How to Properly Maintain Car Wipers and Causes of Damage

When it rains or the windshield is exposed to dust and dirt, car wipers are the invisible heroes that provide clear visibility during the journey. Although often overlooked, taking good care of your wipers is a crucial step in maintaining safety and comfort while driving.

In this article TransTRACK, we will discuss simple yet effective ways to maintain your car’s wipers. By following these steps, you can not only increase the lifespan of your wipers but also ensure optimal performance in all weather conditions.

Don’t let rain or dust block your view on the road. Let’s explore together how to properly maintain car wipers for a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

How to properly maintain car wipers

Taking proper care of your car wipers is an important step to ensure their optimal performance and improve your driving safety. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your car wipers:

Wash the wipers the right way

• Remove dirt or residue that sticks to the wiper rubber regularly.
• Use soapy water or a mild glass cleaner to clean the wipers. Avoid using harsh or abrasive chemicals.

Maintain the elasticity of car rubber

• Avoid parking in direct sunlight to prevent the wiper rubber from drying out and losing its elasticity.
• Use a rubber or silicone lubricant to keep the wiper rubber soft and elastic.

Fill the wiper fluid

• Make sure you always have enough washer fluid. This fluid helps remove dirt on the glass and ensures the wipers work properly.
• Use the recommended glass cleaner to ensure no damage occurs to the wipers or glass.

Don’t forget to check the condition of the wiper shaft

• Check the wiper shaft regularly to ensure there is no corrosion or other damage.
• Ensure that the wipers can move smoothly and without resistance. If there are any abnormalities, check and resolve them immediately.

Replace the wipers regularly

• Wipers have a limited lifespan. Replace the wipers regularly, usually every 6-12 months or when you notice any signs of wear or degraded performance.
• Choose wipers that are suitable for your car model and size. Be sure to follow the installation instructions found on the wiper packaging.

Taking proper care of your car wipers not only improves your visibility while driving but can also extend the life of the wipers and prevent damage to the windshield.

Car wiper malfunctions to watch out for

Damage to car wipers can affect their performance and reduce their effectiveness in cleaning the windshield. Here are some car wiper malfunctions to look out for:

Noise

• A noise or rattling when the wipers are moving can indicate abnormal friction. This may be caused by dirt or residue stuck to the wiper rubber or glass.
• Try cleaning the wiper rubber and glass using an appropriate glass cleaner. If the sound persists, it may be necessary to check or replace worn or damaged wipers.

Water lines appear

• If you see streaks or uneven patterns when the wipers move, it could indicate dirt or other substances stuck to the wiper rubber.
• Clean the wiper rubber and glass carefully, or consider replacing the wipers if they are in poor condition.

Movement is not smooth

• Wipers that move roughly or not smoothly may have friction or resistance on the shaft.
• Check the wiper shaft to ensure there is no corrosion or damage. If necessary, add lubricant or replace the damaged wiper shaft.

Not wiping off water perfectly

• If the wipers are not wiping the water perfectly, it could be that the wiper rubber is worn or no longer elastic.
• Replace the wipers regularly to ensure optimal performance. Also, make sure that the wipers you choose are the right size for your car.

Always look out for signs of wiper damage and take immediate action to repair or replace them if necessary. Wipers that are in good condition are essential for safe driving as they ensure good visibility during bad weather conditions.

How to replace wipers yourself at home

Replacing car wipers by yourself at home is a relatively easy maintenance task and can save on workshop costs. Here are the general steps for replacing car wipers:

Choose the Right Wipers

Make sure to buy wipers that match the make, model, and size of your car. Wiper sizes are usually listed in inches.

Lift the Old Wipers

Lift the wiper arm off the glass. Some wipers have a small locking mechanism that needs to be released before lifting the wipers.

Press the Locking Button (If Available)

Some modern wipers have a locking button that must be pressed to release the wipers from the arm. Press the button and remove the wipers from the arm.

Remove the Old Wipers

Remove the old wiper from the arm by rotating or releasing the fastening clip.

Install New Wipers

Place the new wiper on the arm by rotating or reattaching the fixing clip. Make sure the wiper is firmly seated.

Press the Locking Button (If Available)

If the wipers have a locking button, be sure to press it to lock the new wipers on the arm.

Check Performance

Run the wipers to ensure that they move well and wipe the glass perfectly.

Repeat on the Other Side (If Necessary)

If your vehicle has rear wipers, repeat the steps above to replace the rear wipers.

Replacing the wipers regularly, usually every 6-12 months, is an important part of maintaining your vehicle to ensure good visibility during adverse weather conditions. Be sure to read the installation instructions found on the wiper packaging and follow the steps suggested by the manufacturer. If you have any doubts or difficulties, it is better to consult your vehicle’s instruction manual or ask a professional for help.

Taking careful care of your car wipers is a small investment that can have a big impact on your driving safety. By paying attention to the right maintenance steps, you not only ensure optimal performance of your wipers, but also improve visibility during your journey.

To make the maintenance process more efficient and integrated, we recommend using TransTRACK’s  Vehicle Maintenance System. This system not only provides real-time monitoring of the condition of the wipers, but also provides necessary maintenance notifications, so you can drive with more confidence.

Don’t let vehicle maintenance be a complicated task. Choose TransTRACK for a smarter and more connected maintenance experience. Visit the TransTRACK website now for more information and sign up immediately.