Are Your Windshield Wipers Destroying Your Windshield?

Posted on: 24 August 2017

Windshield wipers are a safety feature on your car that you might rely on dozens of times throughout the year. Unfortunately, the feature can lead to damage that results in the need for repairs. To help you protect your car, here is what you need to know about the possible damage from windshield wipers.

How Can Windshield Wipers Hurt Your Car?

The idea that windshield wipers could cause damage to your car sounds absurd, but it is possible. Your wipers are exposed to various environmental factors, including extreme levels of sunlight. The environmental factors, combined with using them during bad weather, can lead to accelerated wear and tear.

Once your wipers are worn, they can cause considerable damage to your car's windshield. Each time worn wipers swipe over the windshield, grooves can be carved into the surface. The longer the worn wipers are used, the deeper the grooves will become. Even if you change out your wipers at this point, the grooves will remain. Depending on the depths of the grooves, you could end up needing a complete replacement of your windshield.

What Can You Do?

To avoid the need for a windshield replacement, there are some steps you can take to protect your windshield from the wipers. One of the most important steps you can take is to check the wipers every few months. If you live in a rainy climate that requires more usage of the wipers, inspect them every couple of months. If the wipers need to be replaced, do so as soon as possible.

In addition to this, you need to try to keep your windshield clean. The dirt and grime that is on the surface, combined with the wipers, can result in a sandpaper-type effect. Each time you use your wipers, the surface could be scratched.

As an added measure of protection, you should clean your wipers every other week. You can use a damp rag that has water or windshield cleaner on it to wipe away any debris that is affixed to them. Allow the wipers to thoroughly dry before pushing them back into their correct position.

If your windshield wipers have already damaged your windshield, contact a mobile windshield repair service. Continuing to drive with a damaged windshield puts you and your passengers at risk. If you are involved in an accident, the damaged windshield might not provide the protection that is needed from flying debris. 

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