Fall is just around the corner with winter right behind it, bringing some dark rainy days. It’s important that you take care of not only the big automotive service items, such as rotating the tires, flushing the transmission, or replacing the air filter, but remember to also take care of the often-overlooked small automotive service items, such as replacing your windshield wipers!
Unfortunately, windshield wipers are often forgotten until you are caught in a heavy rainstorm and you discover that you can barely see. They are no longer doing their job of keeping the windshield clear, but squeak, skip and leave streaks as they pass over the glass. Those little wipers have become a serious safety hazard.
Taking care of your windshield wipers should be considered a routine part of automotive service on your vehicle. How do you check them, you wonder? Here are some tips about windshield wipers:
- To check the condition of your wipers, run your finger along the rubber edge. If it feels rigid or chipped, or keeps streaking the glass, it is time to replace them. If they are fairly new (you’ve had them less than six months), try cleaning the rubber with windshield washer fluid or mild dish soap. If this doesn’t work, purchase wipers of a little better quality and make sure they are installed properly. Remember the rear wiper on a van or SUV.
- Even if you live in an area with very little rain, the rubber on wipers will deteriorate. This could be about every six months.
Remember these four guidelines in replacing windshield wipers:
- If possible, buy the entire wiper assemblies, not just the blades.
- Replace wipers in pairs. They will both wear out at about the same rate.
- Buy the correct shape and size specified for your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual, or ask your automotive repair technician for advice.
- Good quality wipers are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Paying for higher quality wipers may actually save you money as they will last a little longer than the cheaper brands.
Need to know more about forgotten automotive repair items? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Fall is just around the corner with winter right behind it, bringing some dark rainy days. It’s important that you take care of not only the big automotive service items, such as rotating the tires, flushing the transmission, or replacing the air filter, but remember to also take care of the often-overlooked small automotive service items, such as replacing your windshield wipers!
Unfortunately, windshield wipers are often forgotten until you are caught in a heavy rainstorm and you discover that you can barely see. They are no longer doing their job of keeping the windshield clear, but squeak, skip and leave streaks as they pass over the glass. Those little wipers have become a serious safety hazard.
Taking care of your windshield wipers should be considered a routine part of automotive service on your vehicle. How do you check them, you wonder? Here are some tips about windshield wipers:
- To check the condition of your wipers, run your finger along the rubber edge. If it feels rigid or chipped, or keeps streaking the glass, it is time to replace them. If they are fairly new (you’ve had them less than six months), try cleaning the rubber with windshield washer fluid or mild dish soap. If this doesn’t work, purchase wipers of a little better quality and make sure they are installed properly. Remember the rear wiper on a van or SUV.
- Even if you live in an area with very little rain, the rubber on wipers will deteriorate. This could be about every six months.
Remember these four guidelines in replacing windshield wipers:
- If possible, buy the entire wiper assemblies, not just the blades.
- Replace wipers in pairs. They will both wear out at about the same rate.
- Buy the correct shape and size specified for your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual, or ask your automotive repair technician for advice.
- Good quality wipers are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Paying for higher quality wipers may actually save you money as they will last a little longer than the cheaper brands.
Need to know more about forgotten automotive repair items? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
