People don’t often associate windshield wipers with accidents and injuries, but windshield wipers are an important feature of every vehicle so when they stop working, accidents can happen. Windshield wiper defects or failure can happen with age, but they can also be caused by manufacturing defects.
Examples of windshield wiper defects include:
Because the wipers are supposed to keep your windshield clean and visible, any error can prevent drivers from being able to see clearly and can contribute to a car accident. Regardless of whether someone can be held responsible for your windshield wiper failure, it’s helpful to know whether it’s time for you to purchase new wipers.
How to Determine Whether You Need New Wipers
When was the last time you checked your windshield wipers? Do you know what condition they are in? If it is time for you to get new wipers, you may want to make sure you are getting the best wipers for your vehicle.
It’s easy to check your wipers to see if they need replacing. If they did not clean off your windshield adequately the last time you used them, then you definitely know it’s time to get new blades. If you haven’t had to use them in a while, you can check to see how worn they are.
Run your finger along the wiper blade edge. If you find cracks or jagged edges, it’s time for a replacement. The sun breaks down the rubber used on wiper blades, and they deteriorate over time from road grime and debris.
Your wiper blades may not need to be replaced, but they may need to be cleaned if they are not cleaning your windshield sufficiently. Clean the blade and the window where the blade rests with either glass cleaner or windshield washer fluid.
The Best Wipers for Your Windshield
Consumer Reports tested windshield wiper blades to find out which brand has the best wipers. What they discovered is that price is no guarantee of quality. Some of the least expensive brands did as well as or better than the more expensive brands. The testing also revealed that even the best wipers have a tendency to degrade fairly quickly. Most wiper blades work well for the first few months, then performance declines to adequate after six months of use.
Windshield wiper blades come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. Check your car manual to find the proper blades for your particular make and model of car. Replacing wiper blades is as easy as pulling the blade assembly from the metal arm and putting on the new blade.
Even if one side is cleaning better than the other, you always want to replace both wiper blades at the same time. If you have a wiper blade on the rear window, check that one for wear also. It may need to be replaced as well.
Consumer Reports also suggests you replace your blades twice a year for optimum performance. Remember that windshield wiper blades are part of safe driving. If you can’t see because your windshield wipers aren’t working adequately, you could wind up in a serious accident.
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The attorneys at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., are committed to providing the information you can use to help make your life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. We focus on personal injury law, serving those in the communities of North Port, Englewood, Port Charlotte, and surrounding areas in southwest Florida. Call us for a complimentary consultation about your personal injury case. We are the lawyers who care.
Call our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation at (941) 979-9010 or contact us online. Whether you have been injured by a negligent driver or a defective product in your car accident, you can trust us to determine liability and secure the compensation you need.