One of your car's most essential and inexpensive maintenance items is your windshield wiper blades. They're often overlooked, but they are necessary for preserving visibility, primarily through inclement weather. Knowing when to replace them is vital in protecting you and your vehicle.
Here are three key things to look for when checking the condition of your windshield wiper blades!
Sound
You've probably heard the loud groan/shriek of an old windshield wiper running before. It's loud, annoying, and super distracting. A good set of wipers should run seamlessly without any sounds at all. If your wipers sound incredibly squeaky, it may be time to replace them.
Streaks
In addition to the irritating sound, you may notice that your windshield wipers aren't working as well as they used to. If your wipers aren't clearing off the rain or snow properly, you may notice streaks that impair your vision instead of helping it. You may try wiping the wipers down with a clean cloth. However, if the problem persists, it's time to change out the wiper blades.
Appearance
The most reliable way to determine if they're bad is to visually inspect them. Look at the rubber to see if it is clean and smooth. Furthermore, your wipers should make contact with all parts of your windshield. If they are bent or curved in any way, they'll do no good at clearing off your windshield. Any glazing, cracking, or chipping signs is clear that you need to replace your wipers.
Let Edmonds Import Auto help you with your vehicle's maintenance tasks, like replacing your windshield wipers. With proper car care, you'll be safer on the road than ever. Please give us a call or schedule an appointment online with us for all your automotive needs.