At first glance, the purpose of windshield wipers might seem obvious: They clear water, dirt, and debris off your windshield so you can see ahead of you and avoid potential car accidents. However, these simple tools are among the most important safety features on your vehicle and need to be maintained to protect both you and your car. 

Why You Need to Maintain Your Windshield Wipers 

1. Maintain Visibility 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), poor visibility is a leading factor in car accidents and increases the likelihood of a fatality. More than half of fatal car accidents occur at night, despite there being less traffic on the roads. USDOT attributes this increase to reduced visibility, including dirty windshields.

Keeping your wipers in good condition and the windshield wiper fluid tank full will help keep your windshield clean and reduce your chances of a crash. 

2. Handle Extreme Weather

Driving in heavy rain or snow can be challenging on its own, but when your windshield wipers can’t keep up, you put yourself at risk for an accident.

Aging wipers will harden and become brittle in extreme cold or hot temperatures. They may also leave streaks or skip across the glass, reducing your visibility. To stay safe when driving in challenging conditions, ensure that the wipers are not cracked and that they make full contact with the windshield.

3. Protect Your Windshield

Blades aren’t the only parts of your windshield that need regular maintenance. If the frame or arms that hold the wiper blades are corroded or damaged, the blades will not function properly or could fall off completely.

If this happens, the metal arms can scratch or gouge the windshield, which will then require replacement. To prevent corrosion, keep the bottom of the windshield free of debris like leaves that can accumulate under the wipers.

To keep your windshield wipers and the rest of your vehicle in excellent condition, turn to Daves Auto in Spokane County, WA. Since 1979, this family-owned NAPA AutoCare Center® has serviced both domestic and foreign vehicles. This shop offers scheduled maintenance, diagnostics, electronic fuel injection service, and smog checks, as well as auto body services after car accidents. Make an appointment by calling (509) 235-6123 or visit the website to learn more.