Your wiper blades are twin parts of your vehicle that are very easy to ignore, and yet they are crucial to your safety particularly when there is bad weather. During the winter months, when you have to drive in snow and sleet, your windshield wipers could possibly save your life. If they are not functioning properly, this could result in dire consequences. This is why it is not only necessary to maintain your wiper blades, but also to change them when necessary. Wiper blade maintenance is as essential as maintenance to any other parts of your vehicle.

Changing Wiper Blades

Generally, wiper blades are meant to be replaced fairly regularly, at an interval of six months or a year. You usually do not notice problems with your wiper blades until you need to use them, which is why it is best to be proactive and change them regularly. There are times when you might need to change your blades even before the six month interval, and this is when they begin to act strange and show signs of wear and tear. If you notice that your wiper blades are beginning to squeak or skip or are otherwise compromising visibility, then it is time to get a new set of wiper blades.

Signs of Wear and Tear

It is important to pay attention to your wiper blades so that you immediately notice when they are not performing optimally. This can ensure that you are not stranded in the middle of bad weather at a time when you desperately need those wiper blades to work. Richmond car accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison state that a car crash occurs every four minutes on their state’s roads. Reduced visibility adds another danger factor to this statistic.

The most obvious sign on wear and tear is when there is reduced visibility while driving. If you are having problems seeing clearly whenever you use your windshield wipers, then there is a good chance that you need a new set of wiper blades.

Another sign is when there is a chattering or squeaking sound whenever you use the blades. These usually occur when there is a curve in the rubber which is caused when the blades are not regularly used. Other signs of wear and tear include streaking, skipping, wearing of the rubber or smearing whenever you use the blades. If you notice any of these signs then it is time to get new wiper blades.

Wiper Blades Maintenance Tips

While replacing your wiper blades is important, you need to realize that the main purpose for doing that is to ensure that you always retain visibility while driving, even during winter. To ensure that is the case at all times, you need to regularly maintain your wiper blades. Always clean your windshield and ensure that it remains clean as the wiper blades can pick up dirt from the windshield, which will in turn cause them to wear out.

Clean the wiper blades once every 3 months with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris which might have been caught in the rubber of the blades. Once done cleaning, be sure to use a rubber protectant to protect the blades and keep them clean.

Although not something car owner’s think frequently about, wiper blade maintenance is an important part of vehicle maintenance. After all, visibility is one of the most crucial elements on the road.