Wiper blades are the silent helpers that allow us to better see the road by removing the debris, rain, snow, or leaves from the front (and sometimes back) window of our automobiles. Every automobile manufactured today has these blades. The design hasn’t changed much since its introduction in 1969, which proves just how valuable these small features are to the industry. However, these blades do get worn over time.
Signs It’s Time to Change Your Wipers
Here are some of the signs you may experience when your wiper blades need to be changed.
- Your wiper blades may cause low visibility in the front window when it is used. It happens due to streaking or skipping. When the rubber edge of your blade hardens or cracks, or has a buildup of debris or tree sap, it can cause streaks on the windshield. Skipping occurs when your blade becomes curved if it
- The wiper blade becomes damaged or broken. This happens when the blades are used extensively. Another factor that can cause this damage is the sun. The ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate the rubber in the wiper, causing it to break or dislocate. Make it a routine to check for any corrosion, cracks, or broken frame in the blade. Also, check if the rubber is secure in the blade and does not change its shape when flexed.
If you would rather not go through the hassle of checking manually or if you forgot to check, changing your wiper blade every six months is a good habit. Even if you didn’t use the wiper blade extensively, it could get damaged due to weather and environmental conditions. Therefore, make it a habit to replace your blade once every six months. It is also a good practice to notify the technician to check your wiper blade when
you are having your routine maintenance on your vehicle.
How to Maintain Your Wiper Blades
To prolong the lifetime of your wiper blades, consider these easy tips.
Clean your wiper blades regularly from dust, tree leaves, snow, and other debris. Remind yourself to clean them when you start your vehicle or when fueling up.
Don’t use your wipers to remove ice from your front window. This damages the wiper blades. Instead, use a defroster to melt the snow. Also, pull up the blade from the window when it snows. The buildup of snow on your wiper blades can severely damage them. Remember, weather and environmental factors such as sunlight, moisture, dust, and other debris can damage your wipers, so take the extra steps to prevent these elements from increasing the wear of your blades.
It may not seem as important as the engine or gear mechanism in the car, but the wiper blades on your vehicle play a crucial role in keeping your car windows clean as well as makes your drive safe. That is why keeping your blades in the best shape possible is consider an important maintenance task for any vehicle owner.