New wiper blades are easy to install

Are you tired of smearing, screeching and chattering wiper blades? Do you dread another rainy drive, feeling unsafe without the benefit of an unobstructed view of the road?

Don't tolerate it any longer. Buy a set of wiper blades and install them yourself. It takes only a few minutes, says the Car Care Council. Simple directions are right on the box. Before you begin, here are two suggestions from the council:

• You can make the wiper blade more accessible by stopping it in the most convenient location with the ignition key. Don't use the wiper on-off switch, as it causes the wipers to stop in their parked position.

• Look for replacement rubber squeegees to avoid the cost of buying the entire blade and holder. They're usually easily installed and can restore wiping action, as long as the rest of the components are OK.

Among vehicles passing through the check lanes during National Car Care Month, 15 percent failed because of worn windshield wiper blades. The normal life expectancy of the rubber squeegee is six to 12 months. That's reason enough to learn to do it yourself.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and repair. For more information visit www.carcare.org