How Can I Prolong the Life of my Wiper Blades?

Using wiper blades that streak or skip can further inhibit the visibility through your windshield. In places where it rains and snows you may use your wiper blades a fair amount, but in other climates you may not. According to HowStuffWorks, wiper blades can last anywhere from six months to one year. To help ensure your wiper blades hit the one-year mark, here are some tips on how to prolong the life of your wiper blades.

Tips to Get the Most Use Out of Your Wiper Blades

This is an example of a split wiper blade.

• Clean your Windshield If you make it a routine to clean your windshield every time you get gas, you are ensuring the windshield is free of debris, according to Rain-X.
• Remove Loose Dirt or Oil Rain-X suggests using a damp paper towel to wipe down the rubber squeegee, or blade part of the wiper blade.
• Use an Ice Scraper or the Vehicle’s Defroster to Remove Ice Avoid using the windshield wipers to de-ice the windshield, according to Rain-X. This can damage the rubber squeegee.
• Prevent Ice Build-Up Ice build-up on the rubber squeegee can be prevented by pulling the wiper blades off of the window. This also ensures the wiper blades will not stick to the windshield.
• Park in the Shade The sun and the heat can cause the rubber squeegee to dry up, according to Scrubblade. Over time this will cause the rubber to crack. Parking in the shade will help shield the wiper blades from the sun’s rays.
• Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean the Blades eHow suggests using rubbing alcohol to clean the blades monthly.
• Use Sandpaper on Worn Blades Sanding down worn wiper blades can help them function more efficiently, according to eHow. Pass over the wiper blade eight to 12 times with the sandpaper, and then test the wiper blades. If they aren’t functioning well, sand them a few more times. If you don’t have fine sandpaper, try a knife or matchbook backing.

Trying these tips can help your wiper blades last longer. Be sure to routinely check the wiper blades for splitting and wear. According to Rain-X, if the wiper blades skip, streak, split, or squeak when you use them it is time to have them replaced.
Call Fisher Auto in Boulder, Colo., at 303-245-6414 to schedule an appointment to have your wiper blades checked and, if needed, replaced today.