Winter brings with it snowfall, overcast skies and fewer daylight hours that can hamper your driving visibility. However, a set of winter-ready wiper blades can make it easier to see the roadway and maneuver your vehicle. Before hitting the road this winter, check your wiper blades and have them replaced at an auto shop if necessary. Here are a few things you need to know.

Why It’s Important in Winter

Heavy snowfall, when you’re out driving, can significantly impair your visibility—more so with faulty wipers. The last thing you want to happen is to get stranded in the middle of a snowstorm with a sputtering pair of wipers. Worn or damaged wiper blades can leave smears, streaks, or skipped spots on the windshield that may obstruct a driver’s view of the road. To check, lift the wiper arm and run your finger along the rubber edge. Rubber blades tend to degrade over time and become more brittle with colder temperatures as well, so check them for any cracks, tears, rips, or missing pieces. Exposed metal parts of the wiper, where the rubber has fallen off, will likely scratch the auto glass that may result in costly repairs. 

How to Keep Your Wipers in Check

Be prepared by swapping out your ordinary wipers with ones designed for winter. These have thicker rubber blades for swiping away ice and snow. You can install them yourself, but an auto shop will guarantee that the job is done right. Once installed check your wipers periodically and clean the rubber blades using a damp sponge or rag soaked with washer fluid. Make sure the wipers are turned off and avoid raising the arms off the windshield for prolonged periods as this can wear out its mechanical components. To prevent them from freezing to the windshield put a piece of cardboard underneath or cover the blades with a sock for extra protection. Tempting as it may be to use the wipers to scrape off ice and snow, don’t do it as this can wear out your blades faster.

Preparing your windshield wipers for winter is essential to your safety on the road. Fortunately, it’s easy to have yours checked and replaced by the auto repair experts at Stillwater Auto Clinic in Stillwater, MN. This auto shop also offers outstanding oils change, car repair and suspension services in the East St. Paul and Maplewood areas. To get a free estimate at the auto shop, call (651) 351-7188 for an appointment or visit their website to view their services.