How to Clean Windshield Wipers

As you’re driving from Minneapolis to Maple Grove, you’re bound to encounter a wide range of weather conditions. In turn, your windshield wipers will get lots of use. They’re designed to last six to 12 months. However, rubber bladed can wear out quickly if they’re routinely exposed to elements like rain, snow, ice, salt, and even extreme temperatures. If your windshield wipers are no longer performing as well as they should be, you can easily check them for signs of wear and tear. Here are some indicators of when you’ll know it’s time to clean or change your windshield wipers:

• You notice cracked rubber
• The blades are separated 
• You hear a screeching noise when the wipers are in use
• There are gaps in windshield clearing
• They leave scratches on the windshield glass
• You notice loose chunks of blade

When it’s time for a replacement, you can order OEM windshield wipers from our parts department, then schedule an appointment to have our experts install them. Read on to learn more about how to clean windshield wipers, as well as how to change them. 

How to Fix Windshield Wipers 

Whether your windshield wipers are simply smearing water across the windshield, or they’re screeching against the windshield, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. For your safety and the safety of other drivers on Minnetonka roads, it’s critical that your visibility is great at all times in order to prevent accidents. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to fix windshield wipers:

• Sometimes a simple fix to improving the function of your windshield wipers is simply by cleaning them. Here’s how to clean windshield wipers: wipe them down with warm soapy water and wipe the blade down with rubbing alcohol. 
• If they’re still smearing water, try upgrading your wiper fluid. 
• Windshield wipers chattering or screeching against the windshield? Clean both the windshield and wipers and this will get rid of existing build-up. If the wiper arm is bent, this could be the source of chattering and you’ll want to check if the blade is parallel to the glass. If not, you either straighten out the arm with pliers or bring it in to our service center for fixing! 

How to Change Your Windshield Wipers 

When it’s time to replace your windshield wipers, you can always visit our service center for expert technicians to take care of the job. However, if you’re a fan of DIY projects, here’s how to change your windshield wipers in a few easy steps:

1. Place your windshield wipers in an upright position. 
2. Carefully pull them away from the windshield.
3. Be sure to read the instructions on your windshield wiper’s packaging for how to remove them. You will either have to depress a tab to pull it off or slide it off with the wiper arm.
4. Throw away the old wiper blades.
5. Clean your windshield to prevent any dust or dirt from getting on the new windshield wipers. 
6. Install the new windshield wipers by simply doing steps two and three in reverse order.
7. Replace the blade on the other side.
8. Carefully return your windshield wipers back to their regular position. 

How to Clean a Windshield 

When you’re traveling throughout Plymouth and you notice that rain droplets won’t wipe away, this could be a result of dirt on the windshield. Here’s how to clean a windshield:

• Use a strong glass cleaner to get rid of all of the grime. Removing this layer of dirt will make it easier to apply a water-repelling treatment to the windshield.
• Follow the instructions on the water-repelling treatment and apply it to the windshield.

Learn More Service Tips & Tricks from Cornerstone Plymouth

If you have any more questions regarding how to fix windshield wipers or how to change windshield wipers, reach out to expert technicians at . We’ll be more than happy to help you maintain your vehicle so it can remain in mint condition for years to come. Don’t forget to check out our additional service tips and tricks to learn things like how to wash a car, how to clean car floor mats, and much more.