Your windshield wipers are a key but often overlooked part of your vehicle, even though they have the critical job of ensuring you have a clear view of the road up ahead when the weather turns bad outside. However, windshield wipers are fragile equipment requiring regular replacement. Our Chevy car maintenance experts here at Huffines Chevrolet Plano have some tips for you about looking after your windshield wipers.
Why You Should Change Your Windshield Wipers
Chevrolet Suburban by Spanish Coches is licensed with CC BY 2.0
Your wiper blades need regular changing so they can keep your windshield clean. The exact time between each wiper blade replacement can vary depending on the climate and how often you drive, but you should aim to replace them at least once a year. You're more likely to use your wipers during the winter when the weather gets bad, so it's a good idea to replace them if they're approaching the end of their working life in the fall.
If you don't change your windshield wipers regularly, you may find yourself on the road with poor visibility. This won't only make it a lot harder for you to drive but can also represent a serious safety risk. Hazardous weather like rain or snow is often accompanied by slippery surface conditions, making it critical for you to see what's going on up ahead. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 70% of all weather-related vehicle accidents occur on wet pavement.
Another strong reason for changing your wiper blades on a predetermined schedule is that it doesn't cost much. Depending on your car's make and model, you can pick up new wipers for approximately $10 to $50. This price is much less than the several hundred dollars you may have to pay for a damaged windshield caused by old wiper blades.
How To Tell When Your Wipers Need Replacing
In addition to monitoring the time between your wiper changes, several other factors will tell you when they're ready for replacement. One is if your wiper blades make your windshield streaky when you use them. Streaky wipers are often caused by deteriorating rubber on the blade edge, which stops the wipers from making proper contact with your windshield.
Another common cause of streaky wipers may be that your wiper blades are dirty. You can resolve this problem by cleaning them with a household solution. But, if it's already been several months since your last wiper change, the chances are that the rubber is the problem.
Another sign that your wipers need replacing is if they do not adequately clear parts of your windshield. This may be due to a bent wiper blade or cracking on the rubber. The rubber is attached to the blade using an adhesive, which can wear out over time. If this happens, you may notice that the rubber starts coming away from the blade frame.
A further root cause is excessive squeaking when your wipers are on. It's perfectly normal to hear a bit of squeaking as your blades travel over your windshield. However, if you feel the noise is louder than usual, this could signal that the rubber has deteriorated, causing the blade to make contact with the glass. It's a good idea to respond quickly to this sign since ignoring it could result in your windshield getting scratched over time. More severe damage can result in rare cases, including deep grooves that can weaken your windshield.
Remember that your wipers will deteriorate over time, even if you don't use them very often. For example, you may forget all about your wipers during a hot Texas summer. But if the sun has been beating down on them every day for a few months, the rubber will likely begin to degrade. One way you can check this is by performing a periodic visual inspection. Just lift the blade slightly off the windshield. If you can feel cracks or bumps along the rubber, you should get your wipers changed soon before the weather turns.
Car Maintenance and Repairs at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
If you're looking for a reliable service center to handle your windshield wiper replacement, why not stop by our Chevy dealership in Plano? Here at Huffines Chevrolet, we have a dedicated and professional team of service technicians ready to help maintain your vehicle. Whether you're driving a Silverado truck or a compact Malibu sedan, feel free to schedule an appointment online or stop by whenever you find it convenient.
Opting to replace your windshield wipers every year, as is recommended, will allow you to consolidate it with several other critical vehicle maintenance tasks that Huffines Chevrolet can perform. Regular tire rotations can help prevent uneven wear and tear and lengthen your tires' working life. Brake fluid flushes ensure that your brake system continues to bring your vehicle to a quick stop when you need it most. And oil changes help your engine run smoothly by lubricating its components and keeping wear and tear to a minimum.
In addition to our professional service center, we have a well-stocked parts department where you can purchase anything you need for your vehicle's maintenance. Some parts on hand include replacement wiper blades, brake pads, engine oil, and other components. If you want to make sure we've got everything ready for your visit, you can place a parts order online.
Before you stop by to change your wipers, don't forget to check out our vehicle service specials. These incentives help you to secure great prices for our maintenance services, including discounts on oil changes, new wiper blades, and brake pads. Our offers change from time to time, so don't forget to check back regularly or immediately before your visit.
We hope we've been able to explain how important it is to change your windshield wipers and how we can be your one-stop choice for your overall vehicle maintenance. If you have any questions about your windshield wipers or another general maintenance task, don't hesitate to contact us at Huffines Chevrolet Plano. Alternatively, make a service appointment today so our Chevy-certified technicians can inspect your vehicle and take care of any work that needs to be done.
Â
Â
Â
Â