They are probably already asking you before the winter season whether you can clean your windshield wipers or whether you should replace them sooner. A good set of wiper blades is essential for safe driving. Unfortunately, most car owners do not think about replacing them in a timely manner or maintaining them regularly. As a result, when it rains, they often find that they can barely see the road in front of them. To avoid such car care mistakes, you should take a few steps and the following information and advice can help you.
Identify differences and clean or replace windshield wipers as needed
If you're having a hard time driving in the rain or snow because your wiper blades aren't working as they should, there are a few factors to consider. It may be that you clean the windshield wipers or, in sub-zero temperatures, the wiper blades and theDefrost car windowmust. They may just need a simple cleaning during car care, but it could also be time to replace them. Clear visibility is undoubtedly important for safe driving, which is why staying on top of wiper blade maintenance is crucial. But how can you determine whether these car accessories should be replaced or cleaned?
Wiper blades can deteriorate quickly, so it's a good practice to replace them every few months. They keep your windshield streak-free. The easiest way to check the effectiveness of your windshield wipers is with a quick inspection. Take a wiper blade, lift it from the glass and run your fingers along the rubber edge.
If you feel cracks and dents, it's time to replace the car accessories. If the rubber edge is relatively smooth but not perfect, you may be able to restore your wiper blades to their former glory by wiping dish soap along the edge with a soft cloth to remove small particles of dirt and debris. Here are a few more tips to help you make the right moves by recognizing the differences.
When you should clean your wiper blades
It is recommended that you clean your windshield wipers about once a month to keep them in top condition. You may need to clean it more often if you notice any of the following happening after you turn it on:
- The wipers leave streaks on the windshield.
- The blades skip spots or don't work on scratched car windows while wiping.
- Windshield wipers make squeaking noises.
So these annoying and potentially dangerous problems are often caused by dirty wiper blades. Luckily, cleaning is quick and easy. Simply remove any debris such as fall leaves or twigs from your windshield and wipe your leaves with warm, soapy water. Also, don't forget yoursClean the windshield regularlyby using suitable cleaning agents. The wipers will not work properly if your windshield is dirty. The following cleaning methods are also suitable for wiper blades.
Here's how to clean your windshield wipers
To use simple home remedies, you can also wipe the wiper blades with vinegar. However, you should also make sure that you rinse them with water afterwards. You may remember how your father used sandpaper to keep his car's wiper blades in tip-top shape. If you want to go this route, you should use a fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the edge, which will help keep the rubbers soft. Follow the next steps to make the cleaning process easier:
- First, use hot, soapy water, a hose, or a pressure washer to thoroughly clean your car, especially the windshield.
- Then pull back the windshield wiper arms and lock them. The arms should stay up on their own, giving you the opportunity to clean the wipers. If not, you can also hold them while wiping your windshield wipers.
- Then add some hot, soapy water to your rag, sponge, or paper towel and gently glide it up and down the wiper blade. If you have access to it, undiluted windshield washer fluid is also an effective cleaning agent.
- The rubber can be fragile, so you should be careful not to damage or pull it off. If you use paper towels, you should throw them away after each wipe. Continue wiping up and down until there is no more dirt on your cleaning tool.
- Also wipe the areas around the wiper blade hinges to ensure smooth, fluid movement.
- Sometimes it's not the wiper blades that cause streaks, but a dodgy mechanism that causes the blade to stick to the windshield.
- Use hot soapy water to clean the wiper arms and mechanism. Remove any dirt, debris, or potential obstructions that could be causing your windshield wipers to malfunction.
When to replace your windshield wipers
A general rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades every six months. They are particularly subject to heavy use in rainy months. You should clean your windshield wipers and also check them regularly for any defects. Other differences to look out for include broken or deformed parts on the wiper arm, corroded metal and visible cracks on the rubber. It's also a good idea to make sure your wiper blade fits securely on the arm and that the blade is securely attached.
If you notice something that seems wrong or if cleaning the wiper blade doesn't help, it probably means it's time to replace your blades. You can take your car to the mechanic to replace them. However, it can also be very easy to do this task yourself.
- Simply pull the arm up and away from your windshield so that it is upright.
- Then unhook the old windshield wiper and insert the new one.
- A quick Google search will also help you decide which wiper blades are right for your car. You can find these at any auto parts store or even the supermarket.
- It's also important to measure your wiper blades before you start shopping. In many cases the two are different lengths, so you should measure both pieces.
Also read: “HOME-MADE WINDOW DE-ICER: AFFORDABLE REMEDIES & TIPS TO PREVENT ANNOYING ICE SCRAPING IN WINTER!”
