About 90% of our driving decisions are based solely on what we see. So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important.
Most Auburn motorists have experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our SUV windshield is very dirty. In fact, it’s estimated that 46,000,000 motorists across the nation are driving with wipers that can’t adequately clear their windshield in a storm.
It seems like your wiper blades are always at their worst when you need them the most. If that sounds like you, you’ve got plenty of company on the road. 78% of motorists only change their wiper blades after the blades function so poorly that they become a safety hazard.
We local motorists need to change our thinking. Instead of blades being something to replace when they fail, we need to consider wiper blades to be an important SUV safety component. That’ll keep us ahead of the storm.
You really ought to replace your wiper blades twice a year — in the spring and the fall. If you live in the colder parts of WA, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall. Winter blades are made to resist freezing. Speaking of winter and freezing conditions, if your SUV has been sitting for a long time and the windshield becomes frozen, don’t use your wipers to clear off snow and ice. That can shred your blades and may even damage the wiper motor.
Your wiper blades live outside in the freezing cold and blistering Kent sun. Over time, they become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don’t clear the SUV windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades aren’t just a safety hazard, they can also scratch your windshield. That may require replacing the entire SUV windshield – that’s a significant consequence for neglecting such a small part.
AutoNetTV and Central Avenue Automotive recommend you replace worn blades right away. Your Kent service center can provide you with a quality replacement blade. At Central Ave Auto, they cost about the same as they would at the store – but installation is included.
Of course you also need washer fluid to help your blades do their work. Even though we’ll be sure to top off the washer fluid with a full service oil change, it is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home. Bring it with you if you’re heading out on a road trip.
Always use windshield washer fluid. Plain water, even that fancy French bottled water, just doesn’t cut it. It can freeze in the fluid reservoir or on the windshield itself, making things worse. Besides, water won’t clean your windows as well.
So follow these tips to keep your windshield clear and your eye on the road.
