Wiper blades have to endure more abuse than we actually realise.
Many of us think that they only get worn out during thunderstorms.
However, wiper blades also get worn out even when they’re just sitting on your windscreen!
Singapore’s hot weather makes car windscreens very hot, too.
Imagine what that hot surface does to those rubber blades.
It contributes to the rubber’s deterioration.
Here are a few handy tips to make them last longer between replacements.
1) Clean your wiper blades regularly.
Dirt accumulates on wiper blades very quickly.
When you activate your wipers, the dirt causes extra friction between the blades and your windscreen.
Remember, your windscreen is dirty as well.
When washing your car, make sure you run your foamy wash mitt over the wiper blades.
This only takes a few seconds, and rinsing off the foam is very easy, too.
In between washes, you can always clean the blades using a glass cleaner and a clean cloth.
2) Never activate your wipers on a dry windscreen.
Again, dirt and friction are your enemies here.
Prevent this by regularly topping up your washer fluid reservoir.
Ensure that your mix in a good amount of washer additive with the water.
These additives provide lubrication that helps clear dirt and grime.
This makes your wipers’ task much easier, too.
3) Clean your windscreen regularly.
There’s no point in trying to keep wiper blades clean if the glass they clear is filthy.
Don’t let dirt build up on your windscreen. A weekly car wash really helps.
If you find water marks on the glass becoming a problem, you may need to polish the windscreen.
4) Try to park in the shade as often as possible.
As mentioned earlier, heat is your wipers’ biggest enemy.
Sometimes, there’s nowhere to park except under the sun.
But think about this: Parking under shelter doesn’t just reduce wiper wear.
It also helps you avoid nasty contaminants such as bird poop and tree sap.
Those are two things you don’t want on your car or your wipers.
