss or a complete blowout. If the cut is only a few millimeters deep, the tire can still be driven on, but any damage that goes deeper into the sidewall is cause for replacement. 

2. Punctures

Punctures to your sidewall can be harder to notice than cuts. Unless the object that punctured your tire is still lodged in the actual structure, it can be easy to miss with the naked eye. While punctures may not immediately cause a blowout, they weaken the integrity of the sidewall’s structure and, if left unattended, can lead to damage over time. 

Punctures in a tire’s tread can sometimes be repaired, but a puncture to the sidewall warrants a tire replacement. Since ignoring what may seem like a small amount of damage can cause a bigger problem down the road, you’ll need a mechanic to immediately inspect your tires if you’ve noticed a sidewall puncture.

3. Bubbling and Bulging

Bubbling and bulging are more obvious forms of sidewall damage but are just as dangerous as cuts and punctures. Sidewall bubbling can occur because of impact, a manufacturing issue, or even just age. It’s also possible to under-inflate your tires and cause sidewall bulging, as the weight of the car places more stress on the tire’s internal structure. 

Bulges and bubbles should be taken seriously, as they are a major cause of blowouts and cannot be repaired. It is recommended that you replace your tires as soon as possible if you notice any bulging in the sidewall.

4. Cracks and Dry Rot 

As tires age, they may develop dry rot and start to crack. UV exposure, weather changes, and any kind of caustic material that they may come into contact with can put wear and tear on them. 

Cracks that are barely visible may not need to be immediately replaced, but extensive cracking should be addressed ASAP. The internal structure of the tire could be compromised by the cracks, and the tire could be dangerous to drive on. Even if you think the cracking isn’t extreme, it’s worth bringing your car in and having a professional take a look.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire Car Center All Your Tire Needs

If you’ve noticed any of the types of sidewall damage above and are looking for tire service near you in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, or the surrounding areas, stop by one of Chapel Hill Tire’s many locations in the Triangle. Our team can inspect your sidewalls and make any needed repairs to ensure your tires aren’t at risk of a blowout. In the event you end up needing new tires, our online tire-finding tool takes the stress out of wondering if you’re making the right choice when it comes to your vehicle’s wheels.

Learn more about our tire services today. If you need your sidewalls inspected or your tires replaced, please make an appointment. Don’t forget to also check out our promotions to see how much you can save!

Summer’s over, and with the cold weather coming, it’s important to be on top of your car’s maintenance. During the fall and winter, one common issue car owners face is the temperature light turning on. Since this light can indicate your engine is overheating, car owners should know the top four reasons why this light normally comes on and what to do about each of them. 

1. Coolant Is Freezing

Coolant is one of the most important aspects of temperature regulation in your vehicle. When you think of an engine overheating, you may be picturing someone standing on the side of a highway in the dead of summer, looking under the hood of their car, but freezing temperatures can also be dangerous for your car’s temperature regulation. If the temperature light in your car turns on, there’s a high chance your coolant is freezing.

Coolant contains antifreeze, which keeps your fluids from freezing up in the colder months. If your coolant and antifreeze levels are off, it can cause your coolant to freeze. Frozen coolant can lead to your radiator expanding in order to make room for the frozen liquid. As the radiator expands, cracks can develop, and a slew of problems can emerge, including other liquids mixing with the coolant.

If you want to avoid frozen coolant, your coolant should be regularly flushed in order to make sure you don’t run into any issues with your engine temperature. A trained mechanic can also solve frozen coolant issues after they occur and ensure other parts of your car haven’t been damaged. 

2. Old Coolant Temperature Sensor 

A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) is a vital part of your vehicle’s heating and cooling system, as it measures the temperature of your cooling system’s antifreeze and coolant mixture to ensure your engine isn’t overheating. As your coolant tank ages, the CTS, or Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, will age as well, leading to inaccurate temperature readings.

If your CTS is old and malfunctioning, it can trigger the temperature light in your car to turn on. A failed CTS can also lead to much more problematic and expensive issues down the line, including the engine overheating without any warning from your dashboard that something’s going wrong. Instead of ignoring your temperature light and risking engine issues right as the holiday season begins, take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them check if the CTS is working properly. 

3. Defective Thermostat 

Your vehicle’s thermostat regulates the flow of coolant into your engine. As the engine heats up, the thermostat will open to let more coolant in, and as the engine gets colder, the thermostat will close. A defective thermostat can lead to overheating and overcooling—both of which can be a big problem for your engine. 

