There are some car components people make a point of replacing and maintaining all the time. You should know where you can get the best car battery replacement near you. However, your windshield wipers need just as much attention. They should ideally last between six months to a year. They may even be able to last longer if you know how to clean them properly. Even if you live in an area where it does not rain often, you need to know how to clean the wipers, which is fairly simple.
Clean Your Car
Before you clean the windshield wipers, you first need to wash the entire car. You can do it yourself in your driveway or take it through a gas station car wash. You just want to eliminate as much dirt and debris as possible from the windshield so that the wipers do not immediately get dirty again.
Get All the Cleaning Supplies You Need
You only need a few things to clean your windshield wipers correctly. You will need to gather:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hot soapy water or washer fluid
- Several clean rags
Lift the Wipers
Next, you should lift the wipers up, so they are not directly touching the windshield. Ideally, you will be able to lift the arm all the way up, but you may need to flip it over so that it will face upward. For older wipers, you may not be able to lift it. In this instance, you should remove the wipers entirely.
Spray Cleaner Onto the Rag
Once the wipers are in the preferred orientation, you can get your cleaning solution ready. You should spray the fluid or the soapy water onto the clean rag. You should be as liberal as possible to increase the strength.
Start Wiping
With one hand, you will need to hold the wiper in place. Otherwise, it could fall back onto the windshield. You should wipe the component back and forth with the rag several times. Keep going until you do not see any more debris on it.
Wipe With Another Rag
To ensure there is no longer debris on the wiper, you should clean it again using a different rag. With this one, inspect it afterward to see if there is any discoloration. If there is discoloration, then the wiper is still dirty. Continue doing this until the rag is completely clean after wiping it down.
Check for Texture
Once you have cleaned off the dirt and grime, you should run your fingernail against the blade. It should have an even, consistent texture throughout. In the event you find any cuts or blemishes, then it is time to replace the wiper.
Test It
Once all is said and done, you should put the windshield wiper back into position. Run some washer fluid over it and test it running over your windshield. Ideally, no streaks will form. Now that your windshield wipers are nice and clean, you can turn your attention to other matters, such as getting new motor oil or a new battery jump starter.
With proper maintenance, you can retain your windshield wipers for much longer. When you do need to replace them, find a reputable auto parts store near you where you can get great products at great prices.
