Windshield wipers are one of the most underappreciated parts of a vehicle. That is, until they do not work. Seriously, good functioning windshield wipers are essential for keeping the glass clear so that the driver has an unobstructed view of the road.
Clear as day? But of course; yet how many of us consciously plan time to clean and check our wipers for signs of wear?
Swishing Windshield Wipers
Here are some useful facts about your windshield wipers:
How long do wiper blades last?
On average, about 6 months.
What are the signs it is time to replace the Windshield Wipers?
• The blades lift up and skip cleaning every other line.
• When in use the blades squeak even when the windshield is wet.
• The rubber edges are rounded instead of square.
• Cracks are present in the rubber blade.
• Rust is visible along the arm where the blade connects.
• The frame is bent and when in use the blades make a scraping sound against the windshield similar to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard
How extend the life of your Windshield Wipers:
- Use an ice scraper to remove ice from the blades
- Wipe down your wiper blades every few weeks to keep them clean and prevent scratching.
- Don’t raise your wiper blades during snowfall, hail or freezing rain. Heavy winds can cause the blades to snap down and cause damage to the windshield or pull the blades backwards and cause damage to the mechanism.
- Try to avoid leaving your car in direct sunlight. The UV rays break down the rubber and plastic on the blades.
- Clean your windshield regularly to remove debris that breaks down the rubber.
How to Clean Windshield Wiper Blades:
- First lift the wiper blades off from the windshield.
- Apply washer fluid or hot soapy to a clean, soft cloth (microfiber cloths are perfect for this). Wipe down the edges of the blades repeatedly wiping up and down until there is no more dirt coming off the blade onto the cloth.
- Next, wipe the hinged areas of the blades.
- As a final step use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to wipe the edges of the blades to remove any soap residue.
Fun Trivia
What year were windshield wiper invented?
1903
Who invented windshield wiper blades?
Mary Anderson
Who invented the first automatic windshield wiper powered by an electric motor?
Charlotte Bridgewood