Avoiding Wiper Blade Damage - Part II

The following are major contributors to wiper damage. Some of these you can control and others are environmental concerns.

• Extremely dusty areas (such as driving on dirt roads) may cause the wipers rubber edge to wear quickly and unevenly.
• Sand and salt used on roads for increasing winter traction and ice control will cause the wiper blades to wear quicker. Areas with significant snowfall require more frequent blade replacements. 
• Heat and time may cause the rubber blades to take a "permanent set" resulting in the rubber not flexing and turning over uniformly. This condition may result in streaking and/or un-wiped areas.
• Rubber blades are easily cut or torn when using ice scrapers. Likewise pulling blades up off a frozen windshield can tear the rubber. Exercise caution when clearing ice and snow. 
• Using your wipers to "wear through" frost and ice, instead of allowing the defrosters to melt the ice, can dull, nick or tear the rubber blades. 
• Banging wipers on the glass to remove ice and snow may cause the blade to bend, dislodging the rubber and causing potential scratching of the windshield. 
• Ice can form in the pin joints of the wipers, which can cause streaking and un- wiped areas. To remove ice from pin joints, compress the blade and rubber edge with your hand to loosen the frozen joints. Consider using Winter Blades that have a rubber cover to avoid this condition. 

Scheduled Maintenance:

• Inspect your wiper blades every 4 - 6 months, or every 7500 miles for wear, cracking or contamination.

For issues or problems call Audia Chevrolet; we will inspect and install your wiper blades free of charge by a trained GM Certified Technician.  Call for an appointment at 845-677-6220; or email us at gmcertifiedservice@audiamotors.com