About 90% of our driving decisions in the Riverside area are based solely on what we see. So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important.
Most Riverside drivers have experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our vehicle windshield is just dirty. In fact, it's estimated that 46,000,000 drivers across the nation are driving with wipers that can't adequately clear their windshield in a storm.
It seems like our wiper blades are always at their worst when we need them the most. If that sounds like you, you've got plenty of company in the Riverside area. 78% of drivers only change their wiper blades after the blades function so poorly that they become a safety hazard.
Riverside drivers need to change their thinking. Instead of blades being something to replace when they fail, we need to consider wiper blades as vehicle safety component. Then we'll stay ahead of the storm.
Riverside vehicle owners really ought to replace wiper blades twice a year; in the spring and the fall. If you live in the colder parts of CA, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall.
Winter blades are made to resist freezing. Speaking of winter and freezing Riverside conditions, if your vehicle has been sitting for a long time and the windshield becomes frozen, don't use your wipers to clear off snow and ice. That can shred your blades and may even damage the wiper motor.
Your wiper blades live outside in the freezing cold and blistering sun. Over time, they become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don't clear the vehicle windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades aren't just a safety hazard for Riverside drivers; they can also scratch their windshield. That may require replacing the entire vehicle windshield – that's the consequence for neglecting such a small part.
California Smog & Automotive Institute recommends Riverside drivers replace worn blades right away. We can provide you with a quality replacement blade. At California Smog & Automotive Institute, they cost about the same as they would at the store – but installation is included.
Of course you also need washer fluid to help your blades do their work. Even though California Smog & Automotive Institute will top off the washer fluid with a full service oil change, it is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home. Take it with you if you're heading out on a road trip.
Always use windshield washer fluid. Plain water, even that fancy French bottled water, just doesn't cut it. It can freeze in the fluid reservoir or on the windshield itself, making things worse. Besides, water won't clean your windows as well.
So follow these tips to keep your windshield clear and your eyes on the road.
Find us at:
California Smog & Automotive Institute
3001 Chicago Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507
951.781.0412
csaiauto.com