How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Windshield Wipers

In a heavy rainstorm, windshield wipers are your only defense against collisions and potentially dangerous accidents. We depend on those little strips of rubber or silicone that slide across our windshields, clearing rain, snow, sleet, and ice, so we can see the road ahead.

Due to our reliance on windshield wipers, it’s essential to clean and maintain them properly to ensure they last a long time and perform well when we need them most. In this blog, we’ll cover each step of windshield wiper cleaning and maintenance. It's the best way to keep your windshield clean and prevent premature wear on your wipers.

1. Gather What You Need

Before you start splashing soapy water all over your windshield, it’s best to gather everything you need so you’re not scrambling for supplies in the middle of the job. Here’s what you’ll need to clean your windshield wipers properly:

• A Cleaning Solution: Several options are available for this task.
• Soapy Water: A mixture of mild dish soap and water.
• Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Rubbing Alcohol
• White Vinegar: A mixture of half water and half white vinegar.

• A Microfiber Cloth

2. Dampen a Cloth

Whichever cleaning solution you choose, dampen the microfiber cloth with it.

3. Wipe the Blades

Gently wipe the rubber blades with the dampened cloth. This will remove any dirt or grime that’s collected. Continue wiping the blades until there’s no dirt residue on the cloth.

4. Clean the Windshield

While you’re at it, clean the windshield as well. Regularly cleaning your windshield prevents dirt and debris from building up, which can cause unnecessary wear on the wipers. Avoid using soapy water to clean the glass. Instead, use a solution of white vinegar and water or windshield wiper fluid.

Maintenance

Now that you know how to clean your windshield wipers, let’s discuss how to maintain them so they last as long as possible.

• Defrost and Scrape: In cold weather, make sure to fully defrost the windshield and remove any ice or snow before using the wipers. This prevents damage to both the glass and the motor, especially if the wipers are frozen to the windshield.
• Avoid Dry Wiping: Never run your wipers on a dry windshield. Doing so can cause premature wear and tear on the rubber blades.
• Replace Blades Regularly: It’s recommended to replace your wipers every six to twelve months.
• Store Blades Properly: In winter months, raise the wipers away from the windshield to prevent them from freezing to the glass.
• Use Silicone Spray: Silicone spray helps maintain the flexibility of the rubber blades, preventing them from hardening.

Signs You Need New Windshield Wipers

Here are several signs that indicate it’s time to replace your wipers:

• Poor Visibility: If you can’t see clearly through the windshield when it’s raining, your wipers need replacement. Even if they work well in light rain, they may not perform at their best during a downpour.
• Chattering or Skipping: If your wipers jump, squeak, or skip across the windshield, you may need new blades.
• Streaking or Smearing: If your blades leave streaks or smudges, it's time to replace them. Clear visibility is crucial for safe driving.
• Rubber Damage: If the rubber blades are visibly cracked, worn, or torn, replace them immediately.

Do You Need New Wipers in the Huntersville, Lake Norman, or Hickory, NC Areas?

If you live in or are passing through the Charlotte, Huntersville, Hickory, or Lake Norman areas of North Carolina, and you suspect your wipers need replacing, contact us at Auto Glass Experts. Our experienced auto glass technicians can quickly replace your blades, ensuring you’re confident and safe on the road, especially when the next rainstorm hits.