How to Properly Care for Your Windshield Wipers

Storms are a part of life in most areas of the world. When we’re caught in one while driving, the only thing standing between us and a potential collision is the windshield wipers. When your wipers are working at 100%, you have a clear view of the road, and driving in hazardous conditions feels a lot less stressful. But when they start to reduce visibility, all bets are off.

Most professional auto glass services recommend replacing your windshield wipers every six to twelve months. If you want to help them last up to a year, here are some easy steps to follow:

Clean Your Wipers

Use a microfiber cloth and either wiper fluid or one of the alternative cleaning solutions listed at the end of this blog. Dampen the cloth with fluid and run it along the wiper blade. Repeat until the dirt is fully removed. This should be done once a month.

Clean Your Windshield

Most of the dirt that your wipers pick up comes from the windshield itself. By keeping the windshield clean, your wipers collect less grime and wear down more slowly. Use a microfiber cloth and a glass-specific cleaner—avoid ammonia-based products, as they can cause streaking, fogging, and damage tinted windows.

Avoid Dry Wiping

Running your wipers on a dry windshield can tear the rubber, shortening their lifespan. Get into the habit of misting the windshield with washer fluid before using the wipers to clear away debris.

Lift Wipers in Cold Weather

If your vehicle is exposed to freezing temperatures, lift the wiper blades away from the windshield when you park overnight. This prevents them from freezing to the glass and damaging the rubber.

Replace Your Blades Regularly

Even with proper care, you should still replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months, as recommended by the experts. This ensures your wipers will always work at their best when you need them most.

Use Silicone Spray

Silicone spray helps preserve the rubber’s flexibility and prevents it from hardening over time. A quick spray can make a big difference in durability.

What Are the Signs That My Wipers Are Worn?

Your wipers will often show both subtle and obvious signs when it’s time for a replacement:

• Low Visibility: If your wipers smear, streak, leave foggy patches, or affect your view in any way, it’s time for a change. Clear visibility is essential for safe driving.

• Chattering or Skipping: Wipers should glide smoothly across the glass. If they skip or chatter, they may no longer be making full contact with the windshield and should be replaced.

• Visible Damage: Cracks or even a small rip in the blade are signs it’s time for new wipers.

• Loss of Flexibility: If the rubber feels stiff or hardened to the touch, it’s no longer flexible enough to work properly and should be swapped out.

How Important Are Wipers to Safety?

Windshield wipers are your first line of defense when it comes to maintaining visibility during storms. As we've emphasized throughout this piece, being able to clearly see the road is critical to your safety.

Some Safe Cleaning Solutions

Here are a few non-hazardous alternatives to wiper fluid you can use to clean your blades:

• Warm water with a drop of mild dish soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water

Need a Wiper Replacement in Chipley or the Panama City, FL Area?

If you're in the Panama City Beach, Fountain, Bonifay, or surrounding areas and think your windshield wipers need replacing, contact us at Wisefly Auto Glass. Our auto glass technicians are experts in both windshield and wiper maintenance. Come see us and get your wipers replaced so you can get back to seeing the road clearly—no matter the weather.