Windshield Wipers Maintenance: Springtime Auto Checklist

You know what they say, “April showers bring May flowers,” which certainly applies here in Washington. A heavy downpour or even a steady drizzle for days on end can quickly determine how worn-out your wiper blades are. Freezing temperatures during winter months can damage the rubber on your vehicle’s wipers. Spring is the perfect time for a little windshield wipers maintenance, including inspecting the wiper blades, wiper arms, and wiper fluid levels.

Springtime Auto Checklist

Driver visibility is crucial when driving in all weather conditions. However, inconsistent spring weather can bring even more challenges. Regular windshield wiper inspections and routine auto maintenance can increase safety and visibility. Here is a helpful springtime auto checklist to help improve your visibility this spring:

• Clean your windshield & wiper blades every time you fill your tank with gas.
• Keep the wiper fluid reservoir full.
• Never use the windshield wipers to clean snow or ice off the windshield – use a scraper and the defroster.
• Remove dust from inside the windshield to help reduce glare.
• Repair all chips, cracks, and scratches in your windshield glass immediately.
• Clean fogged or hazy headlights.
• Perform routine maintenance on the HVAC system to keep the defroster in good working order.

Windshield Wipers Maintenance

In general, windshield wipers last about six months. If you use them often, you may need to replace them every three months. Environmental factors like UV rays and extreme temperatures can weaken wiper blades. If it has been a while since you inspected them, now is the perfect time to perform spring windshield wiper maintenance.

Wiper Blades and Wiper Arms Inspection

Inspecting your wiper blades and wiper arms is a simple procedure you can perform yourself. 

• Remove debris and clean the windshield glass, rubber wiper blades, and wiper arms with a damp towel or rag. 
• Lift the wiper unit off the windshield and examine its condition. The rubber blade should be soft and supple. 
• Give them a test run. Always use windshield wiper fluid when testing your vehicle’s wipers, and never on a dry surface.
• Replace wiper blades that have cracks, missing chunks, or are obviously bent. 

The wiper should fit the shape of the windshield glass, maintaining contact along the entire length of the rubber blade. Occasionally, wiper arms also need replacement due to damage or general wear & tear.

Wiper Fluid Inspection

Always use a windshield wiper fluid formulated for the season and specific weather conditions to maximize visibility. Some wiper fluids come concentrated, and you must dilute them with distilled water before adding them to the wiper fluid reservoir. Check the instructions on the label carefully before use. If you are still unsure which type of wiper fluid to use, consult your owner’s manual or your auto technician for advice.

Common Windshield Wipers Problems

The windshield wiper blades should quietly sweep the moisture from the glass in a smooth arc. If they do not, here are some common reasons: 

• Streaking: triggered by dry, cracked, or split wiper blades.
• Skipping: caused by bent or curved wiper blades from age or damage.
• Splitting: created through UV exposure, extreme temperatures, poor air quality, etc.
• Excessive wear: If you use your wiper blades frequently, the rubber edges become curled or rounded and ineffective.

Windshield Wipers Replacement

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will contain the factory-recommended wiper blade and wiper arm size, type, and brand. Depending on your car, you can usually purchase them at any retail auto parts store. Replacing your car’s wipers yourself is reasonably straightforward. Alternatively, you can take your vehicle to your favorite auto service center and have the technician do it. Most auto shops offer windshield wiper replacement during routine oil changes or other maintenance services. 

Windshield Wipers Maintenance in Kirkland, WA

Don’t leave visibility issues to chance. Bring your car to Fisher’s Auto Service, Inc., for windshield wipers maintenance. Your vehicle is an investment, so protect it with routine maintenance for safe, trouble-free driving.

Schedule A Windshield Wipers Maintenance Appt.

If you’d like to make an appointment, please call (425) 441-3601 or use our online appointment maker. Our technicians look forward to assisting you with all your springtime auto maintenance needs.