Windshield Wipers
In order to maintain your safety, it is important to replace your windshield wipers regularly. Much like auto glass helps support the structural integrity of your vehicle, each part of your vehicle, including windshield wipers, has its own key duties.
Experts recommend replacing your wiper blades every six months to 6,000 miles.
How to maintain your windshield wipers
Windshield wipers are critical to your safety. It's important to have windshield 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 windshield wipers regularly
Here's what you should look for when inspecting your windshield wipers:
- Cracked rubber - Splits and slashes in the rubber blades are evidence of wear
- Contaminated rubber - Road film or chemicals can adhere to the rubber refill 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 windshield wiper refill that is too short or not properly installed in the blade support structure may cause windshield scratches
- 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 windshield wipers, 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 for wipers.
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 damage your blades or cause the windshield 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.
Safelite AutoGlass® now makes it easy to replace blades. We offer quality Safelite AutoGlass® standard framed wiper blades or advanced beam blades, for an additional cost, when we repair or replace your glass. We’ll even install them free of charge. Value, convenience and safety - just what you would expect from America's auto glass experts.