Stay up to date on your maintenence - Wiper Blades

Wiper blades can lose their effectiveness due to the following environmental factors:

• Sun: Ultraviolet light and ozone deterioration
• Oil: Car waxes and exhaust hold rubber-deteriorating oil
• Airborne debris: Sand, mud and dust carried in the wind
• Moisture: Acid rain and salt water (in moist air both near the shore and inland)

The importance of good wiper blades are key to a vehicle's safe operation just as clean oil and good tires are. Make sure to change your wiper blades at least once a year, and have them inspected frequently for wear and tear.

Here are a few helpful tips you can do your self to maintain your wiper blades:

• Clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank.
• Gently wipe the rubber squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil.
>Never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. Instead, either use an ice scraper or use your defroster to melt snow and ice.
• Pull your wiper blades away from the windshield during winter months to prevent ice build up on the rubber squeegee and to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.