Windshield wipers protect your auto glass from the elements, but they tend to wear out quickly due to their duties. This is more notable when you live in an area that experiences a great deal of rain or snowfall. There are several things you can do to try and get better mileage out of wipers, though. For instance, the first things to deteriorate on a wiper are typically the rubber blades that make contact with your front windshield. In order to prevent them from creating unattractive streaks on the glass, you may sand them down and get a little more use out of them that way.
Another thing you can do to help you windshield wipers live a little longer is to keep the actual mechanism in good condition. Give the wipers periodic inspections. Check that the nut holding the actual arm of the wiper in place is not coming loose or starting to deteriorate. Check the spring and hinge sections to ensure that no rust is starting to assail those areas. A lot of windshield wipers that are “broken” are actually just suffering from bad rusting, and may be fixed with a little rust remover and lubricant. Give your wipers the care they deserve and they shall be sure to live longer lives.
Once your wiper has really broken down, though, you shall need to replace it. It is not just about protecting your auto glass, after all, but also about protecting you and your passengers. Wipers make up an indispensable part of the whole system ensuring the driver’s unhindered vision in the auto, which makes them necessary for safe driving. Do not hesitate to replace your wipers when they can no longer be salvaged.
You can make use of the old wipers, at any rate, for other purposes around your home. Windshield wipers are in fact recyclable, and you only need to take them apart to be able to use the recyclable portion, which is the rubber. Slip off the rubber part from the metal arm and use those old rubber blades as squeegees. This way, you can get extended use from this handy auto part. You may also choose to bring it to an auto parts recycling store to see if it might be worth something.
If your old windshield wiper has left marks on your auto glass, you might want to try cleaning the windshield using some white vinegar followed by some water for rinsing. If this still does not work and the marks are bad enough to obscure vision from the driver’s seat, you should probably take your car to the shop and ask if they can still do windshield repair on it or if windshield replacement is already in order.
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