How should windshield wipers be conditioned?

Answer 1

Most wiper blades should be replaced every 6-12 months for most vehicles in most locations.* This varies greatly depending on numerous factors as well as what your expectation of "acceptable performance" is. By looking at wiper replacement preventatively, conditioning is less necessary because you'll replace them before they get really bad.

That said:

1. Keep your windshield clean...the more you clean it, the better your wipers will perform and the longer they'll last.

2. This will sound funny - don't tailgate. When you tailgate, more dirt is kicked up onto the windshield.

3. Use any type of carsoap and water and rub along the lengths of the blades back and forth, removing dirt. You will hear others talk about using alcohol and I'm not a big fan of that. We're dealing with rubber here...

4. Use glass treatment. Treated glass helps keep dirt from sticking to the glass, which helps your wiper performance. I recommend Aquapel Glass Treatment which lasts 4-6 months for one treatment.

5. Store your vehicle inside and out of the sun as much as possible. The heat and ultraviolet rays break down the rubber and make it stiffen over time. The heat and sun are the number 1 causes of wiper degration.