Windshield Wiper Service & Replacement at Stanley Ford Gilmer
Of the hundreds of parts to your vehicle, the windshield wipers are probably some we take for granted the most. They are also some of the least complex and the least expensive, but they still have great importance, especially to your safety. They keep your windshield free of rain, dust, pollen, and other such debris that would obscure the field of vision while driving. Having wipers that do their job well as you get around
Gilmer,
Tyler, and
Longview is important. Windshield Wiper Service at
Stanley Ford Gilmer can help ensure that your wipers are always in good shape.
Your Wipers are Important
Your windshield wipers are composed of only four components: the blade, the wiper arm, the cowl, and the cover. If any one of these pieces gets damaged, it can affect how well your wipers work. Stanley Ford Gilmer will inspect your wipers to ensure they are working well and if not, they will install new wipers so you are safe.
How Often Should I Change My Wipers?
Every car, truck, SUV, and minivan has an owner’s manual that features a manufacturer-recommended schedule for maintenance needs. Typically, the owner’s manual will recommend changing wipers out every 6-12 months. There are certain environmental considerations that may result in having to change your wipers more frequently. These situations include:
- Environmental impacts related to extreme heat and cold. These temperature changes cause the rubber to contract and expand leading to blades that may get brittle and crack.
- If you keep your vehicle in a carport or garage, the life of the blades is also extended because the sun’s UV radiation will eventually start breaking down the rubber on your blades which will also lead to cracking.
- Finally, frequency of use will also truncate the life of your blades. If you live in an environmental area that has heavy and frequent rainfall, an area where you must use windshield cleaner often, or where ice and snow accumulate often, then the blades will wear out faster.
So, How Do You Know If Your Wipers Need Replacing?
If any of the situations above apply to you then you may need to replace them more frequently. To help you decide, here are some signs that will let you know that your blades need to be replaced, which include:
- Squeaking sounds may mean the rubber or silicone of your blades is damaged, or worse it can mean that there are parts of the wipers where metal is exposed, and you are scratching your windshield every time you turn the wipers on.
- Other noises like chattering sounds, or if the blades are vibrating or jerking can mean that your blades are uneven or that the blades are damaged in such a way that they are not getting good contact with your windshield.
- Your blades should glide cleanly and smoothly across your windshield and leave a clear field of vision, if there is steaking occurring your blades may need to be replaced.
- If your wipers move across the windshield and you see visible areas of wetness, then your blades aren’t removing moisture as they should.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Stanley Ford Gilmer and set up an appointment at our
service department in Gilmer for windshield wiper service.
