Protecting wiper blades from weather conditions can significantly extend their lifespan. Conversely, making mistakes can quickly damage any type of windshield wiper. That’s why it’s important to read our guide on how to protect your wipers from environmental factors.
The role of windshield wipers and their impact on driving safety is well understood. That’s why we choose wiper blades made from a special rubber-silicone blend, coated with a layer of Teflon (PTFE) to enhance their effectiveness. To extend the lifespan of wiper blades, learn how to protect them from the damaging effects of weather throughout the year.
First and foremost, the key to extending the lifespan of your wipers is selecting the correct model for your vehicle. It’s not enough to measure the length of the old blades. It’s also worth experimenting with different types of wipers to find the one that best meets your needs.
To simplify the process of choosing wipers for your car, you can use an easy-to-navigate search tool. Just enter your car’s make, model, and generation to instantly find which wipers will fit perfectly. You can also purchase the right set online and check how to correctly install new blades.
It might seem that summer provides optimal conditions for wipers compared to winter. However, this is misleading, as the materials used in wiper blades can quickly lose their flexibility due to UV radiation and high temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to protect wipers from direct sunlight.
In summer, wiper blades can also be damaged by operating on a dry or insufficiently lubricated windshield. Do not use wipers without first applying washer fluid. This can be problematic in vehicles where wipers activate automatically with the washer. Until the fluid fully covers the windshield, the blades may operate “dry” in some areas. To minimize this issue, ensure the washer nozzles are clear and properly aligned. Also, adjust the wiper speed according to the intensity of rainfall.
Experienced drivers know that winter conditions are the ultimate test for wiper durability. Mechanical damage is most common during this season. To avoid this, do not use wipers for snow removal. Always clear the windshield of snow and ice with a broom and scraper first.
An effective way to extend the lifespan of wipers in winter is to leave them in the vertical position when the vehicle is parked, especially overnight. This prevents the blades from freezing to the windshield, which can cause damage to both the wipers and their mechanism or even burn out the overloaded fuse in the system.
Also, pay attention to the washer fluid. Many products are highly concentrated to prevent freezing at very low temperatures. However, substances that lower the freezing point can negatively affect rubber components like wiper blades. If winter temperatures are only slightly below 0°C, consider diluting the winter washer fluid with distilled water. This will help maintain not only the wipers but also the window seals.
Regardless of the season, wiper blades should be kept clean by regularly wiping them with a soft cloth soaked in a diluted dishwashing liquid solution. Remember, only undamaged, new wipers can ensure full safety and the highest effectiveness in removing contaminants. Experts recommend replacing them twice a year: before and after winter.
If old blades are functioning properly, they can certainly continue to be used. However, you can never predict when they might fail, and according to Murphy’s Law, it will happen at the most inconvenient time. Therefore, it’s wise to carry a new set in your trunk. Fortunately, the prices of quality Oximo wipers are very attractive.