Your car’s windshield wipers are essential for maintaining clear visibility during rainy and snowy weather, but do you know they require regular maintenance?
Your windshield wiper motor is responsible for powering the wiper blades, and if it becomes damaged, it can lead to frustrating and even dangerous driving conditions.
This blog post will discuss some common mistakes that can damage your windshield wiper motor and how to avoid them!
Using the Wipers on a Dry Windshield
Your windshield wipers should never be used on a dry windshield. Running them when the windshield is dry can cause the rubber on the wiper blades to wear down quickly and can put undue strain on the wiper motor. If your windshield is dry, use a cleaning solution first, or wait until it rains.
Ignoring Streaky or Slow Wipers
If you notice that your wipers are streaky, slow, or making unusual noises, take it as a sign of a problem with your wiper motor. Using damaged wipers can cause further stress on the motor and lead to costly repairs.
Not Cleaning the Windshield
Driving with a dirty windshield can cause debris to build up and damage your wiper motor. So along with routine wiper maintenance, clean your windshield regularly with a specialized windshield cleaning product.
Running Wipers in Snow or Ice
Do not run your windshield wipers if the blades are stuck in the snow or ice. This can lead to motor damage as well as damage to the wiper blades. Instead, remove ice and snow from the windshield and wiper blades before using the wipers.
Improperly Storing Wipers
Storing your wiper blades in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight can cause damage to both the blades and the wiper motor. Instead, keep your wipers in a dry, cool space to preserve them.
Not Replacing Wiper Blades
Wiper blades have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every six to twelve months to ensure peak performance. Continuing to use old, worn-out blades can cause friction and damage to the wiper motor.
Allowing Ice to Build-up
Occasionally, ice can build up under the wiper blades, causing the motor and blades to become stuck. Avoid leaving your car parked outside during a snowstorm, and scrape any ice from the windshield and blade before attempting to use the wipers.
Inconsistent Use
Disusing your wiper motor can cause the blades to stick to the windshield and damage the motor and blades. Make it a habit to use your wipers at least once a week, even if the weather is not rainy or snowy.
How Can a Damaged Windshield Wiper Motor be Harmful?
The experience of damages wiper motor can be nerve-wracking and potentially dangerous. Without properly functioning windshield wipers, visibility is greatly impaired, and the risk of an accident exponentially increases.
Sudden downpours or unexpected bouts of snow can make it almost impossible to see the road without wipers. Furthermore, driving with faulty wipers can cause unnecessary strain on your windshield, leading to cracks or even shattering if the conditions are severe.
To know more about wiper motors problems, you can open the link https://a-premium.com/blogs/5-common-windshield-wiper-motor-problems.
Don’t jeopardize your safety by neglecting to fix a damaged windshield wiper motor. It’s an essential component of your vehicle that should be promptly repaired at the first sign of trouble.
The Bottom Lines
Your windshield wiper motor is critical in ensuring clear visibility while driving. In addition, avoiding the above mistakes can help prolong the lifespan of your wiper motor and prevent costly repairs.
Therefore, it’s essential to maintain your vehicle’s windshield wipers regularly and replace them when necessary. Doing so can avoid dangerous driving conditions and keep your car running smoothly.