About 90% of our driving decisions in Gig Harbor are based solely on what we see. So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely essential.
Most Gig Harbor car owners have experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our car, truck, SUV 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 Gig Harbor drivers need them the most. If that sounds like you, you’ve got plenty of company in the Gig Harbor area. 78% of auto owners only change their wiper blades after the blades function so poorly that they become a safety hazard.
Gig Harbor drivers need to change their thinking. Instead of blades being something to replace when they fail, we need to consider wiper blades as a critical car, truck, SUV safety component. Then we’ll stay ahead of the storm.
Gig Harbor motorists really ought to replace wiper blades twice a year; in the spring and the fall. If you live in the colder parts of Washington, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall.
Winter blades are made to resist freezing. Speaking of winter and freezing Gig Harbor conditions, if your car, truck, SUV 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 Gig Harbor sun. Over time, they become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don’t clear the car, truck, SUV windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades aren’t just a safety hazard for Gig Harbor drivers; they can also scratch their windshield. That may require replacing the entire car, truck, SUV windshield – that's an expensive consequence for neglecting such a small part.
AutoNetTV and Mackert Automotive recommend Gig Harbor drivers replace worn blades right away. Your Gig Harbor service center can provide you with a quality replacement blade. At Mackert Automotive, 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 critical work. Even though Mackert Automotive will top off the washer fluid with a full service oil change, it is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home. Bring 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 eye on the road.
Find us at:
Mackert Automotive
3416-B 57th ST CT NW
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
253-851-3307