The windshield wipers are among the most important pieces of equipment on your vehicle. Seeing the road clearly is crucial to its safe operation. Your windshield wipers help you maintain adequate visibility under inclement weather conditions. However, because windshield wipers are exposed to heat, cold, water, dirt, and other corrosive elements, they can become dirty or damaged. When this happens, they don't work properly and leave streaks and smears across your windshield.

Before you do anything else in the way of maintenance, you should always ensure that windshield wipers size is appropriate for your vehicle. If not, you should change the wiper blades.

Most Effective Ways To Clean Your Wiper Blades

Before you clean your wiper blades, remove any debris from the area of the windshield underneath them. Dirt can become trapped in this area as well, and the wipers can spread it around the windshield when they are in motion. Use a regular glass cleaner to clean the entire windshield, paying particularly close attention to this area.

Wiper blades can be cleaned effectively with your chosen car wash solution or by using simple materials, such as dish soap, white vinegar, mineral spirits, or denatured alcohol. Whatever cleaning agent you use, pour some on a shop towel or microfiber cloth. Lift your wipers up from the windshield and prop them up. Hold the blade in your non-dominant hand to keep it still while you slide the cloth up and down either side of the blade to clean it. Run the cloth along the wiper blade until the cloth comes clean without applying a lot of pressure.

As you are cleaning the wiper blades, inspect them for signs of damage, such as cracking or warping. This can occur due to exposure to sunlight or trying to push heavy snow off the windshield. Damage of this nature indicates a need for windshield wiper replacement.

How To Replace Your Own Auto Parts

Taking care of your wiper blades by cleaning them regularly and not subjecting them to unduly harsh conditions can help to extend their useful life. However, like all car parts, they will eventually break down and need replacing. Recommendations for how often you should replace your wiper blades vary. Some recommend that you swap them out every year, while others maintain that two to three years is sufficient.

When replacing car parts such as wiper blades, it is important that you have the necessary equipment available for your use. If your garage or workshop is not sufficiently stocked for the task, you may be able to borrow what you need from neighbors. You may also be able to find car jack rental and similar services at your local auto parts store. These programs give you access to specialty tools that you and your neighbors may both lack, and they may require only a refundable deposit which you can get back if you return the tool within the allotted time frame.

Contact an auto parts store with questions about your wiper blades. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right kind and advise you on cleaning and replacing them.