Windshield wipers are often one of the most overlooked maintenance items when it comes to car ownership. Sometimes, you don't realise they're finished until either the workshop that services your car informs you about it or you realise they're not 100% when there's a torrential downpour, and you need to get home safely. There are some good all-weather cars out there, but even they need some good wipers, too. Here's how you can drive safely in the rain and some top survival tips.
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This is a crucial maintenance item, and worn windshield wipers can even have you fail an inspection. Don't worry, though; we'll advise you on what to look out for and things you can do to preserve your wipers.
How to know if your wipers are worn - Visual Inspection
There are several ways to tell if your windshield wipers are worn. First up, all you need to do is inspect your wipers. Many, if not all, cars allow the wiper arms to lever out so you can inspect your wipers. If you see that the wipers have visible damage, such as tearing, or the rubbers are warped, then that's a dead giveaway that it's time to replace them. If the rubbers look fine, the next thing to check is if the wipers smear or streak across the windshield. On a clean window, spray some water on and operate the wipers; if you see one or two streaks on the windshield, then this is normal, but if the windshield is littered with them, then it's probably time for a replacement. One last thing you can try is cleaning the windshield rubbers with a minimal amount of dishwashing liquid and water on a damp cloth as, more often than not, the rubbers tend to get contaminated by road grime and the like. If this doesn't work, then for sure, it's time to replace your wipers. If your car has a rear window wiper, check that as well.
Need new wipers? Do you need to go for expensive wipers?
No, not necessarily. Sometimes, the manufacturer claims better longevity and water-moving capabilities with the more expensive wipers. However, a decent middle-of-the-road set will do you just fine for at least two years, maybe longer. You also don't need to go for your OEM wipers from your car's dealership workshop. If you want to, go ahead. There's nothing wrong with that, but often, at your reputable local automotive parts shop, there are suitable aftermarket replacements available, and they tend to be cheaper sometimes, depending on the car and brand that you go with. Fitment-wise, it's straightforward to fit most windshield wipers; if you're unsure, you can either consult your owner's manual or have the dealership workshop/automotive parts store fit them on the spot for you. Here's a guide on how to replace windshields on a Hyundai Grand i10 as an example.
How long do wipers last? How can I prolong my windshield wiper service life?
Windshield wipers generally tend to last around 2 years, depending on environment, usage and care. Regarding prolonging their service life, this isn't difficult, really. Whenever your car gets washed, all you have to do is take a soap-primed wash mitt, pinch the rubbers gently and clean them up. Also, make sure your windshield is clean, as this helps the wipers glide across effortlessly. If you want to go further, this scribe advises using a window scraper and soapy water to remove embedded contaminants. Your local, reputable automotive parts shop should stock glass polish to smooth out the glass surface. Finally, you can use a rain-repellant windshield coating to make water sheeting much easier and make your windshield wipers mighty effective for much less effort. This will help make driving in the rain much much easier.
