No one likes to replace windshield wipers. They’re pesky, small items on your vehicle that never seem to last as long as they should. What you may not know is that there are actually ways to expand the life of your windshield wipers. And, these precautions are simple to incorporate into your everyday life.
1. Remove debris before turning on your wipers.
Have you ever turned on your windshield wipers in the hopes they will knock away a leaf or some other debris? This seems harmless but could actually damage the rubber and eat away at your wipers.
2. Don’t park in direct sunlight.
Although this is difficult to do, the UV rays from the sun cause your windshield wipers to dry up and crack. Parking in the shade is also a great way to prevent your auto paint from fading.
3. Turn off wipers when the windshield isn’t wet.
Sometimes we forget to cut the wipers when rain suddenly stops, but the friction created between rubber wipers and a dry windshield is bad news. It will certainly cause your wipers to prematurely wear.
4. Don’t use your wipers until the windshield is defrosted.
It’s tempting to wipe away that loose snow and frost with your wipers, but you should really be using an ice scraper while the defroster is on. The rubber bottoms on the wipers aren’t design to withstand extreme elements, so ice could really shorten their lifespan.
5. Be sure to clean your wipers every time you clean your car.
Don’t forget to clean under your wipers to remove any dirt and debris that get stuck underneath. Otherwise, these particles build up and and make the wipers less effective, causing you to replace them.
Follow these tips and you’ll be spending much less on replacement wipers.
