Windshield Wiper Maintenance Tips
When you’re behind the wheel, nothing is more crucial than good visibility. However, if you’re like most drivers, you usually wait too long to replace windshield wipers. Wipers should be replaced every six months, especially if you park outside or live in an area of extreme weather, whether it’s ice and snow or the blistering hot heat. While your auto insurance in Vancouver, WA can do a lot to protect your vehicle, there are easy tips to inspect and replace windshield wiper blades.
Inspect the Blades
Before you change the blades, you should know if they are even in poor condition. Blades are likely to wear out not only from use, but from the stress of water and snow, extreme temperatures, and even the constant exposure to the UV radiation from the sun. If your blades are smearing across the windshield, the rubber is wearing out, or if there are cracks or rips in the rubber, be sure to change them immediately.
Wipe Them Every Three Months
The most basic part of maintaining your windshield wiper blades is keeping them clean. Dirt and grime can accumulate under the edge of the wiper blade or anywhere the blade meets that bracket that holds it to the wiper arm. The grime can corrode the rubber of your blade, shortening its lifespan, as well as leaving smears on the windshield with each wipe. Wipe the blades with a clean cloth around every three months to remove dirt buildup.
Replace When Necessary
At some point, you’ll need to replace the blades. Generally, it’s a good idea to replace the whole blade every two years.
- Buy the proper size refills by measuring both blades
- Pull the wiper arm back from the glass
- Pinch the retaining clips (near the end of the refill) together to slide out the refill
- Carefully slide the new refill into the same end in which you pulled the old one from
- The refill will click into place once it is in the correct position
- Gently pivot the arm back into position
- Repeat for the other side
Good maintenance of your vehicle and defensive driving can keep you safe on the roads. At Action Insurance Group, we’re dedicated to providing motorists with car insurance that they can rely on! Serving Washington and Oregon, visit us today!
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