You might take them for granted -- until it rains,
snows or sleets and suddenly your safety depends on them. Windshield
wipers always need to stay in top condition because you never know when
you'll need them to help you see the road.
Wipers take a beating
from extreme temperatures, acid rain, road salt, sand, and ice scraper
abuse. The rubber can crack, split, tear, become contaminated with road
film or chemicals or warp from long exposure to heat, cold or ice.
Improvements are being made in blade materials, but air pollution still
takes its toll.
Driving a vehicle
with worn and improperly functioning wiper blades is counter to all safe
driving tips you'll find.
Worn wiper blades don't clear away water from your windshield as well as
new ones, and the visible decrease in effectiveness of the wipers is
the first sign you'll need a replacement pair soon. If
water beads up on the glass, or if wiper action creates a hazy, oily
film, clean the glass and replace the blades. Beading and hazing are
most often caused by car wax build-up or driving behind a vehicle that
was losing brake fluid or engine oil. If wipers leave streaks or "skip"
on each stroke, the arm may be bent or applying incorrect pressure.
Blades and arms should be inspected every four to six months.
Meanwhile,
every time you wash your car (weekly, hopefully), clean the rubber
blade with a mild detergent and rinse with water. You'll remove most
pollutants attacking the rubber, help increase blade life and reduce
windshield smearing. If taking a rear wiper-equipped Subaru through a
commercial car wash, temporarily tape the rear wiper to the glass to
avoid damage during the wash.
If you're tired of finding your wipers frozen to your windshield, try setting
them away from the glass before you leave your parked car. Most Subaru
wipers can be gently pulled outward and set before snow or freezing
rain so they will be ready to work when you need them most.
The next time you visit our service department be sure to ask about service specials
and parts specials which can save you more. Remember this and other safe driving tips and
change your wiper blades when they need it. It's you and your vehicle
out on the road, so protect the things that are valuable to you.