Windshield Wipers

The ability to see clearly while driving is the key to safe travels.  Your top-notch headlights might light up the road but if the windshield is obstructed by dirt or moisture they will do you no good.  If you can’t see the deer that just ran into the road or a stalled vehicle ahead, your journey is in great danger.  A good set of windshield wipers is necessary especially in bad weather.  For these car components to help show you the road they must be in perfect condition.  

Windshield Wipers to Clear the Windshield

The obvious need for windshield wipers is to clear rainwater while driving.  They also come in very handy with snow or slush.  To clear bugs or mud the wipers alone can sometimes make the smear worse.  Wiper blades with the help of washer pumps and fluid can clean the windshield effectively.  Although the fluids and pumps are a great help, if the wiper blades don’t clear the entire view, you could be putting you and your passengers in danger.  Wiper blades must be sturdy to achieve this obstruction-free view.  There are several ways to check the quality of windshield wipers before it’s too late.  

Windshield Wiper Inspections

Wiper blades should be inspected every six months.  Listen to the sound the windshield wipers make when running across the windshield.  If there is cracking or chattering, you will want one of our technicians to take a closer look at your windshield wipers.  Cracks and breaks can be very visible and make it impossible to clear mud or rain from your view.  Another common cause for wiper blade failure is when half of the windshield wiper blade gets folded in the wrong direction.  Every day wear and tear, plus exposure to the elements, can cause this deterioration.  If you notice the blades need replaced, check with your local auto parts store to find the correct blade size.  Most stores have books so you can look up what kind of windshield wiper blade you need, otherwise you can ask someone who works there. Also, purchase the entire windshield wiper blade, not just the rubber blade insert. Always read the directions to see what you need to disconnect the old wiper and connect the new one.  Usually, you will need to push on a tab or lift a tab before removing the blade.  There is generally an attachment that comes with the wiper blade to connect the blade to the arm. You will most likely hear a click when the blade has been successfully attached.  To make sure that the blade is sturdy, give the wiper a tug. You definitely don’t want it to fly off when you are driving.  If you are unsure you installed the windshield wiper correctly, or if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself talk to one of our technicians and we can install the windshield wiper blades for you.  

Windshield Wiper Blades In Winter

When you look at a standard wiper blade frame you can usually see spaces in the frame, especially between the outer frame and the actual wiper blade.  Winter windshield wiper blades are enclosed in a rubber cover to prevent ice and snow buildup inside these spaces.  This obstruction can limit the windshield wiper blade from flexing smoothly across your windshield and may leave streaks in your view.  Winter windshield wiper blades might not prevent ice buildup but they do make it less likely to happen.  If buildup does occur, the flat rubber surface of winter windshield wiper blades allows for easier cleaning.  Another new concept in winter windshield wiper blades is heated wiper blades.  Heated windshield wiper blades are quite a bit more complicated to install and are hard wired to the car’s electrical system to power the heaters.  The heater keeps the blades a toasty 200 degrees and claims to melt ice at 40 below.