You don’t really think about windshield wipers unless they’re not doing their job. If and when they’re not working well, then we have a problem. “I can’t see out of my windows,” you say to yourself, and then you decide to do something about the problem– you need new wipers, right?
The Evolution of Windshield Wipers
Did you know there was a time when vehicles didn’t have windshield wipers? While there are several instances of people claiming to have invented windshield wipers, history generally says that a woman named Mary Anderson invented the first operational wiper back in 1903. Then in the 1960s, an engineering professor came up with the idea of intermittent wipers that could pause for short intervals so they weren’t constantly wiping when turned on. This helped give drivers speed options to match the severity of the weather they encountered.
Signs It’s Time to Change Your Windshield Wipers
Today, how do you know it’s time to change wiper blades? If your wipers are making scraping noises or leaving streaks on the windshield, it’s time. You can also look at your wipers to see if the rubber on the blades show signs of fraying or cracking.
What causes wipers to wear down and/or crack? Extreme weather, including hot sun or freezing cold temperatures can age and break wipers. It also depends on the quality of the blade material. For instance, rubber blades wear down faster than ones made of silicone or halogen-hardened rubber.
How to Maintain Your Windshield Wipers
How can you maintain your wipers? When you fill up your gas tank, clean the windshield and wipe down your blades with a paper towel.
What if a windshield wiper is bent funny? If it is, it won’t contact the windshield properly, so it needs to be fixed. Sometimes taking your vehicle through a car wash can bend a wiper and/or wiper frame. Snow and ice can also have an impact.
Your wipers might not be fully contacting the surface of your windshield if you notice streaks on the windows when you expect them to be otherwise clear.
Typically, when there’s a change in seasons, it’s smart to change wipers. For instance, there are winter blades (designed to handle snow and ice) versus summer blades (which handle summer heat and rain well).
If and when you notice your wipers are making a squeaking or grinding noise, or you see rubber physically tearing off your wipers, you probably need new ones.
AV Bumper to Bumper Provides Windshield Wiper Services
Not sure what wiper blades or frames to buy? Unsure of how to replace them yourself? No problem! AV Bumper to Bumper can check your windshield wipers and frames and make needed repairs or replacements. Located at 44559 N. Division St. in Lancaster, CA, AV Bumper to Bumper is open weekdays 8am to 6pm. Call 661-949-1999 to schedule an appointment.
You don’t want to be on a busy highway in a terrible rainstorm with wipers that aren’t working well. It’s a major safety issue. If and when you suspect your wipers need to be fixed or changed out, get to AV Bumper to Bumper quickly!
