The windshield wipers are probably one of the most neglected parts of a car since you don’t actually get to use it unless it rains. However, considering the fact that they enable you to see the road properly during a rainy day, it is very essential to take good care of them. Here are five tips that you can use.

1.Clean the wiper blades regularly

Although this is a little obvious, many car owners fail to keep their wiper blades clean. The more you use your car, the more dirt and debris is likely to stick to the wiper blades. Now, when you activate your wipers when they’re dirty, you risk destroying the rubber on them.

That said, the damage to your car won’t just be restricted to the windshield wipers though. Even the windshield can get scratched when you activate wipers that have debris and dust sticking to it. Unless you have a comprehensive car insurance plan, replacing your car’s windshield can take a huge toll on your pocket as well.

2.Soften the rubber

Overtime, the rubber on the wiper blades tends to get harder. And so, it is essential to soften them up occasionally to keep them in a good, working condition. Failing to do so can wear them out faster and end up scratching your windshield, which may not be covered by your car insurance.

One way to soften the rubber would be to apply petroleum jelly all over the wiper blades and let it rest for a while before wiping them down. However, before you go about rubbing petroleum jelly all over the wipers, make sure to clean them first. You could use vinegar to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris sticking to the wipers. 

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3.Lubricate the wiper blade springs

The wiper blade springs ensure that the blades stay in proper contact with the windshield, which is necessary for proper performance. However, since the springs are made of metal and are exposed to a variety of changing environments, they can get rusted.

Keeping them lubricated can prevent corrosion, rust formation, and help them last longer. To get them nicely lubricated, start off by spraying the springs liberally with WD40. This should help you get rid of rust and corrosion. Once that’s done. Wipe the springs down and apply a silicone lubricant all over them. Silicone lubricants tend to last longer than other types of lubricants.   

4.Never activate wiper blades when the windshield is dry

One of the easiest ways to keep your wipers in a good condition is to never activate them when the windshield is dry. This will wear the rubber out due to friction, requiring you to replace them. Since damage to windshield wipers may not be fully covered by car insurance, you will have to bear a portion of the cost out of your own pocket.

However, you can prevent all of this by simply using your car’s windshield washer function first before activating the blades. This will spray the windshield with washer fluid or water, reducing the amount of friction between the blades and the glass, preventing damage to your wipers.     

5.Lift up the wiper blades when parked

If you’re planning on keeping your car parked for a long time, consider lifting the wiper blades up. Having them constantly in contact with the windshield even when the car is parked can degrade the rubber material and can make the blades stick to the windshield. This is especially true during the sweltering heat in the summer since the heat can literally cause the rubber material in the wiper blades to melt and stick to the glass.

Conclusion 

With these 5 tips, you can not only make your windshield wipers last for a long time, but also ensure that they continue to perform satisfactorily. In addition to this, also ensure that you get car insurance online, so you can protect your vehicle further. Car insurance is also a mandatory requirement under Indian law. So, if you don’t already have one, make sure to get it right away.

That said, finding it tough to determine just how much you will have to pay as a premium? Here’s where a car insurance calculator comes into the picture. It is a great little tool that can help you check the insurance premium applicable for your car.