Windshield wipers are easy to forget, until the first heavy rain of the season, when you suddenly can't see. Poor visibility is a real safety risk, and replacing wipers costs very little. Here's how to know when it's time.
Signs your wipers need replacing
Streaks or smears across the glass. A hazy film after each wipe. Skipping or chattering across the windscreen. Squeaking. Rubber that looks cracked, split or hard, or a bent frame that doesn't touch the glass evenly. If you notice any of these, don't wait for a storm.
How to make them last longer
- Clean the blades and the glass from time to time with washer fluid or soapy water and a soft cloth. Dirt on the blade is a common cause of streaks.
- Keep the washer fluid topped up, and use it instead of wiping dry glass. Wipers dragging over dry glass wear out fast.
- In hot weather, park in the shade when you can. Heat hardens the rubber.
- Clear ice and frost with a scraper before you switch the wipers on, and make sure they're not frozen to the glass.
- Check them before the rainy season starts. Many drivers replace them about once a year, depending on the climate.
How to replace them
- Check the right size in your manual or on the packaging. The driver's side, the passenger's side and the rear wiper can all be different.
- Lift the wiper arm away from the glass until it stays up.
- Find the small clip or tab where the blade joins the arm, press it, and slide the old blade off.
- Slide the new blade on until it clicks into place.
- Lower the arm gently. Don't let it snap back onto the glass, because it can crack the windscreen.
One more thing
Use proper washer fluid, not plain water, especially in cold weather, when plain water can freeze. And if a blade is torn or the arm is bent, change it right away. The few minutes it takes can make a big difference when it's raining hard.
General information only. Check your owner's manual, and ask a qualified mechanic if you're not sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment