How to Care for Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are a critical safety feature of your car, and they are often neglected. If you don’t take care of your wipers, they might not work correctly when you need them. There is nothing worse than getting caught in a sudden downpour with wipers that won’t keep your windshield clean. Check out these helpful tips for taking care of your windshield wipers, so they last longer and work better.

Keep the Windshield Clean

One way you can keep your wipers in good condition is by keeping the windshield clean. If the blades have to move over lots of grit and grime, they will wear down faster. A good way to make sure you have a clean windshield is to clean it every time you get gas. Use the washer fluid and squeegee that the gas station keeps right at the pumps and give it a good once over while the tank fills up.

Clean the Wiper Blades

You also want to make sure there is no dirt or grit on the rubber blades. Keep them clean by using a rubber squeegee or damp cloth to remove any loose dirt. Make sure you do this frequently, so it doesn’t build up and stick to the rubber. If you wait too long, it could damage the blade when you wipe it down.

Don’t Use Wipers on a Dry Windshield

Wiper blades are meant to be used on wet glass. If you turn them on when the windshield is dry, it causes a lot of friction and drag than can damage the rubber and wear them down. If you need to clear pollen or other debris from your windshield, either get out and wipe it down with a cloth or spray the windshield wiper fluid first, so the glass is wet before the wipers pass over.

Also, don’t use the wipers to clean dirt from the windshield. If you try to do this, it can damage them. 

Keep Them Out of the Sun

The hot rays of the sun cause damage to the rubber on the blades. If you can park in an area where the car is in the shade, it will help to make the wipers last longer. You can also use a car cover if you have one to keep them out of the sun. 

Replace the Blades Regularly

Wiper blades have a limited life span. You should replace them every six months to ensure that you have a good wiper blade when you need it. Once the rubber starts to crack or get brittle, it won’t make good contact with the windshield, and you’ll get spots where the water won’t clear. This can be dangerous if you have to drive during a storm. If you put the wipers through a lot of wear and tear, they might need replacing more often.

Inspect your windshield wipers regularly to make sure they are in good shape, clean or replace them as needed, and follow these tips to keep you safe and your windshield clean and clear while you’re on the road.

Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels

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