Rain in October has a way of…
…becoming ice in November. It’s much easier to navigate the roads when you’re prepared. This time of year that begins with selecting the correct wiper blades for your vehicle.
If you’re gonna drive, bottom line, you’ve got to be able to see! As this educational piece (generously provided by Rain-X) explains further, having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important. We’ve all experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to view the traffic in front of and around us during a storm, it’s beyond frustrating!
It seems like your wiper blades are always at their worst when you need them the most. But windshield wipers are like most other vehicle parts– they require regular attention in order to work their best.
You really ought to replace your wiper blades twice a year; in the spring and the fall. If it’s going to be a particularly harsh winter in Grand Rapids, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall. Winter blades are designed to resist freezing. There’s not much you can do about ice besides prolong the life of your blades by preparing ahead of time. Vision is one of the most important elements of safe driving.
Speaking of winter and freezing conditions, if your car has been sitting for a long time and the windshield becomes frozen, don’t use your wipers to clear off snow and ice. That’ll just tear up the blades and cause them to wear out more quickly. Worse yet, it may even damage the wiper motor.
Over time, wiper blades become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don’t cover the windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades aren’t just a safety hazard; they can also scratch your windshield. That may require replacing the entire windshield; a big cost for such a little part. Replace worn blades right away.
Of course you also need washer fluid to help your blades do their work. It is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home, or in the car if you are on a long trip. Only use straight windshield washer fluid. Plain water, even that fancy bottled water, may freeze in the fluid reservoir or on the windshield itself, making things worse. Besides, water doesn’t do a good job of cleaning your windows. Also, remember that some vehicles have two reservoirs: one for the windshield and one for the back window – which may be under the hood or somewhere in the back.
Keep your eyes on the road and be sure to contact us if you have any questions. Community Automotive Repair – 616.774.7048