Common Mistakes in Using Car Wipers
Tips for Using Car Wipers Correctly
The rainy season is often a scourge for drivers because the visibility is drastically reduced. One of the important components that help maintain visibility is the car wiper, which functions to sweep the rainwater to keep the glass clean. However, many drivers do not realize that the wrong way of using the wiper can shorten its life and even damage the car window. As a result, visibility can be disrupted and the risk of accidents increases.
Although it looks trivial, the use of wipers requires special attention. Starting from the habit of turning it on at the wrong time, forgetting to do simple maintenance, to choosing the wrong cleaning fluid. All these small mistakes can accumulate into a big problem, especially when heavy rains fall. For this reason, it is important for every car owner to know what mistakes are often made in order to avoid them early on.
1. Operate the wiper on dry glass
The first mistake that often occurs is turning on the wiper when the windshield is dry. Many people think the wiper is just an automatic broom, even though the wiper rubber is designed to work with a lubricant in the form of water or liquid washer.
Swiping the dry glass makes the rubber wear out quickly, there is a squeaking sound, it can even leave permanent scratches on the windshield. If this habit continues, the wiper’s life will be very short and the glass can be damaged so it costs more repairs. The solution, always make sure the glass is wet with rain or spray the washer liquid before turning on the wiper.
2. Ignoring simple care
Another mistake that is often made is not taking care of the wipers regularly. Many drivers only pay attention to the wipers when they are completely malfunctioning. In fact, there are early signs that should be addressed immediately, such as squeaking sounds, sweeps that leave the waterline, or movements that are not smooth.
The causes can be various, ranging from hardened rubber due to heat, a weakened wiper spring, to an empty washer liquid. By doing routine checks every month and changing the wiper rubber every 6-12 months, the problem can be prevented. Don’t forget to also clean the wiper rubber blade from dust or sand which can reduce the effectiveness of the sweep.
3. Using cleaning fluids carelessly
Many motorists think that tap water or even dish soap can be used as a washer liquid. In fact, an inappropriate liquid can actually damage the wiper rubber and leave a stain on the glass. Soap, for example, can leave a slippery residue that interferes with the view.
Tap water is also prone to leaving the crust because of its mineral content. Ideally, use a special washer liquid that is formulated to maintain the elasticity of the wiper rubber while helping to clean the glass from dirt. If you want to be more efficient, you can mix clean water with a little special liquid for car glass that is easy to find on the market.
Conclusion
The correct use of car wipers should not be taken lightly. By understanding common mistakes and applying appropriate care measures, the driver can extend the life of the wiper and maintain optimal visibility. In addition, the use of suitable washer liquid is also very important to avoid damage to the wiper rubber and car glass. Thus, driving safety in the rainy season will be more guaranteed.
