Wiper blades in winter

By Value hunter on Dec 1, 2009 | In In real life, Frugal thinking, Frugal victories

Some things are so simple to do and can save you real money, time and effort.

Protecting your wiper blades from the harsh conditions of winter is one area you can do all this.
Ask yourself:

Are you any good at changing a wiper blade? (Halfords charge you money to fit new ones!)
How long would it take you to visit a car accessory shop, buy and then fit new wiper blades?
Do you have streaks on your windscreen?
Why is visibility through your windscreen reduced as soon as the real winter temperatures start to bite?
How much is a new set of wiper blades for your car? (Don't forget to add on a few pounds extra if you have "spoiler" wiper blades!)

The reasonÂ is...
SALT - When the temperature drops, even by as little as 3 degrees, the levels of salt that land on your car and its windows more than trebles!
Not only does this cause older cars to rust, it creates a problem with visibility when driving.
Most wiper blades are affected by this combination of factors.
The wiper blade rubbers are exposed to snow, ice, icy cold winds, at the same time as being wet then dry then wet, then they are dragged across a screen 40-50 times, on your way to work. Add salt from the roads on to your screen, it is no wonder your wiper blade rubbers start to dry up, cracking and then perish!
Providing your wiper blade rubbers are not split, takeÂ neat vinegar on a clean cloth, lift and hold your wiper arm, so your blade is away from the screen (but DO NOT let go, wiper arms are spring loaded and will smash your screen if you are not careful) and wipe along the rubber using the vinegar.

Make sure you get plenty on.
This not only cleans the salt off the rubber, it also penetrates the rubber, kind of lubricating it, so it will reduce the chances of it splitting or cracking.
Then fill up your screenwash, around 30% neat screenwash to 60% water should be ok for UK weather conditions.

Repeat this process about once a week or fortnight as needed. AÂ frugal but effective tip for reducing the costs of motoring and keeping yourself safe!