Fact is that wipers blades are the most ignored parts of a vehicle, but should not be! In fact, these ignored components are equally important as any other part in a vehicle and for many reasons. Due to this neglect, many car owners drive around with torn, split, cracked or worn our blades, and according to road safety statistics, 90% of accidents have something to do with low visibility cause by obstructed views. Clear visibility on the road is absolutely essential especially in harsh weather such as rains and snow. But in order to have great visibility, wiper blades of the vehicle need to be in superb condition, and if they aren’t achieving what they are designed for, it’s time to trade them in for a pair of new ones.
According to expert auto mechanics, wiper blades must be replaced every six months or at least once within a twelve month period. This will help increase visibility and deliver optimal performance. The most important part of wiper blades is made of rubber, which tends to wear off over time. Although synthetic and Halogen harden rubber last longer, they will fall apart due to environmental factors and sunlight even if they aren’t used at all. As the blades get older, they lose their wiping characteristics and hence are unable to provide clean wipes.
When vehicles are parked under direct sunlight, the rubber on the wiper blades harden and as a result are squeakier as they do not follow the curves of the windshield anymore. Cold weather affects wiper blades as well. Since the blades are made partly of metal, they get brittle when exposed to freezing temperatures and eventually crack, split and break off. Wipers that are used frequently tend to attract road grime, dust and other abrasives, which come in way when the blades skip across the glass. As the blades lose their touch, water seeps under the blades and tends to stay there, which results in poor wiping action and reduced visibility.
Any wiper blade that displays is due for a change including those that are chipped or cracked. Checking wiper blades for wear and tear is relatively easy, and before doing so, the windshield washer must be filled. Start the windshield washer and the wipers, and if you notice the blades forcibly waving across the glass or making noises, the wipers are not safe to use. By doing this test, you achieve two things, one you get to check the blades and next your windshield washer system. There are two squinters connected to the hood of a vehicle, from which water is sprayed to the windshield. Check if the water reached the appropriate target on the windshield with the right force and if there’s adequate solvent.
If not, then either the nozzles are clogged with dirt or you may have a weak washer pump that needs to be replaced. Your wiper blades performance depends on the condition of its holders and arms, which is affected by the spring tension caused when in motion. The springs in the arms may tend to get weak over time especially in older vehicles, which may cause the wipers to drift away from the glass and hence do an incomplete wiping job. In this case, replacing the blades is not an ideal solution, because is in the springs in the arms.
You can replace the blades yourself with the help of the easy directions on the kit. If you’re having understanding then in any way, leave it to the professionals to ensure it is done perfectly and safety is maintained.
