When it comes to routine maintenance for your Honda, it is important to remember to care for every component, including the wiper blades. Your windshield wipers may seem small, but they are crucial to your safety. It is these blades that are responsible for ensuring that you can see out of your windows at all time, helping you avoid collisions while on the road. Luckily, wiper blade maintenance is fairly simple as long as you know the basics.
When to Replace Wiper Blades
There isn’t a set rule as to how often you should replace your wiper blades. Some experts recommend doing so every 6 months, while other suggest once each year. A new set of blades is a low cost compared to that of an accident, but if you don’t remember when you last changed your blades, you can also inspect them to see. If your current wiper blades leave a haze behind on your windshield, miss sections, or leave streaks, you should probably go ahead and change them.
How to Inspect Wiper Blades
Quickly wipe down your wiper blades anytime you fill up your gas tank. This makes it easy to remember and may even remind you to do the occasional inspection. When doing a full inspection, you will want to flex the rubber squeegee portion to ensure it is still flexible. Now look at the wiping edge to ensure there are no rounded edges, as these may lead to spots that are missed or not cleaned as thoroughly. Then ensure your squeegees are secure in their wiper frame and that the wiper blade is securely attached to the wiper arm.
Understanding Streaks and More
Anytime that you notice your wiper blades are performing poorly, consider what exactly is happening, as this can tell you what the problem is. Streaking generally indicates the blades are dirty or dry. Chattering (when the blade skips) means that the rubber in the blade is curved and the blades should be replaced. Squealing may be due to worn blades, also indicating a need for replacement. Windshield scoring indicates you should have changed your wiper blades a while ago.
What Causes Wiper Blade Wear
Wiper blades naturally wear down over time, and there is not much you can do about it except keep them clean and replace them when necessary. Damage and wear are due to extreme temperatures, moisture, airborne debris, oil, and the sun’s rays.
To learn more about caring for your Honda’s wiper blades or any other regular maintenance, talk to the knowledgeable team at Brannon Honda in Birmingham, Alabama.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.