WHEN WIPERS WON'T WIPE...
Few people think about their vehicle's wiper blades, until
they're caught in a downpour or snowstorm. Generally, blades should
be changed every six months to eliminate these common problems
-
Cracked or split rubber
- usually caused by ultraviolet rays or overly aggressive
ice removal
Pitted. scarred or discoloured rubber
- usually caused by salt removing chemicals
Tom rubber
- where the rubber blade has pulled away from the arm and is slipping
out or slapping against the glass
Worn rubber
- old blades will exhibit rounded or ragged edges, which will
not clean properly
Windshield streaking
- can result from tree sap or road tar on the blades,
from cracked, inflexible rubber or from blades clogged with snow
or ice.
So how do you get the beet performance from your
blades?
Clean off the whole windshield - don't try to am out a Porthole.
Gently remove ice from around the wiper blade and make sure the
arm can move freely. Clean the snow off your hood and roof. Until
your vehicle comes up to operating temperature the ability to
melt that snow on the windshield is limited, and it will likely
just smear.
Have you ever had the experience of driving away with a clear
view only to have the windshield fog over instantly? That's usually
the result of snow being drawn in through the defrost system.
This is less likely to happen if you dean out your air intake
on the hood.
The lowly wiper blade. Just a few simple steps can keep it
invisible, and help you keep your eyes on the road.
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