The Importance of Windshield Wiper Care

Windshield wipers are a component that most people don’t care about. However, they play a very critical role in safe driving. In addition to the basic function of clearing rain or snow, proper maintenance is an important factor in vehicle safety and performance. This blog highlights why it is important to maintain your windshield wipers.

Benefits of Wiper Maintenance

Improve visibility

Clean and efficient windshield wipers play a vital role in ensuring less damage from rain, snow or fog. As a result of this improvement, the number of accidents caused by blurred vision has decreased.

Reduce the risk of accidents

Poor visibility is probably one of the main causes of most accidents. Clear or fully functional windscreen wipers can help prevent accidents from happening in the first place and keep you and other road users safe.

longer life expectancy

Proper care of your wipers with daily inspections and cleaning to ensure your wipers are in top condition and replacing worn wipers can really extend the life of your windshield wipers. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses and ensures you have working wipers when you need them most.

Improve fuel economy

Clean and effective windshield wipers also ensure less drag on your car. This means the car’s engine will have to work less. Lower drag means better gas mileage and lower gas consumption over time.

More information related to fuel economy: 8 Steps to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

Signs Your Windshield Wipers Need Replacement

streaking

Streaks on your windshield are a sign that your wiper blades are old. This can happen even if you clean the blades regularly. Sometimes, this streaking interferes with the driver’s night vision or prevents clear vision in rain or snow.

chatter

Many times, windshield wipers will make a rattling or squeaking sound, which usually indicates a problem. Possible causes of such sounds are worn blades, damaged wiper arms, or a faulty wiper motor. If you hear such sounds, you must check your wipers to find out the cause. Finding the problem can prevent more damage in the future.

jump rope

Old or worn windshield wipers may skip parts of the windshield. They also may not cover the entire area. If this happens, you know you need to replace them. Some worn blades lose their elasticity, while others can severely damage the wiper arm. Skipping the wipers severely limits visibility. Such wipers can cause you a lot of trouble when you are trying to drive safely.

How to Maintain Windshield Wipers

• Replace windshield wiper blades regularly: Windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year. This ensures stable functionality and provides you with sharp vision.
• Clean windshield wiper blades regularly: Windshield wiper blades can quickly become dirty and streaky. You can clean your wiper blades by wiping them with some windshield wiper fluid and a soft cloth.
• Check windshield wiper fluid levels regularly: Windshield wiper fluid will keep your wipers working properly. Check your windshield wiper fluid regularly and refill if the level is low.
• Check the windshield wiper unit regularly: The mechanism of the windshield wiper controls its movement. Check the mechanism from time to time to make sure it is functioning properly.

Visibility is critical

Maintenance ensures your wipers are in good condition. For example, some best practices regarding maintenance require cleaning and inspecting them regularly. If you notice any signs of damage, replace the blade. Now you know why well-maintained wipers mean clear vision, less chance of accidents, better fuel efficiency and a more comfortable driving environment. So go ahead and wipe those wipers.

Others also read: How to Maintain Your Car’s Suspension System