Ask the Experts

In order to maintain your safety, it is important to do what is necessary to keep your automobile operating at peak performance. Much like auto glass helps support the structural integrity of your vehicle, each part of your vehicle has its own key duties.

Our Ask the Experts section is updated every quarter to provide you with the most up-to-date information on keeping your vehicle good as news. This quarter's focus: Wiper Blades.

How to maintain your windshield wipers

Wiper blades are critical to your safety. It's important to have wiper blades replaced every six months, as many of the most important driving decisions are based on a clear, unobstructed view. By following the three steps below, you may extend the life of your windshield wipers.

1. Inspect your wipers regularly

Here's what you should look for when inspecting your wipers:

• Cracked rubber - Splits and slashes in the rubber are evidence of wear
• Contaminated rubber - Road film or chemicals can adhere to the rubber refill surface, causing smears across the glass
• Torn rubber - Element pulls away from its support structure, creating a "slapping" sound when in use.
• Improperly installed refill - A wiper refill that is too short or not properly installed in the blade support structure may scratch the windshield
• Park set rubber - Direct sunlight and extreme temperature change can cause the rubber blade to harden and lose flexibility, resulting in an uneven wiper sweep
• Damage superstructure - Ice scrapers and car wash equipment can bend wiper arms, blades or refills and make wipers less effective
• Abrasion-worn rubber - Winter conditions or worn rubber elements can cause ragged edges and reduce wiper sweep coverage

2. Clean your wiper blades frequently

To clean your wiper blades, apply non-abrasive glass cleaner or windshield washer solvent with a soft cloth or a cotton swab. Please consult your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning solution.

3. Remove ice and snow

Be sure to thoroughly clean ice and snow from your windshield and blades before operating your wipers. Heavy ice and snow can damage your blades or cause the wipers to shut off in the event of an overload. If this happens, please consult your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's suggestions.

Experts recommend replacing your wiper blades every six months to 6,000 miles.

Safelite AutoGlassŪ now makes it easy to replace blades by offering quality Motor Trend™ windshield wipers, as well as Bosch Evolution flat blades, with auto glass service. We'll even install them. Value, convenience and safety - just what you would expect from America's auto glass experts.