Overheating can cause extreme damage and even combustion of your engine. Overcooling drastically reduces your engine’s lifespan by wearing out key elements. It can also lead to increased fuel consumption. Either issue can trigger your temperature light to come on. Fortunately, vehicle thermostats are relatively cheap, and a trained technician can replace them fairly quickly to prevent overheating or overcooling. 

4. Water Pump Failure 

Cold weather can affect your vehicle’s water pump and cause it to fail, which is a surefire way for your engine to overheat. Water pumps push coolant from the radiator to the engine and back around to the radiator again. Low temperatures during the fall and winter can cause the seals on a car’s water pump to weaken and eventually crack, messing up your car’s temperature regulation system. This issue can cause your temperature light to turn on and your engine to overheat.

If you’ve noticed your coolant is leaking, dirty, or thickening, your water pump could be to blame. Another key sign you have a water pump issue is if you’re hearing grinding noises and your temperature light has turned on. A trained mechanic can replace a failed water pump and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive in the cold.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Temperature Light Inspection Services

If you’re looking for temperature light repair services near you in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. When your temperature light is on in your car, you can easily schedule an appointment with us for a complete inspection. Once you bring your car in, one of our trained technicians will be happy to diagnose why your temperature light is on and perform a comprehensive repair. Our cooling fluid maintenance services can also help prevent your temperature light from coming on in the first place.

If your temperature light is on in your car, please make an appointment at one of our 11 locations in the Triangle area. You can also review our promotions to find a great deal on our many services.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 622 motor vehicle traffic fatalities were caused by tire-related crashes in 2021. As the saying goes, your tires are the only thing between you and the road. As a result, it’s essential that you understand how to buy the correct tires for your vehicle and maintain them throughout the seasons.

In this article, we’ll dive into tire tread and traction grading so you can play your part in keeping everyone on the road safe, including yourself. 

What Is a Treadwear Grade?

Like most grades, you want to obtain the highest number in order to pass the test. The test you’re trying to pass is all about road and vehicle safety. A treadwear grade is used to indicate the tire’s wear rate. The higher the number, the more time it will take to wear down the tread. 

The treadwear ratings (along with the other grades) can be found on the sidewall of each passenger vehicle sold in the country. A grade of 100 is assigned to a control tire, and then the control is used as a comparison for other tires. For instance, if a treadwear grade is 300, it will take three times as long to wear down compared to the control tire.

What Is a Traction Grade?

What’s the distance your vehicle will travel on a wet road before it comes to a complete stop? The answer to this question can be found by looking at your tire’s traction grade. The grading scale is “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C,” with higher grades indicating the tire can stop faster on wet pavement. “AA” is the highest ranking, and currently, only 15% of tires have this rating. Typically, you’ll want to avoid tires with ratings of C or B, as this rating means they’ll take longer to stop on wet pavement. 

What Is a Temperature Grade?

Alongside tire tread and traction grading, you can determine the quality of a tire by checking its temperature grade. This grade measures the tire’s resistance to heat, which is a concern when driving long distances, especially during the summer.

The grading system, from highest to lowest, uses “A”, “B”, and “C” grades to measure this aspect of tire quality. Currently, 34% of tires have a “B” rating, while 4% have received a “C”. Generally, “A” rated tires will be the right choice for most drivers, as they offer the highest level of protection from sustained high temperatures that can cause your tires to deteriorate.

What to Consider When Buying New Tires

When your old tires need to be replaced and you need to buy new ones, it’s a good idea to be armed with the above information. Most drivers will want to go with tires that have “A” ratings for traction, treadwear, and temperature, as they all provide significant protection from wear and environmental factors.

As you look for a new set of tires, be sure to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual when it comes to tire size. The information is also posted inside the driver’s side door, and you should review it to ensure you’re purchasing tires in the right size for your vehicle. 

Besides checking their grades and size, you’ll also want to make sure you’re purchasing the right type of tire. Before you make a purchase, check if the tires are all-season, winter, summer, or all-terrain. Basically, you’ll want to base your tire type on the weather you typically drive in. For example, if you live in an area where snow, extreme temperatures, and mud aren’t a major concern, all-season tires are a great choice. 

However, if you often find yourself driving in deep snow, winter tires are a better option. In warm weather, summer tires will withstand high temperatures but aren’t designed for snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, making them a good choice for those who live in climates that are hot year-round. When you love taking your vehicle off-road, you’ll need all-terrain tires to navigate between different landscapes.

