Windshield Wipers – Everything You Need to Know!
When it rains, it pours, and that’s never good news for vehicle owners. Research shows that drivers reduce speed by 6 to 17 percent in heavy rain and 2 to 13 percent in light rain, as braking distance is impacted, and visibility gets distorted.
This may help the car to stop in time, but what to do about the impaired visibility?
It is essential to keep your car’s windshield wipers in top shape as they are responsible for driving away dust, rain, snow, and all other elements for clear vision.
Despite their obvious need, drivers often replace other severed parts and fluids, with little to no thought of checking their wipers’ condition. Well, that’s careless and downright dangerous, so always make sure that your car has plenty of wiper fluid and wipers that work to perfection.
Telltale Signs of Failing Wiper Blades
With time, wiper blades become brittle and may break, losing flexibility because of damaged rubber trimmings. This combination further deters visibility for the driver and may make it dangerous for them to drive in inclement weather.
Here are some signs to watch out for to understand if your wiper needs new blades:
- Worn edges which limit the contact, power, and performance of the wiper
- Apparent missing pieces, cracks, and slits on the rubber squeegees
- Check the elasticity of the squeegee by flexing it – damaged rubber won’t be easy to maneuver
- The wiper makes a chattering or squeaking noise
- You notice scratches on your windshield, etc.
Reasons for their Short Life Span
Many of us leave wiper replacement on a need be basis, without considering the fact that blades have a short life span.
They get damaged due to several environmental aspects, which include, but do not limit to:
- Exhaust and car waxes contain oily fluids which adversely impact rubber
- UV rays from the sun deter the blade
- The wind is riddled with airborne particles like sand, dust, mud, etc. which diminish the effectiveness of the wiper blade
Ideal Number of Replacements Per Annum
Driving with a dirty or water-ridden windscreen is like playing with fire as a clear vision is fundamental for safe driving.
That said, ideally, you should replace wipers twice a year to ensure that they do a bang-up job when it snows and rains.
Using Wiper Blades to their Full Potential
Here are some easy to follow steps to limit the wear and tear of your wiper blades to extend their life:
- Regularly clean your windshield, and remove stubborn mud stains, bird droppings, etc. It would be best to get it wiped down every time you fill gas; most stations keep a cleaner and squeegee for drivers to use when need be.
- If the windscreen is covered in snow or slush — scrape it off by hand instead of just using the wipers. Because blades are fragile and snow may damage them.
- Regularly clean blades with rubbing alcohol alongside a soft, damp cloth
Wiper Blade Options
When on the market for after-market wiper blades, you will come across various variants with different features.
What’s right for you depends on the commonly known weather conditions in your region. For instance, some blades are meant for clearing snow and ice, whereas others are perfect for light to heavy rain.
You may be tempted to go for a cheaper unit, but remember, it will fall short when push comes to shove and won’t deliver as advertised.
If you see both seasons at extreme ends, we recommend you to keep two separate pairs of blades – one for when it pours – others to clear the windscreen from snow, ice, and slush.
Time for an Upgrade
Winter is right around the corner, and chances of rain and snow are high!
A cracked up, broken wiper will not offer clarity and may even damage the windscreen. If your wipers do not respond the way they should, better get them replaced before the first storm hits.
You can purchase a pair online or come to us at Transparency Auto Glass for complete replacement services. Our expert technicians will even help you select the right wiper blades for your car.
We provide top-quality products that adhere to the standards set by Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC), National Glass Association (NGA), OSHA, and ISO policies regarding proper glass installation.
To know more about windshield wipers and blades, get in touch with us today!
