Most common causes of wiper damage

Why should you care for your windshield wipers?

Windshield wipers are one of the key elements affecting driving safety and comfort. Unfortunately, they are often neglected, with proper maintenance and use taking a back seat. The result can be not only irritating streaks on the windshield but primarily accelerated wear and even damage to the wipers themselves. In this article, we’ll suggest how to care for your wipers so they serve you as long and effectively as possible.

Most common causes of wiper damage

Before we move on to specific advice, it’s worth understanding what most often leads to damage of wiper blades:

• Dry operation: Running wipers on a dry, dusty windshield leads to rubber wear and risks scratching the glass.
• Icing and freezing: Pulling off frozen wipers or turning them on without defrosting the windshield first can damage the rubber or mechanism.
• Contaminants: Dried insects, bird droppings, and tree sap act like sandpaper on the rubber blades.
• No or incorrect washer fluid: Washer fluid protects the rubber and facilitates wiper operation. Water alone is not enough, especially in winter.
• UV radiation and extreme temperatures: Sun exposure and temperature changes cause the rubber to harden and lose elasticity.
• Improper installation: Poorly installed blades may not lie evenly against the windshield, reducing effectiveness and accelerating wear.

1. Clean the blades and windshield regularly

Blades: At least once every few weeks, wipe the rubber with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild detergent, or use a special wiper cleaning product. Windshield: Keep your windshield clean – remove dirt, insects, and tree sap before using the wipers.

2. Never use wipers “dry”

Always spray the windshield with washer fluid before activating the wipers. If the reservoir is empty – refill it.

3. Be Careful in Winter

• Make sure the wipers aren’t frozen to the windshield. Clean the glass with an ice scraper and turn on warm air before using them.
• During freezing temperatures, you can lift the wiper arms up overnight, if the car manufacturer allows it.

4. Use the right washer fluid

• Choose proven fluids appropriate for the season – summer formula for insects, winter formula to prevent freezing.
• Avoid using plain water, especially during cooler months.

5. Regularly inspect your wiper blades and replace them as needed

• Check your wiper blades every few months for signs of wear, such as stiffness, cracks, streaking, or squeaking. Replace them promptly when these issues appear.
• If your car is used frequently or in harsh conditions, consider checking and replacing the blades more often.
• OXIMO wipers offer a precise fit and reliable performance, making them a solid choice for maintaining clear visibility.

Summary

Taking care of your wipers is a simple but very important part of daily car maintenance. With a few habits, you gain better visibility, safety, and avoid unnecessary costs. Remember – functional wipers are your window to the world while driving. Take care of them, and they’ll reward you with a clean windshield in all conditions.