5 Windshield Wiper Winter Care Tips

Is windshield wiper maintenance on your vehicle an afterthought? The answer is yes for most people. Well maintained wipers are essential to driving safely, but most people forget to care for these tools. Here are five Winter windshield wiper care tips.

#1: Defrost & Scrape

Run the defroster and scrape your windshield before turning on your wipers. Wipers tend to stick to snow and ice and can easily snap from heavy ice and snow.

#2: Replace your wipers twice a year

Wipers generally last about six months. When used for longer, you may notice a decline in driving visibility. To prevent this from happening, purchase replacements every six months. Also, keep an eye on early signs of wear, which will signal the need for a more frequent replacement. Early signs of wear include skipping, smearing, or squeaking. Save some money and do the simple wiper replacement yourself!

#3: Maintain a Clean Windshield

Windshield wipers wear faster if they are smearing dirt across your windshield frequently. To increase the life of your wipers, make it a point to clean your windshield every time you stop to fuel up. Most gas stations have squeegees; check the sponge for debris and small rocks before using it on your windshield.

#4: Pull your wipers off the glass before bad weather

Frozen wipers are a terrible way to start your morning after a bout of bad weather. Reposition your wipers by pulling them off the glass if you know bad weather is coming.

#5: Don't run the wipers on a dry windshield

Windshield wipers are supposed to run when the windshield is wet. If you use them on a dry surface, your wipers will wear out faster. If you need to remove something from your windshield, push the washer button first. Just don't forget to refill your wiper fluid!

Don't forget that your windshield wipers need care and attention! Getting into the routine of following these tips will help with your visibility during bad weather.