Windshield wipers are components which most people do not take care of. Yet they play a very critical role in safe driving. Besides the basic function which is the removal of rainwater or snow, proper maintenance is an important factor in vehicle safety and performance. This blog focuses on pointing out why maintaining a windshield wiper is important.
Benefits of Windshield Wiper Maintenance
Improved Visibility
Clean and efficient wipers for windshields play an essential role in ensuring little damage from rain, snow, or fog. The occurrence of accidents caused by blurred vision decreases due to this improvement.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
Poor visibility might be one of the main contributors to most accidents. Clear or functional windshield wipers help prevent accidents from happening at all in the first place and keep you and other road users safe.
Longer Life Expectancy
Proper care routine of wipers through daily inspection & cleaning to ensure optimal blade condition and replacement of worn blades can indeed prolong the life of your windshield wipers. This helps avoid unnecessary spending and ensures you will have functioning wipers at moments when you most need them.
Improved Fuel Economy
Clean and effective windshield wipers also ensure reduced drag on your car. This means that the car’s engine will have less work to do. Lower resistance means better gas mileage and lower gas expenditure over time.
More Related to Fuel Economy: 8 Steps to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency
Signs That Your Windshield Wipers Need to Be Replaced
Streaking
A streak on your windshield suggests that your wiper blades are old. This can happen even if you clean your blades regularly. Sometimes that kind of streak can interfere with a driver’s vision at night or prevent him from getting a clear view during rain or snow.
Chattering
Many times, chattering or squeaking can be heard from the windshield wipers often indicating a problem. The possible reasons for such sounds would be worn-out blades, damaged wiper arms or malfunctioning wiper motors. If you hear such sounds, then you must check your wipers to find the cause. Searching for the issue can avoid more damage in the future.
Skipping
Old or worn-out windshield wipers can skip some parts of the windshield. They can also fail to cover the whole area. If that happens you know they need to be replaced. Some worn-out blades lose their elasticity, and others may damage the wiper arm substantially. Skipping wipers significantly limits visibility. Such wipers can get you in a lot of trouble when trying to drive safely.
How to Maintain Your Windshield Wipers
- Replacing your windshield wiper blades regularly: Windshield wiper blades should be replaced after every six months to a year. This ensures stable functionality & gives you sharp vision.
- Cleaning your windshield wiper blades regularly: Windshield wiper blades become grimy & streaky very quickly. You can clean your wiper blades by wiping them down with some windshield wiper fluid and a soft cloth.
- Checking your windshield wiper fluid level regularly: Windshield wiper fluid will keep your wipers working right. Check your windshield wiper fluid regularly, and refill it when it is low.
- Inspect your windshield wiper mechanism regularly: The mechanism for your windshield wipers controls its movement. Check the mechanism from time to time to ensure that it is functioning well.
Visibility Is Vital
Maintenance ensures your wipers are in good condition. For example, some of the best practices regarding maintenance entail cleaning and inspecting them regularly. If you see any signs of damage, replace the blades. Now you know why well-maintained wipers mean clear vision, fewer chances of accidents, better fuel efficiency, and a more comfortable driving environment. So go ahead and wipe those wipers down.
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