This is what allows your windshield wipers to last longer, especially in the coldest temperatures.
The cold season, with its share of frost and extreme conditions, takes its toll on your vehicle, and your windshield wipers are often the first to be affected. When faced with a frosty windshield, certain automatic actions should be avoided. Too many motorists operate their blades immediately after scraping, thinking they will remove the last remaining ice residue. However, it is the best way to damage rubber already stiffened by the cold. Another false good idea to avoid: boiling water to defrost. If the method seems hasty, the thermal shock risks shattering the glazing, while increasing poor visibility on the road.
However, a few habits help you get through the winter without any problems. First of all, remember to inspect your brooms regularly. A good wipe over the blades to remove impurities and traces of corrosive hydrocarbons is essential. For those who are more forward-thinking, the use of protective covers when stationary remains a radical solution against frost and freezing rain. But there is an equally formidable “system D” trick…
The ideal is to raise your blades every evening when parked, or even use rubber bands to keep them raised, or even corks or wedges to prevent them from touching the window. This grandmother’s technique insulates them from the night cold and prevents them from welding to the windshield. This saves you the unpleasant surprise of seeing the rubber tear off in the early morning. A reflex to adopt as soon as the weather forecast calls for snow or severe frost.
Last crucial point to save your equipment: always check that the windshield wiper control is “OFF” before turning off the ignition. This seems obvious, but it’s a classic mistake. If you park in the snow, the blades may freeze to the window. If the control remains active, the windshield wiper motor will force itself when it starts, risking blowing the fuse or tearing the blade. This simple check ensures their longevity during the cold months. By adopting these reflexes as an informed driver, you will keep a clear windshield and save on replacing your blades.
