How to extend the lifespan of your car wipers

Modern vehicles are fortified with an array of active and passive safety systems designed to ensure the well-being of drivers and other road users alike.

Among these myriad safety features, there is one indispensable element that practically allows you to get behind the wheel on rainy days – the windscreen wiper.

Believe it or not, wipers are a crucial safety system in your vehicle. Therefore, maintaining this component is essential for your safety as well as that of others on the road.

So without further ado, here are several tips to extend the lifespan of your car wipers:

Avoid wiping a dry windscreen

Essentially, wipers are designed to clear away water or moisture from your windscreen. Using them on a dry screen can inflict damage, as any dirt present on the surface can wear down the rubber blades and potentially scratch your windscreen.

Keep your windscreen clean

As previously mentioned, any grime on your windscreen can cause damage not only to the wipers but to the glass itself. To prevent this, regularly wipe your windscreen using a microfiber cloth along with an appropriate cleaning solution to remove any dirt.

Clean the wiper blades

In addition to your windscreen, it’s important to keep the wiper blades clean to ensure optimal performance. The best method involves washing the blades with a mixture of warm water and soap (or a washer fluid), followed by rinsing them with clean water.

Always refill the washer fluid

As its name suggests, washer fluid or screenwash fluid is specially formulated to clean the windscreen from all sorts of dust, grime, and even droppings. It contains specific chemicals that help break down stubborn dirt much more effectively than plain water.

Park in the Shade

Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the rubber blades to deteriorate more quickly. If a shaded area isn’t available, ensure you lift the wipers away from the windscreen to prevent them from melting against the hot glass.