Visibility is a key component of driving and yet, how often do you think about your wiper blades? We’re going to bet not very often unless it’s completely falling apart and a piece of rubber is dragging across the glass. If you get caught in a rainstorm or driving in slushy winter conditions, you’ll be depending on your wipers more than ever and you’ll want to be prepared. Here is everything you didn’t think you needed to know about your windshield wipers.
Detecting Damage
We’ve all done it. Your vehicle has a fresh layer of snow on it from the night before and you didn’t wake up on time to scrape your windows. You hope in the driver seat and flick on your wipers, pulling the lever towards yourself to spray a bit of wiper fluid to really break up that ice. Your wipers bump and slide making a scratching noise across your windshield, but hey, it did the trick, right?
WRONG! This is terrible for your wipers! The snow, ice build-up, and cold weather can easily crack and rip the delicate rubber on your wiper blades right before your eyes. Besides, the remaining part of your vehicle will still be covered in snow and it could blow off when you hit high speeds, putting other drivers at risk. Wake up earlier or accept that you’ll be late that day, just scrape your windows like you know you’re supposed to.
Recommended Maintenance
Damaged or cracked wiper blades do not work properly and can permanently scratch your glass, or worse, cause unsafe driving. We recommend changing or at the very least, inspecting them about every 6 months. Replacing your wiper blades can be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve the safety of your vehicle.
Wiper blades can easily be cleaned by running a wet towel along the edge of the rubber blade. This will remove any dust, dirt, debris and grime that can accumulate over time. This will help your wipers to work more efficiently and last longer. While you’re wiping, this is your chance to notice any cracks, hardened areas or worn areas.
While you’re checking your wipers, it’s best to take a look at your wiper fluid. Notice the level and top off if needed. Be sure to also inspect the spray nozzles to ensure they’re spraying evenly across the windshield glass and provide a good enough coverage that’s being cleaned by your wipers.
What To Buy
When it eventually becomes time to replace your wipers, there will always be someone ready with an opinion on the best wiper blades. There aren’t many differences when it comes to prices at an auto body shop (unless they have a promotion) versus a department store such as Walmart or Canadian Tire.
Our tips:
- You will receive more help as for what to purchase if you visit an auto body shop or a Canadian Tire store where they have a specific parts department with a technician to make a recommendation
- If you’re going to attempt this typically easy procedure on you’re own, be sure to do a search on the internet for sizing. Wiper blades are often two different sizes for one vehicle.
Suggestions of wiper blades to buy:
1. Bosch Icon
2. Rain-X Latitude
3. Valeo 600
4. Rain-X Weatherbeater
Clear Vision Ahead
We hope this blog helped open your eyes to all the facts about wiper blades you probably didn’t know. The takeaway? Check your vehicle’s wipers around every 6 months and avoid damaging the delicate rubber during the winter months. Don’t cause an accident due to not seeing clearly in wet conditions. If you ever want more info on wiper blades or perhaps a windshield treatment to help see clearly, give us a call!
