New Mexico sunshine is great for outdoor adventures, but it can be brutal on your vehicle, especially your wiper blades. At Rich Ford Albuquerque, one of the most common causes of premature wiper blade failure we see is prolonged exposure to heat and intense sunlight.
The sun’s UV rays and extreme windshield temperatures cause the rubber on your wiper blades to dry out, harden, crack, and lose the flexibility needed to clear your windshield properly. This breakdown can lead to annoying streaking, smearing, skipping, chirping, and chattering.
You may be thinking, “It’s Albuquerque… we don’t get much rain. Why should I care?” Well, when the rain finally does show up (usually right after you wash your vehicle), worn wiper blades can leave a hazy film across your windshield and reduce visibility when you need it most.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to extend the life of your wiper blades:
Use a sunshade.
It may seem unrelated, but a windshield sunshade helps reduce the extreme temperatures that build up inside your vehicle and on your windshield, which can help slow the deterioration of your wiper blades.
Clean your wiper blades regularly.
Every few months, wipe the rubber edge of your wiper blades with a damp cloth to remove dirt, bugs, and road debris. This simple step can help improve performance and prevent buildup that accelerates wear.
Be cautious about lifting your wiper arms.
Some drivers lift their wiper arms away from the windshield during extended periods of parking in direct sunlight to prevent the rubber from sitting against hot glass. While this can help reduce heat exposure, keep in mind that a strong New Mexico wind gust can cause the arm to snap back against the windshield, potentially cracking the glass.
For drivers who would rather leave it to the professionals, Rich Ford Albuquerque inspects your wiper blade condition during every maintenance visit at no additional charge. If your Ford-certified technician identifies streaking, skipping, or excessive wear, they can recommend replacement and install new wiper blades while your vehicle is already in the shop.
Don’t wait until you’re caught in one of Albuquerque’s sudden summer storms with wipers that can’t keep up. A quick inspection today can help keep your visibility clear and your drive safer tomorrow.
