Maintaining your windshield wiper blades is critical to your
safety on the road. Your wipers are needed in case of rain, snow, sleet,
extreme dust or other objects floating onto your windshield. There are many
factors that can contribute to the deterioration of your windshield wipers,
including the following: the condition of your windshield, the amount of dust
in the air or on the roads, sand or salt used to treat winter roads, extremes
of hot and cold temperatures, excessive ice or dirt while wipers are in use,
and contaminants on the wiper blades that can have a corrosive or damaging
effect. Toronto auto glass companies recommend some very important steps you
can take to ensure your windshield wipers are properly maintained.
Wash
Your Vehicle Often
You should wash your vehicle frequently. Regularly taking your
vehicle to the car wash is a way to help clear the grime and dust in which will
damage your wiper blades. In the winter, it is important to wash the salt and
sand residue off of your vehicle and your wiper blades to ensure no damage is
caused to the blades or your windshield. Thorough cleaning of your wiper blades
can also help you to notice if there are any imperfections that should be
addressed by replacing the wipers if needed.
Inspect Your Windshield
You should frequently inspect your windshield for tiny cracks or
scratches as the condition of your windshield can have an impact on your wiper
blades as well. Irregularities in the surface of your windshield can cause
damage to the line of your wiper blades. This can cause your visibility to be
reduced because your wipers are not performing optimally. Even small cracks or
chips can result in more wear and tear to your wiper blades. You should never
underestimate the importance of your wipers, particularly in adverse weather
conditions.
Clean Your Wiper Blades
Cleaning your wiper blades regularly can also help increase the
amount of time you will get out of them. You can use a bit of windshield washer
fluid and a cloth to gently wipe away the dirt and film that has accumulated on
your blades. It is important not to use any strong or harsh cleaners on your
wiper blades that could cause damage to the rubber. You will want to make sure
you use a lint-free cloth that will not leave behind any lint or fluff that
could impact the performance of your wiper blades.
Use Windshield Washer Fluid
It is important to never use your wiper blades on a dry glass
surface. You should always use your windshield washer fluid to provide
lubrication. This will help protect both your wiper blades and windshield from
damage.
Clear Your Windshield
It is important to clear your windshield of any snow, ice or
other objects before using your wiper blades. It can be tempting to just crank
up your defrost and then use your wipers to clear snow from your vehicle but it
can cause damage to the wiper blades and could also scratch your windshield.
Take the time to properly clear your windshield with a scraper in winter.
Replace Wiper Blades as Needed
Toronto auto
glass experts
recommend checking your wiper blades every six months at a minimum to ensure
they aren’t worn or damaged. Regular replacements can ensure optimal visibility
for you, and will protect your windshield as well. The amount you need to
replace your windshield wipers will depend on a several factors such as the
amount of driving you do, the weather conditions in your area, and more. A good
tip is to check your wiper blades every time you change the oil in your
vehicle. That way you can be sure you are checking them regularly for wear and
tear.
Park in a Covered Area
Parking indoors whenever possible is a great way to increase the
lifespan of your wiper blades. The more protection from the elements you can
provide the better. Parking inside especially in the winter is key to keeping
your wiper blades in excellent condition.
Carry Extra Washer Fluid
Always ensure you have an extra supply of windshield washer
fluid on hand. It is important to never run out especially in the winter months
when your wipers are used more frequently.
You
might be wondering how to know when your wiper blades need to be replaced.
There are a few tips that the experts at Toronto
auto glass companies
recommend. You should watch for streaking. Streaking can occur when the rubber
on your wiper blades has hardened or cracked. It can also be caused by residue
on the blades such as tree sap, dirt or other grime. You should listen to the
sound your wiper blades are making as they move across your windshield glass.
If they are making a chattering sound then they are likely not working
properly. Some wiper blades develop a curve or set in the rubber when they are
not being used and this can cause the chattering noise as well. General wear of
your wiper blades will also occur with age. You will be able to notice a
rounding of the rubber on your blades and this is a sign that they need to be
replaced. Splits in your wiper blades can also occur with age or because of sun
damage. It is best to replace wiper blades with splits in them as this will
definitely affect their ability to perform effectively. Wiper blades that are
bent or curved are another sign that you might need replacements. You should
carefully examine your wiper blades often for any and all signs of wear and
tear. You should make it a habit to inspect your wipers every time you get gas.
People often neglect the back wiper when it comes to wiper maintenance as well.
The back windshield wiper also serves the important purpose of keeping your
visibility good in your vehicle. You will want to ensure you are checking on
your back wiper just as often as you check your front ones. Wiper maintenance
doesn’t have to be time consuming. If you make it a part of your regular car
maintenance routine, you will find that you have to replace your wipers less
frequently. Your windshield wipers do an important job of maintaining the
safety of your vehicle. You should consider the maintenance of them as much of
a priority as you do your oil changes. Taking the time to properly care for
your wiper blades will also increase the lifespan of your windshield itself. Your
windshield plays a huge role in your protection during accidents or other
impacts, so it is important that you take care of it. If you are uncertain
about when you should be replacing your wiper blades then keep in mind that
under normal use blades should be changed every six months or so. You can have
your local Auto Glass Changers shop take a look at your blades for you and
suggest if replacement is necessary. If you are taking all of the above noted
steps to properly maintain your wiper blades you will see that you should be
able to get a lot more life out of them.
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