Wiper blades Maintenance

Like any other parts of a vehicle, wiper blades demand maintenance. They should be maintained after a period of approximately six months to one year. However, sometimes you mustn’t wait for the entire period to do so. A slight difference in your vehicle’s wiper blade should raise an alarm. You don’t want to interfere with your visibility as you drive your automobile. Therefore, it is important to give the wiper blades the attention they demand.
Whenever you notice that your wiper blades are no longer making the right contact with the vehicle’s windshield, it is high time to do a service. Failure to give this misalignment an attention may cause the screen to squeak, chatter, or even streak. As a result, the driver’s visibility will be altered.

Some Common Wiper Blade Problems

Streaking and Splits
It is a condition that occurs when a rubber squeegee dries or cracks due to dryness. It may also be caused by road tar, sap or any other materials collected by the glass or blade. These foreign substances may stick to the frame or corners thus causing the streaks unconsciously.
Splits are caused by hazardous rays of the sun. UV radiations penetrate the rubber squeegee leaving behind some crackdown damages. The cracks end up separating from the frame causing the overall negative effect.

Weariness
Wearing occurs when you use something repeatedly. Wiper blades are not exceptional. This extensive use results from continuous use rubber or when the rubber edges are used rather than the rounded types. Weariness may also cause the blade to be discolored.

Bent Vertebra
Together with bent refill vertebra, the bent frames causes a capricious contact with the glass surface. The best results to a streak or sometimes a skipping. The bent may also quicken wearing.

 

Service Maintenance to Fix the Problems

Broken Frames
Sometimes, the frame supporting the blades may be broken, causing a detachment on joints or connection points. This will automatically call for a repair. You will require an expert to fix the broken frames either by repair or replacement. There are two ways in which you may decide to do the maintenance: replace the rubber portion only or replace the entire blade.

Flex Rubber
If the rubber is stiff, there may be a problem on the wiper blade. A back and forth squeegee will test its flexibility. The aged squeegee will be somewhat resistant and fail to conform to the shape of your windshield. As a result, it will cause some streaks. Flexing it back and forth may be a possible solution

The Squeegee Wiping Edge
Sometimes, the squeegee’s edge may be the cause of ineffectiveness. Check for the round edges which might be the possible cause of too stiff or too weak wiper blade. Wiping quality is, therefore, hindered. Wipe the blades using a damp paper towel gently. The gentle maintenance will get rid of loose dirt and any possible buildup of oils. You may also use the alcohol wipes to wipe your blades.

 

The Bottom Line
Overall, you should be vigilant about your wiper blades. They are one of the most important bunch of safety equipment that you should forever keep in mind whenever you think of service maintenance of your vehicle. Negligence to this part may land you into hot water. In a nutshell, consider doing the maintenances above as often as possible.