Windscreen wipers are critical for maintaining a clear view through your windscreen, which is of course essential for safe driving. We rely on our windscreen wipers to remove dirt and water but, if you fail to replace your wipers when required, you could be creating an unnecessary driving hazard.
Dirty windscreen wipers can smear dirt and grime across your windscreen, which will reduce visibility. And, if grit is trapped under the wiper blades, it can scratch your windscreen.
Wipers are also exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat in the peak of summer or freezing temperatures in the depths of the New Zealand winter, so they are subjected to wear and tear without you even realising it. Because of this, they should be cleaned and replaced regularly.
Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your car’s windscreen wipers and when to replace them.
1. Wiper checks
The first thing to check is the overall condition of your windscreen wipers. A good way to test if they’re working properly is to turn them on and see if they’re wiping away dirt and water, leaving you with clear vision.
If your wipers are leaving streak marks, stripes or blurry patches that’s because they’re not connecting properly with the windscreen. The first step to fix this is to wipe them clean and, if this doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the wiper rubbers. You can buy replacements from your local motor parts store and they’re generally quite easy to replace yourself.
If your wiper blades are cleaning fine but your wipers are moving erratically, or you hear noises, these are signs you may have issues with your wiper motor. If so, get it checked by a professional so they can resolve the problem for you as soon as possible.
When you stop at the service station to fuel up is a good time to check the water levels in your windscreen reservoir so you can squirt clean water onto your windscreen if necessary. It’s also a good idea to buy special windscreen washer fluid from your local car parts store to add to the water so it cleans your windscreen better.
It’s also a good idea to check your windscreen glass from time to time, as cracked or chipped glass can cause distractions in your field of vision. Damage, like a small crack, might seem minor at first but bear in mind that a tiny crack can spread quickly – particularly if you’re driving on bumpy roads.
2. Clean your wipers
You should clean your windscreen wipers regularly because the dirt that dries on them can damage your windscreen. To do a good job, you’ll need a paper towel or clean rags, washer fluid or hot soapy water, and rubbing alcohol.
First, lift your windscreen wipers from the glass to make it easier to access the blades. Then, apply a small amount of washer liquid or hot soapy water to your paper towel or rag, then wipe the blades from one end to the other several times until no more dirt comes off the rubber edge. Remove any remaining residue on the rubber using rubbing alcohol.
Finally, remove any debris from the wiper hinges and wash them out.
3. When to replace your wipers
Replace your windscreen wipers when they’re affecting your visibility of the road ahead. A good rule of thumb is to replace them every 6-12 months, although this varies depending on the weather conditions your car is subjected to. At the most, you can extend their life until you get your annual warrant of fitness (WOF).
However, if you have a crack or a chip on your windscreen, be sure to have it fixed or replaced immediately.