Windshield wipers are probably one of those things you often overlook. However, when you are caught in rain while driving, you depend on them to clear your windshield and improve your visibility.
Many of us have had the experience of turning on our wipers only to discover that part of the rubber is peeling away. You might hear a screeching sound as the damage parts drag across your windshield. When this happens, you could be scratching or otherwise damaging your windshield.
This is why it is so essential to periodically inspect your wipers for damage and replace them about every six months. It is a good practice to inspect these wipers at the beginning of seasons (summers/ winters) for optimum performance. Taking care of your wipers is really quite easy:
- Check your wiper blades and replace them when necessary to ensure that you always have a clear view of the road.
- Periodically, take a wet cloth and run it along the edge of the blade. This will remove, dust, dirt, and grime that can build up over time.
- Periodic washing will allow your wipers to work more efficiently and last longer.
- Use windshield washer fluids instead of plain water.
Windshield Washer Fluid Versus Plain Water
Water doesn’t have the cleaning power of specialized cleaning fluid for removing bugs, bird droppings, road grime and other crud that collects on windshields. Windshield washer fluid contains ingredients that are meant to clean up those stubborn messes. Most products are made of methanol or ethylene glycol etc. Many also contain antifreeze to keep the product from freezing during the winter seasons. The ingredients in washer fluid work together to give you a clean, streak-free windshield no matter how cold it is outside.
The main benefits of using water is that it’s cheaper than windshield washer fluid and more compatible with the environment. Its main drawbacks are its lack of cleaning solvents and detergents and that it freezes at zero, making the windshield-washing system on your vehicle useless during cold weather.
Visibility is a key component of safe driving. You need to be ready when a rainstorm or snow event occurs. Check your blades now and replace them if necessary. It is indeed one of the easiest and most affordable ways that you can improve the safety of your vehicle.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
