There’s not much of a chance of rain in Minnesota at this time year. But there’s a good chance that your windshield wipers still need replacing.
Do You Need New Windshield Wipers?
Windshield wipers take a beating during Minnesota winters, especially if you use your wipers to clear snow from your windshield.
Do you need new windshield wipers? Since you don’t use them all the time, it’s easy to forget you need new ones until you get caught in a snowstorm and can’t clear your windshield.
Here are 3 times when it’s time to stop in for a replacement.
3 Signs it’s Time for New Windshield Wipers
1. Windshield streaks
If your wipers leave streaks across the glass, this is a sign that they are wearing out. This also applies if they clear evenly but leave a thin film of snow or grime behind.
What causes windshield streaks? The rubber on your blades may be cracked or broken, causing them to clear unevenly. Or your windshield wipers may be bent, and skimming over your windshield rather than clearing it. This is especially common in the winter since wipers can freeze to your windshield and bend when you turn them on.
2. Scratching noises
This sound is worse than nails on a chalkboard. If your wipers scratch rather than sliding smoothly across your windshield, this is a sign that they are not clearing evenly. Uneven clearing can cause vision problems and create a serious hazard if you’re on the road.
3. Reduced visibility
If you experience any type of reduced visibility when you run your wipers, it’s time for a replacement. Bad visibility can pose a serious hazard on the road. Driving in our Minnesota winters requires good judgement as well as skill. Don’t make your drive harder than it has to be by putting up with reduced visibility.
How Often Should I Replace My Windshield Wipers?
We spoke to Phil Steahl in the service department, who recommends replacing your wipers once a year. “Many people would say this is too often,” he acknowledges, but “otherwise you forget about them until it’s raining or snowing, and then it’s too late.”
Another trick for Minnesotans? Keep a new pair of wipers in your trunk. That way, you’ll always be equipped to replace them immediately if they stop providing enough visibility to drive safely.
You can also buy sturdier winter wipers, which are designed for cold, snowy climates.
How to Care for Your Windshield Wipers
To maximize your wipers’ lifespan, Steahl recommends cleaning them off with a wet cloth. “It’s an inexpensive safety thing you can do,” Steahl says, to stay safe on the roads this winter.
You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough windshield wiper fluid in your reservoir. You can go through fluid fast, especially during the snowy winter months, so pop the hood every month to check it, and if your reservoir is less than ¼ full, top it off.
Remember, even with good care, windshield wipers have a limited lifespan. If your wipers are well cared for but your visibility is low, don’t wait. An inexpensive replacement is an invaluable investment in your safety.
Stop By Poquet and Get New Wipers Today
Do you need new windshield wipers? Our service and detail department will be happy to help! Give us a call (763) 522-2000 at Poquet Auto Golden Valley or (952) 469-1500 at Poquet Auto Lakeville.
