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For those in the Pacific Northwest, clear visibility is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Between rain, mist, and sometimes even ice, your windshield endures a pounding. All of that work goes unseen, however, as wiper blades work one of the hardest jobs on your vehicle, yet you probably do not even consider them until they fail.
One of the most important things for those of us in and around Renton and the greater Puget Sound region to do to ensure our own safety on the roads is to get windshield wiper replacement. Let’s talk a bit about wiper blades and their importance. How do we know if our windshield wipers are no longer functioning properly? What can we do?
Why the Puget Sound Climate Is Tough on Wipers
Our weather doesn’t treat wiper blades too kindly. Rain can come on quite suddenly, fog can roll in during your morning commute, and evergreen trees can drop twigs on your windshield.
Here’s what makes our region so challenging:
- Frequent rain implies that the wiper blades will be used far more often than in regions where it does not rain often.
- Cold mornings can stiffen the rubber or freeze the blades onto the glass.
- Pine needles, leaves, and road grit accumulate at the windshield base, dulling blade edges.
- Moisture and grime reduce the life of even high-quality rubber.
When wiper blades fail to do their job, visibility quickly becomes a problem, and that's not something you want on I-405 or a slippery neighborhood street.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Wipers
It doesn’t require a person to be a “car expert” to identify malfunctioning wiper blades. Some signs include:
- Streaks or smears on the windshield
- Glass areas that are not cleaned after each pass
- Chattering, squeaking, or skipping sounds
- Rubber that looks cracked, brittle, or uneven
- Blades that don’t lie flat on the windshield
If you notice any of these, your wiper blades are no longer new.
How Often Should You Replace Them?
The majority of manufacturers advise replacing the wiper blades at intervals of 6 to 12 months. In the Renton region, 6 months is a safer bet because of the rains.
The rule of thumb is to replace them before fall and winter arrive. This way, your wiper blades will be ready for bad weather that begins early in the day.
A Simple DIY Guide to Windshield Wiper Replacement
If you are comfortable with minor maintenance, replacing wiper blades is relatively easy.
Step 1: Get the right size
You can refer to the owner's manual or an online fit guide. Note that many vehicles have different size tires on the driver's side and the passenger's side.
Step 2: Lift the Wiper Arm
Turn the engine off, and carefully move the arm away from the windshield. It's spring-loaded, so be sure it doesn't snap back.
Step 3: Remove the Old Blade
These usually have a small tab or hook type. Simply press, slide, and remove.
Step 4: Install the new blade
Line it up, then push it until it locks into place.
Step 5: Test everything
Lower the arm, spray washer fluid, and turn on the wipers. Look for smooth, quiet operation with no streaks.
Extra Tips for Local Driving Conditions
To help your wiper blades last longer:
- Clean your windshield prior to installing the new ones.
- Do not attempt to remove ice or heavy snow from the windshield using the windshield wiper blades
- Utilize washer fluid for cold and wet weather.
- Park away from the sun where possible to prevent damage to the rubber.
Small practices like these have been found to add considerable life to your wiper blades.
When It’s Time to Call the Pros
In other cases, the problem might not be the blades. If new wiper blades are still streaking or skipping, it could be caused by worn-out wiper arms, inadequate arm tension, or the windshield. This is where Beetlesmith's Valley Auto comes in. We have skilled workers who can look at all these components, make sure all is well, and recommend good-quality wiper components for use.
Final Thoughts
In a region like that, wiper blades are more significant than most people think. Regular replacement, selection, and cleaning of wiper blades can make a big difference. However, if you'd like not to deal with it yourself, or would simply like peace of mind, you can't go wrong with Beetlesmith's Valley Auto in Renton.