Almost all driving decisions are based on a clear view out of the windshield, so wiper blades play a critical role in the safety and security of everyone on the road.

How do you know if your blades are in good shape? To check your blades, dump water on the windshield or use your windshield wipers with fluid to see how well they disperse the water. A visual inspection can also show you how pitted and cracked they have become.

There are several things that can go wrong with blades and prevent them from working effectively. Cold weather is particularly hard on the rubber components. Consistent freezing and thawing can lead to wear on the blades, and the weather can leave them brittle and more apt to break. Blades can develop a curvature over time that prevents them from making clean contact with the windshield. The springs can get clogged with ice, which will prevent them from pushing the blades cleanly up against the windshield.

When you do have ice and snow build up on the windshield, scrape it thoroughly before setting the wipers to working. The tendency is to want the wipers to do the clearing because you are in a hurry to get somewhere or don’t want to be out in the cold for as long as it takes to do a good job. The problem with allowing the wipers to do the job is that they will be rubbing and scraping up against ice, which can have a very jagged surface. This can put pits and chunks into the wiper blades, reducing their effectiveness in the long haul.

Wiper blades are fairly easy to replace on most vehicles; they are designed to be changed by the owner. If you’ve ever been down the wiper blade aisle at your local market, you know they come in all sizes and shapes. You can usually buy just the blades or the whole blade assembly. Luckily, most places will have a useful guide that will tell you which size to buy according to the make and model of your car. If you aren’t sure about replacement or what version to buy, check with your owner’s manual or consult a dealer or a reputable source online.

There are a lot of moving parts in a car, and some are more important than others. Some, however, are actually more important than people generally think they are. Windshield wiper blades are essential in the safe operation of your car, so keep them in good working order.

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