Daylight Savings Time is This Weekend, Time to Change Your Wiper Blades

Many drivers procrastinate when it comes to changing their wiper blades for them, it’s just not a priority. But the American Optometric Association reports that 90 percent of driving decisions are based on visibility. With that statistic in mind, It is critical it is to change wiper blades regularly.

Installing a new pair will immediately improve the level of visibility and control – a benefit for both the driver and for those sharing the road. It is recommended that wiper blades or refills be changed every six months to maintain maximum driving safety.

As an easy reminder, wipers can be changed at the same time that clocks are reset during the beginning and end of daylight savings time. It’s also a good idea to visually inspect wipers every few months, especially if they are exposed to severe weather conditions on a regular basis

Buy a set of wiper blades this weekend and install them yourself. It takes only a few minutes, and simple instructions are right on the box.

Before you begin, here are two suggestions:

• You can make the wiper blade more accessible by stopping it in the most convenient location with the ignition key. Don’t use the wiper on-off switch, as it causes the wipers to stop in their parked position.

• Look for replacement rubber squeegees to avoid the cost of buying the entire blade and holder. They’re usually easily installed and can restore wiping action, as long as the rest of the components are OK.

15 percent of the vehicles passing through check lanes during National Car Care Month failed because of worn windshield wiper blades. That’s reason enough to learn to do it yourself.