Do I Need New Wiper Blades?
It seems the
sun is always shining in Southern California. Driving your Ford Mustang along
the Pacific Coast Highway or cruising through Kings Canyon National Park in
your Ford Explorer is fun, easy, and stress-free. You can see for miles! But if
the weather turns or your windshield is smattered with bugs or dirt, everything
can change.
Your Ford’s
windshield wipers aren’t just for decoration, and they aren’t just a
convenience either. They’re a safety item. When you can’t see clearly through
your windshield, you’re in big trouble. But flick the switch and your wiper
blades kick into action, restoring your sight through the windshield.
But If Your Windshield Isn’t
Clear…
But if you turn
on your windshield wipers and you’re still struggling to see, there’s a
problem. Your windshield wiper blades may need replacing. But how do you know
if they need to be changed?
Give Them a Wipe
If you find your wiper blades aren’t cleaning
your windshield like they used to, something must be done. The first thing to
try is a good, old-fashioned cleaning. Whether at home or at the gas station,
use a rag to wipe your windshield wipers’ edges. Wet the rag with washer fluid
to clean and condition the rubber blade edge. But if that doesn’t do the trick,
you should invest in new blades.
Inspect Your Wiper Blades
Check your
windshield wiper blades condition, looking for signs of wear and tear:
·
Check
that the rubber edge is intact. If you notice floppy rubber tag ends hanging
off your wipers, the edge is torn. It’s a clear sign your windshield wipers
need to be replaced.
·
Inspect
the edge for nicks and cracks. Abrasive materials like dirt and sand can take
little bits from the blade edge, leaving noticeable streaks on the glass when
you use them. If you’ve cleaned your wiper blades and there are still streaks,
there’s a good chance there are nicks in the rubber edge.
·
Check
the flex points. For metal blades, pivot points on windshield wiper blades can
develop corrosion over time. If your wiper blade begins to seize up, it won’t
apply proper pressure to the glass, leaving streaks behind.
How Often Do Wiper Blades Need
Replacement?
Sun, heat, and
dry weather are what California is known for. Unfortunately, those are also the
elements that cause wiper blades to deteriorate quickly. For most vehicles,
proper car care involves replacing the windshield wiper blades approximately
once per year. However, if you can’t seem to clear the windshield well, they
may need to be replaced more often.
Need your
windshield wiper blades replaced on your Ford vehicle? Your Southern
California Ford dealers can help. It’s a quick and easy procedure to
swap your wiper blades for a new set. Wiper blades may not be expensive, but
they certainly are an investment in safe driving. Visit the Ford service
center nearest you to have your windshield wiper blades inspected
and replaced or schedule an appointment for your convenience today!
