WD-40 is a petroleum-based lubricant formulated to displace water that is commonly used for degreasing metal components and preventing rust formation. Though this product is sometimes recommended to silence squeaky hinges, it is not the best choice for cleaning usual brand of car like Ford’s windshield wiper blades.
Most squeaky blades are dirty or worn. Use a cloth dampened with windshield washer fluid, dishwashing detergent or rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and debris or replace old blades. Regardless of the frequency of cleaning or the solution you use, wiper blades wear out over time. Find out how to clean blades for optimal performance and select the right windshield wipers size for replacement blades.
How to Properly Clean Your Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades on your vehicle have started leaving streaks or are not clearing away water, adjustment, cleaning or replacement may be helpful. Raise conventional hinged, hybrid or beam blades and inspect the condition of the rubber edge. Replace worn blades for optimal visibility and repair damaged windshield wipers, using loaner tools if necessary.
Cleaning wiper blades can be helpful if the rubber portion is covered in dirt or debris. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with windshield washer fluid, mild dish liquid or rubbing alcohol and rub it one way across the rubber. Continue to rub clean and dampened portions of the rag one way over the blade until the cloth comes clean. Repeat this process for each windshield wiper blade on a vehicle. Using WD-40 may cause the rubber on blades to break down, expand or soften and shorten the lifespan of wiper blades.
When to Replace Your Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades that continue to leave streaks after inspecting the blades and cleaning the rubber should be replaced. Traditional windshield wiper blades should be changed approximately every six months. Hybrid blades and newer beam blades can last up to a year before requiring replacement. Another indication of worn blades may be repeated chattering or squeaking noises during use.
It is not difficult to do a windshield wiper replacement on your own with most wiper blades. Check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to determine whether stock wiper blades have a hook, pinch tab, bayonet, side-locking or top-locking configuration. Many manufacturers sell blades with an assortment of adapters to fit most vehicle makes and models.
Beam blades are hingeless, and may be the easiest to replace. These blades are designed to provide infinite pressure points along the length, whereas conventional blades only apply pressure at a few points. Hybrid blades combine features of conventional and flat wipers with an integrated spoiler.
Make sure you select the right size of replacement wiper blades. Many vehicles use different blade sizes on the driver and passenger side of the front windshield and back wiper blade. Replacing out all of the wiper blades at once provides optimal visibility and ensures a lifespan of six months to one year before all blades should be replaced. During this time, cleaning off blades with windshield wiper fluid, dish detergent or rubbing alcohol may improve the function of windshield wipers.
Useful Tips On Taking Care Of Your Car Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers are extremely essential to keep you safe on the road. Not taking proper care of the wiper blades can cause troubles on the road. Here are some useful tips of taking care of your car wiper blades.
Defrost and Scrape Before Using the Wipers:
Before using the wiper, make sure the snow or ice on the windshield is properly deforested and removed. Especially if you have an early morning commute, you should plan for a warm up of your car ahead of time with the defroster to ensure the wiping is smooth and trouble-free.
Replace the Blades Every Six Months:
Even the best quality wiper blades are built to last six months. So, if you keep them beyond that period, you might notice a decline in your driving visibility, increasing the risk of accident on the road. So, it is essential you replace them on time.
Clean Car Windshield Regularly:
We already have mentioned how to clean the windshield above. Now, you should easily do it yourself for your car. To prolong the life of the wiper blades, make sure you clean your windshield every time you stop to fill up your car at a gas station. Most gas stations offer a squeegee for this purpose and you can take advantage of this service.
Never Run the Wipers on a Dry Windshield:
Dry windshield is hard to wipe. So, make sure to pour some water or something similar to make the windshield wet before you use it to clean the windshield. This simple technique can help you use your car wiper blades longer than the expected lifespan.
These simple tips of taking care of your car wiper blades can help you clean the windshield properly, minimize risks of accidents and increase the comport of driving on the road.