Ask the Experts
In order to maintain your safety, it is important to do what is necessary
to keep your automobile operating at peak performance. Much like auto glass
helps support the structural integrity of your vehicle, each part of your
vehicle has its own key duties.
Our Ask the Experts section is updated every quarter to provide you with
the most up-to-date information on keeping your vehicle good as news. This
quarter's focus: Wiper Blades.
How to maintain your windshield wipers
Wiper blades are critical to your safety. It's important to have wiper
blades replaced every six months, as many of the most important driving decisions
are based on a clear, unobstructed view. By following the three steps below,
you may extend the life of your windshield wipers.
1. Inspect your wipers regularly
Here's what you should look for when inspecting your wipers:
- Cracked rubber - Splits and slashes in the rubber are evidence of wear
- Contaminated rubber - Road film or chemicals can adhere to the rubber
refil surface, causing smears across the glass
- Torn rubber - Element pulls away from its support structure, creating a
"slapping" sound when in use.
- Improperly installed refill - A wiper refill that is too short or not
properly installed in the blade support structure may scratch the windshield
- Park set rubber - Direct sunlight and extreme temperature change can
cause the rubber blade to harden and lose flexibility, resulting in an
uneven wiper sweep
- Damage superstructure - Ice scrapers and car wash equipment can bend
wiper arms, blades or refills and make wipers less effective
- Abrasion-worn rubber - Winter conditions or worn rubber elements can
cause ragged edges and reduce wiper sweep coverage
2. Clean your wiper blades frequently
To clean your wiper blades, apply non-abrasive glass cleaner or windshield
washer solvent with a soft cloth or a cotton swab. Please consult your owner's
manual to see if the manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning solution.
3. Remove ice and snow
Be sure to thoroughly clean ice and snow from your windshield and blades before
operating your wipers. Heavy ice and snow can damange your blades or cause
the wipers to shut off in the event of an overload. If this happens, please
consult your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's suggestions.
Experts recommend replacing your wiper blades every six months to 6,000
miles.
Safelite® AutoGlass now makes it easy to replace blades by offering
quality AquaEdge® windshield wipers with auto glass service. We'll even
install them. Value, convenience and safety - just what you would expect
from America's auto glass experts.
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