Tire Maintenance

Alongside checking your tires’ grades and types before you buy, you’ll want to properly maintain them to keep them performing at their best for as long as possible. Review some of our top tips for tire maintenance below:

• Keep your tires inflated at the right levels: Proper tire inflation is crucial to your car’s performance and safety. If you’re looking to save money on gas, this is one way to do so. 
• Receive regular tire rotation services: Tire rotation is also important because it ensures the treads are evenly worn, making your ride much smoother. Keeping them balanced and aligned is also recommended to extend their longevity. 
• Review your tire treads monthly: Check the treads once a month using the penny trick or the built-in treadwear indicators. If using a penny, place it between the treads, and if Lincoln’s head disappears, you’re in good shape. 
• Check treadwear indicators: Treadwear indicators are raised sections between the treads. Replace tires when they are level with the indicator.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Tire Replacement Services in the Triangle

If you’re looking for new tires near you in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. At Chapel Hill Tire, we offer free lifetime and flat repairs on tires purchased from us. Pressure checks are free, and you’ll receive an annual risk-free alignment evaluation. We even have a handy tire shopping tool on our website so you can find the right tire for your vehicle.

Remember, tires are the only thing separating you and the road, so this is one area where being cheap can put you at risk of having an accident. Take advantage of our price-beat guarantee and schedule an appointment for a tire replacement service.

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.

Windshield wipers are often an overlooked part of our vehicle maintenance, but they play a crucial role in maintaining our safety on the road. A clear and unobstructed view of the road is essential for safe driving, especially during adverse weather conditions. 

Windshield wipers offer increased visibility clearing rain, snow, and debris from your windshield. Over time, wiper blades become worn, resulting in streaks, smears, and overall reduced effectiveness. This can hinder your ability to see clearly, especially during heavy rain or snowfall, putting you and your most precious cargo at risk.

4 Signs That Show You Need Wiper Replacement:

Knowing what to look for can help you identify the right time to change your worn-out windshield wipers—before you get caught in adverse weather or fail your State Vehicle Inspection.

1. Streaking or Smearing: If your wipers are leaving streaks or smears on the windshield, even after cleaning, it’s a clear indication that the blades have deteriorated and need replacement. 
2. Skipping or Chattering: If the wiper blades skip across the windshield or make a chattering noise, it’s a sign of worn-out rubber, reducing their effectiveness.
3. Uneven Wiping: Keep an eye out for areas on the windshield that remain unwiped or have reduced coverage. Uneven wiping is an indication that your wiper blades are bent or worn enough to no longer make proper contact with the glass.
4. Cracked or Split Rubber: Every few weeks, inspect the rubber portion of the wiper blades for cracks, splits, or missing chunks. Damaged rubber blades can’t effectively clear the windshield, compromising visibility.

5 Easy Steps to Replacing Windshield Wipers:

Windshield wipers replacement is one of the easier vehicle maintenance items to keep up with. Follow these 5 simple steps from the auto repair experts at Chapel Hill Tire. 

1. Determine the Correct Size: Before purchasing new wiper blades, measure the length of the existing blades or consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the appropriate size.
2. Purchase the Right Blades: Visit an auto parts store or contact your local car service experts, like Chapel Hill Tire in Raleigh, to purchase high-quality wiper blades that match the size and specifications recommended for your vehicle.
3. Remove the Old Wiper Blades: Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and locate the small tab or button where the blade connects to the arm. Press or slide it to release the old blade and carefully remove it.
4. Attach the New Wiper Blades: Align the new wiper blade’s connector with the hook or pin on the wiper arm. Gently press the blade until it clicks into place. Ensure that it is securely attached.
5. Test the New Blades: Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield and turn on your vehicle’s wiper system to check the new blades’ functionality. Confirm that they are wiping smoothly and providing a clear view.

Windshield Wiper Replacement at Chapel Hill Tire

Maintaining clear visibility while driving is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. If your windshield wipers are showing signs of wear or if it’s time for a replacement, don’t delay. Contact Chapel Hill Tire, your local car service experts in Raleigh, for professional windshield wiper replacement. 

Our experienced technicians can ensure that you have high-quality wiper blades installed correctly, giving you the confidence to face any weather conditions.

Whether you’re in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, or Carrboro, you can stop by, make your appointment online, or call us to get started today!