Top Tips to Keep Your Wipers Working in Winter

3 Ways to Protect Your Wipers From Cold Weather Damage

With how fragile they are, maintaining your windshield wipers may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, much of the work is preventative and is made even easier by developing good winter driving habits:

1. Occasionally, wipe your wiper blades with rubbing alcohol. This will help avoid rips and tears in the rubber, and gives you a chance to inspect them for signs of existing damage like rust and rips. This is especially necessary if you’re noticing streaking on your windshield. If this persists or your windshield wipers are damaged, you may require a replacement set.
2. Some drivers like to lift the wipers back off the windshield when they’re done with their vehicle. We don’t suggest this; it can permanently damage their springs. Instead, slide a piece of cardboard under your wipers or use a frost screen.
3. We also suggest you invest in some good windshield wiper covers and wrap your wiper blades when they aren’t in use. This also prevents them from sticking to the windshield and ensures the cold isn’t quite so hard on their delicate components.

Is There Such a Thing as Winter Wipers?

Much like swapping out your tires, you may want to consider swapping out your wipers for a specialized winter set. Because they were designed for Canada’s polar winters, these wipers better maintain their flexibility in the freezing cold, and employ a protective rubber casing that protects its components in the cold. Ask our experts about winter windshield wipers and get them installed alongside your winter tires for safer driving once temperatures start to drop.

How to Clear Your Windshield in Winter

We’ve all been there: your bed’s warm and toasty, the sky is still pitch black, but your alarm clock insists it’s time for work. What’s worse, your windshield is covered in ice that looks like it’ll take forever to clear. You may have heard that pouring boiling water on your windshield is a quick fix, but don’t fill that kettle yet: the reality is, this will only add more ice to the equation and can also crack the glass, putting your car out of commission until you can get your windshield repaired or replaced. So, what are you supposed to do? Here are some tips from our experts:

1. First things first, get your cabin warmed up. Not only will this save you some shivering once you climb inside, but it’ll put your heater to work by loosening some of the ice on your windshield.
2. Your wipers won’t stand a chance against ice and frost, so grab yourself a good, quality de-icer and scraper. These will make short work of the ice, allowing your wipers to glide freely over the glass without snagging or sticking. Don’t forget to clear off your roof and hood, too!
3. Check your fluid nozzles to make sure they’re not frozen or otherwise blocked. Cleaning these out is as easy as using your de-icer and a pin to clear any obstructions.

Easy as 1, 2, 3, right? These steps should help make light work of maintaining your windshield and wipers when the cold weather hits, and will ensure your day gets started relatively quickly without damaging your vehicle.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Our parts and service departments are here for you this winter. Ask our experts for maintenance advice and browse our selection of winter accessories for better driving in intense weather conditions. We also carry de-icers, windshield scrapers, all-season floor mats, and more! Get in touch today to get started!