We have had some wild weather in Tucson, AZ over the last few weeks, and it looks as though even more rain is in our near future. Are your windshield wipers up for the task?
In the desert, rainstorms are typically few and far between, but when it does rain, it’s usually a doozy. If your windshield wipers are old, dried out or falling apart when you get caught in the rain, it can severely hinder your visibility and safety.
A general rule of thumb is to check the wipers every six months and change them once a year. However, certain conditions can result in needing to change them more often. If you park your car in an uncovered location the sun, heat, and dirt in the Tucson air can all wear them out more quickly.
Here are five signs that it is time to replace your windshield wipers:
Scratching Noises
You may hear an irritating metal-on-glass type sound when the spongy, replaceable blade is wearing down. With each swipe, you’ll hear that annoying tell-tale screech. If this is the case, the wipers should be replaced immediately, as each scrape can scratch and damage the windshield. No matter how much you rub them, a scratch in the windshield doesn’t come out.
Dirty Windshield
When you spray some windshield washer fluid and notice that the wipers are smearing dirt and bug guts across the glass rather than wiping them away it is time to replace them.
Blades Peeling
If you notice any piece of the blade is loose or flapping in the wind, then it has started to peel. Several things can cause the blades to peel — from age to being degraded by UV rays. They can fall apart completely if you try to use them like this. It is best to replace them right away.
Skipping
When the blades seem to skip and hop across the windshield, they may not need to be immediately replaced. Use a solution like Rain-X water repellent on the windshield to allow the blades to glide smoothly and clear away dirt and rain more easily. If this doesn’t work, then the blades are likely warped and need to be replaced.
No Contact
If you start the wipers and see that the blade isn’t touching the windshield at all, it may be extremely worn or misaligned. If this is the case you should check for an obstruction, maybe leaves or twigs are pushing it up. If there is nothing there, then it is time to replace the blades, or possibly the entire unit. The wiper arm has a spring that keeps the blades in contact with your windshield. There is a chance that this is damaged and the entire arm needs replaced, not just the blade.
For your safety and the longevity of your vehicle, it is important to remain proactive in its care. Maintaining the wiper blades is just one small, affordable way you can do so.
If you are in Tucson, AZ, or the surrounding areas, you can rely on Accurate Service for your maintenance and repair needs. Give us a call today at 520-620-9129 or schedule an appointment online at your convenience!