New wiper blades may be needed by summer's end

Visibility is fundamental to safe driving. And having a set of efficient wiper blades is just as important to a vehicle's safe operation as clean oil and good tires.

Although drivers depend on their vehicles' wiper blades to clear away rain drops, many wait to replace them until they need them the most.

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Summer's intense sun and heat, mixed with seasonal pollen and dust, can cause the rubber on your vehicle's wiper blades to crack and deteriorate. A smeared or streaked windshield during a summer storm can severely hamper visibility and create a potentially dangerous situation.

So that's why it's a good idea to check the condition of your wiper blades periodically and replace them when they begin to show signs of wear.

The normal life expectancy of wiper blades is about six months, but blades should be replaced sooner if they begin to streak, jump or become dull, torn or brittle.

You should inspect and evaluate both the rubber squeegee and the metal frames to avoid common problems such as streaking, skipping, wearing and splitting -- all offenders of reduced visibility and slowed reaction time.

Did you know? Eighty percent of all automobile accidents are caused by sight problems, but our best defense against poor windshield visibility is a good set of wiper blades. Extend the life of yours by following these simple steps:

• Clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank.

• Gently wipe the rubber squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil.

• In wintertime, never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. Instead, either use an ice scraper or use your defroster to melt snow and ice.

• Pull your wiper blades away from the windshield during winter months to prevent ice build up on the rubber squeegee and to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.

Visit www.ulenterprises.com to learn more about the unique benefits of NASCAR Performance wiper blades.