It may seem like you just replaced your wiper blades, but now they’re leaving streaks and not cleaning all the bugs off of the windshield. Though not the most expensive item to replace on your car, the cost can really add up if they are failing more often they should be. Prevent them from deteriorating, and you’ll save a lot of money over the long run. At ABS Auto Glass, we provide premier windshield replacement in Princeton, NJ, which means we know a thing or two about windshield wiper blades.
Here a few simple ways to get the most out of your windshield wiper blades:
Lift your wiper blades when it snows. It can seem silly and unnecessary to lift your windshield wiper blades up when it’s snowing or looks like it’s going to snow, but it could very well save you some potential headaches and extra costs. When snow lands on a windshield, it melts into water and then freezes to ice. If your windshield wiper blades are down against the windshield, they will freeze there. When you go to activate your wiper blades and they are frozen against the windshield, they are pried loose, which can tear the rubber and make them ineffective.
Do not scrape your windshield while the blades are down. In the winter, many people feel the need to cut corners and scrape their icy windshields with the wipers down. When this occurs, the edge of the scraper will undoubtedly cause damage to the rubber part of your windshield wiper blades. You can tear, gouge, or cut the rubber, and they won’t clear your windows properly.
Always clean your wiper blades with windshield washer fluid. While the wiper blades are still clearing your windshield, they are gathering debris and dirt. This material clings to the edge of the rubber, and can not only damage the rubber as it glides across the windshield but it can scratch the glass of the windshield itself. The best method is to soak an unused cloth in washer fluid and wash your wiper blades clean. This will work to prolong their life.
And there you have it, three easy ways to extend the life of your windshield wiper blades. At ABS Auto Glass, we provide industry-best windshield repair in Princeton, NJ and the surrounding areas. Contact our team of windshield specialists at our Trenton location (609-526-3278) or our Bensalem location (215-664-8397) today!