Category: Car Care

Wear, Tear, and Care of Windshield Wiper Blades

Many of us take our windshield wipers and wiper blades for granted as a helpful feature for inclement weather. However, getting stuck in rain or snow without properly functioning windshield wipers will quickly make you realize the importance of well-maintained windshields and wiper blades. While natural wear and tear is normal for your wipers, the following windshield care tips and tricks will help you make sure that your wipers are ready for any condition.

1. Clean your wiper blades regularly

Wiper blades can be cleaned easily and regularly by wiping them with a wet towel along the rubber edge to remove grime, dirt, dust, and any other debris that builds up with daily use of your wipers. We recommend cleaning your wiper blades each time you fill up your gas tank.

2. Look for signs of wear and tear

When cleaning your wiper blades, look for any scratches, cracks, gaps in the rubber, or hardened rubber areas. Damaged areas like these can actually scratch your windshield, leading to damage that could be permanent. Regular inspection can help ensure that your windshield remains in peak condition.

3. Clean your windshield regularly

While we recommend regularly cleaning your windshield to ensure maximum visibility, a dirty windshield can also prematurely wear down or even damage your wiper blades. If your windshield is dirty, there’s an increased chance of you wiper blades catching on any debris or stones and damaging the blades, and most likely your windshield as well. Most gas stations have windshield cleaning stations that are free to use for customers.

4. Maintain proper windshield fluid level and type

Make sure to regularly check your windshield washer fluid levels and add additional fluid as needed. For correct windshield care, it is also imperative to use the right mix of fluids for your climate. Use a mixture of washer fluid and antifreeze, and be sure never to use plain water in your windshield washer system, as it can develop bacteria or even freeze during cold months.

5. Notice symptoms of malfunctioning wipers

If your wipers are malfunctioning or damaged, they may make unusual noises, such as squeaking, screeching, or the sound of nails on a chalkboard, all sounds that indicate that your windshield is being damaged. In addition, you may no longer be able to effectively wipe down your windshield with your wipers, causing your windshield to remain dirty or become streaky with dirt and debris that the damaged wiper blades drag across it.

6. Replace your wiper blades when needed

Finally, no matter how well you take care of them, you will at some point need to replace your wiper blades due to wear and tear. Experts recommend replacing your wiper blades anywhere from every 6 months to once a year. When the time comes to replace your wiper blades, work with an auto glass service that will provide the proper wiper blade replacements to ensure your wiper blades are working smoothly, so that you can drive more safely in any weather.

Three Causes of a Flat Tire—and What to Do If You Get One

No matter where you’re headed, getting a flat tire on the way there can certainly put a damper on your day. Knowing the causes—both manmade and natural—of flat tires can help you prepare. This article will cover 3 common causes of flat tires, as well as what to do when you find yourself with a flat tire.

1. Puncture by sharp object

The most common cause of a flat tire is a sharp object puncturing the tire.This object could be a nail, debris, or even purposeful tire slashing. When a tire is punctured, it may or may not cause the tire to go flat. The sharp object may miss the lining of the tire, or the lining may be completely sealed around the object. A tire pressure test can help assess whether the sharp object is causing air to leak out of your tires. If the pressure of the punctured tire is lower than normal, it is important to either patch or replace the tire.

2. Weather conditions

Have you ever woken up the morning of a heat wave or cold spell and seen the tire light on in your car? Significant drops or increases in temperature can cause your tire pressure to decrease or increase respectively. Heat is the particular culprit when it comes to flat tires. When the temperature outside rises, the air inside the tire expands, raising the tire pressure. If the tire pressure becomes too high—when the air expands beyond what the tire walls can hold—the tire can pop, causing a flat tire. (Similarly, over-inflating your tires can cause them to pop.) Routinely monitoring your tire pressure can help avoid this situation; if the tire pressure seems abnormal, do not drive on the tire.

3. Wear and tear

Finally, even if you avoid debris and hazards and live in a consistent climate, wear and tear can still cause your tires to go flat. The recommended number of miles between tire replacements is 25,000 to 50,000, depending on the climate, road conditions, type of tire, and other variables. Once the tires are beyond their recommended lifespan, they can start to wear down. This can cause leaks in the tires’ rubber, which can lead to a flat tire.

Even if you know the causes of a flat tire, you can still end up with one. In fact, the average American will encounter 5 flat tires in his or her lifetime. It is important to know what to do when you have a flat tire. We highly recommend contacting roadside assistance. Roadside assistance can send a towing service to help you safely get your car to a garage where your tire can be replaced. Roadside assistance can be especially helpful in the event of a late-night flat tire, or a flat tire in an unfamiliar area. Regardless of when and where your flat tire happens, knowing you can contact a reliable towing service when you need one can help make a stressful situation more manageable.  Sponsored by Towing Service Worcester MA