Windshield wipers are vital to ensuring our safety when we are driving through inclement weather, and if you fail to care for your windshield wipers, then they will become dull and no longer effectively wipe away any water on your windshield while it’s in the middle of a downpour. However, there are many steps you can take to preserve your windshield wipers and ensure that they are fully operational for years to come.
Defrost and Scrape Prior to Usage
When there is snow on the ground and it is cold outside, then your wipers tend to cling to the windshield due to frost and the presence of ice. If you try to use your windshield wipers before they defrost, then they could potentially snap. During the winter, you should defrost your windshield and then scrape away any ice that is clinging to your windshield wipers before you drive anywhere. Always set the defroster on high when you first start up your car.
Replace the Blades Twice a Year
Wiper blades typically do not last a long time – they have an average lifespan of about 6 months. It is around this time when you will begin to notice poor visibility with your vehicle, and if you want to avoid this issue, then we strongly recommend that you replace the blades. Some of the indicators that your blades are becoming ineffective include smearing, skidding, or squeaking across the glass. Blade replacements are a simple, easy, and inexpensive process.
Keeping your Windshield Clean
Your windshield wipers are going to experience a lot more wear and tear if you do not routinely clean your windshield. When you are at a gas station, you can easily clean your windshield with the squeegee and cleaner that is provided to you when you arrive. This is something that you should take advantage of whenever you get the chance! Check the squeegee beforehand to ensure that it is not dirty and also wipe it down with a paper towel because it will likely contain small rocks and debris which can scratch your window.
Never Run Your Wipers When It Isn’t Necessary
If your windshield is dry, the last thing you want to do is turn on your wipers, and this is because they were designed to operate only when the windshield is wet. Running your wipers when it’s dry out will potentially scratch your windshield and cause them to wear out more quickly. If pollen builds up on your windshield and you need to remove it, then simply activate your washer fluid to ensure that you are wiping a dry windshield.
During the Colder Months, Reposition the Blades
When it’s super early in the morning and you’ve got to be to work, the last thing you want to worry about is defrosting your windshield wipers. This is why you should pull the wiper blades away from your windshield the night before when you know it is going to be cold outside. This will ensure that the rubber part of the blade will not freeze and cling to the windshield. This will also make it much easier to remove any ice that has accumulated overnight.
How to Clean the Wiper Blades
If you are not actively cleaning your wipers blades, then they can quickly become covered in dirt. This is something you don’t want to happen because it’ll be much more difficult to clean the glass of your windshield. Dirty wiper blades can also leave streaks across your windshield which are very ugly to look at and they will obstruct your view of what is in front of you. Try to make a habit of cleaning the rubber area of the wiper blade that cleans off your windshield.
You also want to inspect the blade and remove any debris or trash caught inside of it. This also gives you the opportunity to check for any defects in your blades that need fixing. For example, if you notice any missing chunks of rubber, then odds are it is time to replace your windshield wipers. If there is a wiper on your rear window, then be sure to check that one as well for any defects.
Cleaning Out the Bottom of the Windshield
Whenever you are using your wipers, dirt and debris make its way to the bottom of your windshield. The buildup at the bottom of your windshield can quickly get out of hand and it will even get so bad that your wipers will begin dragging dirt back up into your windshield. If you notice a lot of buildup in the bottom of your windshield, then take the time to clean it out. This won’t take long and it will prevent your wipers from scratching and staining your windshield.
Adjusting Your Wiper Blades
Many drivers will have to readjust their wiper blades even after tightening the wipers because it will continue to leave behind dirt on your windshield. This usually means that the wiper is not making full contact with the windshield. Making adjustments to your wiper blades will ensure that they can perform optimally and efficiently.
Why Take Care of Your Windshield Wipers?
When you are out on the road, you want to ensure that there won’t experience any issues with your windshield wipers. In severe weather conditions, you want to be sure that you can navigate the road and not have to compromise your visibility. Only if your wiper blades are well-kept will you be able to drive through rain, snow, or fog without any difficulty. If you neglect to clean or maintain your windshield wipers, then you are creating a safety hazard for yourself and other drivers.
These tips will keep you safe on the road and ensure that you have optimal visibility. We care deeply about your well-being, and we are always looking out for the drivers of Tempe, Arizona. If you have any questions regarding windshield wiper repair and replacement services, then go ahead and give us a call! We can easily answer all of your questions.