Safe Driving in The Wet

                     Bad weather requires an extremely safe driving.This is where visibility becomes fundamental.Ensuring the wiper blades of your car are working properly and in good condition is crucial in order to minimise accidents risk.Drivers depend on their vehicles wiper blades to clear away the rain and to have a perfect and clear view. Many tends to wait when it comes to replacement of these blades until they are really worn out.

                    Wiper blades deteriorate due to many environmental factors such as:

a.  Sun: The Ultraviolet ray and ozone deterioration.The hot burning sun during the daytime hardens the wiper blades.

b.  Airborne debris:Sand,mud,dust and other irritants carried in the wind.

c.  Moisture: Acid rain and salt water can cause severe damages.This happens when the air is moist especially near the shores and in-lands.

d.  Oil:  Excessiveness  on the rubber hold results in reduced efficiency of the blades.

            Wiper blades should be checked regularly during bad weather season.Preferably every 6 months.It is advisable to have them replaced during this period.To avoid common problems such as streaking,skipping and chattering motorists are advised to perform regular checks on the rubber squeegee as well as the metal frame.Wearing and splitting may contribute to lack of visibility and cause road accidents.

           Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee gets dry and hard.It can also be caused by cracks,free sap,road tar and other foreign substances collected either on the windscreen or the blade itself.

          Meanwhile skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use.For example the car is left in a parked position for an extended length of time.While on the other hand extensive use of the rubber may results in edges being rounded instead of squared.The process of wear and tear gets more frequent when there are rapid changes in the weather condition.

         Splitting occurs when the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the rubber squeegee causing it to break thus separating it from the frame.To operate a vehicle safely it is equally important to have efficient wiper blades just as clean oil and good tyres.

         So, always remember to send your automobiles for regular service and maintenance at authorised service centres.