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.