Windshield wipers may not always be the number one priority when it comes to car cleaning, but that doesn't mean you can just ignore it. In fact, wipers are quite important because they provide visibility during rainy weather. Here are some things you may not know about your wipers and what you can do to keep them in good condition.
1. Wipers need maintenance.
Don't be fooled about your wipers being cheap. They aren't expensive but they do need routine care to work properly. Whenever you wash your car, it's a good idea to also wash the wipers. Just run a soapy sponge or microfiber cloth under the rubber blades and rinse with water.
2. It's natural for wipers to get damaged over time.
UV light is the primary culprit of wiper damage. The heat from the sunlight causes the rubber to melt and crack. Other factors that damage wipers may include the frequency of rains, snow, and improper use.
3. Keep your wipers lifted away from the windshield during harsh weather.
When your wipers are in direct contact with your windshield, harsh weather can create damage to both the wipers and the glass. During snow, the wipers can freeze onto the glass, making it hard to thaw them off. During hot weather, the wipers can melt onto the glass. Lift them up to prevent these problems.
4. Don't use strong cleaning agents on wipers.
Strong chemicals can melt the rubber blades and cause them to disintegrate. Only use proper cleaning formulations like KevianClean Car Wash Shampoo, made of all-natural and eco-friendly ingredients.
5. Wipers should only be used to wipe away rain.
Using wipers to remove snow, hail, and bugs on your windshield will definitely cause damage because they are only designed to wipe liquid, not solids. If there's a bug on your windshield, remove it using a piece of paper instead.
6. Dirty and damaged wipers can cause streaks and stains on the windshield.
If your wipers have cracked or broken parts, they can scratch on your windshield and create streaks. The streaks may be irremovable, giving you no choice but to replace the entire windshield. That would be an expensive replacement!
7. Replacing your wipers regularly is a necessity.
Wipers are not built for many years of use. They will need replacement at least every two to three years. Otherwise, they will not work optimally and this may cause visibility problems during rainy weather. A good rule of thumb is to annually or biannually replace the wipers before rainy season arrives. Replacing them after winter may be best since they get the most damage during the cold weather.
Your windshield wipers are just a small part of your car, but they are definitely valuable. Don't take them for granted and make sure you clean and replace them regularly.