ice scraper on a frozen windshieldAfter a snow or ice storm, your wipers may not hold up their end of the bargain, leaving behind precipitation and streaks across the glass. If you ignore the situation, the rubber eventually comes off and the blade is useless. If you’ve recently replaced the same wiper blade, what could be the problem?

Neglecting care means the wipers not only wear out sooner, but their diminished effectiveness could have major consequences. A lack of visibility can obscure your path and prevent you from seeing hazards ahead. To get the most use out of your wiper blades and keep them ready for spring, start with the following tips.

1. Replace the Blades Twice a Year

Wiper blades are only designed to last six months, at which point debris, UV rays and your car’s fluids start to affect its composition. The rubber might not break off just yet, but you’ll notice a decline in performance. If the wipers squeak, smear or skip after six months, it’s time for a new set.

2. Keep the Windshield Clean

Blades that glide across dirty, dry glass tend to wear out quicker. As such, cleaning your glass not only improves your view, but ultimately extends the lifespan of your wipers. Clean the glass with a squeegee at the gas station or wash it off at home with the right tools.

Wipers are designed to run on a wet windshield. Even if you want to clean off pollen or some ice buildup, press the button for the washer fluid before activating the wipers. In winter, ice and snow may have frozen or could be blocking the fluid nozzles. You may need to manually clear away all accumulated precipitation and use a pin to open the frozen nozzle.

3. Defrost and Scrape Off Ice First

Although wiper blades may help with snow removal, they shouldn’t be your only strategy – particularly as the rubber can stick to the glass in the cold and turning them on right away could cause them to snap or tear. To prepare:

  • Turn the car on and run the defroster before turning on your wipers.
  • Use the scraper to get rid of any ice and snow accumulation.
  • Once the glass is relatively clear, use the wipers with fluid to clean off the rest.

4. Keep the Blades Off the Glass

When a storm’s coming, you’ll notice many drivers angle or lift their wiper blades off the glass. This is a precautionary measure, as cold and icy conditions could freeze the rubber to the glass or leave permanent streak marks.

5. Keep the Blades Clean

Blades covered in dirt, debris and rock salt will leave streaks or scratch the surface of the glass whenever you turn them on. Especially in winter, it’s not uncommon for road debris to collect around your wipers.

If left there, this buildup can crack or dry out the rubber, lessening their lifespan. For a clean pair:

  • Get in the habit of cleaning off your windshield.
  • Wipe the blades down with a warm, damp cloth at least once a week throughout winter.
  • Go over the blades with your fingers to make sure no other deposits are left behind and check the rubber for damage.
  • Don’t forget about the base of the windshield. Accumulated debris can affect the blades and get into the washer fluid. You may have to manually scrub this area to remove all deposits.

Whether you need to replace your blades, change dirty fluid or have your car’s glass replaced, turn to DaSilva’s Auto Body for all basic car maintenance needs. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.