When was the last time you checked the wiper blades on your vehicle?
Good question. Wiper blades are often neglected or forgotten. But like an umbrella or a pair of sunglasses you need them when you need them. You need to see the road ahead of you. Visibility is a key component of safe driving.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 24 percent of accidents are weather-related. Obviously, it’s a good idea to regularly check your wiper blades to make sure they’re working properly and that you can see clearly while driving. When your wiper blades are damaged or cracked, they won’t work properly, and they can scratch your windshield.
So, it’s wise to check your blades every six months – spring and fall, says car care expert Matt Green, our National Reconditioning Manager at America’s Car-Mart. During this check, Matt suggests taking a wet towel and running it along the edge of the blade to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Also, inspect your blades to see if they are worn and if the rubber is peeling away.
If your wipers aren’t clearing water and snow like they should, you may need to replace them. You don’t want to wait until you get stuck in the rain or the dark to replace them.
“Wipers are a very important component of your car, but they’re often overlooked,” says Matt. “While they’re right in front of us, we tend to not think about them until it’s too late. Over time, they will wear out. It’s important to have wipers that work!”
Selecting blades
Here are two things to know about ensuring you get the correct blades for your vehicle:
Ensure the correct length of your wiper blades.
Select blades that fit the make and model of your vehicle. Measure the old blade, consult your owner’s manual, or ask your auto parts retailer to look up the size by make and model. Look for reputable brands or those listed in your manual.
Check the old blades against your new blades before attaching them.
Make sure they are the same size, and the clips match up. The most common wipers have the hook or J-style wiper clip.
Matt also says it’s important to make sure your vehicle has windshield washer fluid. Not having fluid will make your wipers screech across your windshield. Also, don’t use plain water, which doesn’t totally clean your window, and the water can freeze during cold weather.
Replacing the blades
Here are a few tips from Matt on the proper way to replace your blades:
When changing your wipers, be sure to protect the surface of your windshield. Lift the wiper off the windshield – upright so it stays up. Once the rubber blade is off the metal wiper arm, don’t let it touch the glass. Always place a towel or mat on the windshield to protect it.
To remove the old blade, press down on the wiper tab or clip so the blade can freely move around. Pull the blade straight down toward the windshield and remove the blade. Then slide your new wiper onto the hook until it clicks. Pull this back and pull plastic piece out.
So, back to the question – when was the last time you checked your wiper blades? Check your blades now and replace them if necessary. And remember, it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways you can improve the safety of your vehicle.
“Be ready for the weather ahead with windshield wipers that ensure you can see clearly,” Matt concludes. “So, check the condition of your wipers today.”
