Why Windshield Wipers are a Necessity for Most Drivers?
Why Windshield Wipers are a Necessity for Most Drivers?
Published on February 23, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
A car is a very valuable addition to your assets. Apart from safely transporting you and your family to various places, a car also gives you independence and protection. A car is very valuable but in order to get the maximum value out of it, you need to keep it protected and drive safely. For this to happen, every component of the car needs to be in good working condition. The windshield is one such component. Read on to know more.
The Value of Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers help you to wipe away rain, dust, debris, insects and all other objects that can obstruct your view when driving. Since getting a clear view of the road ahead is of optimum importance when driving, keeping the windshield clean is extremely crucial. Hence, a windshield wiper is a vital spare part of any vehicle. Invest in the proper upkeep of your windshield wiper because your vehicle’s safety largely depends on these humble oscillating blades.
How Long Do Wiper Blades Last On A Car?
If you ask an automobile expert as to how soon you should replace the wiper blades of your car, you will be told the ideal time every year or twice every year. However, the life of the wiper blade depends on various factors which help you to correctly understand how soon or later they require replacements. For example, if you live in an area that has frequent and harsh rainfall, your wipers will be used a lot. In this case, you may have to change them every six months. If you live in a hot and dry place and rarely use the wipers, they will not require being replaced for longer durations of time. Similarly, the material of the blades also plays a role here. While the frame of your windshield wiper is made out of aluminum, the blades are mostly made using rubber or synthetic compounds such as silicon. Rubber is very popular as a material but silicon is said to be more durable. This is why a silicon wiper blade may last longer.
Common indications that you require new windshield wipers
There are some very clear indicators that tell you your windscreen wiper blades need replacement. They are:
● The rubberized portion of the blades have cracks in them
● There’s a squeaking sound every time you use the wipers
● There is a visible bend on the frame of the wiper
● There is a lack of proper contact between the wiper and the windshield
If you notice any of these flaws, change your windshield wipers at the earliest.
Making Use of Your Windshield Wipers
In order to use your wipers correctly, you should be aware of how to use them. While the design of different vehicles may be different, usually all modern-day four-wheelers have a wiper stalk towards the right of the steering wheel. You need to gently pull on the stalk to make the blades move.
You can refer to the user manual or speak to your car salesperson to understand exactly how the wiper stalks work on your chosen vehicle.
Once you have proper knowledge, use the windshield wipers as and when needed and keep your vehicle’s performance optimal.
How Do You Clean Your Windshield Wipers?
It is very easy to clean the windshield wiper blades and frames. All you have to do is take a couple of clean washcloths and some hot, soapy water. Keep a little rubbing alcohol handy too.
First, get your car cleaned and leave this job for the end. Once the entire car is cleaned, pull up the wiper blades and using a dry washcloth, slide over the blades. This will remove any loose dust or debris. Next, dip the other washcloth in the hot soapy water and thoroughly clean the blades. Get in between the rubber hinged areas of the blades and keep sweeping the cloth up and down till all the dust and dirt gets off. Then, take some rubbing alcohol on the dry washcloth and rub it on the blades to remove any soap or residue. After it is done, leave the wipes in an upright position to allow them to dry. Do this regularly and your windshield wipers will stay clean and tidy.
Conclusion
As you can see, keeping your windshield wipers is very important. Invest in a good insurance plan. All the leading comprehensive car insurance plans from the leading motor insurance companies in India offer coverage for windshield wipers. The process of car insurance compare is simple and quick so do it and choose a good policy to keep your windshield wipers and your car safe and protected at all times.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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